Ballard Elks Paddling Club

(BEPC Facebook Scribe hurriedly checking calendar to confirm that, yup, got it) BEPC Race #2 is tonight!

Hopefully everyone celebrated Mother’s Day festively. Yesterday we honored the Mom’s in our lives. Tonight let’s race in honor of them, shall we? Let’s extend the Mother’s Day mojo. If you race with half the energy and determination of a dedicated mother, you will be unstoppable. Anybody that says otherwise is itching for a fight.

Now then… let’s get to it:

Registration is still open. And yes, pre-registering still makes life easier for our fantastic volunteers (who are beginning to suspect we enjoy typing the same link over and over; it IS oddly satisfying): https://www.webscorer.com/registerseries?seriesid=427450

Check-in: 6pm
Mandatory Safety Meeting: 6:30pm
Race Start: 7pm

No skills clinic tonight. We repeat: No skills clinic tonight. We’re pacing ourselves. Like experienced endurance athletes. Or like people who just realized how busy spring gets.

And now the big question: Which course will we race?
Anybody? Anybody? Yes, you over there. Correct! It’s a trick question because…

As always, our fearless Race Boss will make the call just prior to the Safety Meeting based on conditions on the water. Flat? Tiny bumps? Big bumps? In-between (aka: Goldilocks) bumps? Full “character building” cross-chop? The answer awaits us all. Somewhere out there. Probably. Likely being discussed aggressively by several weather apps that disagree with each other. He’ll look out there and make the call. Rest assured he wants you to have fun.

Current forecast still looks pretty solid, though. Warm with a northerly (oh those pesky northerlies, but it’s not like you’ve not seen THOSE before, right?). Wherever you go, there you are (and so is the weather). You’ll know what to do.

Reminder: Be Safe. Be Kind. Have Fun. Race Well. (in that order)

See you tonight!!!

BEPC’s SECOND race of the 2026 season is Monday! Already?! Wow. Time flies! We’re basically halfway to September. Probably. Maybe. Don’t check our math. Anyway…

First things first, it must be noted that Monday is preceded by Mother’s Day. A big day! At the risk of stating the obvious, focus on that first (and second…and third). The race will get here when it gets here (that’s Monday, by the way, in case you already need another reminder). So make sure to honor the mothers in your universe. Brunches, flowers, phone calls, quality time…you can’t overdo it. You really can’t.

Then on Monday, we will race. If you’re inclined to do so, race in honor of the moms you know. “Strong like Mom. Fast like Mom.” That’s a saying, right? If not, it should be.

Ok, the boring (but darn important) stuff:

Registration is open now (ahem, it’s BEEN open) Please pre-register to make life easier for our fantastic volunteers: https://www.webscorer.com/registerseries?seriesid=427450

Check-in: 6pm�
Mandatory Safety Meeting: 6:30pm�
Race Start: 7pm

No skills clinic this week. We’re targeting an “every-other-week” sort of thing. Feels right, doesn't it?

And, once again, you ask: Which course will we race? Excellent question. Our fearless Race Boss will make the course call Monday evening based on conditions on the water. Flat? Bumps? “Character building” cross-chop? (Sigh) Maybe. Either way, we adapt. We overcome. We occasionally complain a little.

Current forecast is looking promising as it relates to temps (warm!), but with a northerly that we may feel (cooler than the thermometer says?). It’s all “take it at face value” stuff for now as we all reserve the right to stare suspiciously at weather apps until race time. Weather gonna weather. You’re a PNW’er. You understand.

Oh, remember the race motto for this season:�

Be Safe. Be Kind. Have Fun. Race Well.�(in that order)

See you Monday!!!

We know what you're thinking: "I'm excited today is here!" Why? Perhaps it's because you're into "Star Wars Day" (hey, if that's your thing, that's your thing). Or, perhaps you just love sunny warm Mondays (Garfield the cat is NOT with you on this, but whatevs). Or, maybe...just maybe...it's because today is the first race of the BEPC 2026 season! (maybe it's all three; you be you)

Some reminders - If you've not registered, yet, please do (it really helps make things easier if you show up pre-registered, particularly on day one). Webscorer link with all relevant info is here: https://www.webscorer.com/members/regseriesinfo?seriesid=427450

There is a skills clinic for members and racers at 5:30. Checkin is at 6. Safety meeting is at 6:30. Race begins at 7. Revelry and convivial vibes ensure afterwards in the lodge/on the patio. Race course selected by the Race Boss 30-ish (or so) minutes prior to the Safety Meeting based on conditions.

We are using bib numbers this year to help the timers. It's hard for people to know everybody's name, so we are looking to make things simple. With that, though, comes a bit of legwork up front. Please show up early enough to ensure the race organizers have time to check you in and get you a number (and to give you time to affix said number). A little patience by all may be required while we work through this change.

There is a scheduled Social Paddle, as well. So, don't want to race? That's great. Come have fun on the water anyway!

Weather is forecast to be in the mid 70's at race time with a 6-10mph Southerly. So, two things: Dress accordingly, hydrate, and be mindful that we will likely need to share the sand with sunbathers. Ok, that's three things. Math is not the FB scribe's strong suit. With that...

Be Safe. Be Kind. Have Fun. Race Well. See you tonight!

Our first race of 2026 is Monday! Let’s do this!

Registration link is here: https://www.webscorer.com/registerseries?seriesid=427450

Optional skills clinic for members and registrants at 5:30pm. Check in for race is 6pm. Mandatory Safety Meeting is 6:30pm. Race is at 7pm.

Course selected just prior to Safety Meeting based on water conditions. Speaking of conditions, we are currently expecting sunny and warm weather. Oh, and some tolerable southerly wind (you know wind, though…it can change, hence our new course selection approach).

2026 Race Motto: Be Safe. Be Kind. Have Fun. (in that order)

See you Monday!

Our first race of 2026 is Monday! Our first race of 2026 is Monday! Woo HOO!!!! We. Are. EXCITED!!!!

Ok, calm down. Time to focus. First, the basics:

Registration is available now. Please pre-register to make life as easy as possible for our volunteers. Link here: https://www.webscorer.com/registerseries?seriesid=427450

Check-in is 6pm. Mandatory (we repeat, Mandatory) Safety Meeting is 6:30pm. Race starts at 7pm.

But wait! There's a skills clinic for members and race registrants at 5:30pm, if you're interested.

What course will we race? Great question! We're trying something new this year. Our dutiful Race Boss will select the course before the Safety Meeting. His selection will be dictated by conditions on the water. If we're being honest, we did this a lot the last couple years, so we've opted to codify it. BTW, he can't be bribed, so don't even try.

Speaking of conditions, the current expectation is for sunny and warm weather with some nominal southerly wind. Said another way: Jackpot!

Race motto this year: Be Safe. Be Kind. Have Fun. Race Well. (in that order)

See you Monday!!!

It’s nearly race time, BEPC members and enthusiasts! May 4th is the first race of the season. Please register ahead of time to lock in your calendar AND to make life easier for our volunteers. Details can be found here: https://www.webscorer.com/registerseries?seriesid=427450

Ok, everybody, it is almost time to start Monday Night racing! First race is Monday May 4th. Which means it’s time for a quick prompt to 1) remind people to register and 2) start the process of soliciting (we won’t yet call it begging) for volunteers!

We know what you’re thinking: “Wasn’t there just a club meeting and, thus, shouldn’t there be a detailed Newsletter about that meeting coming out? Ostensibly a Newsletter that contains further details about, among other things, racing and volunteer stuff?” Yes. That’s true. And, by the way, we love that you use words like “thus” and “ostensibly” whilst asking us questions. But we need a couple days for the Newsletter elves to do their work, so this is just a quick reminder given the first race is barely a week away.

So, first things first, remember to register! Here is the Webscorer link with all the details: https://www.webscorer.com/registerseries?seriesid=427450

Secondly…dare we say more importantly if we’re focusing on the spirit of club community…here is the volunteer sign-up sheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1a3La4xO6qtLyjL2KzyGO6KhyNHzhI3RliNGifJy0U_4/edit?gid=186001220 =186001220

Unsubstantiated rumor has it that volunteering for BEPC races yields many benefits, like 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep, feelings of mild euphoria, and elevated levels of mental clarity. Sign up before others beat you to it!

BEPC Volunteer Signup - 2026

Friendly reminder: The monthly club meeting is tonight. Details are as follows:

April 21st Schedule:
7:00 - 7:30 - Member meeting | BEPC Business
7:30 - 8:30 - Speaker
8:30 - close - Socializing

April Meeting Tentative Agenda:
2026 Race Season details
Other topics as necessary

About the event:

Sean Dixon, Executive Director of Puget Soundkeeper will join us to discuss his work and the work of Puget Soundkeeper

Puget Soundkeeper’s mission is to protect and enhance the waters of Puget Sound for the health and restoration of our aquatic ecosystems and the communities that depend on them.

Their vision is for a Puget Sound teeming with diverse marine life and providing safe opportunities for swimming, fishing, recreation and sustainable economic activity. They seek a Sound that supports the lifeways and traditional cultural practices of indigenous peoples; provides all communities with a clean, healthy place to live and work; and once again is home to an abundance of salmon and orca.

They monitor Puget Sound water quality, help set strong policies and regulations that protect our waterways and our health, enforce environmental regulations, engage citizens and businesses in waterway cleanups and recovery projects, educate and involve the public in local water pollution issues, and partner with local and regional groups to advance solutions that protect Puget Sound.

Friendly reminder! Join tonight's Ballard Elks Lodge #827 meeting to see Vaughan Sup Boarding present the Paddle Club's donation to the Lodge. The meeting starts promptly at 7:30pm.