Second is Better than Last

Although last is a place too.

Once again the dynamic duo Scott and Matt teamed up to compete in a random race they had neither trained, prepared for or performed. This time: A 10K Canoe race at the 2nd Annual Big Bear Paddlefest.

Including their entry there only two others in the category and the competition was tough. A world class paddler in a Outrigger Canoe and a team of three using kayak paddles. Scott and Matt held to the tradition, borrowed a fiber-glass boat, a set of paddles and 10 minutes before the race made a few laps around the bay. That ten minutes was enough for them to decide Scott goes up front and Matt stays in the stern.

An exciting race - I watched from behind (I competed in the solo 10 kayak race) - they battled it out; half way the kayaking canoers were hot on their tail. An open Lake crossing gave our boys the strategy they needed to stay in the lead: Paddle in a straight line.

From there, they set their sights on the Outrigger. When she dodged right, they paddled left. But ended up with a nose full of weeds, bogging them down and ensuring their second place finish. But hey, it's second and they got to stand on stage and took home a cool plaque. It was good to see them in the spotlight again even if there were no TV cameramen on hand asking them why they were in Big Bear for the race. Perhaps next time.