Maheanuu,
A longer lens would not have made this shot better, just different. I like the present form. What were the lens details? For this ISO, apertureshutter speed are the most critical.
One can present this another way by showing a series of shots with a wide view and zooming in to see the paddles hit the water and the arm puttings force into this to their faces as they battle to win.
For this a zoom is helpful. Still, as it is, the picture works. Could you share some of the other pictures of the location so we can get a more complete idea of the excitement of the event.
Thanks for sharing,
Asher