About 30 racers dared to take on Jake's Rash last Wednesday, May 26 on Stephens Way in Secret Cove in the final race of the two-event longboarding extravaganza on the Coast.
Heavy rains made the hill a slippery nightmare for competitors dodging puddles and struggling to stay on their boards. But those who came to win did their best to navigate the slick conditions.
Race organizer Bricin Lyons was slated to race that day, but an accident the night before kept him from the competition.
Only one woman dared to challenge the hill with Gibsons Charlie Daigneault claiming the women's title.
In the men's division Douglas Da Silva took first, James Kelly second and Kevin Reimer was third.
Lyons is now on a whirlwind tour of races throughout B.C., Alberta and the U.S. but he's thankful for all the help of friends and volunteers here on the Coast, where it all started.
"There is huge support for longboarding races out here. The Lions Club and the Rotary Club have been a huge. The whole community has been great and we love to put on races on the Sunshine Coast," Lyons said.
Although the heavy rains on Wednesday kept many spectators away, those that were there had high spirits.
"These guys are just amazing for racing in this rain," one girl said while cheering on the longboarders whipping past her.
Others huddled under tarps or umbrellas yelling their approval at every turn. The racers appreciated the support of their efforts and left the hill with a great sense of accomplishment, although some debated taking the "Sunshine" out of Sunshine Coast.
