Enjoy the CDU Newletter
Published: Fri, 02/27/15
Issue
456
27th February 2014
Message Bank
There are very few new faces coming into the sport and taking
on such iconic events like the Avon Descent. The multisport
races and the swim to Rottnest seem to have taken away many
of the adventurous people who would normally give the Avon
Descent a go.
The Avon Descent is a tough event, but it is not beyond a
person who trains a couple of times a week. Back in the old
days and yes, it used to be low water sometimes back then
too, most paddlers paddled boats that were no longer than
4.5m yet most paddlers finished. Now we have boats much longer
and faster so there should be no excuse for not giving it
a go. Many of the top paddlers will be training 5-7 times
a week, but the majority of paddlers will be training only
2 or 3 times if they are lucky, and don't fear, that amount
of training will get you to the end! It just means it takes
a little longer to get there.
Because of this downturn in the numbers entering the Avon
Descent we all need to do something to get more people interested
in the event. It would be an enormous loss to WA if it was
decided to end the event. Why not try to convince your workmates
or your friends to give it a go. Most paddlers have two boats,
so get them on one of your spare boats and bring them down
to Saturday morning training to get the ball rolling.
If we are to get the spirit back into the Avon Descent we
all have to help to promote it. Remember is still a great
race, a great challenge and it's fun, low or high water. It's
fun, just like the training before the event.
The plastics K2s and some single plastic skis
having great fun at Northam weir. Photo John O'Sullivan
Paddlers taking on the Shredder at Emu Rapids.
Some are not as successful as others but they are still smiling
and saying to themselves, "this is terrific fun!"
Photo John O'Sullivan
************************************
2015 WA Marathon State Championships
W.A. Marathon Champs 7th & 8th March
The WA Marathon Champs is a great event. It is a little different
from most events as you have to do a 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.
Sat 9.00am………Group 1….Junior Doubles….Masters
55+ 65+ Singles
Sat 11.00am…….Group 2….Open Singles…….Masters
35+ 45+ Singles
Sun 9.00am……..Group 1….Junior Singles……Masters
55+ 65+ Doubles
Sun 11.00am……Group 2…..Open Doubles…..Masters
35+ 45+ Doubles
Enter here:
https://www.webscorer.com/register?raceid=36621
Training & Courses
Saturday Morning Fitness Training
Race Start 7.30am on
the dot!
PFD MUST be worn
*********************************
Friday Mornings
Basic to Advanced Flatwater Skills (for kayaks under 4m no
rudders)
Claughton Reserve, Katanning Street, Bayswater. 6.00am - 7.15am
To become a better skilled paddler, which is an advantage
in all types of paddling especially on white water and the
ocean, it is best to know and be able to do all the different
paddling skills. We will be looking at those skills and improving
them so you have the edge over other paddlers who don't know
how to do them.
11 paddlers took advantage
of the free coaching this morning. Some boats are available
to use if you don't have one.
When you learn the complete
range of flat water skills, paddling becomes a lot more interesting
and they certainly help when paddling white water. Skills
are not about muscle and strength, its more about technique
and finesse.
You are never too old
to learn.
Craig, Maya, Chris, Ann, Kris, Brett.
Ray, Bonnie and Rob
Brett (the young guy
in the blue shirt without a hat) was the standout this morning.
He is certainly catching on quickly and is going to make a
excellent all-round paddler
Featured Products
Jackson Journey
14
Designed for the touring paddler who
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of their adventures. The Journey offers speed, stability and
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heights. This kayak utilizes best-in-class design techniques
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with our JK outfitting; comfort and performance rarely found
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for the day or for several days, the Journey is fantastic.
Length: 4.26
Width: 62cm
Rear Hatch: Front Hatch: Day Hatch:
Includes rudder
Weight: 27kgs
Price: $2100.00
****************************
Mirage 520
The 520 is the entry
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The 520 is ideal for flat water paddles
in lakes, rivers and estuaries, but can also hold its own
in the open ocean, and with the two water-tight storage hatches
can also store all your gear for an adventure day paddle or
overnight camping trip away from it all.
Specs: The 520 might be the little brother
of the 530, but shares many of the superb features at an entry-level
price.
Length: 5.2 m
Beam: 57.5m
Weight: 21kg Fibreglass. 19kg Kevlar
Price depends on construction - Please
call us.
Stories
Canning River
Race
It looked as if it was
going to be the perfect day not too hot and not too windy
and the water not too shallow. There were 10 doubles which
included 6 mixed crews. We thought we would paddle the Epic
V10 double instead of a double kayak as that was what we are
going to use in the City Lights Race. We knew though it didn't
like shallow water, but what the heck we had to give it a
go.
This race was probably one of the worst
races for shallow water. Last year was the shallowest that
I had raced it so this year had to be better as the tide was
a little higher.
Peter Martin and his gang got us on
the water with the Div 1 going off first. Most of them weren't
near the start line when the horn sounded so it was a pretty
spread field taking off. The double division were more on
the ball and all boats made sure we were ready and waiting.
Dave Boldy was back from his long, around Australia holiday
and he sat beside us with Dave Stephens driving the kayak.
We were away and for a brief moment
we sat on Daryl Long and Sue Quick's wash but they were on
another double and soon pulled away. Mike and Wendy Drok and
Spencer King and John Hilton were over to our right also pulling
away from our group. We managed to keep the two Dave's at
bay so I was quite pleased but when Jeff Stone and Mitch Garbutt
pulled up beside the Dave's they started to get a little ahead.
Then over to our right young Luke egger and his dad started
to move away.
Heading under the Mount Henry bridge
and then around the turn buoy the Dave's and Jeff and Mitch
were several metres ahead. At the buoy turn in the cove I
glanced behind to see an orange kayak on our heels. It was
John and Sharna, oh bugger. As we moved out of the cove we
managed to catch up with the others but when we hit the shallows
on the way out we bogged down and the lightweights of John
and Sharna started slipping away taking the other two boats
with them. We felt a little rejected being on our own but
being big kids we soon put it behind us. When the water deepened
we managed to catch up again so we were much happier. By now
Lawrence and Tess had caught up. Not quite sure why they had
been behind but now there were five doubles in a line trying
to lose each other.
Lawrence and Tess managed to make a
break and we watched then slip away from us. Patrick Tullock
and a little later young Matthew Greed paddled by us and were
too fast for us to try to wash hang. Then Peter Liddle, Paul
Paardekooper, Andy Heartcliffe, Sam Pilton, Warren Southwell
and Bruce McWhirter, all from the grid behind flew by.
There were still four doubles stuck
together as we hit the shallows just before the pipeline.
We had a choice to keep to the deeper channel or go straight
across the shallows. I thought about taking the deeper route
but being to the left of John and Sharna we had no choice
but to go with them across the shallows. Of course as soon
as it got really shallow John and Sharna were off and once
again leaving us behind. Jeff and Mitch had decided to follow
the channel and the Dave's were in-between although they moved
over towards us a little later.
John and Sharna seemed to slip across
the shallows like a hovercraft. They weighed little. We chased
them and managed to keep just behind, then when the Dave's
came across we had to start fighting them for position as
well. They won out but when we returned to deeper water and
were approaching the portage we were just behind John and
Sharna and a touch in front of the Dave's. The portage was
very short, just a few metres and the water was awful putrid
black mud mixed with shells that cut paddlers feet who weren't
wearing booties so it didn't seem worth getting out.
We jumped back in with John and Sharna
just in front but when we hit the shallows after the Riverton
Bridge we could nothing but watch them creep away again. How
nice would it be to be light. I told Alaine she needed to
go on a diet but she pointed out that I was much heavier than
she was! In the shallow the two Dave's who caught up with
us sprinted to catch a wave that John and Sharna were making
which took them level with John and ahead of us.
As the shallows intensified I started
to have that sinking feeling. They were getting away and at
the shortcut we were well behind. By now John and Sharna had
caught up with Lawrence and Tess and took the shallows before
the short cut channel. The two Dave's followed but ground
to a near stop when the shallows were too shallow for their
weight. We took the deeper channel to the right and caught
them but slowed as we got eased into the trees. They seemed
to slow a little going through the narrow channel, probably
because they had lost the other two K2s. To slow us a second
more Dave took a swig from his water bottle just before leaving
the channel. I was chewing at the bit to pass them as John
and Sharna were getting further and further away.
Once out of the channel we quickened
our pace trying to catch up. The water deepened so we were
able to kick our heels and get a little closer but they were
still too far ahead for comfort. The faster paddlers were
on the return with Simon Roll finishing 2 seconds ahead of
Josh Kippin. The two Dave's hung on to our wash and as we
approached the turn buoy and instead of fighting to get there
first and getting into trouble we allowed them to turn first.
As it was we both came out of the turn together with no mishap
or clashing. It was now back to chasing John and Sharna.
We met lots of paddlers on our return
so there were a lot of greetings. I was determined to get
closer John and Sharna so I just kept the pace up so that
meant Alaine had to keep the pace up as well, which she did.
As we approached the short cut area Lawrence and Tess weren't
that far ahead so it gave us a new lease of life.
The Dave's were hanging off our wash
and as we came out of the narrow channel but then they sped
ahead but we managed to keep up and very soon after we were
passing Lawrence and Tess. And what a nice feeling that was.
I expected Lawrence to pick up the pace and not allow us to
get ahead but he didn't. With 400 metres to go we lifted another
gear and kept the pressure on. To my surprise we managed to
keep ahead and beat the two Dave's by 5 seconds and Lawrence
and Tess by 31 seconds but we were beaten by John and Sharna
by 29 seconds which we really didn't mind too much!! Well
we did a bit but there is always next week at the City Lights
Race to get our own back.
75 year old Ray Smith
senior finishes the race
Ray Smith beside Alaine
beat us by 14 seconds. Ray paddled an Epic V10L
Having not done a car shuffle we hung
around for a short time and then paddled back to the start.
It was quite relaxing and we certainly saw more of the scenery
on the way back than we did on the way there. The power boats
were out at the ski area which made our paddle more challenging
but being on a ski we rode out the big confused waves.
There were some good results amongst
our Saturday morning group.
http://www.webscorer.com/racedetails?raceid=37420&did=42458
********************************
WAs Jesse
Phillips and Steve Bird have dominated
the men’s K2 200 final at Grand Prix
2 in Penrith.
The reigning National champions got
off to a strong start before powering to victory in 32.76,
0.97 seconds ahead of fellow Western Australian’s Brodie
Holmes and Todd Brewer.
Phillips was “very satisfied”
with the win.
“My development through the season
has had to be fast tracked for this event so I am really happy
to come away with the win and certainly more so happy to come
away with the margin that we did which is really exciting,”
Phillips said.
Phillip said his shoulder is feeling
“really good” following off-season surgery.
“I certainly have rehabbed it really
well. There are no limitations in the shoulder now, it is
really about me getting back to full load training and that
is coming along nicely, so three more weeks of good solid
work at home and then back over here to do that again with
a bit more margin hopefully.”
The victory capped off a great weekend
of racing for Bird following his K1 200 triumph on Saturday.
Bird and Phillips will shortly head
home to Western Australia to commence their preparations for
the National Sprint Championships which will be held at the
Sydney International Regatta Centre from 11 to 15 March.
Australian Canoeing
************************************
Steve Bird
wins the K1 200 final
Steve Bird has put himself in a strong
position to secure a senior men’s berth on the Australian
canoe sprint team this year after winning the K1 200 final
at Grand Prix 2 in Penrith.
The reigning National champion entered
the final on the back of comfortable heat and semifinal victories.
He carried on that form into the final,
leading from start to finish.
“It has been a fantastic off season
so I expected to go well and I am very happy,” Bird said.
He clocked an official time of 36.16
to finish 0.34 seconds ahead of fellow Western Australian
Brodie Holmes.
Less than a second separated the top
seven athletes, with South Australian Callum Dunn edging fellow
U23 paddler Ben McLean by 0.19 seconds for third place.
Australian Canoeing
Race of the Week
Thankyou letter
to sponsors from Swan Canoe Club Juniors
In December the five Swan
Canoe Club Juniors teamed up with 7 others from across Australia
for the Junior Development Tour to the North island of New
Zealand. We flew in to Auckland where the whole team met up
and then piled ourselves, gear and boats into two minivans
and two trailers for the drive south to Foxton Beach. We spent
a week there training on the Mangahao course, capping it off
with a race on the weekend. In our time when we weren't training
we busied ourselves rescuing baby ducklings and enjoying trips
to the (freezing) beach. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the time
on the fun course, and paddling here was a new experience
for most of the team. Persistent rain and cold temperatures
did not stop the determined West Aussies in short sleeves.
Billie Knell
We then headed back up
to Rotoroa, stopping on the way to have a look at the incredible
Huka Falls. Once we got there the team trained mostly on the
Kaituna river, but also on the Tarawera. We even took one
day off slalom and rented creek boats to do the river trip
on the Kaituna which includes a 7m waterfall. At the end of
our week here another race was held at the course at Kawarau
on the Tarawera, with impressive results from the Aussies
including Tristan Carter winning the C1 mens category. Swan
paddler Nick Rankin in 3rd. Five of the top ten in K1 womens
were from WA! Everyone got on the plane home having improved
lots and with new things to work on.
Demelza Wall
We would really like to thank all the sponsors who generously
donated prizes for our fundraiser last year. Without them
the trip would not have been possible.
Nick Rankin
The West Aussies leaving
Perth (left to right; Rachel Swanick-team manager,
Georgina Collin, Nick Rankin, Kira Wall, Billie Knell, Demelza
Wall, Isabella Choate, Tim Coward.
STOP PRESS. Since then two of the Swan Juniors (Nick and Demelza)
have been selected in the Australian Under 18 team to compete
in the World Junior Canoe Slalom Championships in Brazil this
April (both in C1).
Race of the Week
Missouri River
Expedition (Part 1)
For a fuller
account of this 4000km journey go to:
http://terrybolland.com/missouri-river-expedition-part-1/
[ http://terrybolland.com/missouri-river-expedition-part-1/%20 ]
I entered the narrow gorge and found
vertical cliffs running along the river's edge honeycombed
with holes and pine trees that grew in every crevice. The
deep green pine trees at the top of the cliffs contrasted
beautifully with the blue sky above. The cliffs at times rose
vertically from the water and at other places there were rock
falls and when the cliffs edged away from the river pockets
of vegetation and pine trees grew. I passed a few good camp
sites in the breaks in the cliffs and under the pine trees.
As I drifted through the narrow impressive gorge, the blue
grey cliffs were so close and imposing I could see every nook
and cranny and somehow I felt part of the environment. Of
course I wasn't, but for a few minutes I could daydream and
get pleasure from my stunning surrounds and imagine if it
was any different when the local Indian Tribes used to live
and hunt in the area. As I passed Coulter Camp, which looked
a fantastic place to stay, I thought I should stay there the
night, but with the sun still high in the blue, partly clouded
sky I carried on a little further.
**********************
By days end I made it to the Eagle Creek
camp area where the striking white cliffs were scattered along
the rivers edge and being illuminated by the setting sun.
It was a stunning sight, but with the water receding every
day the banks were wet and soggy making it impossible to get
out of the kayak without getting seriously muddied feet. As
soon as I had my tent erected I could relax and appreciate
the striking scene. To its detriment though, cattle were still
allowed to roam the area nearby and it was off putting having
to avoid the cow pads and the erosion and mud that the cattle
have created along the river banks. I was a little confused
why a National Monument and wilderness area would still allow
cattle to roam. It was quiet when I retired, but the coyotes
were active and the echo of the howling bounced off the cliffs
throughout the night.
***********************
Downstream further, the rolling hills
continued to be a source of inspiration and pelicans were
parked on one side of the river, deer on the other and eagles
soared overhead. The scenery even got better as the hills
started to close in. This was my type of paddling. A single
railway line ran beside the river keeping to the edge and
skirting the grey rugged steep hills and cliffs sparely forested
with pine trees. I drifted under a bridge, passed a rail tunnel
going through the solid hill, another bridge and then after
the houses at Dearborn I stopped on an island opposite a house
to change the film in my camera.
The water accelerated as the river parted
and the grade steepened. I didn't know what was around the
next corner but the swift current didn't produce any big rapids.
The day was heavily clouded and rain threatened, but only
light rain fell. I moved through more spectacular scenery
and rocky black hills. I was mesmerised by the astounding
landscape and longing for it to continue. Fly fisherman dotted
along the river and later that afternoon I came to a bridge
with a section of small rapids downstream of it. A dingy floated
down the river with fisherman casting their lines. Life here
can't be bad, I thought. I paddled left of them following
a fast jet of water through some big waves dodging several
rock bars and out into the still water. Suddenly the rapids,
the beautiful hills and the spectacular scenery started to
fade and the countryside flattened and quickly grew quite
uninteresting. The mountains were now behind me as I headed
towards the mid North West Great Plains.
***********************
I found a campsite on an island at the
1331 mile mark, a few hundred metres after a farm. I pulled
into the shallows and just sat in my kayak for a few minutes
taking it easy and discovering my surroundings. A beaver cruised
up the deeper channel to my right. It kept slapping its tail
and disappearing. On the island insects were hovering above
the vegetation collecting in clouds and then breaking up into
smaller packs. Other insects were flying amongst the foliage
like miniature jet planes in combat. It was good to see life
and it didn't have to be big things that I could see easily,
the little insects were part of life when camping. Sometimes
they are annoying, but today they were intriguing. In a few
minutes I'm sure the mosquitoes would be biting, but for now
the multitude of insects that were living in the undergrowth
were a joy to watch and quite fascinating.
I eased myself from the kayak seat and
started erecting my tent trying to avoid the scrubby roots
of the vegetation. After my simple dinner, another pasta meal
I sat beside my boat watching the night mature. I rang the
shop to find out how it was going and Alaine told me that
Steve Irwin had been killed by a stingray. (A few days later
she said Peter Brock had died in a car rally accident.) The
news left me feeling numb. I sat beside the kayak feeling
sad and sorrowful. Life on the river was often lonely, and
I was well used to being by myself, but tonight I was really
lost. Sometimes it is good to be with people, and tonight
was one of those times.
The near full moon lit up my camp, it
was a lovely night, but it was a sad night and the beaver
was still out in the channel swimming up and down and slapping
its tail. I sat and reflected before moving into the tent
and writing my diary.
2nd Hand Boats
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
******************
Rod Fry Race
This year Swan Canoe Club have introduced
a Recreational class to entice casual paddles to join in –
it’s only 3km with spot prizes, so please consider this.
To volunteer for one of the 30 or so
jobs it takes to run this race (registration, timing, spotting,
safety, food etc), please email Lee at rodfryrace@swancanoeclub.org.au
.
To register for the event go to www.webscorer.com/register?raceid=37501
EVENT DETAILS:
Sunday, 15th March 2015.
Meet at Swan Canoe Club, Johnson Parade,
Mosman Park, for this annual 10.5km race to Fremantle and
return. There’s a short course of 3km for guppies as
well. Cash prize $250 for the winners of the two most contested
kayaking and ski classes. Other prizes from many sponsors
as usual.
Race classes are: K1, K2, Molokai Surf
Skis, Spec Surf Skis, Plastics and Sundries & Recreational.
Age groups are Guppy, Under 18, Open, 35+, 45+ and 55+. Female
and Male. Classes and age groupings with insufficient entries
will be combined with other related groupings.
K2 – enter as a Team, then place
your two paddler names in the “(Teams only) Member Names”
field.
Note the new “Recreational”
class this year – to encourage our non-competitive members
to come and enjoy the day without feeling any pressure to
win – paddle 3km. Special prizes in this class!
ON THE DAY:
Registration confirmation: 7:00am-8:00am
SHARP
Briefing: 8:30am
First grid away: 9:00am
Join in the socialising afterwards with
a sausage sizzle. Cakes and light refreshments available as
well as the raffle and handing out of spot prizes whilst results
are being worked out.
NO late entries will be accepted on
the day after 8:15am.
NAMING OF THE RACE:
The race is named after the late Rod
Fry who was a long-time member of our Club and a keen and
nationally successful C1 and C2 slalom paddler. He was sadly
killed in a car accident whilst returning from a paddling
holiday at Yallingup. There are lots of photos of him at the
Club.
Questions: please call Lee on 0458 720
038 or email rodfryrace@swancanoeclub.org.au