62 Mermaids, 8 kayakers take to lake for derby

BY Dawn Rankins

Sixty-two members of the Canyon Lake Mermaids took eight boats out onto the lake Saturday for their annual Mermaid Derby. The derby included eight guys who jumped into their “horsey kayaks” and sprinted as best they could to the waiting Mermaids in their boats.

True to derby tradition, the Mermaids wore their most stylish hats and cheered for their favorite jockeys from their front row boat seats. Kelly Martin was the first in his kayak to reach the finish line and Best Derby Hat went to Natassia Wright for her Mermaid-themed hat.

Natassia Wright poses on her boat with her winning Best Derby Hat at the Canyon Lake Mermaids Derby Saturday. Photo provided by Natassia Wright.

The Canyon Lake Mermaids said they were grateful to their many sponsors for helping make the event a huge success. The club raised over $2,000 which will be dispensed at the end of the year for charities such as Riverside County Women’s Shelter for abused women, Huey’s Heroes and the Animal Friends of the Valley.

This year‘s derby sponsors were Pure Studios, Sugar Dollz, Modern Ink+Beauty, Embellish Brow Studio, Pretty Little Faces, Canyon Cowboy, Old Town Ranch Temecula and the Stampede Old Town Music Festival.

Linda Shurtleff and Sandy Lily provided the competition prizes.

The eight derby participants hop into their kayaks and race toward the waiting Mermaid boats. Kelly Martin won the race. Photo provided by Natassia Wright.

The Mermaid Derby Committee, whose members worked hard in making the event a success and special for everyone to enjoy, were Lyne Hall, Karen Doherty, Janice Johnson, Linda Johnson, Alise Lawrence, Brenda Lee, Carol Newson, Fran Tibbet, Suzie Tieche, Heather Vaughn-Fleming, Natassia Wright and Leslie Zalk.

The 62 ladies said they wanted to express their thanks for the eight boat drivers and to Master of Ceremonies Dana Buckley.