By Kyle Terwilliger
Variety News Staff

GUAM’S OC1/OC2 Paddlers are ready for the first relay race of the season on Saturday April 7th.
The traditional first relay race of the season runs from the Umatac Bay north along the coast past Ceti and Cella Bays, around Faci Point, inside Anae Island to the change point on Nimitz Beach in Agat. Here the racers will switch with their partners and the second paddlers will race back to the starting point. Each leg is a little over six miles which will provide a great opening race to the season. This is usually a very calm race with the first racer usually getting a swell to aid in the race. However, with the near miss of typhoon Kong-Rey it should switch the swell direction and help the second racer to the finish line.
The land change relays have grown tremendously in popularity here on Guam and racers are expected to follow the lead of Hawaii and California by making the races longer and more difficult in the future. But for now the races provide for a great day at the beaches and bays for families that can also cheer on their favorite paddlers.
SPG women hopefuls Annie Leon Guerrero, ‘Pooch’ Kakas and Donna Cruz will have to press to stay ahead of Catia Garrell, Toni VonScheele, Leilani Appleton and others that have lots of offshore racing experience.
As for the men Tom Strohmeyer has been dominant in the Sprint races inside, but offshore Master paddlers Joe Perez, Dick Soriano and Mike Gawell will use their surf and course knowledge to test Strohmeyer and the field.
The event is being hosted by the MPRA and registration for the race will begin at 8:00am and start time is expected at 9:00am. OC1/OC2 kayaks and surf skis are eligible for all age divisions. Divisions include Men’s, Women’s, and Mixed crews.
Points for this race will be totaled with the other future races to declare an overall winner eligible for medals and other awards.
For additional information or any questions or any paddlers looking for a partner of boat, contact Race Director Rick Appleton at 688-6105 or ‘svcmgr@ite.net’.