Narrow River: Shiny New Boats

I have a soft spot for Rhode Island, and not just because it’s the chock that holds Massachusetts in place. Our most miniscule state hosts more surfski races per capita than any other, with one competition per 23 residents. The Rhode Island season kicked off with the Narrow River Race this past weekend. The Narrow River, so called because of its unrelenting shallowness, is a long tidal inlet that stretches north from its mouth near the opening of Narraganset Bay. The race is most famous for being about 20% longer than you’d like it to be.

By the end of last season I’d complained enough about lugging around 33 pound boats and decided to put my money where Greg Barton’s wallet is. I ordered up an Ultra V10 and an Ultra V10 Sport as Christmas presents to myself, but I’d have to wait until Spring to take delivery from Ed Duggan. The day before the Narrow River Race, I received the call. The boats were in.