by Keith Conway

The Midwest Paddle League held its last race of the season, the Rubber Ducky Regatta. Sadly this will be the last time this event will be held. Elizabeth ran the most organized races I have been a part of. 

The conditions were amazing, bluebird skies, warm 80 degrees and glassy water. The 10k race was decided very early as Dan Novak took an early lead that he never relinquished. 2nd place was Alex Sandler who was solidly in 2nd place with no real threat to reel him in. 3rd place was a battle between Grand Masters national champ Joe Bechtold and Vladimir Vetrov that saw Vladimir come out on top. The women's race saw Julie Miller as the clear victor who has not lost a race all season. Kathy Macrae and Betsy Duke battled it out for 2nd and 3rd and Kathy came out on top in that battle.

The 5k race had its battles as well, the men's race was heated as there were 4 lead changes. Harrison Withers took the hole shot out front first, then Keith Conway over took the lead and was out front for nearly half the race when Jeff Aiken took the lead then lost the lead to the eventual winner Todd Averest. Jeff settled for 2nd followed by Tom Wernette who came out of nowhere to snag the 3rd podium spot. On the woman's side Lauren Dorsey came out of retirement to dominate the women's side followed by Jill Bloemendaal and Natalya Shoror.

12'6" Men
1. Carl Solms
2. Aaron Luogo
3. Greg Rizzolo

12'6" Women

1. Lauren Dorsey 
2. Laura Kinne
3. Cheryl Kemp

Well done everyone.