Dual Floatation Set (Seattle Sports) Air Bags

These all-purpose utility floats offer added buoyancy and water displacement to prevent swamping. Buoyancy bags help to keep out the water entering your kayak when capsized which means the kayak floats higher and the weight of the kayak is reduced.

All kayaks entering white water should be equipped with buoyancy bags.

Set of two utility floats includes one 43" x 15.5" bow bag and one 49" x 20" stern float. PVC-coated polyester construction.

Weight: 2 lbs 0 ozs

Price: $88.00

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32Gi Recover

Buy one tub of Recover (Chocolate or Vanilla Flavours) RRP $64.95

and receive 5 chews FREE = $24.75 RRP value Total value = $89.70

32Gi Recover is a high quality ratio blend of 100% vegetable protein isolate combined with carbohydrates. 32Gi Recover contains all the essential and non-essential amino acids to maximise muscle recovery

Recover is an excellent protein supplement with no unnecessary ingredients only those critical to muscle and glycogen recovery. Recover can also be consumed as pre training or racing meal or even as a meal during a long endurance event. Recover is the first endurance protein recovery sports drink suitable for vegans and diabetics.

Recover Drink Facts:

•Assists with Muscle Repair
•Assists with Glycogen Recovery
•High Protein absorption rate
•Improves Strength and Recovery
•Complete Amino Acid profile
•Digestive Friendly

•Recover is available in Chocolate, Strawberry and Vanilla flavours
•Wheat, Gluten and Lactose Free, suitable for Vegans
•No Animal Derivatives
•Kosher / Halaal Certified

Who should use Recover Drink?

Recover is an excellent post recovery drink for an endurance athlete. It is specifically designed with a 1:2 protein to carbohydrate ratio to ensure that you get the required amount of protein after a hard session and not an excessive amount of carbohydrates, which can lead to weight gain. Recover has the property of keeping you fuller for longer due to its slow digesting nature this assists with blood glucose stabilization and excessive hunger cravings immediately after an exercise session. The product is 100% absorbed and there are no unnecessary additives. Recover can also be used as an excellent pre-training or racing meal.

32Gi Chews

32Gi Chews were designed as a meal or gel replacement during
a sporting event. Each packet of chews is equivalent to two
small bananas or boiled potatoes in energy provision and in sugar response.

The 32Gi chews are a very popular energy source in any endurance event. Boasting a melting point
of around 90 degrees Celsius, the Chews can be removed from the packaging prior to an event and left loose in a cycling jersey or running shorts and eaten when required. The Chews are very easy to chew and swallow quickly as they designed to keep the airways open, leaving no residue in the mouth at all.

Chew Facts

•Gel replacement with balanced energy.
•High sustainable energy release
(90min-2 Hrs.)
•1 pack is equivalent to 2 small bananas or potatoes in calories and in insulin response.
•Equivalent energy of 3-4 gels sustainability.
•Keep airways free during bouts of intense exercise

•They don’t melt or go soft in the sun (90 Degree melting point)
•Available in Orange, Lime, Raspberry and Peach
•Suitable for diabetics and children
•Kosher/ Halaal Certified

Saturday Morning Fundraising Race

For the last three weeks we have been donating all the training fees from our Saturday morning training to our fundraising cause. So today was another Saturday morning and another chance to raise more money and with 48 paddlers on the water we were getting closer to my $4000.00 goal.

I enjoy my Saturday mornings and the chance to meet and beat other paddlers in our group so today I was all fired up to do just that.

Forty eight paddlers lined across the river. Today we were doing an 8km race instead of 4kms and although I was raring to go could I cope with so many kilometres? I had to as my reputation was on the line. Chris wasn't there, Scott was working, so that was two of the faster paddlers I didn't have to worry about. But Simon was on a PRS instead of his Multisport so he would be a problem. Rob had beaten me two weeks ago but I was confident I could wear him down. Then there was John. He was just getting back into his stride after holidaying so surely he would still be in a relaxing mood so in theory I had a good chance of being the first or second plastic home.

There was little room on the line so I decided to go to the far side but I soon found out when we started paddling that being there didn't work in my favour. The padders over on the left took off like a rocket. That worried me because they were well ahead in a flash. My first thought was that they will tire and I will have the stamina to peg them back, then I realised I just wasn't as fast as them and it was my own stamina that was crumbling.

T2 was well ahead in his Epic K1, followed by Spencer and Mason King in a K2, then Warren Munns who was trying out the new V10, and then Peter Liddle in his V10. Then I saw Ray, Irish John and Bruce way ahead with a group of other paddlers following their wash. To make things worse for me, I could see Jane and several other paddlers I usually beat well ahead as well. What was happening! Why wasn't I firing!

I wanted to give up there and then but after giving other paddlers a hard time and telling some what sucks they were I had to keep paddling. I thought bugger do I have to. As paddlers converged, creating a long line I was still fighting paddlers that I should have been ahead of. Eventually I started passing a few of the paddlers. Around me were Nick, Rob, Josh but John, Bruce and Simon in plastic boats were well ahead. At the first turn I managed to get in front of Rob and the guys but the others were too far ahead and they seemed to be slipping out of my reach.

After the first lap I was regretting making it a two lap race, I wasn't just being beaten by a boat length or two but by hundreds of metres. It was John that was on fire and not me as he was well ahead and he was taking Bruce with him. Simon was also doing well being between John and us.

On the last lap I had managed to claw back a few places and was still in a good position to be in 4th place in plastics but Josh wasn't going to stand by and let me take it. On the last straight Josh and I were neck and neck but as we got closer to home he started putting on the pressure and I started to lag a little. Then I had that feeling most of you will know - it is only a race I will let him go. I gave up for a second or two but it wasn't in me to give up so I chased again. It was hard work but I just couldn't let him win.

Josh suddenly managed to get two boats lengths ahead and with the wash seemingly draggingly me down he got a good lead before the turn. Still being cocky I still planned to do a faster smarter turn but he was too far ahead for me to sneak inside him and he was away heading to the finish line without me.

I crossed the line with disappointment in my heart, but my defeat was a sign that the whole group of paddlers were getting stronger (or I was getting weaker). There were some paddlers ahead and others that were very close behind me, which was a good sign that they have improved. While my times have been standing still all the other paddlers have been getting better every week. Over the last 5 months most of the paddlers have increased their race times in excess of 2.5 minutes but many are over 4 minutes faster. That's a long way.

When we all returned to the beach we checked our rudders for weed. Many boats had thin strands wrapped around them but Rob had a huge palm leaf on his rudder, so he really did have an excuse about being slower today. I had never seen a rudder with such a big leaf on before.

Some of our fastest paddlers- Old Dave, Scott (standing) Irsih John, Peter, Chris, Rob, Old Ray, Nick (green PRS) Anne, Young Ray

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Speed, Stamina, Skill & Mental Toughness
To win the Avon Descent

Although many paddlers are developing speed and stamina, which are very important in a long race skill should not be forgotten about. The Avon Descent is not your normal flat water race so you will need more than speed to do well. Between the start and finishing points there are trees, lots of them, rocks, rapids and a lot of turbulent water.

So being fast won't help you to negotiate these obstacles. This is when you need skill and a good command of all the basic strokes.

So before you get too carried away with your fitness, do you have good skills, do you have a good support stroke to prevent you capsizing. Every time you capsize you lose time, every time you capsize you get cold, possibly hypothermic, every time you capsize you have a greater chance to get injured.

So the paddler who is going to do the best in the Avon Descent will be the paddler who has good skills, good fitness and mental toughness.

So do you think that you have good skills and know all the basic and advanced strokes? If not it not too late to better them.

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STARTING YOUNG
Ray and Kerry Smith

We know that a photo can reveal a lot about a person. That certainly is true for this photo of Mat Smith taken at age 5 in 1980 riding in the rear seat of one of our double spec skis, towing his toy boat. Mat is known to some paddlers as "Rookie" but how can he call himself Rookie when he has been on surfskis since his guppy days, as this photo tells?

Mat Smith in 1980.

What developed was a love of surfskis coupled with a career as a designer of high technology motor vessels. Back to 1980: once our two boys could swim, we decided to buy two second hand double skis which proved an ideal way to take to the water as a young family. In those days we were members of Swan Canoe Club and here we are heading off for a paddle on beautiful Mosman Bay.

Nowadays Mat is a frequent paddler in surfski and kayak races around Perth, as a member of Mandurah Ocean Club. He and his mates also often compete in the red and white K3 which is very popular with wash riding paddlers. Older brother Dan, introduced to skis at the same time as Mat, is also a gun paddler having completed return solo crossings of Bass Strait.

Mat (right) with 2013 Mandurah Duel winner Jasper Mocke holding aloft the trophy which Mat designed.

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Hi Alaine and Terry,

Thank you again for all your knowledge and assistance with my first sit on ski.
The foot pedals are set perfectly for me and it makes such a difference for control/effort.
The paddle to the SCC took me a bit over 2 1/2 hrs and the craft handled very nicely. The conditions were also perfect - not too windy and not too hot.
The sun came out just as I turned the last corner and the clubhouse came into view. Agghhh home!
We took some photos of the PRS in its new home, so if you like I can attach these - just let me know where I can email them.
Many thanks again,
San Luu (another happy paddler)

After being dropped off in Maylands by Alaine I start my journey home to Swan Canoe Club in Mosman Park.

It was a perfect day to paddle through the city and beyond

Happy to have arrived home my new ski rests in the Swan Canoe Club

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Swan Canoe Club

Activity Days Tuesday - junior paddling from 5-6.15 pm Friday evenings - fun night & 3, 6 and 12 km Paddle Bash Saturday - about 10am social paddle to Point Walter for coffee.

Club Activities See calendar on web site. http://www.swan.canoe.org.au/

Regular training courses by accredited instructors. Weekend social paddles in the country - see calendar.

Open times First Tuesday of every month at 7pm for new member induction #1. Members with keys can access the club 24/7.

Other information: It is one of the oldest, largest and friendliest canoe clubs in Australia!

•Club Boats
•Come and try days
•Easy Parking
•Food and drink near by
•Instructor available
•Showers on site or near by
•Training Program

Membership Officer Marion Ewing 9384 1692 membership@swancanoeclub.org.au

Site Address: Downstairs from Jabe Dodd Park, South of Mosmans' Restaurant

MOSMAN PARK WA 6011
Postal Address: PO Box 99
COTTESLOE WA 6011

Motorised Submersible Canoe (MSC)
‘Sleeping Beauty’ Project

The Motorised Submersible Canoe (MSC), nicknamed 'Sleeping Beauty', was built by British Special Operations Executive (SOE) during World War II as an underwater vehicle for a single frogman to perform clandestine reconnaissance or attacks against enemy vessels.

Report on background and maritime archaeological survey for a Motorised Submersible Canoe (MSC) or ‘Sleeping Beauty’ lost 1945, HMAS Stirling, Careening Bay, Cockburn Sound

Background
Between February and April 1944 following the spectacular success of Operation Jaywick, the British-Australia Services Reconnaissance Department (SRD) were training for another attack on Japanese shipping in Singapore Harbour code named
Operation Rimau. The training for Operation Rimau was undertaken at Station XIII - Careening Bay, Garden Island, Western Australia. Operation Rimau was carried out in October/ November 1944, though with disastrous results when the mission was
compromised and all the crew either killed, or captured and executed by the Japanese. Although Operation Rimau was unsuccessful, crews continued to train on Motorised Submersible Canoes, and Welman and Welfreighter mini-submarines at Garden Island until the end of the war.

The key to the stealth attack strategy for Operation Rimau was to use Motorised Submersible Canoes (MSC), also affectionately known as ‘Sleeping Beauties’, powered by batteries and an electric 1.5hp starter motor. The Sleeping Beauties’ single operators wore rubber wetsuits and oxygen rebreathing gear, and were exposed to the ocean and elements.

The Allied Inter-Services Research Bureau began work on the MSC in 1942. The craft was designed by Major H.Q.A. Reeves and originally named the Underwater Glider (UWG), to become affectionately known as the ‘Sleeping Beauty’ (SB) and later officially designated by the Admiralty as the Motorised Submersible Canoe (MSC) (Davis 1955: 317; Rees 2008 247-252). The project design was for a single operator craft that could carry a larger explosive charge to attach to ships’ hulls below the waterline, than could be carried in a two person Folbot (collapsible paddled canoe) and be able to penetrate all known enemy harbour defences. The craft could also be used for short-range reconnaissance and to reconnoitre the sea bottom down to a maximum depth of 50 feet (Rees 2008: 250, 258). Trials took place in late 1942 in Scotland, and crews trained on MSCs in Scotland, England, Ceylon and Australia
(http://www.welfreighter.info/SB.html).

In early 1944 trials of MSCs were undertaken at Station XIII Careening Bay, Garden Island, Australia, which had facilities for MSCs including a testing tank, degaussing coil and workshop (Rees 2008: 263). Ten Mark IIa MSCs were provided and training and tests involved endurance testing, night dives, and practical exercises involving attacks on ships with limpet mines, and on anti-submarine nets (ibid).

Following Operation Rimau sometime between February and May 1945, during a night training exercise, an unknown number of MSC trainees were to affix limpet mines to a plate hanging from a ship anchored in Careening Bay/ Cockburn Sound.

During the exercise one of the MSCs was reported as circling out of control in 60-70 feet depth in Careening Bay. RAN corvettes in the area were called in, and they were able to track the craft on anti-submarine detection (ASDIC) sonar equipment, however eventually the batteries gave out causing the craft to be lost on the seabed, and it was not found nor ever recovered. The cause of loss was most likely that the operator had passed out using standard oxygen re-breathing diving equipment in excess of 5-7 fathoms (30-42fsw/ 9-13msw), as recommended as the maximum dive limit on oxygen in later US Navy dive tables (J. Sue to M. McCarthy/ WA Museum, 28/3/1979).

Read more: http://museum.wa.gov.au/sites/default/files/No.%20261%20Sleeping%20Beauty%20Motorised%20Submersible%20Canoe.pdf

Brought to my attention by Paul Caffyn the first person to paddle around Australia.

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Drain Race

About 35 paddlers challenged the no longer mighty Canning River (Dyolgorro) on Sunday for the Canning Descent; the Drain Race.

The guns were there for the interval start-downstream race, dodging fallen trees, sunken logs and shopping trolleys over 3.5kms.

Dave Worthy led in Ben Pope, Darryl Long and Mike Rae, with John di Nucci holding it up for the over 60's.

There were a great group of juniors involved, with U18 Tim Coward leading in the three Greed boys in very good times, and U18 ladies; Georgina Collin over Demi, Tarryn and Shauna.

The plastics; all Hoppers, were led by Peter Liddle in a quick time, and as the video reveals;

Kris needs more work on his branch-ducking technique, but Neil gets a really big award for paddling C1 style most of the race whilst dressed as Sgt Schultz from Hogan's Heros, after his paddle encountered a grasping shopping trolley.

Pat finished like a Sunday paddler, thinking he was really trying, after getting stuck twice, and failing to beat young Terry Bolland.

Jenni Bateman, however did beat Terry in her first ever DR race, paddling an old beaten-up Kesako.

Thanks to the timers; Pina, Alana, Laurent & Laurence, and thanks especially to John O for setting up timing and on-line registration.

Dave Worthy winner - getting older but still packs a punch

The results are up; http://www.webscorer.com/race?raceid=9620

Watch the video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmfba5FuzB0&feature=youtube (filmed and edited by Charlie Collin)

Next Wildwater race is in two weeks; Upper Swan Ti trees; 23rd June, come along, and pray for rain or it will be mild water

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Ken Wallace - Another Gold

CANOE/KAYAK-SPRINT: Ken Wallace has capped off his excellent World Cup campaign by winning Gold in the men’s K1 5000 in Poznan, Poland overnight.

It was a fitting way to end his World Cup campaign, with the 29 year old taking his medal tally to five, adding the K1 5000 gold to his K1 500 triumphs at the first two World Cups in Hungary and the Czech Republic.

The final was a two horse race with Wallace fighting tooth and nail with 2011 European champion Aleh Yurenia of Belarus for line honours, and it was Wallace who won the battle, winning in 19:50.99, 0.57 seconds ahead of Yurenia, with Argentina kayaker Daniel Dal-bo in third more than six seconds further back.

Fellow Australian Lachlan Tame finished 17th, over a minute behind Wallace.

Australia concludes the 2013 World Cup Series with eight medals, five of those gold, with Ken’s younger sister Bernadette Wallace featuring in the other two winning boats at World Cup 2, the first in the K2 1000 with Manly star Naomi Flood and the second in the K1 5000 event where she pipped Flood in a one-two for the Australians.

Australian Canoeing

SELF RESCUE
Paddler Capsizes

No matter how experienced you are, there is always the possibility that you may capsize and have to swim to safety.
Try to remember the following rules:

o Hold onto your paddle and the upstream end of your boat. Guide your boat down the main stream and prevent it from becoming broadside to an obstruction.
o Stay upstream of your canoe or kayak; being trapped between an obstruction and a heavy water filled boat can be fatal. Leave your boat upside down; the trapped air inside will assist with buoyancy.
o Prevent your legs and feet from becoming trapped or injured, by lying on your back with your feet downstream, horizontal and near the surface of the water (in the safe swimming position).
o Prepare to fend yourself off rocks or trees by pushing against them with your feet.
o Angle the upstream end of the boat towards the bank when the passage is clear. If you have to swim your boat ashore, use one hand to grasp both the boat's grab loop and paddle, and use the other hand to swim.
o Leave your boat if it improves your safety, if the water is dangerously cold, or menacing rapids follow.
o If you have lost your boat and you have to swim ashore, always swim with the intention of saving yourself and be alert to possible dangers further downstream. In some situations, it may be necessary to swim aggressively to escape from a long rapid and avoid dangerous holes, chutes or trees.
o Finally, do not try to stand in moving water as foot and leg entrapment is possible. Wait until you have reached slack water or water which is approximately knee deep.

Safe Swimming Position (top)

A Capsized Paddler Is Swept Towards A Fallen Log Or Tree

Fallen trees should be avoided at all costs, as the current may force you under the tree and cause you to become entangled in the branches. If you cannot avoid the tree, face forward, swim aggressively towards it and throw as much of your body and legs on top of it as you can. This will prevent the current from forcing you under.

TREES

Tea trees, trees and bushes that grow in the Avon River are serious hazards. Thin branches act as strainers as the water flows between them, and a paddler can easily become trapped. This is of special concern when trees or bushes form a barrier at the bend of a river. Instead of the current flowing around the bend, the current flows through the trees. If you fail to select your line carefully to avoid these trees, you may find yourself drawn into the branches.

Strainers created by tea trees, bushes and large branches that have fallen across the river, are potential death traps. A canoeist trapped under water by the branches would have little hope of survival, unless a rescuer acted quickly. Rescues can be very difficult to conduct amongst trees.

When paddling in a group always maintain sight of the person behind you, as it is easy to lose sight of paddlers in tea tree thickets. Losing group members among thick tea trees can be very frustrating, as you can never be sure whether they have become trapped or have simply taken a different passage downstream. The current flow may also make it impossible for you to paddle back upstream to check.

A Paddler Is Broadside To A Tree Or Rock

If you find yourself in this situation, try the following:
o Throw your bodyweight immediately towards the obstacle and lean downstream, keeping the hull of the boat raised so that the water deflects beneath it. (To keep the upstream edge raised, push up on the upstream side with your knees and hips.)
o Keep the kayak free from the obstacle by pushing yourself away from it.
Continue leaning downstream, keeping the boat's upstream edge raised, and either pull or push (depending on which way you want to go) so that the boat creeps around the object and is freed.

IN MOVING WATER, DO NOT HOLD ONTO OVERHANGING BRANCHES. IT MAY RESULT IN A CAPSIZE.

LEANING AND EDGING

Leaning is a skill that is constantly used in white water manoeuvres such as the Ferry Glide, the Break-in and the Break-out. The ability to lean at the appropriate time minimises the risk of a capsize.

o The basic rule is that whenever you are crossing a current, you must lean the boat downstream. Leaning the boat downstream causes the upstream edge of the boat to rise, allowing water to deflect off the hull and pass beneath it. If the water is allowed to push the boat's upstream edge down, this can cause the boat to flip and capsize.
o If your boat comes broad-side to an obstacle, it is essential to lean downstream towards it, ensuring the upstream edge of the boat is raised. This will help prevent a capsize, and the possibility of the boat wrapping around the obstacle.

Being proficient at leaning and edging is necessary, and it is extremely important that the paddler develops a natural feel for the river current and is able to apply the relevant skills at the right time. Incorrect lean is the most common cause of a capsize when learning white water techniques.

Incorrect lean - the paddler will capsize

Correct Lean. Lean towards the rock, tree or obstacle

Used Boats

Australis Bass small 3m sit-in kayak: $300.00
Finn Molakai Mk 2: Underslung Rudder. $600.00
Australis Squid: $400.00

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Lightweight Arrow Giveaway

I am giving my trusty Arrow Kayak, (built by myself in 1980) away. It is tippy and only suited to flatwater.

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SPECIAL

Epic V10 Sport

Winter Club Special $2400.00
SAVE $350.00

Epic V10 Sport Club Construction

If you still want speed but need more stability then the Epic V10 Sport is the one to consider. The V10 Sport offers much of the flat-water speed and rough water performance of the award winning V10, but with more stability. This is the boat you'll want to paddle for optimum speed in a wide variety of conditions. The V10 Sport has greater comfort and more stability than most other racing surf skis.

The Epic V10 Sport fits a wide variety of sizes, accommodating paddlers from 5'0" to 6'5" in height. The footbrace is fully adjustable with self adjusting pedals. It also has a high capacity venturi drain to keep water out.

This would be an excellent ski for those multisport athletes who race on the ocean and don't have the time to get used to a more unstable ski.

Weight:
Club Construction fibreglass 17.5 Kgs
Performance 15.5 kg.
Ultra (13.5 kg)
Please note: Weights are approximate and may vary up to 300g.

Price:
Club: Blue Nose: $2750.00 Special $2400.00 four only save $350.00

Performance: Black Nose: $3500.00 Special $3990 one only
Ultra: Red Nose: $4500.00 includes bag Special $4200.00 one only

Length: 6.1 m
Beam: 48.3 cm
Depth: 33 cm
Capacity: 136 kg