With the WA Canoe/Kayak Marathon Championships coming up and the Australian Champs a month away, marathon paddlers are stepping up their training. Unfortunately there are less WA paddlers going to the champs in South Australia this year, I think around 21, but it's a strong team. 
As the Australian Champs are just after Easter the air fares are exceptionally high, so it would certainly be a deterrent for some. Then there is the cost of getting boats across, accommodation, car hire etc. 

Next year the Australian Canoe Marathon Championships are in Perth so it will be a lot cheaper for us.

Good on the City of Mandurah for creating an All Abilities Paddle Launch Facility. 

• Who's Out There
• All Abilities Paddle Launch Facility
• Paddlers of the Week
• Kayaks Should have Positive Buoyancy
• Cherry Creek - California
• City Lights Race
• Andrea McQuitty - Celebration
• Victorian Canoe Championships - Cancelled
• Birds Along The Way
• Rod Fry Race
• Coming Events
• Epic Small Mid Paddles
• WA Sprint Medal Presentation

Who's Out There

My way of transporting another SUP.

Has Grant Pepper been converted to SUPing or just taking his dog for a ride.
I waiting for the day we race each other on a SUP. 

Two of the Ascot ladies going for a quiet paddle last Friday evening. It's always quiet on the river on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings.

I love the colours of the river just before the sun goes down.

Bennett Brook, opposite Fishmarket Reserve, Guildford. 

Misty morning at the beginning of the week.

Amongst this group of slalom paddlers we have a few champions in the making.

Since the new course was erected it is so much easier to practise on the slalom gates. The poles are up all the time, whereas the poles on the old course were taken down after every session.

There is plenty of room for more juniors so if you have a child who wants to enjoy some paddling, get them to join the club. 

One of the local schools helping the kids to appreciate how great paddling is.

There were 29 students.

Ascot Kayak Club has a Para Paddlers Program. 
Wouldn't it be great if they or other clubs had an
 All Abilities Paddle Launch Facility at their club.

All Abilities Paddle Launch Facility, Mandurah

The opening of the paddle launch facility.

Watch the video.

Using the All Abilities Paddle Launch - YouTube

Paddlers of the Week

Father & son Lafe and Connor really showed what they are made of at the City Lights Race. They were the first double home, beating teams like Darryl Long & Francis Nolan.

Connor & Lafe just before the race.

Connor is 14 and Lafe 50.

Lafe & Beau training on the Friday night before the race.

Beau & Connor are amazing. They do Sprint, slalom, ocean racing, marathon and any other discipline that's going on. And they are only 12 & 14.

They will be heading to the Marathon Champs in a month.

Connor doing a time trial on the Friday night before the race.

With the WA State & Australian Championships 
coming up make sure your boat has positive buoyancy. 

2024 Oceania & Paddle Australia Canoe Marathon & SUP Championships

Positive buoyancy in all craft.

Just a reminder to all competitors in the upcoming OPACMSC, that under ICF rules all craft must have positive buoyancy fixed or built into the craft. This means that even when filled with water it will float level on the surface. Any craft where this is not obvious may be required to undergo a test to prove it conforms to the regulation under chapter 3 of the ICF rules.

Even if you are not taking part in a championship your kayak still should have positive buoyancy.

Does yours?

BOATS SPECIFICATIONS

K1 Max. length 5.2 m - Min Weight 8kgs
K2 Max length 6.5m - Min Weight 12kgs.

Cherry Creek is often called the most difficult commercial rafting trip in California—and some say in the entire U.S. This is California’s gnarliest whitewater, rated Class V+ all the way, with fast-flowing rapids, whitewater plunges, and waterfalls galore. Technically the upper stretch of the Tuolumne River, Cherry Creek’s waters are so wild that the rafting season may not start until July, when rate of snowmelt slows, and the flow of water drops to a safe enough level. Even then, it’s still at the upper end of the thrill threshold—and for very experienced paddlers only. It’s an intense experience, and not for those who may be faint of heart or out of shape; rafters must pass a number of basic swimming tests before embarking on the trip.

Cherry Creek’s geology creates its mighty whitewater fervor. This granite-walled canyon funnels the river so it’s fast and steep, dropping more than 100 vertical feet per mile. Paddlers must navigate their way through narrow, boulder-choked passageways and more than a dozen churning rapids. Expect a serious upper body workout as you paddle, paddle, paddle to stay on course. Unexpected swims in icy water are the norm, and occasionally boulder-hopping downriver is necessary as rafts are led by the guide, empty, through a pass that is particularly treacherous (safety is the top priority).

Upper Cherry - @danejacksonkayak

Upper Cherry - @lorenkayaker

City Lights Race

I wasn’t sure if I was going to be up to paddling City Lights due to being on hormone therapy for my prostate cancer and thinking of all the side effects that go with it. But as luck should have it up to now I have had no side effects, so 8 days out from the race I teamed up with Ashley Townsend. Ash hadn’t paddled the race before, in fact apart from doing the PRG 3.8 km race on a Tuesday night and the Pinjarra to Ravenswood race I don’t think he has raced any distance for 7 years. He is quick though. 

 We hadn’t paddled together in a double before so we had one practise run. It felt good, but Ash ended up getting two red raw sores on his back from the ski seat and they weren’t healed before race day. Nevertheless after a bit of padding and putting on some fixomull over his sores he was keen to go – well I think he was.

We were lucky to have a bit of rain that cooled the air and fairly calm river, unlike the Rottnest Swim that was cancelled because of bad weather. We were on the second grid with many of the other doubles and a few fast singles. When Chris Hollier, the organiser, said go we were off like a rocket and in front of everyone else which was a surprise to me, but Ash was a good sprinter. I suppose we led for nearly one kilometre before Matt Jones & partner Jamie Cartwright, and relay paddlers Dave Burglund & Erica McKnight took over the lead. Nevertheless we managed to get on to Matt’s wash which was important as it meant that we got away from our other competitors in doubles. We were sitting nicely but unfortunately both pairs kept putting some sprints on which meant that we eventually fell off their wash just before Mt Henry Bridge.

By now we had passed some of the slower singles and catching up to others and still the third boat on our grid. Then about halfway between Mt Henry Bridge and Canning Bridge Warren Southwell & Bruce McWhirter starting sneaking by about 15-20 so metres on our left. I instantly angled our craft towards their path and eventually managed to snitch onto their wash. In marathon racing, when the opportunity arrives you have to take what’s given to you to help you go faster as other teams will be doing the same if they got the chance. 

After going through the first checkpoint, Canning Bridge we could see a pod of about six dolphins heading across our path. They disappeared somewhere around us. As we got further from the bridge and into slightly choppier waters I could see Bruce was having a little trouble with his balance so we took the opportunity and drew alongside and then got in front. The other two teams were quite a ways ahead and we had no hope of catching them. As we pushed forward over the swaying water Ash had no trouble keeping to the rhythm of the boat and it felt very stable. (We must paddle another race together.)

Getting closer to the portage point we could see the two lead boats ahead, although a long way from shore, had hit the shallows and had to move out to the left to get deeper water. We made sure we didn’t make the same mistake. They were hitting the portage beach well before us especially Dave & Erica who managed to get in front. They were amazing.

Matt & Jamie portaging the long way.

Photo Mark Pracilio

Ash & I about to portage.

Photo Mark Pracilio

Leaving the portage.

Photo Mark Pracilio

We hit the beach with cheers from the crowd and we trotted across the portage and back in our boat in no time. It was calm around the point that is sometimes really choppy so we were heading under the narrows bridge feeling pretty happy. To our surprise we saw Matt & Jamie getting back in their boat at a beach on the east side of the bridge. For some reason, maybe they thought it was quicker, they did a long portage. They were a long way in front at the portage and now they were only 20 metres away so they certainly lost a lot of time. We were happy though.  

Cutting across Perth Water wasn’t quite as special as usual due to the race starting 30 minutes earlier to avoid being stopped by the fireworks displays closing the river. There were no City Lights and with the cloud covered sky the scene wasn’t quiet as picture perfect. Of course our eyes were mainly on the south end of Heirisson Island (named after a Frenchman) and the ski of Matt & Jamie in front of us.

Warren & Bruce close behind.

Photo Mark Pracilio.

Photo Mark Pracilio.

We were in a good rhythm and I thought – if we keep this speed we should be right, no one should pass us, then after looking to my left I saw Warren & Bruce sneaking by at a faster pace than we were doing. They were probably 20 – 30 metres away so we had to step up the pace, cut slightly across and fight to catch their wash. As we moved between Heirisson Island and the Point Restaurant and the narrower channel we caught them. The faster they went the faster we would go, that’s if we could keep on their wash.

We moved between two barges working on the new cycle bridge, under the causeway where Nigel manned a checkpoint and headed for Matagarup Bridge and beyond. We could hear the crowds getting excited in the stadium where the wrestling was going on, passed a fireworks barge and sped under the Windan Bridge chasing Warren’s line. By this time we were catching up with Matt & Jamie and when they went to the left of the bridge pier Warren steered to the right taking a slightly shorter route to catch them up. We followed Warren & Bruce. 

Before the St John of Gods hospital was on our left W & B had caught M & J. Although that was good news, it was also bad news. It meant that they might try to race each other which could affect us, as we would have to lift our game another step or two to keep up. At one point we came alongside of them, but the shallow water around the bend made us to fall back on to their tail. We were still happy to be with them, as the longer we could wash ride, the faster and closer we got to the end.

Lafe & Connor and Francis & Darryl going head to head.

Photo Mark Pracilio.

Bronwyn Martin & Jill Roberts.

Photo Mark Pracilio.

Robin Jacob & Steve Bolger.

Photo Mark Pracilio.

A kilometre or two later the guys started putting on a sprint and unfortunately we didn’t have the speed so we lost their wash and that was it, they started pulling away from us. We had to accept that they were too quick so we got into another happy rhythm hoping that the pace we were going would keep the other teams behind us at bay. With 6 kilometres still to go I started feeling a little vulnerable as they were widening the lead and we didn’t know how far behind the other teams were.

Then I had a brain-wave. Although they were a good 20 – 30 metres in front, I thought, we really shouldn’t let them go, so I asked Ash how much had he left in the tank. He said not much, but in my mind that was a lot and enough to go hell for leather and try to catch them again. It did seem an impossible task as they were a long way ahead, but I would rather die, or should I say lose trying, than just paddling home with a happy rhythm.

On my word we hit the straps and powered towards them at an incredible speed. Holy Moses we were catching them up, Ash did have some left in the tank. It was a do or die attempt though, and if we didn’t succeed we would be well buggered and probably going slower than before so we had catch them. We managed to get within three washes away and it got harder. It was here that we had to pull something special out of the bag because their wash made it a lot harder to climb. It was a real struggle getting over those last few washes, but we did it to the surprise of the others when they checked behind seeing us sitting there.

We were nicely sitting on their wash for about 600 metres, although straining a little bit and then this big boat came up from behind trailing this huge wash. It wasn’t what we wanted as I knew the wave would split us up and it did. However we managed to get in front of Warren & Bruce and fought hard to get on Matt & Jamie’s wash but it didn’t last long and they were gone. Luckily W & B overtook us and we latched onto them again, but further along going through the shallows of Ascot Waters we lost them, they were too strong. By now we had about 3-1/2 kilometres to go, so we had to stay strong and keep the others behind us at bay.

Coming out of Ascot Waters we could see a light coming up fast from behind, luckily it was the K4. They slid by us without a word. It was like a stealth bomber silently passing. I think by now Ash was hoping to be home. He did mention that his energy levels were low, but I was hoping that he was just saying that and he could stay strong right to the end and had enough in him not to let anyone pass. Passing under Garrett Road bridge we could see the lights of the guys and the K4 in the distance then later they were lost when they moved under Redcliffe Bridge. With no lights close behind, we didn’t have to fight for the line so we slipped over the finish line very pleased with our effort.

It was a great race, Ash did one hell of a good job and I felt pretty fresh considering.

Like always the Swan Café put on a good spread, I was hoping to win a basket of fruit, but we didn’t paddle fast enough so we missed out.

It was thanks to Chris Hollier, the organiser and his big team of volunteers that all racers were able to take part and enjoy being in such a great race.
I can't wait until next year.              

Jeannette & Chad reaching home.

Photo Ray Smith.

Izzy & Manny.

Photo Ray Smith.

Results Here.

https://www.webscorer.com/racedetails?raceid=343775

Andrea McQuitty 
Appreciation Paddle

In recognition of her 11 years on the board of Paddle Australia and her 7 years as President, the Tasmanian Canoe Club is holding a welcome back to paddling appreciation day for Andrea McQuitty on March 17.
All are welcome to attend:
Location: Forth Paddling Site (Wilmot Rd), Tasmania
Date: 17th March
Time: 2-5pm - Social paddle to 3.30pm with light refreshments to follow.

She has lived an amazing paddling life.

 Andrea McQuitty with two of her children.    

Andrea commenced paddling at Burnie High at the age of 15 under the eye of Bruce Davies in 1980 to eventually spend 11 years on the board of Australian Canoeing which became Paddle Australia under her 7 year watch as President. She became a member of the Emu Bay Canoe Club where she built her first fibreglass kayak and every Sunday the club ran trips on the west coast and far north west rivers as well as participating in canoe polo, sea kayaking, lake paddling, kayak surfing and slalom in Fern Glade on the Emu River.

Her introduction to wild water racing coincided with a club trip when the Tasmanian Canoe Club were conducting the Leven river WWR race in 1981. Soon after, Andrea built her own wild water racer possibly a Mach as that was the first WWRacer available. Her endurance paddling career had commenced.

Moving to Hobart and university Andrea joined and became heavily involved in the Derwent Canoe Club and started training and paddling rivers with the club members. Most of whom are still paddling. Andrea moved to New Norfolk to live and train with the slalom paddlers, including Viv Golding, Jon Males, Rob McGuinness and Lindsay Binning who had set up the very first national training centre. Many international paddlers came to train with this group each summer.

1983 saw Andrea represent Tasmania in the Australian Champs at Harvey, WA. 

Serious training and polo didn’t help her Uni results too well, but competing at the January 1984 champs was quite successful. 

World Cup Brady's Lake 1989

At age 19 and an Instructors Certification achieved, Andrea went on to the 1985 Nationals championships and the World Championships in Germany. While away for 3 months she paddled in the Swiss Cup and the Polar Cup which took her to Finland and Sweden. The highlight of the trip was completing, and winning, the Arctic Canoe Race. At 531km, it was the longest canoe race in the world at that time.

This was followed by a few years of raft guiding on the Franklin, and working as a sea kayak guide in Bathurst Harbour

In 1989 she joined a team for “Rafting for Peace” rally in Siberia’s Altai Mountains deep in the Soviet Union near the Kazakstan and Mongolian borders. The whitewater rafting competition was to promote international understanding as part of Glasnost and RAFT – Russians and Americans for Teamwork. Their trip to Siberia was the first time a team had entered to compete there. The team of 10 had 1 woman!  This was followed on by the World championships in the USA, a kayak trip down the Grand Canyon and a working holiday in the Canadian Ski fields. 

Arkansas River 1989

Now back home a Diploma of Education was achieved in 1990 and a future set up working in education. A return to her home area of the north-west coast saw her placed at Reece High in Devonport, then Penguin, Ulverstone, Forth Primary and Don College before a start at Devonport High in 2009 where she still works.

A position as a volunteer development officer for Canoeing Tasmania from late 2004 became a government funded position in May 2005. She was on the Board of Canoe Ed before this. This position saw involvement with educational courses, skills, sea kayaking, river safety, wild water courses, and River Rescue techniques. 

With a wealth of experience in paddling, coaching, competing, travelling and organising events on a voluntary basis it was only inevitable that someone took notice and encourage her to nominate for the Australian Canoeing Board in 2012.

At this stage Andrea with her partner Nick whom she met in 1993 had had 3 children approximately aged 8 to 15 and she took on a national position on a board that would eventually reorganise paddling and the way it operates in Australia.

Her reflections on the period record her thinking she had no experience to sit on a board but evidently her considerable experience and education background was perfectly suitable and ended with being President for 7 years till 2023. Her appreciation of the diversity of experience and strength of her fellow board members was expressed.

After retiring from national and international competition Andrea continued paddling recreationally across a range of disciplines and competing locally. She returned to international competition for the 2009 ICF Wildwater World Cup, all six races of which were held in Tasmania. 25 years after her first international competition Andrea placed 6^th in Race 4 of the World Cup series – a Rapid Sprint at the challenging Brady’s Lake Whitewater Course.

Andrea has guided the organisation to be the peak body in paddling in Australia. 

Information sent to me by John van der Woude, Tasmanian Canoe Club.

Photo above from my Canoe Book - Canoeing Down Under

FIG 344 ANDREA McQUITTY - 8 TIMES

AUSTRALIAN LADIES CHAMPION

Andrea was Australian Women’s WW champion 10 times between 1985 and 2001 and competing in five World Championships from 1985 to 1995. 

Victorian Marathon Championships

Was This Weekend 

It is now cancelled

Birds Along The Way

A few more Great Egret photos.

Magpie Lark (It has a few other names.)

A jet ski taking easy in Bassendean and a section of river that doesn't allow jet skis.

Rod Fry Memorial Race 2024

Enter here:-

https://www.webscorer.com/register?raceid=343076

Sunday, March 10, 2024 

Registrations close 10am Friday March 8 2024. 

All paddlers in team craft must enter individually. 

THE RACE Where: Swan Canoe Club, Johnson Parade, Mosman Park Check-in: 7:00 - 7:45am Race / Safety 

Briefing: 8:00am Start (1st Wave): 8:30am 

SAFETY We share the Swan River with other traffic and the 12km course requires paddlers to cross the main channel.

Epic Paddles

Small Mid Wing

Epic Small Mid Wing Paddle
Special

       Small Mid Club Carbon - $460 (usually $499.00)

• 737g
• Carbon fiber blade, Green oval shaft
• Fully adjustable length & feather
  
  Small Mid Full Carbon - $570.00 (usually $649.00)
•  680g
• Carbon fiber blade, Black 3K carbon oval shaft
• Fully adjustable length & feather

All Epic paddles include a silver bag with purchase. 

RSVP through Webscorer: 
https://www.webscorer.com/register?raceid=343638