Tahoe Races, Laird 12?

[NZ WHOA]

I have been paddling a river about 2 miles, 3 times a week. I have been thinking about racing in one of the Tahoe races and was wondering how effective paddling a Laird 12 compared to a dedicated race/ flat water board? I probably will only do two races a year would it be worth it to get another board? Any suggestions?

[JillRide45]

I would say take the Laird to the first race, paddle and have fun.  You should be able to make the 5 mile Donner Race on the Laird. Talk to people there, demo some race boards and then decide.  Really being fast does not make it more fun, actually might be the opposite as you are working too hard to talk to all the paddlers around you.  On my first race I rode a 10' Jimmy Stykes and had a blast, I was back there with all the Hula girls. 

And here is the best part, you just may pass a few people on race boards.  That will make them feel terrible!

If you decide you are doing the Jam to the Dam 8 miler or the Across the Lake 23 miler, you will want at least a 12'6" race board.  They just are easier to cover the longer distances.

Cheers, Jill

[NZ WHOA]

How big of speed difference is there between a race board and a laird 12?