We are back and training every Saturday morning.
7.15am Sandy Beach, Bassendean

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DR Training is Back

Bruce McWhirter and myself - photo taken last year on one of the race evenings

Champion Lake Race

With the race being scheduled between Christmas and New Year several paddlers were away but there is always a friendly crowd to make it a real social event despite it being advertised as a 10km Championships.

Part of the race fees collected were going to Beyond Blue and the theme was to dress up in blue. I didn't have a problem with this as I dress up in my blue CDU gear all the time.

It was going to be hot and with there being little wind when we lined up at the start it didn't help though, most paddlers in the more unstable boats would have rather have less wind and the heat rather than choppy waters.

I was paddling doubles this year with Alaine, instead of the Multisport kayak which I paddled last year. The Multisport class had a good line up of paddlers. Patrick Tullock was favourite in the multisport division despite being 59 and only been paddling less than a year. He used to be a triathlete so his strength must have come from there. Martin Watson was also paddling and although he's not as fast as Patrick he's usually the next one in line. Then you have Rob Rigger who is pretty fast but he capsized on the line last year trying to cut across the line to get to the faster boats. He had learnt his lesson and with one more years experience in his Chrono multisport kayak he was hoping to do well. We must not forget Peter Liddle who has been getting faster as the months fly by. He was once my speed, well he was once a lot slower than me like most of the newcomers but he is now leaving me well behind, like many others. Another paddler who I beat last year and who has improved quite a lot since then is Alan Moreby. I would always beat him, but not anymore, he has got faster this year. Another dark horse is John Van Maanen. He didn't have such a good season due to injury but this year he seems to be fighting back. John at 66 is the oldest of the group. With all those paddlers mentioned that would most likely beat me it was probably a good idea for me to paddle a double kayak, I could always blame Alaine if we didn't do well.

Alan Moreby, John Van Maanen & Mick Mantell fighting it out. photo Peter Ashby

The doubles were last to leave. Our main competitors who we thought we might have a chance of beating were John and Helen Breed, Lawrence and 14 year old Nicholas Greed and Colin Grimshaw and Julie Morgan. As soon as we took off though Colin and Julie, Lawrence and Nicholas sped ahead chasing Darryl Long and Sue Quick who were leading the charge. Two young 14 year old lads Caleb Bushby and Kye Buytels were also up there. I was surprised to see Colin and Julie in the Epic double shoot off so quick. Bugger we never seem to be able to do that when we paddle the Epic double and last year I beat them in my Time Bandit, although they were on a slower ski.

Some of the front runners, 3 skis and Patrick Tullock in a Time Bandit who won the Multisport class. 50:58. photo Peter Ashby

Despite the surge of the faster paddlers Alaine and I were quite pleased with our start. For a short time we were able to keep ahead of John and Helen but they eventually came up beside us. I knew they were going to be tough to beat as they have been training hard unlike us who rarely paddle more than 5 kms in training and I always have my camera on hand to take pictures. With that excuse aside I still wasn't ready to give up without a fight.

Somehow we got eased into a row of buoys that mark the lanes so we dropped back and started wash hanging them. Keep on their wash I thought, hope they tire and then we can pass them on the second lap. Well that was my plan. About 1.5 kms further on Lawrence and Nicholas were starting to slow and we caught them up and passed them. It's always nice to pass a 14 year old, although Caleb and Kye were still well ahead. A slight wind had cooled the air a little so the temperature was bearable.

We started passing some of the slower paddlers in other grids. My aim was to keep up with John and Helen and avoid them getting away from us as they weaved between the boats. We were chasing them and Lawrence and Nicholas were chasing us. When we turned to head back to the start there was no wind at all and it was extremely hot. At least I had water to quench my thirst whereas Alaine still hasn't worked out a good drinking system where she can paddle and drink at the same time but I will say no more.

We dodged around several paddlers and thankfully we didn't allow John and Helen to get away. When we reached the jetties spectator Helen Moreby shouted out our name so the Breeds then knew we were just behind them. We passed more single paddlers and started our second lap. I could hear Lawrence behind us, I was hoping we had lost him, but no such luck. On the main straight John and Helen starting passing Simon Haywood on his ski. He was paddling hard so it took them and us a few minutes to get by him. I thought his wash may make it hard for us to stay on John and Helen's wash so we were working hard to get by him. We eventually did.

A minute or two later Lawrence's other son Matthew decided to pull over to shore and take a drink from his water bottle which he carried behind his seat. It was thirsty work. I think he needs to invest in a camelback. Despite the stop he still won his class.

We continued to chase John and Helen around the top marker for the last time. We had been cool on the way up with the breeze in our face but after we turned and headed back down the course again it was really, really warm. The temperature was heading for 33 degrees and it seemed very close to it now. We started passing more paddlers. They were a little faster than the others we had passed so it was harder to get by them. John and Helen seemed to be surging but it could have been all the wash from the other boats that were causing us to fall behind and then have to work hard to catch up again.

John & Helen Breed leading Alaine & I as we pass Janelle Power (second female to cross the line) photo Peter Ashby

Agnes Pajor & Wendy Drok. photo Peter Ashby

Simon O'sullivan & Doug Hodson. Photo Peter Ashby

We passed Ati Kaplan in a red sprint C1. He was going really well considering he was in a very narrow unstable C1 and paddling on one knee. It takes a special person to paddle a sprint C1 so well, although for the Europeans it is just another canoe that they learn to paddle well at an early age.

Ati Kaplan in a sprint C1. 1:00:43. Photo Peter Ashby

We slowly caught up with Rob Rigger in his Chrono Multisport who was paddling well. He wasn't that far behind Alan and John Van Maanen. When John and Helen started passing him he kept up and made it harder for us to do the same as Robs wash ruffled the water. With a seemingly surge by John and Helen we suddenly lost their wash. My legs were feeling the strain from all the pushing. You think it's your arms that would be the first to get tired but your legs also get a workout and mine were feeling it. My throat was dry but at least I could quench it. I lowered my head and sucked on the bladder tube to drink some water. I didn't drink much, just a sip, but it was enough to lubricate my throat and cut my thirst. Not sure how Alaine was coping without water but as long as she paddled her hardest and got us to the end it didn't matter!

Shannon Sime first male home. 48:28. Photo Peter Ashby

By now we had fallen back giving Rob the chance to washride John and Helen, which he did. There was still a chance for us to keep close, by riding Robs wash, but eventually he fell off it and by that time we realised John and Helen were 4 boat lengths in front and getting further away. I still had the thought though that we still might have a chance to catch up so we stepped up the pace and passed Rob and caught up with several other paddlers. As we paddled towards the start line again we were still hopeful of catching up but they just didn't allow us to do so. Their training had paid off and our pathetic training was letting us down.

I could see that they had their sights set on catching Colin and Julie and I just knew their renewed enthusiasm to peg them back wasn't going to be to our benefit. To make matters worse Lawrence and Nicholas suddenly found a load of energy and started passing us. With Alaine now sleeping in the back and with the mix of other boats around we were unable to go with them and soon after they were gone.

Bronwyn Martin first female home. 54:54. Photo Peter Ashby

Peter Liddle happy to finish second in the Multisport class.54:17. Photo Peter Ashby

Zac Ashby. 1:01:47. Photo Peter Ashby

Young Christopher Greed 58:41. trying to sprint away from Martin Watson 54:39. Photo Peter Ashby

Peter Martin finishing. 59:38. Photo Peter Ashby

Our 3 main rivals were ahead and we had no chance of catching any of them! Times were grim!

The last turn buoys were ahead but unlike other years they appeared to be further up the lake than other years so everyones times were bound to be out. We turned and headed for home, Chris Watson, in a PRS and Zac Ashby were just ahead. We accelerated but we didn't seem to be catching at the rate I expected we would. Chris was in a plastic ski for goodness sake, surely we can pass him?? Finally, we managed to pass but it wasn't easy. No wonder he finished up winning the plastic division.

Alaine & I coming up to the line. 55:31. 2. 24 slower than our best time. Photo Peter Ashby

We were 3 minutes and 7 seconds slower than our best time which was 2 minutes 23 seconds better than John and Helen's so we didn't feel too bad about our result.

Doug Hodson relaxes after crossing the line. Photo Peter Ashby

Two juniors sprint for the line. Photo Peter Ashby

A guppy junior about to cross the line. Photo Peter Ashby

Shanon Sime won the K1 48.28 but well short of the record set by Reece Baker 43.26.

Darryl Long and Sue Quick were the faster mix doubles with a time of 50.46 stealing our 45+ record of 52:24.

Patrick Tullock won the 55+ Multisport class with a time of 50.58 smashing Eddie Stoelwinders record of 53:45 and Eddy is fast so Patrick did one hell of a job.

Shanon Sime & Bronwyn Martin, fastest male & female collect their trophies

Donating a double guppy to the Champion Lakes Boating Club

Full results go here.

http://www.webscorer.com/race?raceid=16818

The hardest part of the day was retrieving the turn buoys

Paddle Sri Lanka

Ian Pexton and David Rowlands

Day 19
January 9th, 2014

We broke camp and got on the water as the sun rose over the increasingly rough ocean and made our way past the shanty towns of the north coast towards our lunchtime and water supply stop of Point Pedro. It must have been national kite flying day or maybe this is something they do all the time up here as every town we passed had dozens of colorful kites ascending hundreds of meters into the cloudy sky. Our stop in point Pedro was made through a dumping surf onto a deserted beach that was soon crowded with curious residence keen to see what we were, where we had come from, where were we going and how did our boats work. Dave ran into town and collected a yummy assortment of snacks for lunch and we left our welcoming committee and made our way around the point with a accidental roll to celebrate before finding a cozy abanded house to shelter from the increasing wind. We managed 30km in the four hours of paddling as the shore line returned to sandy beaches and palm trees and stretched into the distance without any distinctive points for Dave to aim for. We landed on a beach between two navy camps and were soon greeted by all and sundry and spent the evening entertaining the local navy and army people before they left only to return later with two fresh curries for us each

Day 20

When we went to bed last night we got a weather warning from one of the navy guys telling us that there is a weather warning out for the NE and E predicting 40 kn winds and 2 to 3m seas. unperturbed by this we set off past the endless palm trees separating the odd abandoned palm leaf fishing hut until we had covered 38km in 4.5 hrs and my cockpit was in desperate need of emptying as the boat was beginning to get hard to handle. The seas that morning had been 2 to 3m from our left quarter with a increasing wind that made the boats difficult but not impossible to handle. (what we would give for a rudder or even better our boats!) We landed through the dumping waves onto the sandy shore with thoughts that that is going to be interesting to get back out. After a quick lunch and rest we attempted to exit out through the 2 t 3m unpredictable surf, Dave powered his way through after getting knocked back three times and after six exhausting attempts I was forced to abandon any idea of continuing our paddle to Trincomalee that afternoon and seek refuge from the storm in a local palm fisherman’s hut. We sent out texts for a weather update to Karel in Israel and he informed us to seek shelter emmidatly due to a cat 2 tropical storm/ tropical cyclone that would bring 3.5m seas and winds exceeding 60kn. With that warning we bunkered down for a night in our new home situated amongst on LTTE bunker and coastal trench lines.

Day 21
January 9th, 2014

After a comfortable night in our stick and palm hut that kept out all rain and most of the wind we were comfortable had enough water and food for ten days and with new information at hand that the sea condition would be worsening and it would be 3 to 4 days before we could get off the beach we made the hard decision to get out of here and end the expedition on a lonely wind swept beach 65km south of Point Pedro. We followed a vehicle track that wound its way inland through an old battle ground until we figured that this was taking us no where and we made a bee line to the nearest navy camp 2km away. After a quick chat with the navy boys they informed us that we there were no vehicles within 20kms and the nearest village was also 2okm away. We went back to our hut with the realization that we had landed in possibly the most remote bit of coast line in Sri Lanka. Dave decided to head north to see what he could find and before long our camp was being invaded by half a dozen curious army guys wondering what the heck were two gringoes doing out here in the middle of a cyclone. Before we knew it our boats and gear were being man handled back to the army base and we were sitting down with the area commander to a nice curry meal. The army organized a truck and in hindsight we were lucky to get out of there with later sat images showing the storm passing right over where we were and the dirt roads would have become impassable. Seven hours later we were getting ready for bed in our beautiful guest house in the mountains surrounding Kandy a world away from our last nights accommodation.

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New Safety Guidelines for Paddle Craft

Zac Acott, Wednesday, 8 January 2014

New EPIRB laws will help save lives

All skippers navigating more than two nautical miles off the metropolitan coast will need an emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) from January this year.

From January 1, 2014 new consistent State-wide marine laws would require paddlers throughout WA to carry an EPIRB when operating more than two nautical miles from the coast or more than 400 metres from an island located more than two nautical miles from the mainland shore.

Please find attached leaflet from the’ Department of Transport- Marine Safety’ published 7 January 2014, detailing paddle craft safety equipment and tips. CWA would recommend taking some time to read this brochure for your information.

The Doctor Race (Rottnest to Sorrento)
18th Jan

The Doctor in Perth is Australia's most exciting ocean paddling event from Rottnest Island to Sorrento Beach covering 27kms (or vice versa depending on wind conditions).

Please note that The Doctor is planned for Saturday 18th January however has a two day window to allow for the best downwind racing conditions. If the conditions are more favorable on Sunday then The Doctor may be held on that day.
Final race course and time will be decided on Friday evening at the pre race briefing. The races plans to start at Rottnest Island and finish at Sorrento Beach, however should the winds be blowing easterly then the course may be reversed
The Doctor Festival of Paddle Sports - A full week of paddling events in WA. Don't miss out!

In January 2014 Perth will play host to the very best aquatic sporting athletes from around the globe. Racing over a range of distances on a variety of paddle craft in some of WA's premier holiday locations, competitors will experience the delights of a typical Western Australia summer.

http://www.oceanpaddler.com/events/the-doctor/program-of-events/

Wednesday 15th January
The Doctor Double Ski Champs 12km - Fremantle to City Beach.
Approx 4.30pm start

Thursday 16th January Mobil Statewide Oil Sunset Final 11km -
Port Beach to City Beach. 5pm start

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Reports are that: The WA Coastal Challenge will not be held this year

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Next Marathon #4 -

Canning River Race, Sunday 9th Feb 2014.
There is a short portage in this race.

Finn Kayak with Pod: $750.00

Two Up Double open kayak: $600.00

Mirage Max Kayaks K1: Very Good Condition. $1250.00

Van Dusen Double K2: Best suited to lighter crews: $990.00

Please call us about our used boats 9378 1333