Enjoy the CDU Newsletter
Published: Fri, 02/13/15
Issue
454
13th February 2015
Message Bank
While most of us were having a good old hot time on the good
old Swan River Graham McMahon was paddling and sightseeing
in Antarctica, which was a little bit cooler, but a lot more
impressive. Read his short article below.
There has certainly been a lack of racing over
the last few weeks but that is about to come to an end with
a race virtually every Sunday for some time. Next week 22nd
Feb is the Canning Classic which starts at Deep
Water Point and finishes at Riverton Bridge via Kent Street
Weir. Depending on the tide it can have shallow areas in this
race.
Then we have the long one,
the City Lights which starts near Riverton Bridge and finishes
at Ascot. With this race you need to paddle with a buddy,
either in a double or two singles. By the time you reach the
Narrows Bridge it is almost dark and after that you paddle
in the dark to Ascot.
We then have the WA State
Marathon Champs. It sounds impressive, but anyone can enter.
If you have a K1 (5.2m) you have to portage a few times but
if you have a multisport kayak or ski longer than 5.2m there
is no portages. Details will be advertised soon.
***********************************
We had 15 paddlers enter
our Tuesday night Down River race around the buoys. Buoys
were placed at Point Reserve, Bassendean in a winding course
with several tight and easy turns. There were some exciting
racing with Mark once again doing the best times with me coming
in second beating the much faster, better looking Peter Liddle
and Bruce McWhirter. (I won't let them forget it.) In the
ladies class Bonnie and Baillie were a dead heat on the first
run but Bonnie went 1 second ahead on the second run. In the
wavehopper class Rob Jarrett narrowly beat Chris Hollier.
Next Tuesday night race
will be at Claughton Reserve, Katanning Street Bayswater 5.45pm.
This is the last of the 3 races in the series.
Peter Liddle getting savage at Tuesday nights
Buoys Race. He was determined to do well.
***********************************
The start of the City Lights. Slowest boats
go off first
The 50 metre portage near the Narrows Bridge.
By now it's getting dark
The finish. By the time competitors get to
the finish it is truly dark.
A great meal and music is waiting when you finish
Don't miss out get a partner and give it a go.
Be prepered however to paddle 28 kms or do it as a team of
4.
Remember don't forget your light. Lights
are compulsory.
Registration link, City Lights:
http://ascot.canoe.org.au/club-events/#tab-1413608519-1-60
**************************************
W.A. Marathon Champs
The WA Marathon Champs is a great event. It is a little different
from most events as you have to do a 80 metre portage about
4 times if you paddle a K1 (5.2m). The portage adds to the
excitement of the race.
For paddlers with longer boats you can also take part but
you don't have to portage.
Josh Kippin is one of WAs best hopes. Josh
represented Australia in Denmark 2 years ago
Terry Bolland has the determination, but not
the speed to beat other old guys like Rob Roll, Patrick Tullock
or John Dinucci who are all over 60 years old. Nevertherless
he has a great time trying and he will be waiting for the
others in front to capsize and let him pass.
Can Bromwyn Martin become West Australia's
best female marathon paddler?
Training & Courses
Saturday Morning Fitness
Training
Race Start 7.30am on
the dot!
PFD MUST be worn
*********************************
Flat Water Down River Training 'Around the
Buoys'
Are you wanting to increase
your paddling skills. These sessions will help enormously.
Improvement is guaranteed
Friday mornings 6.00am at Claughton Reserve, Bayswater
Only 1 more DR morning session left this season
then we go to advanced flat water skills paddling play/slalom
type kayaks
Next Tuesdays evening race is at Claughton Reserve, Katanning
Street Bayswater 5.45pm.
It looks as if Bonnie
is telling Peter the best way to go!! Bonnie and Baillie are
only a few seconds behind the men so the men need all the
help they can get!!.
Mark Lawson is currently
the DR flatwater buoys leader
Featured Products
Guardian Lights
The Guardian Light is
the lightest, brightest, toughest light for its size. It is
also our most popular light for kayakers and rowers. This
light is visible from all sides (360 degrees) and extremely
impact resistant.
In addition, the Guardian is very lightweight
and will not restrict movement. The product comes with an
attachment that can either be fastened to the user or to the
equipment.
Features:
Waterproof to 100 metres.
Visible over 1.5km.
Wearable LED Signal Light.
Light can either be constant or flashing - Flip battery to
change function.
Over 100 hours of constant light.
over 250 hours on flashing light.
Optional: Velcro 12" wrist or paddle
strap or Magnetic base.
Price: $25.00
Clip it on your cap,
your PFD or on your kayak
*************************
Epic V12
Performance on Special
Normally $3700.00 Save
$600.00 Special $3100.00
The V12 is suitable for
the intermediate paddler on flatwater or a good paddler on
the ocean
A few points from Clint
Robinson
The V12 hull is narrow, sleek and has
a well balanced line.
• From the seated paddling position, the visual look
over the nose is sharp and refined.
• The paddle entry position to the water is narrow and
comfortable.
• It feels and performs like an ICF K1 in still conditions.
• Flat water and surfing speed is slightly enhanced from
the V10, which has been highlighted from GPS feedback in my
sessions.
• More of the hull runs in the water at high speed than
the V10.
• The cockpit is slightly tighter and carries less water
than the V10.
• The bailer drain empties incoming water very quickly.
• In big seas, the ski has a terrific top speed and holds
the faster ocean swell.
• The V12 has great steering ability when chasing downwind
conditions.
• The ski jumps to attention quickly when you apply the
power to the water.
• I believe it will excel in the flatter and smaller
sloppier conditions that the majority of races are held in.
• The ski also really performs well in big, wild and
adventurous conditions.
• The seat shape change is very comfortable.
• When charging downwind, it doesn't punch through the
smaller chop as well as the V10.
• It feels slightly less stable when you first begin
paddling the ski, but after a short time this feeling disappears.
In summary, the new Epic V12 surf ski may take most paddlers
a little more time to feel comfortable with, but the rewards
will come to those who persist. Like with anything at the
highest end of performance, it is a greater challenge to find
out all that is on offer.
Weight: Performance: 15.5 kg
Normally $3700.00 Save $600.00
SPECIAL $3100.00
Stories
To Antarctica.
Text and photos Graham McMahon
On January 5, 2015, after years of dreaming
and twelve months planning I embarked on a bucket list trip,
namely sea kayaking and camping in Antarctica. The trip was
arranged through Peregrine (in association with Quark Expeditions)
and I will happily go on record stating that I could not fault
any aspect of their organisation. Rather than trying to describe
all facets of life on an expedition ship, snow-shoeing, ice-camping,
polar plunging and kayaking I'll restrict myself to kayaking
(hey, I'm writing this for Terry!).
The kayaks we used were the Crosswind (double) and Storm (single)
made by Current Designs. For the technically minded they weigh
in at 43Kg and 28Kg respectively. Dimensions 5.6m x 76cm and
5.18m x 60cm. Depending on the sea conditions we would either
double up or captain our own boats.
All up we had 11 kayak trips; the expedition leaders were
quite excited about this, as usually the weather restricts
them to 6-7. Entering your kayak is done in deep water, via
a zodiac. In the interests of preserving life (and one's ego)
this requires a dry rehearsal on the ship's deck. Once you
have mastered the technique you're right to go.
practising. Photo's Graham
doing it for real, in
the snow & ice
On the subect of preserving
life, clothing was similar to that worn for the Avon Descent
- thermals (one or two sets), socks, gloves and beanies -
over which we wore dry suits, neoprene boots and waterproof
gloves. Should you fall in, and one poor chap did, all that
gets wet is your face. The kayaker who took an unauthorised
polar plunge was quickly rescued by a zodiac. Fortunately
this happened at the end of a kayaking session so he was soon
able to have a hot shower. Whilst a dry suit stops you getting
wet it doesn't keep out the cold .
Icebergs and kayaks do not mix, so anything bigger than your
craft is respectfully avoided. Sometimes this was like dodging
tea-trees in the Valley; at others you could pretend that
you were in charge of an ice-breaker, ploughing through "bergy
bits", pancake ice and slush.
In my own world
Dodging the ice
One of the best parts of touring in
a kayak was the ability to enjoy the complete tranquility
of the Antarctic environment. You could get quite close to
the wildlife without spooking anything. When you get to within
five metres of a leopard seal or humpback whale, "anything"
does not include oneself. Knowing that the seals hunt at night
and can't be bothered with you during the day helps, but you
still keep a wary eye on them when lining up a photo.
a pre-historic looking
leopard seal
...while the mother kept
a close guard
Along the coast you can observe vast
penguin colonies. Some of the better close-up photos are taken
from the shore; from a kayak it is easier to view them en
mass. We were introduced to Gentoo, Adele and Chinstrap penguins.
Emperors were in a completely different location. They all
have their own charming characters and you could easily spend
an entire day watching them steal rocks from each other's
nests or run around in circles flapping their fins. NB if
you are keen on seeing wild Little Blue penguins on the cheap,
have a paddle around Penguin Island off Rockingham.
Between photographing the wildlife and
avoiding icebergs we found time to play the odd game. We invented
a sport that is a hybrid of snowballing and lacrosse. You
have to paddle towards a piece of ice, slow down and twist
your paddle blade so that you can gently scoop up a pile of
snow before deftly dropping it on your spray deck. You then
mould it into a ball, whack it hard with your paddle towards
an unsuspecting paddler and pray to everything holy that you
can maintain your balance.
As a finale I thought I would include
a shot of the setting sun. The caption should read "waiting,
waiting, waiting..." as the damn thing never set! For
two weeks all we had was daylight, 24/7.
If you have ever contemplated
a trip down, down under, my advice is just do it. It is worth
every cent.
Photo
of the Week
Hi Terry and Alaine,
Rob Starcevich and I always read your
newsletter, and it always serves as inspiration for our next
travel adventure! We've just come back from travelling the
world for the last 12 months
P.S. I've attached a photo of our time
in Prague, Czech Republic. What do two travellers do when
in Europe? Meet up with our friend (and fellow paddler) Jeff
and watch the Aussies compete in the Slalom World Championships!
Prue Martawidjaja
Race of the Week
Cooktown to
Cape York
To read the story go
to:
http://terrybolland.com/cooktown-to-cape-york/
I had been kayaking,
walking, cycling for four months on my 24,000km around Australia
Expedition and now I was about to embark on a paddle expedition
from Cooktown to Cape York.
Exploring different parts
of the world gives me a great amount of satisfaction
October 15th. Turtle Head Island.
It was a windy, slightly wet night and
I kept waking up thinking it was time to go. I wanted to reach
the Cape York as soon as possible. I forgot all about the
high tide, but it hadn’t reached me in the night so I
didn’t get washed away.
At 4.45am I started getting ready, but
it wasn’t until 6.10am that I burst through a small choppy
surf. Unlike the previous day the wind was coming from the
north-east. The sea was choppy with a decent swell running
and a swift current in my favour. Closing up to the mainland
I tried focussing on a strange wave pattern in front of me.
Within minutes I had caught up with the waves and then I noticed
a sand bar. I managed to swerve to the left to avoid it. A
large wave suddenly crept up from behind and I started to
surf it. The wave was long and it turned out being a great
surfing wave. It was one of the best safe surfing waves I
have surfed in a sea kayak. It was also the fastest. The speed
of the kayak was incredible, with the rudder wires zinging
from the wind and speed. I realised I was having a ride of
a lifetime, but I was still a few kilometres from the mainland
and could easily end up in deep trouble. I then started to
travel faster, far too fast for comfort and I felt my free
ride, which had already gone several hundred metres, was getting
a little out of hand so I angled off the wave to my right.
My position then became worse as the boat edged towards the
sandbar where waves were breaking. I managed to straighten
up and get to a flatter area, but the fun was just starting.
Large waves clapping together started exploding in front of
me. I had no choice but to head straight through them. As
I did I bounced from one wave to another as they exploded.
A rocky island way ahead was also being bombarded by waves.
I then headed over to my right again to get closer to the
main deeper channel where the sea looked a lot calmer. Waves
continued to throw me around, but I eventually found a safe
haven. Phew that really was a ride of a lifetime.
The trip passed through
some beautiful areas
Arriving at Cape York
I paddled back around the point for a photo.
2nd Hand Boats
Canning
River Race
22-Feb-15 Sunday Marathon # 4
Long Course- Appox 14 km starting at Deep Water Point,
Long Course requires a Car Shuffle, Parking can be an issue
at Riverton so please consider car-pooling.
Permission is being sought for Trailer loads of boats to be
allowed to park on the lawn.
Please note: The race will finish at Riverton Drive between
Shelly Bridge and Fern St. Bridge, NOT at Hester Park.
Further information email marathonwa@canoe.org.au or contact
Peter on 042 700 4035. For more information on Marathon racing
in West Australia please see the Marathon Book, which including
race records, future races and yearly prizes.
Enter here: https://www.webscorer.com/register?raceid=36339
***********************************
City Lights Kayak Race
You can't miss the City Lights Race. It is a beauty
1st March, Sunday of Long Weekend
Runs from Canning River to Ascot [30km]
going past the city just after dark. Food and entertainment
at Ascot at end of event, seriously good fun!
Requirement is at least two competitors per team: Double kayaks,
Two kayaks at a time or Any paddle-powered multi-person craft
welcome.
Line up a team-mate, make a plan to stay in Perth for the
weekend and look out for registration details in mid Feb.
Any queries, call Race Director, Doug Hodson 0417 938 596
******************
07-Mar-15 Saturday State Championships
******************
08-Mar-15 Sunday State Championships
******************
15-Mar-15 Sunday Rod Fry Memorial Race, Swan
******************
22-Mar-15 Sunday Bevan Dashwood Dash, Canning
******************|
03-Apr-15 Friday Marathon Champs Canberra, Easter Weekend
******************
12-Apr-15 Sunday Canning Classic
******************
Down River Around
the Buoys
At Point Reserve, Bassendean
10th Feb
Most paddlers had 3 runs.
These are the fastest run times.
1
Mark Lawson - DR
5.29
2
Terry Bolland - DR
5.39
3
Peter Liddle - DR
5.43
4
Bruce McWhiter - DR
5.44
5
Bonnie McDougal - DR
5.48
6
Baillie Liddle - DR
5.50
7
Rob Riggir - DR
6.11
8
Rob Jarrett - Wavehopper
6.12
9
Chris Hollier - Wavehopper
6.14
10
Brett - Finn Multisport
6.17
11
Jason Gardiner - Wavehopper
6.23
12
Michael Liddle - Wavehopper
6.24
13
Patrick Irwin - DR
6.34
14
Chris Watson - Wavehopper
7.01
15
Maya - DR
8.01