ISLANDERS, SHARKS, BULLDOGS CONQUER THE WATERS

By Mya Owens

Week four of the GCKF high school paddling season unfolded early Saturday morning at
Matapang Beach, where calm waters set the stage for one of the most physically demanding
races of the season.

The four-mile distance race pushed every paddler to their limits, demanding not just speed, but
endurance and teamwork over the long course.

The Islanders dominated the Sotteru race, the Sharks pulled a comeback in Sottera, and the
Bulldogs powered through for the win in Sottero Dinana.

SOTTERU
The atmosphere was tense as all nine teams lined up at the starting line, but it was the
Islanders who wasted no time asserting their dominance. Powering out of the start, they
immediately pulled ahead, leaving the competition scrambling to catch up.
The Bulldogs attempted to close the gap, holding firm in second place, but the Islanders
maintained the lead at every turn. Reaching all three turns first, they steadily increased their
lead with each leg of the race.

By the final stretch, the outcome was clear. The Islanders crossed the finish line with a decisive
victory. The Bulldogs followed in second, while the Panthers secured third.

SOTTERA
The girls varsity race featured ten teams. Right from the flag, the race got off to a rough start,
with several boats colliding off the flag, causing early chaos.

While some teams struggled to recover, the Cougars and Dolphins took full advantage of the
chaos, quickly breaking away from their competitors. The Cougars took an early lead, with the
Dolphins staying close behind.

The Sharks, who were caught in the early scramble, were forced to recover lost ground. Little by
little, they slowly closed the gap, eventually catching and passing the Cougars to move into first.

At the first turn, the Sharks, Cougars, and Dolphins were neck and neck. But the Sharks made
their move, pulling ahead and creating a gap. They held their lead through the second and third
turns, widening the gap on the final stretch.

The Sharks took a well-earned victory. The Cougars followed in second and the Dolphins in
third.

SOTTERO DINANA
The Sottero Dinana (mixed team) race included eight teams competing in a challenging
two-mile course. Right from the start, the Bulldogs and Islanders battled it out for the lead, while
the Royals and Sharks fought for third.

The Bulldogs were first to the turn, with the Islanders trailing closely behind. As the race
progressed into the final stretch, the Bulldogs managed to break away from their competitors,
maintaining their lead all the way to the finish line.

With a strong finish, the Bulldogs took the win, followed by the Islanders, while the Sharks
edged out the Royals to claim third.

Week five will take place at Lotte featuring the distance race.