Enjoy the CDU Newsletter
Published: Fri, 03/06/15
Issue
457
6th March 2014
Message Bank
What would you do if you saw 11 paddlers on one side of the
river practising their strokes? I think most paddlers would
paddle around them as it is the most sensible, courteous and
safer thing to do. Well that doesn't seem to the logical thing
to do if you are a rower. They seem to think that the track
that they are taking is their track and nothing is going to
make them divert from that track. They would rather go through
the pack of paddlers at near full speed, not caring if they
are going to hit someone on the way through, than to go around.
Not all rowers have the same attitude, but unfortunately many
do.
Take this morning. We were busily practising our strokes
at Claughton Reserve when a rower came straight through our
pack of paddlers at near full speed just narrowly missing
a paddler. At this point of the river it is wide and all he
had to do was to go over to the centre of the river and go
around us. An easy thing to do. But no it was too much for
him to consider that. Just after he barged through our group
with no concern of our safety, I shouted out and asked him,
why couldn't he go around us. He said something like, I'm
just following the rules of the river. I'm sure this guy was
well educated, but common sense tells you that you don't go
around running people over. As a car driver you wouldn't purposely
run a cyclist or a pedestrian down just because they are on
a part of the road you want to drive.
I could feel from the tone of his voice that he thought it
was his right to row through a pack of paddlers and no-one
was going to get in his way or change his attitude. Being
a big guy it wasn't healthy for me to say anything more. Although
I had Jane, Bonnie, Ann and Maya lined up to take him on should
he get aggressive, while Peter, Rob, Chris, Kris, Ray, John,
Brett and I were getting ready to run.
Paddlers are not perfect when it comes to being on the right
side of the river. The rules of the river is to keep to the
right side but it is often safer to be on the wrong side of
the river to see the rowers coming. Rowers that come up behind
you, when you are on the right side of the river don't always
see you and plough into you. This has happened on numerous
occassions to different paddlers. I try to keep an eye out
for rowers and move to a different side of the river to where
they are going. It's not worth getting a smack in the head
with an oar to prove a point.
This morning though and many other mornings when we have
been out there, we are on the right side on the river in a
bunch but the rowers still don't have the common sense or
the common courteous of going around a group rather than going
through them. Rowers know that paddlers are always around,
Claughton Reserve, Ascot Kayak Club and Sandy Beach Reserve.
Kayakers have used these areas for years so why don't they
go the other way down river towards Perth.
One day rowers will go through a group of kids, adults or
seniors and hurt someone.
This morning at Claughton Reserve, Bayswater.
11 paddlers were developing their skills between dodging rowers.
Although it is getting darker and it's harder
to get out of bed we will be having skills training next Friday
at 6.00am
****************************************
The City Lights Race was a huge success.
The sunset at the City Lights portage near the Narrows Bridge.
Photo Tess Watson
I didn't see any paddler who paddled in the City Lights out
on the river Monday morning around the Ascot Kayak Club, but
I did see 4 dolphins cruising the waters of Bassendean. Even
the Monday night crew was down in numbers.
With the Long Weekend and the City Lights
Race the day before, participation in the Monday night training
was down. Only 10 paddlers were there when there are usually
25.
Training & Courses
Saturday
Morning Fitness Training
Race Start 7.30am on
the dot!
PFD MUST be worn
*********************************
Friday Mornings Skills Training
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.
Featured Products
Time Bandit
The Time Bandit is a superb multisport
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It is the longest and narrowest multisport
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The high front deck at the cockpit sheds
the water when paddling through the rough sections and the
low profile front and back deck reduces wind effect on the
boat. It has a rudder for easier control. It also turns very
effectively by using the rudder or just leaning it on its
side.
This kayak not only is popular for paddlers
entering Multisport Events but they are very popular with
paddlers who have the fitness, but want a more stable kayak
with the speed close to that of a sprint K1. They are very
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would like good stability.
With the stability of the Time Bandit
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This kayak can take tall paddlers but
if you have a wider solid bum you might want to think about
the Time Traveller.
Price depends on construction.
Specs: Fibreglass or Kevlar/Carbon
Length: 6.2m
Width: 0.42 cm
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We have a blue/white one in stock.
Stories
City Lights
Race 2015
This unique race is one
you must try. Some paddlers don't do it because it's too long,
others think it is too hard but for over 110 paddlers they
always keep the March long weekend free just to take part.
It is a race that you have to have a paddling partner, it
is a race that things can go awfully wrong and when two paddlers
have to get to the end it needs both paddlers to perform well.
Being a long race such things as dead legs, uncomfortable
seat, feeling sick or dehydrated or even a capsize can cause
paddlers not to paddle well. Picking the right boat for the
different conditions is very important. It's not a good idea
to pick the fastest boat and capsize on the rough section
before the narrows bridge.
So for this race there is a lot to think about. For any Avon
Descenter it is the perfect race to take part in and get to
know what problems you face on a long race.
Getting ready to paddle
30kms
This was my 9th city lights, there have
only been 9 and I have done it in a canoe, double plastic
kayak, a double kayak and a double ski. We did it twice in
a canoe and that was great I could take pictures while Alaine
paddled, but a canoe is slow. For the last four years I had
done it on an Epic Ski. It is fast and will take the bumps
of the first half of the race.
Alaine was my partner again this year.
She has missed 2 of the 9 races and she enjoys the race more
so afterwards than whilst doing it. We did have a concern
though. In the Canning race the week before, her forearms
suffered because of the shallow water. We had to keep this
a secret from our competitors so they didn't take advantage
of the fact. A week off, a little physio and a little strapping
and she was as right as rain at the start, apart from a stomach
full of butterflies and feeling sick which usually goes once
we get moving, well I hope so.
I suppose if Alaine did have problems
along the way I could dump her on the side of the river and
paddle home myself but unfortunately that wasn't allowed as
both paddlers had to make it home together, but I'm sure I
would think of something.
The day wasn't as hot as it usually
is and there was even cloud cover. The wind had a few people
worried about the section from Mt Henry Bridge to the Narrows
but other than that everything seemed hunky-dory.
Doug Hodson had everything organized
and things seemed to go to plan. We were off on grid 3 but
our main competitors John Breed and Sharna Farquhar who were
in a double kayak were off on grid 2. They beat us by 32 seconds
last week in the shallow Canning race so we were determined
to get our revenge. If we could catch them that would be magical.
Doug Hodson does the
briefing
On our grid though we had to compete
against Julie and Rob Jenkinson and Pete and Heidi. Julie
and Rob are very good paddlers having represented NZ and getting
to the top of their game in Australia so we really didn't
have much of a chance to beat them. Pete and Heidi who are
a lot younger than us, used to be very fast when they were
at the Ascot Kayak Club a number of years ago. Since then
they have been working in NZ and over east and came back to
Perth a couple of years ago. They still looked very fit and
we weren't expecting to beat them either. So who could we beat
in our class of double skis, probably no one. Surely there
must be someone. Well there was 75 year old Ray Smith, who
was paddling with his son Matt!
We took off and the faster paddlers
fled away and we were like a dragon fly trying keep up with
a flock of eagles. We had no choice but to let them go and
hope there were a few more dragon flies around for us to keep
up with. To my surprise we kept up with Pete and Heidi and
a few single skis that were on the same grid. Peter Liddle
and John Carrol were the fastest in the single skis so they
started disappearing. We settled down to a steady fast pace
next to Pete and Heidi with Murray Latham and Kevin Roberts
beside them and Steve Cashion and Derek Amy just behind us.
The double Ski grid and
singles are off. Photo Tess Watson
About 3 kms out Murray and Kevin started
to move away. The wind was against us and the double skis
with their buoyant bows were much slower against the wind.
With Pete and Heidi also paddling an Epic double we were on
equal footing, apart from ours being 5kgs lighter. The river
started to get choppier as we approached the Mt Henry bridge.
There was some side slop and a few power boat washes, some
quite big. As we moved under the bridge Pete and Heidi quickened
their pace in the shallows and we had no choice to drop back
and claim their wash. Knowing we were now struggling in the
shallows they kept up a quick pace with a big grin on their
faces and eventually dropped us completely.
The double kayak are
off. Photo Tess Watson
I don't think Martin
and Patrick are lost but they were seen paddling the wrong
way before the start!
Photo Tess Watson
We started passing some of the paddlers
in the earlier grids. I felt a little sorry for them as they
will be still going long after we get in and eating all that
lovely food. The slop eased as we moved under Canning Bridge
and until we passed the yacht club, where the river widened,
the slop started again, making paddling a little more interesting.
It was still cloudy and Alaine said
there isn't such a good sun set although the sky did eventually
become a spectacular red one. One or two waves sloshed us
around a bit and suddenly we had Derek and Steve up our bums.
Although we were well out from the shoreline we bogged down
in some shallows which wasn't pleasant so we moved further
out again. In deeper water we left Derek and Steve a little
but heading to the portage beach they made a run for it and
passed us. We caught a few waves and hit the beach just behind
them.
The K2s and K3 with the
city in the background. There they are: Martin and Patrick
in the orange kayak did go the right way! Photo Tess Watson
Losing no time we picked up the ski
and trotted to the other side of the portage which was only
around 20 or so metres long. Here we passed Bonnie, Jane and
Erica who started on an earlier grid and we also passed Derek
and Steve. We could see that Pete and Heidi were just ahead,
apparently they dawdled at the portage not realizing how important
it was to get around it as quick as possible. It was good
news for us as we had them in our sights again.
It wasn't quite as dark at the portage
as it usually has been on other years so we could see further
ahead. We passed over the South Perth ferry crossing at the
right time when both ferries where docking either side the
river but it didnt take them long to do the return journey
as we could hear the ferries horn sounding a few minutes later
so some paddlers were getting a warning.
Alaine doing the portage.
It looks as if Tess the photographer thought I didn't deserve
to be in the same picture as Alaine
Jane, Erica and Bonnie
at the portage. Photo Tess Watson
We were catching up to Pete and Heidi
which was good news. A K3 with Vlad, Nick and Phil passed
us followed by Simon Roll and Matt Dean who were the last
group to leave. Then a few minutes later about 5 boats started
to pass and they were going a lot faster than we were. We
tried getting on a wash but they were all too fast. We recognized
Mike and Wendy Drok and John Hilton and Spencer king who had
the brightest light on their stern which was very dazzling
for paddlers behind. We watched it for kilometres. At least
we knew where John and Spencer were.
As we rounded the island we were getting
close to Pete and Heidi and as we paddled under the causeway
bridge we shouted out our number to the checkpoint and watched
Pete and Heidi stumble on a sandbar. We got closer, then our
paddles got tangled in fishing line. We tried untangling them
but we couldn't see the line so we started paddling again.
Darryl long and Sue Quick started passing closer to shore.
We felt the fishing line start to get tighter and when I pulled
on my paddle it pulled Aliane's paddle. The line was connected
to both and it appeared to be stretching in front of us and
of course there were no fisherman in the middle of the river
only Pete and Heidi. It suddenly twigged that they must be
dragging a fishing line and being 20 metres behind we must
have paddled over it and it got tangled around our paddles.
As we stopped again to free the line
it tightened so much that it seemed as if we were being pulled
along. With it being dark it was impossible to really work
out what was happening. When I tugged at my paddle, Alaine's
paddle got tugged. Eventually the line snapped and our paddles
were free and we were able to start paddling again although
Alaine still had line around her paddle which made us stop
a few more times so she could try to untangle it, but it seemed
destined to go with us to the end as it had wrapped itself
several times around the paddle shaft near the neck of the
paddle blade. In the meantime Pete and Heidi got further away.
We started getting back into a rhythm
when Derek and Steve came alongside. Over to our left the
footbridge across the East Perth cove was lit up and looking
quite stunning. I can't say I have noticed it lit up before.
We soon got back into full swing and chased Pete and Heidi
and caught them up before the Windan Bridge. Once along side
we told them that they may have fishing line tangled around
their rudder, but they said they couldn't feel anything so
we powered on and started leaving them behind. Derek was paddling
strong and Steve was behind us but a few hundred metres before
the ski area at Maylands, Derek realised Steve was no longer
behind him so he dropped back.
Feeling pretty good we started leaving
them all behind. Everything was going really well for us again,
Alaine was going strong and there was no murmur of her feeling
tired or sick. It seemed as if we were certainly going to
beat them. All of a sudden Alaine let out a big groan. She
seemed to be in pain and I couldn't work out what was wrong.
We headed to shore and she groaned and then shouted she had
leg cramps. She seemed to be in agony, then a small fish leaped
into her lap making things worse. As we neared the shore,
which seemed to be pretty deep water she said it had gone
away and she was alright and we could paddle again. By now
Pete and Heidi had passed us but Derek and Steve seemed to
be talking and lagging a bit.
The good news was that we were back
in the race, but would Alaine get cramp again, would I be
dumping her on the side of the river? Just as we got back
in a groove a pretty big power boat was motoring down the
river kicking up a really big wave. The wave sparkled in the
moonlight and I just knew it was going to be bad news, so
instead of cutting directly across the river I kept more to
the right bank hoping the wave would dissipate by the time
it reached us.
We were now not far behind Pete and
Heidi but 20 or 30 metres to their right. I looked over and
saw the wave catch up with them. Their ski see-sawed and slowed.
Meanwhile being further away from the wave we were able to
power on and eventually when the wave did catch up it was
smaller and we were able to ride and roll across the wave
which had little effect to our speed. We were now ahead of
Pete and Heidi.
Just after passing the Maylands boat
ramp a K3 and the double of Kevin and Wendy came by. We managed
to grab their wash but the K3 soon pulled away. We kept up
with Kevin and Wendy and then to our surprise we started taking
a slim lead. Soon after another K3 came by and although I
felt we had no chance of keeping up with them we decided to
give it ago leaving Kevin and Wendy behind. We were quite
proud. We had to be careful not to tire ourselves but with
only 4kms to go we had to take the chance. Alaine was still
going strong, well she didn't say anything, so I expected
she was alright, so I just pushed on. We kept up with the
K3 for about 400 metres, until we reached the checkpoint bridge
at Ascot Waters. Then we started watching them get further
and further away and chasing the other K3.
At the low bridge in Ascot Waters someone
(Craig Metzl) was on the bank shining a light so we could
see it and not hit our heads. Back in the main river I realised
that my left bum cheek was now hurting a little but I had
to shut that out of my mind and just keep paddling fast, and
of course I couldn't mention it to Alaine, she might think
I have a weakness.
Alaine was still paddling strongly,
not a murmur from her since she developed cramp. I was pretty
amazed that she was keeping up such a fast pace, although
I was a little worried she was suffering and not saying anything.
She still had a fishing line attached to her paddle which
was a pain for her but we would lose too much time trying
to unravel it if she tried to get it off. As we paddled under
Garrett Road Bridge we could see the Tonkin Highway Bridge
in the distance and from there it was only 600 metres so we
were nearly home and it didn't feel that bad at all.
The timers waiting for
someone to arrive. Thanks to the volunteers
We could see the lights of the two K2s
in the distance. The moon was shining brightly, there was
a chill in the air mainly because of the moisture being flicked
on me from Alaine's paddle. Near the old Ascot Inn Kevin and
Wendy drew up beside us. What a shame we thought we had left
them behind. I was expecting them to pass us by as we have
never ever been able to keep up with them before, in fact
they are usually miles in front. They were in a way miles
ahead because they started 10 minutes behind us, so they must
be a little tired at this point.
The pace started to quicken the closer
we came to the finish line, then about 200 metres away we
picked up the pace expecting that Kevin and Wendy to race
past us like we were two old farts. Instead by some miracle
we got to the line before them. It was a very big yippe!
We passed the finish line and congratulated
each other. It was Alaine who should be congratulated though
as she does a fraction of training that I do and I'm used
to long paddles. We eventually beat Steve and Derek by 2min
40 seconds and Pete and Heidi by 5 mins and best of all my
old rival John Breed and Sharna Farquhar by 4.48. 75 year
old Ray and his son Mat were only 2.40 behind us which was
pretty amazing.
Ray and son Mat finished.
Photo Kerry Smith
Once changed we mingled and joined the
queue for food, and like the whole event it was superb. The
temperature at 9.30pm was just perfect, it meant that T shirts
and shorts were the go.
The crowd was still around when Doug
and Dave Boldy did the presentation, which went really well.
A big congratulations to Doug and his team for such a well
run event.
For
full results go here: http://www.webscorer.com/race?raceid=37845 [ For%20full%20results%20go%20here:%20http://www.webscorer.com/race?raceid=37845 ]
Doug and Dave at presentation
Sponsored
by
Canoeing Down Under, Ascot River Kiosk, Alarms System WA,
Joondalup Sport Massage, Water Wanderers, Alex Graham Personal
Training, Clint Robinson and Thortz Electrolyte Drink Aid
Race of the Week
The Avon Support
Unit (ASU)
The Avon Support Unit
(ASU) is a group of volunteers specifically focused on assisting
competitors in the Avon Descent. The ASU is funded by the
event and provides access to training opportunities to prepare
members for a safe and fun event.
Keeping in line with current trends
all our training is either nationally or internationally recognised.
If there is not a standard for the discipline we are teaching
we adopt the closest one then change it to suit our needs.
We then have a foundation from which to work from until we
find a recognised standard.
The Avon Descent weekend is very busy
but very enjoyable and relies on the continued commitment
from the volunteers in the Recovery and Rescue teams to perform
at their very best.
Be committed to your training and have
a safe and enjoyable race!
Volunteers Wanted
The Avon Descent is seeking volunteers
to assist with the conduct of the 2014 event. Volunteers will
be part of the Avon Support Unit (ASU) who assist the participants
in the Avon Descent to have a safe and enjoyable event.
Are you into:
Outdoors
4 wheel driving
Camping
Visiting National Parks
Volunteers handle tasks throughout the
weekend including rescue of competitors, recovery of competitors
and craft, parking, time keeping, security, ambulance services,
fire protection, and many more.
ASU volunteers will spend the weekend
along the course:
Encouraging participants
Assisting participants as required
Helping supporters and spectators
Free Training
ASU volunteers are well prepared through
practical training which is conducted once a month on a Sunday
morning during the months leading up to the event. All current
volunteers are required to refresh
their knowledge and skills and assist with the training of
new volunteers.
Volunteers have the opportunity to
undertake:
Basic first aid and rescue training
Intermediate and Advanced two day intensive Swiftwater rescue
training
All necessary equipment, including personal
safety equipment for both training and the event, is provided.
Wetsuits are not provided for rescue swimmers or boat crews
who will need to provide their own.
More Information
For more information about becoming
a supporter of the Avon Descent have a look at the website
www.avonsupportunit.com or email any queries to michael.orr@avonsupportunit.com.
To Register as an ASU Volunteer
To register as an ASU volunteer please
follow the link to the Avon Support Unit website www.avonsupportunit.com
OR contact Michael Orr (ASU Manager) on michael.orr@avonsupportunit.com.
Race of the Week
Marathon Champs
this weekend at Ascot
******************
15-Mar-15 Sunday
Rod Fry Memorial Race, Swan
******************
IOP Downwind
Race 6 is Saturday week.
Conditions look good earlier in the week. Pray to the Wind
Spirit they stay with us till Saturday week !
Races
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