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Well what a beautiful day it was on Sunday for the Canning River Canoe Club Race. The Canning River was flat as a tack and the temperature was pleasant, just like the
doctor ordered. The wind picked up on Sunday afternoon but it was still perfect for my Sunday evening paddle. Come Monday morning as I was snugly tucked up in bed, it was raining quite hard, the sky was grey and there was a chill in the air. When it
was time to start a new day, to get up to take Nikki for a walk and then go paddling I hesitated and thought - do I really need to get out of bed! Last year at this time, when I was paddling 40 odd kilometres a day, every day for a year I had to
get up, rain, wind or shine. Although I have been getting up nearly every day since then that’s all behind me. I realised I don’t have to get up today, I can miss a training session, so I slept in for another 40 minutes waiting for the rain to stop.
It felt so strange not going paddling that morning. I received notification yesterday that:- The Chair of the Australian Marathon Selection Panel has advised Paddle Australia (PA) that I have met the criteria for selection to the 2023 Australian Canoe Marathon Masters Team competing in Denmark. I am coming up to the 800 edition of this Newsletter. It would be great to know if any of you have had them all or how many you have had and if you feel it has been worthwhile getting them. I get little feed back so I never know if I'm going in the right direction.
Are You Ready For The Avon Descent
Oopps a little bit of a problem here.
Ascot Kayaking Club JOHN SIMS RACE 2023 Open to all paddlers. REGISTER JOHN SIMS RACE SUN 30TH
Noah Boldy in training on a wet Monday Morning.
Light Beams from the Anzac Day Memorial
Alan Morbey was paddling beneath Kings Park on Anzac Day. Light beams emanating from the Kings Park War Memorial just before first light on Anzac Day. 25/4/23
Sunrise over Perth. Photos
Alan
Canning River Canoe Club Race Story Dave Boldy
A very calm morning and a high tide which is pretty rare for Canning Races.
A glassy river and sunny Autumn morning greeted us for the Canning Classic. A healthy sized field was assembled for the 14km challenge up and down the Canning from the Shelley Yacht Club. This is home turf for Dave Stephens and I
in the K2 - we are Canning River Canoe Club members and paddle regularly on this local stretch of water. The tide was up, the burger preparation was already underway, and the dulcet tones of club president Simon O'Sullivan greeted us with the race briefing. In the carpark the K2 trash talking had already begun, with 'paddling
identity' (whatever that means) T.Bolland making wise cracks about pulling away from us in K2 with partner Sharon Cobley. I offered to do the race write-up for his esteemed weekly publication, and he responded that we'd be so far behind him we'd be unable to comment on his form.
The faster paddlers reach Kent Street Weir. Photos Jane
Hilton.
Kent Jenkinson was leading and then took the wrong channel and fell behind but he caught up and won the race. It was an amazing paddle.
Photos Jane
Hilton.
Sharon and I was having a great tussle with David Stephens & Dave Boldy with Erica & Nikki chasing us. Photos Jane Hilton.
It was a tight turn at Kent Street Weir. Photos Jane
Hilton.
On the water the short course grid was off, and we were next. Big Dave was driving, and we lined up a bit away from the competition and opted for some clear water for the initial sprint. Underway, we saw to our right a pack was forming
with Darrl & Francis, the Macca's Brett and Julie, and our nemesis Bolland & Cobley. We joined them, and for a brief time enjoyed slotting into the back of the diamond. Minor chaos ensued at the first turn when Darryl & Francis clobbered the turn buoy, but we formed up again coming back the other way. We were waiting on Darryl & Francis to push ahead, which they did, and the Macca's accelerated after them. Julie was clearly pushing her poor husband along. Our pack split and
we settled into wash riding Terry & Sharon - a position we then occupied for about three quarters of the race. We came back past the club as two pairs and headed on up the river. Erica & Nicki caught up and we became a pack of 3 as we ducked under Riverton Bridge in the high water and headed up towards Kent St Weir. Terry & Sharon put in some spurts, initially trying to track down the lead K2s - but they were gone now. Faster K1 and skis started passing. Talking afterwards, Dave and
I were both working hard and didn't have the speed to pull away, but we were coping in the pack. Pack racing in marathon is good fun - you're always looking around to see what others are doing, or trying to guess what they might be plotting. All 4 of the surrounding competitors are experienced paddlers. We knew that Terry has an iron will, and wasn't likely to give any quarter. The top turn at Kent St is a fairly confined space, and our K2 has a small rudder and large turning circle, so we tried a couple of moves to pull ahead before the turn, to give ourselves some clean water and reduce any opportunity for being dropped on the turn. Terry was wise to this and defended their position, which gave them the inside line on the turn buoy. As predicted we swung wide, and for a few seconds both front paddlers
were bow-drawing with big sweeps from the rear to bring the machines around. When we were able to apply forward power again we were back a boat length or so, and a burst was required to bring us back onto their side wash. That took a fair bit out of me, but thankfully things eased back and the pack of 3 resumed. To that point Erica & Nikki had sat in behind, but as Riverton Bridge came into view they moved up and the 3 of us prepared to tussle it out over the last couple of kms to the
finish. Dave & I have paddled together many times, and we don't need to communicate verbally around our tactics at this point. Our end sprint is reasonably strong, but the chance of us beating these guys from a kilometer or two out is pretty low. You can feel your partner start to lift or slow their rating, and they can feel
your response to their change of pace. If you discuss tactics, the other craft are listening in to the conversation. Our pack of 3 entered the final kilometer of the race, alongside the convict fence posts with a straight and wide river through to the end. We waited for Terry and Sharon to make their move, and they duly upped the tempo to try and shake us off. Dave remained measured in the front, biding his time in the knowledge that we don't want to go full beans just yet. Around 200-300m out
from the line he initiated full beans and I offered what I had from the back seat. We had Terry & Sharon half a boat length ahead to our left at that point, and Erica and Nicky on our wash to our right. As we moved forward Erica and Nicky's bow must have swung in as our bow wave went under them, and we felt their bow connect with our stern. No time to worry about that now, as we had work to do to get ahead and then hold off Terry & Sharon. We moved to the front, and had then to try and
hold the sprint through to the line. We emerged victorious from our 3 way scrap, and pulled up to suck in some big breaths. It was such good fun to race these guys, and whatever the outcome of that final 30 seconds I don't think anyone was going to worry too much afterwards. Well, except Terry of course. If he had done this write up, there would have been some range of lame excuses about why he got beaten - something about being over 200 years old, or having survived some type of health crisis
etc etc. Thankfully, if you are reading this, you have escaped his version of events. Bolders Results
here: https://www.webscorer.com/racedetails?raceid=312286&did=381333
Other grids started to reach Kent Street Weir. Photos Jane
Hilton.
Australian Marathon Championships 2023 Go here to see more photos and videos of the Marathon Champs https://www.facebook.com/groups/2023marathonsupoceania
The youngsters taking off Photo by Bob Gaston. Most of the photos of the Marathon in last weeks newsletter were taken by Bob Gaston.
The masters getting ready. Photo David
Little.
That wasn't planned. Photo David
Little.
The narrow portage trail. Photo by Bob Gaston
Not the easiest canoe to paddle long distances with lots of wash from other boats. Photo by Bob Gaston
Time for the best to warm up. Photo David
Little.
Is Derek going to hit Noni over the head? Photo by Bob Gaston
The back three in the K4 are WA juniors, Lily, Scarlett and Connor. Photo David Little.
Slalom at Penrith White Water Course
C1 & K1 team events. Slalom team events are great
fun. Photos Paddle Australia.
Fox Sisters Double Down, Sweeping the Podium at the Canoe Slalom National ChampionshipsOlympic gold medallist Jessica Fox was crowned women’s C1 and K1 champion at the 2023 Paddle Australia Canoe Slalom National Championships, finishing ahead of sister Noemie who won the silver medal in both events.
Competing at Penrith’s Whitewater Stadium in their last outing on home soil
before they embark to Europe for the international season, Australia’s top canoe slalom paddlers boasted strong performances and will carry confidence into an all-important season that will include qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Jess was pleased to finish the day with a clear run in the C1, which she finished in a time of 102.14 seconds.
“The course is fairly open on the top, there are a couple of areas that are just about keeping the boat running and smooth and I didn’t have to make many changes,” Jess said.
“I knew I had a couple of time losses throughout the run in my semi-final, I was hoping to improve on those. Even in my final in K1 it didn’t feel too good on the bottom section even though the top did. I’m glad I
put together a good run in the C1.
“My K1 semi felt nice. In the final, I was hoping to improve on the time but unfortunately it was two seconds slower. I lost a lot of that time on the bottom section,” she said.
Tasmania’s Kate Eckhardt joined the Fox sisters on the podium in both the C1 and K1 as she finished third in both
classes.
In the men’s K1, 26-year-old Angus Thompson won his inaugural national title, 16 years after he first appeared at the event as a 10-year-old.
Thompson enjoyed a clear run in the final which he finished in a time of 90.67 seconds, ahead of Mark Crosbee in second and Dominic Curtin who was third.
“I’ve been to plenty of nationals but never got the number one, so it’s nice to finally get that one,” Thomson said.
“I was feeling good from the semis, I didn’t need to change that much. Just did the little things right and managed to keep it going to the end,” he said.
Victorian paddler Tristan Carter won the Men’s C1 in a time of 97.77 seconds, from brothers Lachlan and Kaylen Basset who were second and third respectively. Paddle Australia
Misery to Muttonbird
Albany
Photos and report by Brodie Soanes. Chris and Brodie – Misery to Muttonbird Chris and I headed off into the crisp golden morning sun, through seemingly oil slick waters, first heading east on our way to the west. The first kilometres dissolved away as we glided past Misery Beach and ‘Wretched Beach’, past Limestone Head and then, eventually, Bald Head. With the sun shining and the cool ocean waters shimmering, we passed between Northumberland Rock and the head while the swell crashed and cascaded over the solid granite
just beyond. With a gentle easterly breeze behind us we slid into small runners here and there, but the wind remained so gentle as to barely dare to make itself known. We passed Peak Head and circled back into the beach adjacent to Jimmy Newells. The wind seemed unnaturally strong as we briefly paddled into the lee of the isthmus on our way to land. The sun-soaked balm that seemed tangibly attached and all-encompassing on our journey west, was blown away by a refreshing blast from the east. After a short break we navigated into Jimmy Newells proper and, expecting nothing but south coast wilderness, found instead fishermen trying their
luck from the rocks lining the shore. We moved on, noting the 2.5 metre swell cresting upon a bombie not far out. We tentatively picked our way between the bombie and cliff heading towards ‘The Gap’. The gentle zephyrs formed foamy white caps occasionally, but for the most part seemed to want to make themselves blend into the background. To the north, upon the cliffs, we saw figures, presumably rock climbers, silhouetted on the cliff top, against the low-lying northerly sun. Not far away, ‘The
Gap’, as always, was impressive. Even in a moderate swell it never ceases to entertain, both to those above looking down to the cold dark frothing depths below, or those looking up from the soft blue sea to see the whisps of sea spray rise up into the sky.
Feeling the aches of a long paddle accruing, we ploughed westward past Green Island. The easterly winds, never quite rising to expectations hoped for, stayed frustratingly meek. The waves rarely gathering enough pace or steepness to do anything but taunt us with free rides just beyond our reach. Occasionally we scored passage on the following sea but mostly, so it seemed with tired paddling muscles, mocked us, presenting
a potential surf ride before slowly pulling away just past our bow. Stoney Island was next and seemed reluctant to approach and then equally
stubborn in its insistence to follow us from behind. It seemed to take several hours of the island tailing us before we could lose it. Mid-afternoon quickly eroded as the autumn sun sunk rapidly in the north-west, and we were glad to reach Shelter Island. We decided against attempting the inside passage, the frothing white water too much to contemplate at this late stage. Rounding the island, we aimed for Muttonbird Beach and, with little left in the tank, a crash landing at Muttonbird sealed and bottled the trip. Thanks for the paddle Chris.
2023/24 PA Membership Benefits and FeesPaddle Australia and our six State Paddle Associations are gearing up for the 2023/24 paddling season, with membership renewals for a vast number of members due to kickoff from 1 June 2023. As a member of a Paddle Club, you become part of a united
paddling community, supported by your State Paddle Association and Paddle Australia. There is so much to love about paddling, and many great benefits of paddling like being on the water, in nature, fitness, fun and social connection are all increased when you paddle with your Club! Being a Club member also brings other
benefits that you might not notice… until they are needed! As a member, you are covered by 24/7 worldwide personal accident and public liability insurances and protections under the National Integrity Framework. You are also able to enter events, development pathways, have access to qualified coaches and the Paddle Australia Qualification Scheme, as well as benefit from advocacy for our waterways and water quality. To find out more about the benefits of being a member, watch this video. As a member, you also contribute to, and benefit from, the many varied services your Club receives as a result of
being affiliated to Paddle Australia and your State Paddle Association. These things often go unnoticed, but your Club wouldn’t exist without them. Speak to your Club President or Secretary to find out more. Increasing the cost of membership fees is not something that the PA Board and Management take
lightly, however as is the case in all spheres of life, the cost to deliver the services we provide to State Paddle Associations, Affiliated Clubs and all members continues to rise. The fee increases represent CPI figures from 2021/22 and year to date 2022/23 and are applied to enable PA to continue to meet the rising cost of providing services to the paddling community.
Ascot Kayaking Club JOHN SIMS RACE 2023 Open to all paddlers. REGISTER JOHN SIMS RACE SUN 30TH https://www.webscorer.com/register?raceid=309451 Not a regular racer but interested in giving it a go? Then this is the race for you. The biggest event on the Ascot Kayaking Club calendar and very well attended. The John Sims is a very do-able 11.5km with shorter options available. The race is intended for all skill levels and boat types, from fiercely competitive K1’s to plastic boats and novice paddlers having a go at competitive racing. Enter with some friends and enjoy friendly
rivalry or test yourself against the field, there’s something for everyone. Race day is usually blessed with glorious sunshine and calm conditions. Location: Ascot Kayak Club Fauntleroy
Avenue Ascot WA Race Day Schedule: - Main & Short course check-in 7.00 to 7.45,
- Briefing 8.00, Race
Start
- 8.30 Guppies check-in 7.00 to 7.45
- Briefing 8.15,
- Start at 8.45
Registration Details: All paddlers [including team boat participants] must register individually, pay and provide emergency contact info, team boats name partners and boat type. Race categories will be constituted on age group/boat/gender with three racers required to
make a category. There is no registration on the day. If you want to be in the fastest grids please register in the OPEN category. Para-adaptive, outrigger and SUP class available. Course Details: - Full course: 11.5km, AKC to Barkers Bridge and return,
- Short Course: 8km, AKC to Guildford Bridge and return,
- Guppies: 3.5km, Circuit close to Club
Food for Paddlers is included in
fee
Paddling Guide Course
9 - 10 May 2023 | Ascot Kayak Club
Check out our next Paddling Guide course.To register for the course please email Leonie education@paddlewa.asn.au
We require a minimum of
6 participants to run the course.
The course will be held at Ascot Kayak Club
Fauntleroy Ave, Ascot
Tuesday 9 and Wednesday 10 May 2023
8.30am to 3pm If you are interested in a one day Moving Water Endorsement course let me know. We will look at running a course as soon as the water is flowing if there is enough interest. Flyer Guide Course May 2023 (mcusercontent.com) |
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