Enjoy the CDU Newsletter
Published: Fri, 07/03/15
Issue
471
3rd July 2015
Message Bank
Everyone is enthusiastic and raring to take to the rapids
but there is no water...yet. We can only hope that there will
be enough water on the day to run the event. The Avon River
is unpredictable and rain in the right places could have it
looking good. It is a pain though for paddlers, organisers
and of course our own sales which have been severely effected,
but life will go on and it will be okay on the day. Despite
the lack of rain we have had a great turnup to our Saturday
morning fitness training with 38 paddlers again last week.
First time Avon Descent paddlers who have to do their assessment
should contact us with their phone number and email address
so we can contact you quickly when the assessment dates and
venue are decided on.
email; terry@canoeingdownunder.com.au
It would be an advantage for first time Avon Descenters who
haven't done any whitewater to read the section on rapids
below. Due to the fact that paddlers won't be getting the
usual whitewater training before the event having some knowledge
will help.
Avon Descenters also take note of the race pack collection
date and paddle craft scrutineering. More information below.
******************************
Wanted - Team Member
Annie Danko is looking for a team as her original team is
not able to do it anymore.
Training & Courses
Saturday Morning
Fitness Training
Race Start 7.30am on the dot!
PFD MUST be worn
Sandy Beach Reserve,
West Road, Bassendean
Please make sure you bring your PFD
$5.00 for paddlers who
have bought a boat from CDU
$10.00 for other paddlers
*******************************
Bring your Avon boat this week if you have one
Will the girls soon out
number the boys?
Will the boys ever get
as good looking as the girls!!
Since Bruce paddled the
4km race circuit in 21.29 on the Epic V7 he has been unable
to match that time in a Finn Molakai or DR kayak. Paddling
a Finn Molakai over the last two weeks he posted times of
22.41 and 22.05. Of course every race is different, a bit
of tide might slow the boat, too much wind might also, or
it could be that he was wash hanging one week and not the
next. The fact is though the V7 time is 36 secs or over a
minute difference so for a 5.2m very stable craft you really
can't knock its speed..
*************************
Support Crew
Information Evening
Monday 13th July.
Booking Essential. Limited
numbers. $5.00. Call Terry or Alaine on 9378 1333
If you support crew doesn't
have any idea what is expected of them on race day, well the
Support Crew Information Evening will give them a great insight
to their job on the days of the race.
Samatha Pilton getting
help from her Dad Steve and boyfriend Tim at Extracts Weir.
Featured Products
Food For Thought
CDU Energy Food Bar
***************************
Avon River Guide
If you can't paddle the
river why not read about it.
***************************
Breakdown Paddles
Don't be paddling the
Avon Descent without one
Stories
Don't get Hypothermia
Being really cold can be one of the
worst feelings you can ever encounter. Mix that with being
wet, the chill of a cold wind, being unable to concentrate,
capsizing at the smallest mistake and disaster will be ready
and waiting around the corner.
It's one thing to develop hypothermia
on flat water close to civilization where you can get help
but developing hypothermia in the Avon Valley where there
is no help, just rapids, T trees and wilderness is another
thing.
As an instructor who has led groups
down the Avon Valley scores of times I can assure you it can
happen to anyone. You don't have to be small and slight to
get hypothermia, I have seen the strongest, the most muscle
bound paddler be reduced to a crumbling mess and so cold that
they haven't been able to help themselves.
Prevention is the key. Make sure you
are dressed for the conditions and the fact that you might
capsize more than once. If you get hypothermia in the race
there might be help nearby, but do you want to be leaving
the race in an ambulance. In the race take some extra thermals/warm
clothing and make sure your support crew have some extra clothing
as well.
Hypothermia is more common in training
when paddlers are waiting for each other and capsizing and
swimming more often. There is usually less help, although
if you have failed to take extra clothing your paddling buddies
might have. But don't rely on other people to look after you,
be prepared and look after yourself.
If you have any doubts about hypothermia
and how quickly it can happen take a short swim in the river
tomorrow and you will quickly realised hypothermia can happen
to you.
Wear the right
clothing!
Avon
Decent Scrutineering
Race Pack Collection
17th July 8.00am - 6.00pm
Burwood Water sports
This is when you get
your boat number and sponsor stickers and other goodies
********************
Paddle Craft
Scrutineering
Date: Sunday 19th July 2015
Time: 8am - 10.30am
Hinds Reserve Bayswater
What is Scrutineering
Scrutineering is the
checking of boats, PFDs and helmets.
Remember to put your
stickers on your boat when it is dry.
You can use a heat gun or hair dryer to help the stickers
stick.
Don't leave it until the last minute.
Make sure you have your
stickers on your craft before scrutineering
Kayaks &
Canoes
Craft must meet either
Kayak or Wildwater dimensions as stated for each Class.
Kayaks (K1) shall have a maximum length of 6500 mm.
Double Kayaks (K2) shall have a maximum length of 7600 mm.
Triple Kayaks (K3) shall have a maximum length of 8000 mm.
Kayaks should be in good
repair.
Kayaks must have hand holds
Kayaks must have closed cell foam buoyancy to ensure they
float when full of water. If Polystyrene foam is used it must
be covered. Buoyancy Bags can add extra buoyancy and keep
more water out. (A kayak without
buoyancy will sink to the bottom of the river when full of
water)
Skis
The maximum length of a
single ski is 6500 mm.
The maximum length of a double ski is 7600 mm.
All craft shall be of a safe construction with no sharp edges
or protrusions on hull, deflector or rudder system.
The outer construction should be of fibreglass, plastic or
similar material with an outer framework or support.
The craft must be watertight and have positive buoyancy at
the commencement of the event.
All straps must be securely attached and capable of supporting
the weight of the craft.
All craft should have hand holds
All craft must be propelled by competitors using paddles only.
The paddler must be sitting on top of the craft but may secure
the body position in seat and foot mouldings
Helmets
Each craft must have one
helmet per competitor that shall be of a design and material
that is safe and strong.
The helmet shall provide solid protection to the forehead
and temple region.
The helmet must be an approved water sports/paddling helmet,
meet Australian Standards and:
a. be of fitted skull cap design
b. or if not fitted allow the passage of water when held at
any angle.
The Race ID Number must be displayed on both sides of the
helmet. Numbers must be at least 50 mm high by 6 mm wide with
black numbers on yellow background.
The helmet must be in good repair with particular reference
to buckles and straps.
Motorcycle helmets, non-paddling skull caps, industrial safety
helmets and other types of helmets, regardless of modifications
are not approved.
Elastic chin-straps are not allowed.
For more information
on rules go to: http://www.avondescent.com.au/?page_id=111
Your PFD is place in a 6kg cage and placed
in water. If it doesn't come to the surface it won't pass
the test.
Personal Flotation
Device (PFD)
The PFD must have sufficient
buoyancy to float a 6kg legalised lead weight and be in good
condition.
Particle - filled or inflatable PFDs are not permitted.
A waterproof whistle must be attached to the PFD and used
to attract the attention of rescuers.
For more information
on rules go to:
http://www.avondescent.com.au/?page_id=111 [ http://www.avondescent.com.au/?page_id=111 ]
Safety Briefing
At least one member of
each novice entry must attend the compulsory pre-race novice
safety at a time and location to be communicated. Evidence
of attendance will be established.
Novice
competitors who do not attend the pre-race briefing will not
be eligible to start the event. Subject to change by the event
director.
Paddle Craft
please note:
All kayak craft must be in the marshalling
area at Northam by 10.00pm Friday 31 July.
All craft are subject to random scrutineering
at the finish line with compulsory checks for all winning
craft.
Rapids
RAPIDS
A rapid is a swift current of water which runs across a steep
section of river with an uneven bottom and submerged rocks.
These rocky obstructions create 'V chutes, varying currents,
different sized waves, holes, eddies, boils, whirlpools, pressure
areas and drops. The steeper the gradient the bigger, swifter
and more difficult it becomes.
A white water specialist will know what is under the surface
of the river by reading the currents and waves. By predicting
the effect this will have on their boat, appropriate action
can be taken to run the rapid safely.
Rapids in high water, or rapids of which you are unsure of
should be checked from the river bank first. If you, or any
of your party, cannot tackle the rapid safely, portage around
it.
It is generally recommended that canoeists paddle hard down
rapids - to maintain direction, to avoid becoming broadside
to the current and to penetrate stoppers. In many cases though,
especially in lower water conditions slowing the boat to manoeuvre
or even Reverse Ferry Glide, is absolutely necessary to select
the correct line (for example, among 'rock gardens', in technical
turns or when your route is blocked by other paddlers).
Paddlers at Devil's Slide,
Bells Rapid
THE CURRENT
The river flows at various
speeds in different locations. The fastest current is in the
middle of the river where it is the deepest. The slowest is
near the banks where resistance occurs. However, there are
some exceptions. On sharp corners, the current increases in
speed on the outer side of the bend and slows down on the
inside of the bend, creating an eddy. Obstacles in the middle
of the river cause the flow to vary when water is deflected.
Changes in the shoreline also have an unexpected effect on
the current.
THE 'V' GUIDE
(CHUTE)
There are downstream and
upstream 'V formations in rapid rivers. Downstream ' V shapes
form when a fast flow of water is compressed between narrowing
shores, boulders or other obstructions. The 'slack'water behind
the obstruction is called an eddy, and the line that forms
the side of the ' V is called an eddy line. When canoeing
down rapids the 'V (or 'tongue') acts as a guide, as it indicates
a safer and deeper passage. The beginning of the 'V is usually
smooth, but it is often followed by waves, standing waves
or stoppers.
When a 'V is pointing upstream, it is pointing to a rock that
may be above the water or just submerged. Although you may
not be able to see a rock, watch out for the 'V indicators
to avoid running into them.
In more complex rapids, there may be many downstream and upstream
'Vs. Choose the best downstream 'V sequence available to allow
for the safest route. It is wise to check the route from the
bank first and memorise the features.
Whenever possible follow
the smooth passage
PRESSURE AREA
A pressure area is formed by water piling up against the upstream
side of boulders, trees or other obstructions. This area is
often referred to as a 'pillow' or 'cushion'. Stay clear of
this area where possible.
Left of middle you can
see the top of a rock with the water piling up infront of
it. Avoid getting sideways to the rock by picking a better
line. Bonebreaker Rapid.
At Championships there
are two big rocks left of centre of the channel. The smoothest
track is to go to the left (going downstream) of these rocks
but it can be tricky because of the eddies and swirling currents
that want to push you into tea trees. The way to the right
of the rocks is down the centre of the rapid which is easier
but can be a rougher ride
This paddler didn't quite
get it right. Paddlers, especially kayakers should lean the
boat towards the rock.
Read the Leaning section below.
The paddler was lucky
to get washed over the rock but a capsize did happen
These experienced paddlers
read the water and avoid the rocks
EDDIES
Eddies are located downstream of rocks that protrude above
the water line, behind trees, behind man made obstructions
and on the inside of bends.
Eddies allow a paddler
to stop, rest and take refuge from potentially dangerous rapids
ahead. In the safety of an eddy, a paddler can check the route,
formulate a plan or wait for the remainder of the party.
Most eddies are areas of
slow moving water moving in the opposite direction to the
main current. Depending on the speed of the main current,
eddy currents moving upstream can become quite severe. As
the strength of the current increases, the turbulence on the
eddy line builds up. As a result of this, spiralling currents,
whirlpools, boils and eddy currents also increase in magnitude
and cause difficulties for the paddler when entering or exiting
an eddy, as they can easily throw the boat off line. Once
in the eddy and because the current in the eddy is moving
in an opposite direction to the main current, it is often
difficult to prevent the boat from being drawn upstream towards
the obstruction or into the turbulence. Despite this, most
eddies are uncomplicated and quite manageable.
Paddlers must be aware of the classic 'eddy roll-over', which
occurs at the bottom of the rapid. Often the paddler is lulled
into a false sense of security after successfully negotiating
a rapid. As the craft glides out of the current and hits the
still water of the eddy, the boat flips over.
STANDING WAVES/WAVES
Standing waves form through the dissipation of energy when
a fast water current reaches a slower, wider pool of water,
or when there is a sudden change in the riverbed gradient
(ie from steep to flat). Waves and standing waves are also
formed downstream of any rock or boulder when a swift current
runs over them. Waves with more of a rounded appearance are
often formed by the swift water colliding with underwater
rocks.
When the standing waves are cone shaped, and explode regularly
from the top, they are called 'haystacks'. As these waves
are not generally caused by water flowing over boulders, a
deep and clear water channel usually exists below the surface.
The only real danger arising from standing waves, is being
tossed into the water by an exploding 'haystack'
A group of messy waves
before the drop at Moondyne Rapid.
STOPPERS
'Stoppers'are caused by
water gushing steeply over a ledge, weir or large rocks. The
fast moving water which tumbles over the obstruction, starts
to recirculate once it hits the bottom. As the foaming water
rolls back upstream, it forms a 'stopper' which if powerful
enough can trap a canoeist within a continuous washing machine
action. Big 'stoppers' must be classed as potentially dangerous
and should always be checked and in many cases, portaged.
When racing, experienced paddlers will avoid stoppers where
possible, as they reduce the boat's forward speed. However,
manageable 'stoppers' are a source of great fun for the white
water enthusiast with well developed skills.
We generally don't have
very many big stoppers on the Avon Descent in low to medium
water levels but they do get bigger in higher water levels.
The right channel at
the Washing Machine, Emu Falls. Most of the 5.2m kayak is
underwater
The drop at Bells gets
much more powerful in higher water conditions.
TREES
Tea trees, trees and bushes
that grow in our Australian river systems (especially in those
that dry up during the dry months) are serious hazards. Thin
branches act as strainers as the water flows between them,
and a canoeist 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 corner,
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 can be 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.
BENDS
At a bend, the water is
prevented from flowing in a straight line by the outer bank,
which forces it to change direction and form a swift flowing
current. If paddlers lose control and are forced to the outside
edge of the bend, they may be presented with a number of potential
hazards.
For example, some bends have rocky walls which act as barriers
and the result is a continually surging, thrusting turbulence.
Under these conditions, paddlers may find themselves forced
against the wall and unable to remain upright.
Other bends have dangerous undercut banks. Paddlers may be
swept under, become trapped and have an extremely difficult
time trying to escape.
Trees are also extremely dangerous on bends. Remember, never
relax until the complete rapid has been run and you are into
clear flowing water.
LEANING
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
SELF RESCUE
Emu Falls Washing Machine
When a kayaker capsizes
go to the upstream end of the kayak to prevent being trapped
between an obstruction and a heavy water filled kayak. See
notes below.
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.
(At the first opportunity
Ski paddlers can try to remount their ski but be aware of
paddlers coming from upstream)
o Kayakers stay upstream of your canoe or kayak; being
trapped between an obstruction and a heavy water filled boat
can be fatal. Leave your kayak 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.
See picture).
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.
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.