Every race has its own pageantry and large visuals. Yet every race is comprised of many individuals, all with unique feelings, struggles, and personal victories. While we tend to think about action shots in the middle of races, the finish line should not be overlooked as the place and moment where individual expression is at its highest. Last weekend…

I posted up at the finish line of The Loop, an 11 mile prone paddle race around Coronado Island. As the paddlers crossed the finish line, their expressions covered the spectrum: anguish, fatigue, victory, relief, and celebration.

There were also a number of finishers who celebrated in pairs, demonstrating a deeper bond of a common passion.

And, of course, there were the congratulations between racers who had likely been side by side with their opponents for more than two hours, forging a bond through extreme exertion and unrelenting competition.

Prone paddling is often a solitary endeavor, but it was clear from watching The Loop (and from doing a little racing myself), that the duel experiences of fatigue and accomplishment create friendships and bonds that continue from race to race and year to year. So, until the next race, enjoy the memory of the last!

Photos from The Loop are available here: https://www.derekemgephotography.com/the-loop-2023