The 2009 Series was decided on Sunday. The best six races of 2009 were run by Cory Lancaster and Alex McLain in the Men's and Women's respectively. Although the Mayor's Cup remains on the roster, Lancaster is ahead enough (6 points) to claim the trophy for a year. Alex has had the Women's competition sewn-up for the majority of the season with a long list of first places. Congratulations to them both and the best of luck from NESurfski in your promising paddling careers.

Alex McLain & Series coordinator, Andrew Binks	Cory Lancaster recieves the Men's trophy for 2009

2009 EPIC Kayak Most Improved Paddler

The 2009 prize for most improved paddler goes to Cory Lancaster. Cory has always been a competitor at New England Surfski races and placed well. But this season Cory has excelled, going from good to very good. Not only did he come first in every Salem League race, but he has also won the Points series with a race to spare. His Blackburn time this year was 2:43:36, ten minutes faster than his previous best.

The decision to award Cory the prize was not simple however and other paddlers need a special mention here. Eric McNett has completed his first full season on a ski and performed well with two first places and 5th place finish in the series. Chris Chappell has improved his ocean paddling and steadily bettered his performance in Salem and the Series, where he finished 7th. Graeme Rockett has paddled more regularly with NE surfskiers, particularly in Salem and has progressively got faster. Wesley Echols gets an honorable mention as well for his faster time in the Blackburn this year.