HCC Paddling Forum

Posting from Lewis Massingill in a note to the Website, about his memories of the early days of the Reeking Regatta:

I read the article on the Reeking Regatta. I would like to contribute what I know. I joined HCC in late 1969 or early 1970. Not sure of the exact date. At one time earlier than that Tom Goynes and Wayne Walls had been in the canoe livery business together at a shop near Broadway street. There were some disagreements over business matters and they parted ways. Tom Goynes founded the "Texas Canoe Racing Association" in the fall of 1969 or 1970 at a HCC meeting at the fire station on Winkler, near Howard street. I just remember it was cold at the fire station. Wayne would not comply with TCRA rules, or something, for the 1970 regatta so Tom boycotted that year only. I watched the 1970 race which started at the country club on the North West bank of Buffalo Bayou at Voss Road. I belive the race started there in 1971 & 72. After that the start of the race started up stream at the San Felipe bridge just west of Voss. I participated in the reeking regatta for the next seven years, and several times later. I never finishing better than 4th place in the USCA competition cruiser class. Trophies were only given out to third place. Sometimes they were standard trophies. Other times the trophies were more creative. One year first prize was a giant styrofoam cup. Belt Buckles were given as trophies in the early 1970's Wayne Wally was able to get sponsorships from Falstaff in 1972 & 1974. Pearl Beer was a sponsor several times. Coors was a sponsor several times after they started distribution in Texas. Trophies depended on how much money was generated from sponsors.
Lewis Massingill
ps: I am looking for a good used C1.