Enjoy the CDU Newsletter
Published: Fri, 10/02/15
Issue
479
2nd October 2015
Message Bank
The other morning I caught up with the 6.00am over 60 group
at Ascot. I was there when they had finished their paddle at
7.20am (their 6.00am start is too early for me). Whilst I was
sitting in my kayak, talking to them and one of the group fell
out of his Time Bandit as he was trying to get out, he was now
wet and embarrassed but I gave it no thought. Then one of the
other paddlers, who I suppose hasn't reached the ripe old age
of sixty couldn't understand why his paddle wouldn't go into
his kayak like it had for the past 15 years. He finally worked
out that he was putting it into the wrong end of his kayak!
Now I'm not saying that these things only happen to the older
generation but I was waiting for something else to happen
to one of the other mature paddlers in the group. My wait
there was in vain but when I got home and prepared for a shower
I nearly tripped over while taking off my underpants. As I
staggered around trying to regain my balance I thought...Oh
dear, the reality of getting old is concerning!
*****************************************
It was extremely sad to hear that Alison Duke, the sister
of Alwyn Duke from Finn Kayaks passed away in hospital after
an illness. Our very sincere condolences go out to Alison's
family and friends.
It was also very sad to hear that another paddler, Alan Hardman
passed away almost 2 months ago.
*********************************************
Bydgoszcz, Poland
Monique Carbone wins silver
in the under-16 women’s K1 200
Monique Carbone has won silver in the under-16
women’s K1 200 A final on the final day of racing in
Bydgoszcz, Poland on Sunday.
The Bayswater paddler recorded a time of 46.976 to narrowly
miss out on the gold medal by 0.340 seconds.
Monique looks set for a bright future in the sport, with
her international form a continuation from her impressive
showing at Nationals earlier in the year where she won nine
gold medals.
It was Australia’s third medal of the event after Currumbin
Creek kayaker Thomas Green won a silver and a bronze in the
K1 500 and K1 1000 men’s under-16 events.
The women’s K4 200 crew featuring Asa Nowell, Sophie
Pope, Chloe Travers and Hannah Yeates was the only other boat
to feature in an A final on Sunday.
The quad recorded a time of 43.379 to finish three seconds
behind Denmark.
*********************************************
Ocean Racing
World Championships in Tahiti Starts Today
The races are being live streamed both days,
for a link to that and start lists and results check out:
" tahiti2015.spotfokus.com
*********************************************
2015/16 Downwind
Summer Series
10 October 2015 City
Beach to Sorrento TBA
*********************************************
Island to Island
Sunday 4th October
Location Ascot Kayak Club
Registration 7.30am to 8.00am
Briefing 8.00am
Race Start 8.30am
Season Rego Encouraged
to register for season, discount, admin ease
Webscorer Create profile in Webscorer, simplifies rego to
each race
Enquires Message via Webscorer
Regos close 8.00pm Friday 2nd October, but try not to leave
it till then
https://www.webscorer.com/register?raceid=52129 [ http://www.canoeingdownunder.com.au ]
*********************************************
Flat Water Slalom
WA's young slalom paddlers at Ascot preparing
for a flat water competition. Having flat water courses at
Ascot, Thornlie and Swan Canoe Club has helped to produce
some very talented, world class slalom paddlers. A pity we
don't have a white water course so we can keep up with the
rest of the world.
If I had my way I would get every new paddler,
young or old who wants to be a good paddler to do 2 months
of slalom paddling before heading off into the different disciplines
*********************************************
Ascot Slalom
October School Holiday Program
- Day 1 - Week 1
Coaches and assistants who have nominated time for the program
- Ben Pope, Tarryn Coward, Michelle Lachenicht, Isaac Sealey,
Genie Collin, Nina Mueller, Bevan Dashwood
Spots still available for Week 2 sessions - Monday - Wednesday
next week - registration through below link
http://ascot.canoe.org.au/club-activities/… [ http://ascot.canoe.org.au/club-activities/%85 ]
Swan Canoe Club also have a Slalom Coaching Program.
Enquire here: http://swan.canoe.org.au/
**************************
Jenny Vogel from Slalom. Canoe WA Volunteer
of the Year
**************************
You Will Never Believe It - But This Happened
Twenty Five Years Ago
As we helplessly huddled together in our sleeping bags we
kept wondering if the pack of lads would have a go at us and
drag us out of our tent, as they had been hurtling empty beer
bottles at our tent all night. For the time being they seemed
content to drink and smash up the rubbish bins. Then Max the
mad axeman started chopping. At first he was content with
chopping down three or four small trees, but he soon turned
to some bigger stuff and he just kept going.
To the steady beat of the axe his friends started singing,
row, row, row your boat, to keep him going. Then eventually
there was silence. Suddenly the tree creaked and then it started
to whistle as it began to fall. Penned into our small tent,
the whistle of the falling tree was frightening. My heart
jumped into my mouth, cold shivers ran down my spine, as blind
as we were in the tent, it felt like the tree was about to
land on top of us. As the tree crashed to the ground, the
earth trembled from the impact. The huge tree, which took
hundreds of years to grow was now lying helplessly on the
ground only metres away from our tent. Our fear of being crushed
though was suddenly lifted and with pounding hearts we thanked
our lucky stars that the 26 metre long tree had amazingly
missed us and landed only 10 metres away. No words could have
expressed our relief.
Then the chopping continued as another huge tree was targeted
...... Read more of the story below.
**********************************
Hi Terry,
I popped in today and got the Hatch. I also purchased a new
paddle.
I just wanted to let you know what a friendly and helpful
experience it was.
I left feeling very good about my purchase.
The only "bad" thing about my visit is I now can't
stop thinking about the Epic V7.
Cheers,
Andrew
Training & Courses
Saturday Morning
Fitness Training
7.30am start on the dot
Sandy Beach Reserve, West Road, Bassendean
PFD must be worn
$5.00 for paddlers who have bought a boat from CDU
$10.00 for other paddlers
Don't forget your PFD
Fun, fitness and a great group of people
Last week's race times at the end of newsletter
I was thinking for 3 seconds
of stopping racing on a Saturday morning because so many of
the paddlers there are now beating me but I gave myself a
good talking to and decided that someone had to encourage
the newcomers, so I soon changed my mind.
Baillee has really stepped
up her game since paddling an Epic K1. She is now getting
awfully close to her father Peter. Erica has found great form
since her break, beating Jarrad and many of the team that
were beating her before the Avon Descent. Mark Segwick and
Doug Hodson have also lifted a notch or three but with Doug
going to the Rugby World Cup hopefully he will be slower when
he returns and give me a chance.
Come and join us and see
yourself improve.
Featured Products
V Heat Paddle
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Seamless airprene butt panel for maximum comfort without restricting
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and training
SPF 50+
Designed and tested by some of the Worlds best Surfski paddlers-
Sean Rice, Tim Jacobs and Murray Stewart.
Price $90.00
********************************
Epic Full Carbon
mid-wing
This week only (1/10/15) we have our
Epic Full Carbon mid-wing two/piece paddles on special for
$485.00 (normally $525.00) save $40.00. Have a strong lightweight
paddle for the start of the racing season.
Special $485.00 this week
only
********************************
Epic V10 Club
(Blue Nose)
It has been a winner
many times over in all the different world championship races.
The new V10 has:
A fully adjustable footbrace combines
with a new high capacity venturi drain to keep water out.
The single footwell and front deck cutaway allows for a closer,
more powerful stroke.
The adjustable footbrace with self adjusting pedals will accommodate
paddlers from 5'3" to 6'7" in height.
Smaller paddlers will be better served with our V10L surf
ski.
Please note: Weights are approximate
and may vary up to 300g.
Weight:
New Club Construction (Fibreglass) 17.8kg.
Sydney price: $3195.00. Our
Special Price This Week. $2800.00
Lighter weight Performance
and Ultra lay-ups available
********************************
Another FANTASTIC
Offer
Epic V14 Performance
Special $2900.00 save $800.00.
The Epic V14 Performance. The V14 would
be an excellent ski for the intermediate paddler paddling
in flat water races. More stable than a K1 but very fast.
Don't let this opportunity pass you by.
I paddle a V14, so if I can paddle it you should be able to.
It's a great ski.
Epic V14 Performance. Black Nose 15.5kg.
Price $3700.00: Special $2900.00 save $800.00.
********************
Large Aquaracks Storage Racks
Aquaracks have been designed for indoor and outdoor applications.
Width 68cms
Price: $120.00 Special
Price $95.00 save $25.00
Stories
Nightmare at
Scarp Pool Picnic Area
Scarp Pool, Murray River, WA September
6th 1980
After a successful day kayaking down
the Middle Murray from Nanga Bridge to Scarp Pool, Jenny and
I said goodbye to Fran, Tony, Glen and Sean. Left only with
our camping gear we were going to be picked up by other Ascot
Kayak Club members the following day.
It was the end of a perfect day. The
sun was still shining between lightly spaced clouds and small
finches chattered and were bobbing from tree to tree. With
the sound of the rapid below tumbling over the rocks and the
wind whistling through the trees, what more could we want.
Picnickers had finished cooking their steaks as Jenny and
I stalked the forest for dry firewood. The decaying branches
and the sweet smell of wildflowers reminded me of all the
good times we have had in the bush.
Soon the sounds of the birds faded as
the day dwindled into evening. The picnic area became deserted
so we decided to pitch our tent and light the camp fire. When
the light faded completely we sat and ate Jenny’s special
Leverton stew, followed by delicious malt loaf and violet
crumbles. The peacefulness of the night crumbled when we started
singing any song that came to mind but our tone couldn’t
have been that bad as it attracted small friendly, cute marsupials
similar to a Quokka into our camp. It was just magical watching
this creature, which I had never seen before come closer to
us and be part our brilliant evening. This was truly Australia
at its best.
As the evening turned to night we sat
in front of fire and then eventually retreated to the tent
but fifteen minutes later our peaceful night was completely
shattered. From out of the darkness two cars came screeching
down the track towards the picnic area. Optimistically we
thought they may be passing through but they had other ideas.
Out jumped about seven young men and two lady friends, who
on spotting our tent told us to wake up.
It didn’t take them long to get
into the party spirit, having being well merry when they arrived.
With the music blaring out, a large fire raging they soon
started some party games. The most popular was sculling bottles
of beer in a set time and those who failed had to take items
of clothes off and dance on the table. This brought hoots
of laughter from the others.
Their conversation was limited, but
imaginative – they used many choice swear words as often
and in as many ways as possible. We couldn’t sleep, only
pray that the idiots would get bored and leave.
As we helplessly huddled together in
our sleeping bags we kept wondering when they would flush
us out, as empty beer bottles were continually being hurtled
at our tent. However, for the time being they were content
to empty the rubbish bins and smash them to pieces. Then Max
the mad axeman started chopping. At first he was content with
chopping down three or four small trees, but he soon turned
to some bigger stuff and he just kept going.
To the steady beat of the axe his friends
started singing, row, row, row your boat, to keep him going.
Then eventually there was silence. Suddenly a tree creaked
and then started to whistle as it began to fall. Penned into
our small tent, the whistle of the falling tree was frightening.
My heart jumped into my mouth, cold shivers ran down my spine,
as blind as we were in the tent, it felt like the tree was
about to land on top of us. As the tree crashed to the ground,
the earth trembled from the impact. The huge tree, which took
hundreds of years to grow, was now lying helplessly on the
ground only metres away from our tent. Our fear of being crushed
though was immediately lifted and with pounding hearts we
thanked our lucky stars that the 26 metre tree had amazingly
missed us and landed only 10 metres away. No words could have
expressed our relief.
About 1.00am we thought things were
quietening down but the peace didn’t last long. An argument
erupted between the two brothers. They yelled, swore and threatened
to kill each other. Apparently, Rocky had got Leanne pregnant
and his brother didn’t think he was good enough to marry
her because he didn’t have a job. Quite rightly Rocky
became angry and wanted to defend his honour. Instead he lost
his temper and told his brother he can have her. At once Leanne
ran off into the bushes bawling her eyes out.
As the quarrel died down we could hear
mad Max chopping at another tree but after sticking my head
out of the tent door I could see he was much further away
from us this time so we felt safer and more relaxed. I felt
sad for the tree. It wasn’t long before the tree started
creaking and we heard the familiar whistling sound of it crashing
to the ground. With two large trees down and several smaller
ones they weren’t happy to leave it at that. They were
still in a rampaging mood, so they knocked down the ladies
toilet, dosed the timber with petrol and set it a light. A
large ball of flames shot up into the air when a match was
tossed on.
We were pretty scared as verbal abuse
was constantly thrown our way. We were sitting ducks really,
but we couldn’t escape, we had no car and it was too
cold to hide in the bush. Jenny also couldn’t see much
as she had her contact lenses out, let alone scamper through
the bush in the dark. The worst scenario was also on our minds
– rape. Luckily they didn’t know who was in the
tent, or if we were two males.
After 5-6 hours of swearing, arguing,
loud music and the demolition of trees, the toilet and the
rubbish bins, they decided to set fire to the big tree close
by. We heard a whoosh, as the flames took hold and followed
the petrol trail along the tree. Then a second or two later
a piecing scream echoed through the valley. Rocky was on fire.
The flames had jumped from the tree to his soiled jeans. He
screamed, moaned and rolled around the gravel as he tried
desperately to take his jeans off.
At this point I decided to take the
risk and show my face and go and help. With Rocky on fire
and in a vulnerable position I thought it would be safe. Rocky’s
two friends had gone down to the river to get a stubby bottle
full of water and when I reached him his burnt legs were red
raw and he was squirming helplessly with the pain. Only two
of his friends attempted to help, the others were sitting,
drinking and couldn’t give a dam. The small amount of
water that they had brought back in the beer bottles did nothing
to relieve his pain and it was pretty pathetic watching two
guys trying to help in such a drunken state, so I had to take
control.
I suggested to Rocky, that he should
soak his legs in the river, he didn’t argue, he just
followed me, groaning as he walked. As he stood soaking in
the cold water the pain started to subside and his face was
full of relief. We stood there for some time, cooling the
terrible burns, I them soaked some towels and wrapped them
around his legs, left the river and helped him back to camp.
I strongly advised him and told his friends to take him immediately
to hospital. I thought that would easily get rid of them so
we could get some sleep but when they tried to start the car
it wouldn’t start because they had been using his car
lights all night. Then another argument developed when he
asked his brother for help but he wouldn’t help, he and
his friends just sat there and drank as nothing had happened.
The water on the towels started to dry
out so Rocky started to feel the pain coming back and he started
screeching again. Eventually after about 30 minutes his brother
and gang decided to lend a hand to get the car started. At
that moment, when the cars left the picnic area we felt so
relieved and at 3.15am when we knew for sure they wouldn’t
be back, we fell in an exhausted sleep.
As the morning light filtered through
the trees it was hard to believe the destruction that had
taken place, two giant trees and several smaller ones, rubbish
bins and the ladies toilet was scattered all around the picnic
area. We were just thankful that we had survived the night,
a night that we will never ever forget.
That morning I was picked up by other
Ascot members to paddle the Middle Murray rapid section again
and enjoy the tranquillity of the forest and the excitement
of the whitewater.
When we arrived back at the picnic area
that afternoon an ABC TV crew who were filming a documentary
about the area and why it should be classed as a National
Park were getting some good footage of the destruction. It
was screened later on in the week.
The following day I reported the incident
to the police. Several weeks later, Rocky, who’s name
the police got from the hospital records, was fined 60 dollars.
A very small price to pay for destroying
the picnic area and the trees that took year and years to
grow.
*********************************
Sandy Robson
in Indonesia
It's good to see that the Werner paddle
that I gave Sandy is still going strong after thousands of
kilometres.
Sept 20th, Vila Construction
to Pulau Lawang, 42km. Yes, I have found paradise now. If
it is any consolation to you folks in offices, I have to wear
socks with my thongs to prevent sand fly bites!
In these parts of the world swimming
kids rarely wear anything but birthday suits and yesterday
when I landed a man helped me pull up the kayak, then wandered
off down the beach, slipped off his shorts, got inside his
rubber tyre ring and went off naked in the sea to put out
his fishing net. This morning he was basking on the beach
naked in the sun as I paddled past. His world will get a shock
when that Vila opens and the guests walk by to go snorkeling
in the bay. People will complain and he’ll have to wear
shorts more. I waved and yelled good morning. He put on his
red shorts. I similarly disturbed a man sitting alone under
a massive tree singing loudly. He got a fright n stopped singing.
His singing made me like Lombok more. He was maybe a bit shy.
I paddled off the end of Lombok to a sweet island campsite
that the Sail Indonesia peeps advised me on. Amazing coral
round here. Don’t tell anyone. Mahe Mahe leap out of
the water some places round here. So nice. Oh that sunset.
Sept 21st, Pulau Lawang to Pulau
Panjang, 33.5km.
I crossed the strait to the Sumbawa side today. It was a short
easy crossing with not so much stress about tidal currents,
but still trying to cross in the time close to slack tide.
The last 5 or so Km’s were hard against current. I found
a convenient hole in the mangroves to pull in and camp on
the tiny beach. Not the choicest of campsites but I made do
n cooked up a tasty vindaloo. The best part of today was stunning
coral gardens on the Lombok side and the backdrop of that
mountain. 2nd highest in Indonesia I heard. Spectacular place.
Might put it on the coming back to list.
Not far now
Jackson Cuda
12
Brian testing out his new Jackson Cuda
12 on the ocean
Brian and his dog enjoying the new Jackson
Cuda on the river
*********************
What Bird Lives
On the River Close To You?
that you don't see
very often
Sacred Kingfisher. Taken at Sandy Beach,
Bassendean. 30/9/15.
Two kingfishers were flitting around when I took this shot
with my point and shoot camera.
The sacred kingfisher is
a medium-sized kingfisher. They are mostly turquoise, with
white underparts and collar feathers. Both sexes are similar,
but females are usually more dull-colored. Juveniles have
rusty-brown edges on the collar and underparts.
The sacred kingfisher is 19–23
cm (7.5–9.1 in) long, and feeds on insects, small crustaceans,
fish, small rodents and reptiles, and there are a few reports
of them eating small finches. Usually, a bird will sit on
a low branch and wait for prey to pass by. It swoops down
to grab the prey and returns to its perch to eat, much like
a hawk.
Breeding
Once a pair of birds has mated, both
members of the pair dig the nest, usually a burrow in a river
bank or a large, empty branch. The female lays about five
eggs, and both birds incubate the eggs and take care of the
young.
*********************
Race of the Week
Island to Island
Sunday 4th October
Location Ascot Kayak Club
Registration 7.30am to 8.00am
Briefing 8.00am
Race Start 8.30am
Season Rego Encouraged
to register for season, discount, admin ease
Webscorer Create profile in Webscorer, simplifies rego to
each race
Enquires Message via Webscorer
Regos close 8.00pm Friday 2nd October, but try not to leave
it till then
https://www.webscorer.com/register?raceid=52129
***************************
Classic Paddle
Sunday 11th October 2015
Start Line: Narrows Bridge, South Perth
Finish Line: Gilbert Fraser Reserve Fremantle
Registrations 7am -8:45am
Start Time
9.30am
Registrations are currently Open
Registrations close 9am (WST) 8th October 2015
All Doubles/Triples and Outrigger 2's must enter individually.
Surf Boats, Outrigger 6's and Dragon Boats enter as a team.
No Entries on the Day
Payment is only through PayPal no other payment method is
accepted.
Payment is required at the time of entry
Any online entry inquiries contact Jason Parker via email
to develop.wa@canoe.org.au or Phone (08) 9285 8501
***************************
2015/16 Downwind
Summer Series
10 October 2015 City
Beach to Sorrento TBA
***************************
The Epic Kayaks Doctor
28th November 2015
The Epic Kayaks Doctor in Perth, WA is Australia's most exciting
ocean paddling event from Rottnest Island to Sorrento Beach
covering 27kms (or vice versa depending on wind conditions).
This year The Epic Kayaks Doctor will also feature as the
Australian Canoeing Ocean Racing Ski National Championships
for 2015. Please see information below.
The event is scheduled to race on Saturday 28th November 2015
starting at Rottnest Island and finishing at Sorrento Beach.
This will be reversed if strong off-shore conditions prevail.
In the advent of dangerous conditions on Saturday the event
will move to Sunday 29th November.
Craft is loaded the day prior to the event on a barge and
transported over to Rottnest Island on race day. On the morning
of the event competitors catch the ferry over to Rottnest
Island which takes about 40mins. On arrival they unload their
craft and prepare for the race. There are cafes on Rottnest
Island to relax before the long paddle back to Sorrento Beach.
The race start time will depend on weather conditions and
shipping movements. The race is 27km starting from Rottnest
Island and finishing at Sorrento Beach SLSC where competitors
will enjoy the very best ocean paddling conditions.
***************************
Ocean Racing
World Championships Starts Today
The Australian team is
now all set for the 2nd ICF Ocean Racing World Championships
here in Tahiti. Racing starts tomorrow, Saturday 7am EST time
for the ladies with a 23knot tail wind and 1.8m swell forecast
and on Sunday 7am EST, with a 17knot tail wind and 1.3m swell
for the men.
Over 200 athletes from over 20 countries have made the journey
for this race which is fantastic considering the location
and logistical planning of transporting equipment here.
Our open ladies Wendy Reyntjes, Kylie
Broad, Helen Chorley and Heidi Carlyle will have some good
competition from the reigning World Champion Ocean Ski Racing
Champion Michele Eray, Beata Cseke, Teneale Hatton and Rachael
Clarke. Our U23 ladies Georgia Laird and Jamie Brinkworth
are also in with a chance but will need to keep an eye on
South African Jenna Ward.
Our open men, Murray Stewart, Clint Robinson, Michael Booth,
Sam Norton and Cory Hill are in for some fun racing against
other top competitors including the reigning World Champion
from 2013 Sean Rice, Jasper Mocke and Hank McGregor (World
Marathon Champion for the last three years) to name a couple.
In the Masters former World Marathon Champion Mike Mills-Thom
will be proudly representing Australia.
The men are expecting to complete this 35km course in less
than 2 hours which equates to sub 4 minutes per km for 35kms!
The U23 men, Tom Norton, MacKenzie Hynard, Joey Hall and Sam
Djodan are also going to be having some fun fighting for podium
positions amongst themselves and other top U23 competitors
including Kenny Rice. Fergus Morgan our U18 competitor is
also looking good in his age group.
It is also great to see ex Olympic Sprint champions here as
well, as in Greg Barton, Daniele Scarpa and our own Clint
Robinson and Murray Stewart.
The races are being live streamed both days, for a link to
that and start lists and results check out
" tahiti2015.spotfokus.com
Australian Canoeing
***************************
2015/16 Marathon
Series Race Dates
4th October – Island to Island
15th November – Moore River
13th December – Claisebrook Race
28th December – Champion Lakes
14th Febuary – Canning River Race
12/13 March – State Champs
25/26/27 – National Champs QLD
24th April – Pinjarra-Ravenswood
29th May – Double Barkers
5th June – Perth Paddle 50
19th June – Middle Swan Race
***************************
Art Exhibition
If you would like to
see Bonnie's and Jeff's art work they are having an exhibition
at Ellis House, Bayswater.
2nd Hand Boats
Current Designs
Squall
USED
A great 5 metre touring / sea kayak.
Perfect for the smaller to medium sized paddlers. Two sealed
hatches, lift up rudder.
5 metre long
58cm wide
Used: $850.00
****************************
Race Times