Enjoy the CDU Newsletter
Published: Fri, 12/09/16
526
9th Dec 2016
Message Bank
We have some very talented slalom paddlers
in WA and although they have very basic facilities to train
on, compared to the rest of the world, their enthusiasm is
still high.
Back in the summer of December 2012 young
slalom paddlers practice at Ascot Kayak Club for the up-coming
Australian Championships.
Today they continue to train on flatwater
In the summers of 1976 to 1998 West Australian
paddlers used to flock to Harvey to paddle on the white water
course.
In 1998 Water Corporation closed the Harvey International
Slalom Course when they further developed the Harvey Dam
Shane Richardson (I think) at the Harvey White
Water Course. We used to have one hell of a good time every
weekend throughout summer. Photo Louise Yeaman
***********************************
The week started off great but on Monday afternoon it turned
pretty awful when I got a call to say our dog Nikki broke
her leg while being washed. Apparently she jumped out of the
tub halfway through the wash. When I arrived Nikki was bleeding
and her limb from her knee down was dangling. It was a distressing
sight for all concerned especially Jenny who heard Nikki's
cries from outside. We took her straight to the vet who gave
her pain relief, patched her up the best they could and booked
her in for surgery early the next morning.
She was not in a good shape so we comforted
her through the evening and Jenny stayed with her all night.
An operation was done on Tuesday morning which
we were told went well but the vet hospital is still caring
for her and we hope to get her home on Saturday morning.
The house feels dead without her, no excited Nikki to greet
us when we get home.
Nikki before the accident
Training & Courses
PLEASE NOTE:
Monday Night Training
is now at
Ascot Kayak Club
5.45pm
*******************
Saturday Morning Fitness Training
7.15am for a 7.30am start
Sandy Beach Reserve, West Road,
Bassendean
*******************
Featured Products
Terry 0417 977 330 or
email terry@canoeingdownunder.com.au
****************************************
Epic Sale (New
Epic Skis)
Canoeing Down Under is discounting $600.00
off the new Epic V10 Performance lay-up models which are approx
15.5kgs to $3290.00.
The Epic V10 Club 17.5kgs
is discounted $600.00 to $2590.00.
******************
Epic V14
The V14 and V10L in Performance
models (15kgs) discounted $700.00 to $3190.00.
Sale ends 19th December or while stocks last.
Call Terry on 0417 977
330 or email terry@canoeingdownunder.com.au
******************
Quest PFD
XL-XXL Sale
1.5L water bladder included.
The Quest PFD has all
the pockets and attachments you could want or need including
a big front pocket with key clip, and 4 internal elasticated
pockets, plus a rear pocket with a 1.5L water bladder included.
It also comes with a D-ring attachment,
hose holder, key clip, reflective patches and piping to make
sure you stay safe on your next kayaking quest.
Zip up front.
SIZES XL-XXL ONLY
Price $169.00 - $89.00
off
Sale Price: $80.00
******************
Stretch Kayak
or Ski Cover
The Stretch Kayak or
Ski Cover protects your kayak or ski from the sun.
Easy to put on - just
slip the kayak or ski, that is at one end, into the opening.
These Stretch Covers are available for
a K1 kayak, all the Epic Skis V8, V10 Sport, V10 and V12 and
other boats of a similar size to the above.
Prices vary depending on boat length.
For kayaks/ski longer than 5.2m price varies from $100.00
- $125.00
Stories
The Doctor 2016:
Rottenest to Sorrento
The Doctor was a little unplanned for us. We weren't sure
whether or not we were going to head down for it. We'd already
done 9 trips to Perth this year, the race was going to be
very expensive and I wasn't sure that I'd gotten my downwind
skills quite up to scratch so early in the season. After lots
of umming and ahhing, I decided to plant the foot and commit.
It was a hectic few weeks leading up to it with flatwater
training most mornings, then down to Red Bluff for a quick
practice run most afternoons. Finally, after all the organising
and last minute training, it was time for mum and I to hop
in the car for what would be our 10th 1200 round kilometre
trip to Perth for 2016.
What a great idea it was to head down. Although most people
were sceptical about the lack of wind, I was on a mission
to get my $200 worth and make the best time of the event I
could. The lead up to the race seemed to take forever. Dropping
off the Epic V14 which was sponsored to me by Terry from CDU
onto the barge gave no change of an entire afternoon. The
briefing was a good chance to catch up with everyone and the
pasta carbo load buffet was a great pre-race meal.
Loading the barge. Photo Jane Dooley
Race morning dawned with
a more than noticeable lack of wind. In fact, there was not
a puff of wind to be felt; defiantly not a good sign for my
hopes of a 28 knot howler. Regardless, it was important to
keep an open mind and be hopeful. Just before leaving, Terry
came over to me with a big grin and said, "Well, my race
(Saturday Morning Dash) will be over in 45 minutes".
That was quite a good comment because it made me realise that
by the time he'd be finished his race, packed up and gone
home, I'd be arriving at Rottenest Island getting ready for
the 7 hour wait before race start. Similar to yesterday, there
was going to be a lot of waiting around.
We arrived at Hillarys at 0700 so mum could catch he 0730
ferry, leaving me with an hours wait for my 0800 competitor's
ferry. I didn't mind though because I knew that any time I
spend on the main land would be time I wouldn't have to spend
waiting in the same position. After chatting with Warren,
it was clear that there was not going to be much wind action
all day. It did get exciting for a few minutes when a passing
bicyclist dropped $25 out of her back pocket. We grabbed the
$20 and handed it to her, by the $5 note quickly fell into
the marina, out of our immediate reach. I gave the marina
security gate a test and managed to climb around it and onto
the jetties. Finally, the note drifted into reach and I plucked
it out of the water. Because the woman was running late for
her ferry, she had not time to wait for the return of her
$5, so I got to keep it. That made a 40th of my race entry!
The ferry trip was very
exciting, especially to see the massive ships which had probably
been around the world several times over. However, there was
always that thought in the back of my mind that every single
metre we zoomed over at 25 knots was one that I'd have to
paddle on the way back. To see the mainland become further
and further away was quite a moment. I'd paddled 30 kilometres
many times before, but never in a straight line as such would
I have to paddle on the way back. Once I made it to the island,
it was clear that the forecasts were bang on with no wind
and a huge wait until the little puffs of wind would eventually
come. I found my boat quickly as it was nice and close to
the jetty; I guess there was one advantage to having my boat
put on near last. Mum and I passed the remaining 5 ½
hours by having a few swims, chatting with other competitors,
going to the bakery, doing a few short paddles and just waiting
under a tree away from the intense sun.
Waiting patiently for the wind. Photo Jane Dooley
Finally came the time to
get ready. After all the lounging around, it was a sort of
shock to the system to have to get up, put on all of my stuff,
see mum off to the spectator boat and paddle to the start
line. We all milled around for nearly another hour until the
briefing was held and the stand-up paddle boards eventually
set off. We were told that we were to wait as long as possible
for the wind to come in, but not too long so as we would come
into the path of a 16:30 outbound cargo ship.
Eventually it was time
to begin. Lining up on the start line was quite a challenge
as some boys on a nearby anchored boat were yelling out 3,
2, 1, GO. A few times some of the paddlers put in a few strokes
thinking it was the official signal. It was very annoying
from my position as it was hard enough to hear the man with
the microphone, let alone pick the real signal from the false
ones. The actual start ended up being 30 seconds early, so
I was caught out with one leg hanging out of my boat and my
GPS watch not being at the ready. This was a little frustrating
as I didn't have time to push start which meant I'd not have
a complete log on the computer when I got home, my timing
would be out and the navigation marks I'd put in earlier were
of no use as it wasn't navigating towards them. Nevertheless,
I was in the water with a paddle in my hands and racing around
the bend trying to find some decent wash before we rounded
the point and were out of the bay. I managed to get a few
good rides on some wash until I was swamped and had to try
and open my venturi which I didn't have a chance to in the
hectic start.
The men's line up. Photo
Jane Dooley
The start. There's me
under the bow of the powerboat. Photo Jane Dooley
The leaders already powering
off. Photo Jane Dooley
The field still held a
surprising amount of formation as we came around the point
and out of the bay. I was told prior to the race that I'd
have to be self-sufficient as I'd be lucky to have anyone
in sight in the vast stretches of ocean. Obviously that rule
didn't apply when the wind was only at a very calm 10 knots.
It seemed almost more like a flatwater marathon than a downwind
ocean race. It seemed like an amazing day to be doing anything
other than downwind paddling which was very unfortunate after
all the amazing preparation that had gone into making the
event run as smoothly as it possibly could. However, I thought
to myself that I'd come a long way to do this race and I was
going to make the most of it. It was quite amazing to look
around after the first few kilometres and see that the nearest
shore was over ten minutes away and know that the next time
I would set foot on land would be in several hours' time and
the only way to get there was paddle. It was a pretty amazing
thought during the drive down, but when I was actually in
that position for real, it was even more exciting.
I was looking around quite a lot on the lookout for any other
paddlers I knew or anyone who might be in the same category.
Unfortunately, nobody around me looked under 20. I also only
personally knew of 2 other paddlers who were in the race.
One was Warren Southwell who I later learned had broken his
paddle and would be well behind already by that stage, possibly
still not moving. The other was Kris Plain who had run for
Peter Tomczak and I during the Kalbarri Adventurethon and
I'd also bumped into during the Northam to Toodyay Race and
Day 2 of the Avon Descent. Kris apparently had a very bad
start, but told me that he got stronger as the race grew longer.
This clearly explained why he powered past me about 10 kilometres
into the race. I also later learned that Josh Kippin and a
few other marathon guns were paddling, but I hadn't seen them
all day and didn't even know they were racing.
10kms into the race.
Photo Jane Dooley
The kilometres seemed
to fly by. It wasn't until 4 kilometres in that I finally
had a chance to push go on my watch. I was able to ride a
few waves for a short period of time, but nothing was really
big enough to get a proper ride on. Apart from Kris powering
through, not much really happened for the first 10 kilometres.
It was just amazing to think how far I'd come in the last
few years from heading out every afternoon for a swimming
session with my brand new unstable K1 to being out in the
open ocean 15 kilometres and over an hour from any shoreline
on a V14 ski. It was truly a wonderful moment which made at
least 10 kilometres fly by.
After what I estimated to be the halfway mark, I noticed a
massive outbound cargo ship up ahead moving closer and closer
into my pathway. The ship which was not even due to leave
port until 1630 seemed to be powering directly through a race
with over 400 paddle craft beginning to look increasingly
vulnerable. It looked even more worrying when I saw up ahead
several paddlers having to stop to avoid getting in the path
and possibly sucked under a 250 metre long cargo ship. Thankfully
the captain of the spectator boat and the race director got
onto the VHF radio and warned the ship pilot to at least slow
down. It was a very bottom clenching moment for all involved,
but after a few minutes of near brown underpants, the ship
passed through without incident. Because I was out of it was
out of my path before I went through, all it meant for me
was something incredible to watch and gave food for thoughts
like 'well, this isn't something you see every day'! I was
however glad though that I was well clear of it and was definitely
glad I wasn't one of the paddlers right under it.
Paddlers get close to
the ship
The massive cargo ship
charging straight through the middle of the field. Photo Jane
Dooley
After the cargo ship had
passed, things started to go slightly downhill for me. I was
beginning to tire. This wouldn't have been too bad in a flatwater
marathon, but it was a problem under the conditions I was
in. The only way to make any headway was to put in power and
ride what waves I was able to find. Unfortunately, to ride
the waves would mean that I would first have to put in several
strokes of very powerful strokes to get on it. Because I was
beginning to tire, it was becoming increasingly hard to find
the power to be able to get myself up and onto the wave. So
whenever I gave a half effort to get onto a wave, I would
just end up with the bow of the ski going up and me falling
down the back of it having to start all over again. This quickly
turned into a downward spiral especially when I realized I
had drunk all of my fluid. After about the 23 kilometre mark,
I was beginning to noticeably slow. I would push using what
felt like all of the power I had left to try and catch a wave
which was too small and end up puffed from moving a few metres
forward. I had to get my brain into gear and start paddling
smart.
Hank McGregor powering
home to take out 1st place. Photo Jane Dooley
I looked for the waves
which seemed to be of semi-decent size and absolutely went
hell for leather for several hundred metres, overtaking many
in my visible field. Then I would have a short rest, cruising
along at about 10.5km/hr. Then when I was caught again by
my target paddler, I would sprint off again leaving him well
in my wash. It certainly wasn't my usual tactics, but it seemed
to be the only thing keeping me moving in such mild downwind
conditions. Reaching the cardinal mark was a great moment.
All though out the race, I was following my instructions of
keeping Observation City and the Rendezvous Hotel at the appropriate
bearing. It was a good job I listened so hard to everyone
telling me how to navigate the course as my unsynchronised
watch was useless with navigation and it would have been a
very hard task landing on a beach in unfamiliar waters from
30 kilometres away with no prior instruction. I was very pleased
to find myself bang on the target and headed straight for
the Surf Club.
As the landing beach came closer and closer, I found myself
relieved to be nearing the end of my much unexpected race.
I took one last look around before the final 1 kilometre sprint
to the finish and marvelled at the fact that I could barely
make out the faintest outline of the place I'd began at only
a few hours ago. My beach landing wasn't perfect with the
ski going sideways in the waves, but I was able to jump off
in enough time and run up the beach, leaving the ground crew
to collect my ski. Much to my delight, I had what seemed like
a massive cheer squad on the beach consisting of Alanine,
Terry, Ray, Anne, Chris Watson, Jason Gartner, Rob Jarret
and several others cheering me through the finish. It was
a pretty great moment. It was also very humbling to realise
that I had just gone in the same race as Hank McGregor, the
current and 7 time marathon world champion who had come all
the way from South Africa to do the annual race.
My first Doctor Race
and yes there were many paddlers behind me!
I made my way over to Alanine
and Terry who were waiting for me with a cup of fluid and
several slices of orange. I didn't realise how sore I was
until I had finally stopped and cooled down. I was still roasting
hot, so I went into the water for a cool off. I felt just
amazing to have the water cool my body and stretch my limbs
out. Shortly after, I found a very proud mum on the beach
who had rushed around getting off the spectator boat and looked
more flustered than me!
Alaine, Terry & me
After several photographs
and race reviews from the other paddlers, it was time to load
the boats and have a look at when the presentations might
start. I had the most amazing tender steak burger put on by
the surf club which seemed to wake me up a little again. We
didn't hang around for the presentations as I hadn't paid
an extra $50 on top of my $200 race cost which meant I wasn't
eligible for any prizes if I had won any. It was getting a
bit late and I was getting a little tired and hungry so we
went back home to Terry and Jenny's place where I was treated
to a lovely dinner cooked by Mum and Jenny. It was such lovely
fish and pleasant atmosphere that we didn't actually finish
dinner until 21:30. The promise of Christmas pudding and custard
kept Terry just awake long enough for it to be served.
It was a fantastic weekend
and well worth the trip down. Thanks very much to Terry and
Jenny Bolland for putting up with us again, we really appreciate
it! The race ran beautifully and I will almost certainly be
competing again next year. The only complaint I can make it
to the weather gods for not giving us as much wind as many
of us would have liked!
Luke Dooley
****************************
Claisebrook
Classic.
We were raring to go and
Alaine had managed a training session this week so there was
no stopping us. Watch out all those mixed teams in the Claisebrook
Classic.
Then came word from Alaine, sorry but I have something important
I have to do Sunday morning so I can't paddle. I had entered
as a double and I really didn't want to paddle single and
do all the work myself, because I would have no-one to blame
if things didn't go as planned. I tried finding someone at
the Saturday morning fitness training but most of the group
were either paddling or taken up although Bruce McWhirter
the powerhouse I thought would be a great choice be he said
he had something on. Things were looking grim but as we had
coffee and cake after training someone suggested Matt Jones.
Matt was another powerhouse, he paddles a plastic Epic V7
and he can keep up with most of the crew including me on my
V10 so he was the one. When he said yes I was excited as I
knew this combination was going to rock and roll. The only
thing we had to get over was our different styles and cadence.
I have a fast cadence and Matt has a slower cadence so it
meant that if I was going to be in the front I would have
to slow my stroke down or change places.
Matt hadn't paddled a double before, he also hadn't paddled
anything more unstable than a V7, which was very stable so
it was going to be a very interesting race. Steve Bolger and
Chris Kirby had also formed a team that morning and as they
were in the same craft as we were in they were the ones to
beat.
When I arrived at the race car park I parked next to two of
our double competitors Dave Walter & Paul McLaren and
Steve Coffee & Alan Moreby so as always there was a little
banter going on especially from Steve. Dave & Paul were
talking about the races in South Africa they had competed
in and I think Steve & Alan were just happy to be chatting
and be alive.
Matt & I carried the V10 double down to the beach and
took off for the first time. There was a little wobbling when
a powerboat wash came through but other than that we seemed
to be paddling okay as a team, although I didn't know if we
were in time. After a 200 metre practice we hit the beach,
milled around, chatted and waited for Doug to give the briefing.
This year we weren't paddling around Heirisson Island because
of the power boat ski activity and the new foot bridge works
so the course was going upstream instead.
Paddlers mill around
the cove before the briefing
Ray Smith & I - The old boys. Photo Kerry Smith
Ten minutes before the
start time we entered the water paddled around the turn buoy
in the cove 3 times to get used to our turns as it is at the
turns where you can forge an advantage. When we moved to the
start line it was pretty crowded so we opted for the outside
lane which would prove a little longer but probably less wash
and on our first paddle together I thought it best not to
capsize in front of the crowd.
The doubles are off.
Photo Craig & Bonnie collection
We took off and found clean
water and by the end of the cove we were one of the front
runners if you don't take into account the Greed boys and
Lee Davey & Sam McTigue who were already streets ahead.
As we nosed ahead of the pack on the approach to the first
left hand corner I heard someone, I think it was Hugh telling
me to move over. I crept over a little but I couldn't see
what was happening behind and I didn't want to go too wide
or we would lose the front group.
By the time we had all straightened up and heading for Windan
Bridge we were four abreast, Steve & Chris, John Breed
& Michael Leahy, Dave Walter & Paul McLaren and then
us. The pace was pretty quick so we tried to get into a rhythm
and stay with the other 3 boats. As we crossed the river and
got closer to the right bank, where it was a little shallow
suddenly there was a burst of speed from John & Michael
and for a moment all hell broke loose. I thought we might
lose the pack but instead I think two boats clashed and we
and Steve & Chris ended up being the frontrunners of the
group. That was very satisfying especially knowing John &
Michael weren't in my vision, although they could have been
on our wash.
As we crept around the long corner I could see a green spit
post way out in the middle of the river. I thought it was
the one we had to keep on our right but the K4s, K3s and the
two fast doubles hugged the bank and didn't venture out to
the post.
We were still beside Steve & Chris and with a left hand
turn coming up they had the advantage and could make us go
wide. I prepared for the turn by going a little wider than
they did and as we turned we cut inside of them and ended
on their left side so we didn't lose any ground although we
weren't in the best position for the next turn, but we would
deal with it when it came.
We continued being neck and neck around the long turn, under
and beyond the bridge against a stiff wind. We had to head
for a red buoy but there were two ahead and if it wasn't for
the rescue boat pointing to the right one we would have gone
around the left one. Again we were on the outside of the turn
so Steve & Chris had the advantage as we rounded the buoy.
They then headed for a spit post which I said was the wrong
one but as we were on the outside and couldn't get over and
the post did have pink tape on it which we were told would
be a marker, the boys headed that way. In the confusion we
dropped behind a boat's length and as soon as we rounded it
we could see John & Michael and the other doubles taking
advantage of our mistake and were heading straight for another
spit post that we all knew we had to round. It was a bit of
a bugger that they caught up again.
Rounding the spit post leading into the cove we were virtually
3 abreast but I was able to steer ourselves to the right of
Steve & Chris and then get in front of John & Michael.
As we approached the turn buoy we were in the lead and in
a great position to dictate the turn which I did and we came
out of the turn well in front. All we had to do now was to
keep up the pace and hope that Steve & Chris didn't have
enough energy to go any faster. We were sitting several boat
lengths ahead as we crossed over the river to the bridge and
beyond. It was good to be in front although we weren't really
in front because the two WAIS teams were ahead but as they
were so fast we don't count them in our race.
Matt and I seemed to be going okay although we had a wobble
or two when a power boat wash drifted in our way. I think
we were in time with our paddling most of the race but there
were times when we were out of sync.
We battle to round the buoy in the cove first. Photo Craig
& Bonnie collection
We lead out of the cove
on our second lap. Photo Craig
& Bonnie collection
Just after the start of
the long turn going upstream we could hear voices behind us.
Oh bugger they were coming at us again. I had a sneaky squint
over my left shoulder to see young Luke Egger, two other single
paddlers and Steve & Chris catching up. Soon after Luke
and the other singles started paddling across to the green
spit post which was in the middle of the river. That was the
spit post we should have gone round but no-one in our division
did so they were doing the right course. As the singles moved
towards the spit post they left Steve & Chris closer to
us but we managed to get to the turn spit post before them.
We led back towards the finish and it looked as if we had
the race in the bag but just as we got around the long corner
and could see the bridge I could hear voices behind.
The K3 of Darryl Long,
Terry Brooke and Mark Lawson just pip the K4, Bonnie, Peter,
Bronwyn and Gary to the post. Photo Craig & Bonnie collection
The Liddle family. Photo
John O'Sullivan
The Alderson family.
Photo Craig & Bonnie collection
Joe Dowse trying to beat
John Carrol and John Hilton over the line. John Carrol won.
Photo Craig & Bonnie collection
The singles were paddling
in the shallows over to our left led by the lightweight young
Luke Egger and close behind them were Steve & Chris, oh
no they were back. Because they were in the shallows trying
to cut the corner and following young Luke I was hoping their
weight would bog them down. The singles passed us just after
the bridge and with the boys hot on their tail they just about
caught up with us. Luckily they were on our left side approaching
the buoy so we had the advantage turning around it. We stayed
slightly in front all the way to the cove but we didn't know
what fight they had left in them. As we entered the cove for
the last time we gave it our all. We were certainly hoping
that we had enough strength left in us to beat the boys over
the line, how would I live it down if we lost now. And I wanted
to gloat at the end so we couldn't lose. The fight was furious,
I could feel the power of Matt at the rear pushing us forward
and my thoughts of Steve & Chris coming back at us and
passing us never eventuated, but we only beat them by 5 seconds
so it was really close. What another great race.
Although it was great to beat Steve & Chris it was more
satisfying to beat my old rival John Breed & Michael Leahy.
Next marathon race is Marathon 10 Km Championships
January 8, 2017 @ 8:30 am Lake Leschenaultia
Results here:
http://www.webscorer.com/racedetails?raceid=87934&did=94256
Social
Paddles of the Week
The Warren River
Pristine beauty of the
river mouth - sand spit broken due to heavy winter rains.
Photo Robyn Khorshid
Paddlers (in the distance)
dwarfed by massive sand cliff. Yeagarup Dunes are close by.
Photo Sue Walker.
4WD club member crossing
the mouth. They waited for low tide! Photo Robyn Khorshid
******************************
Penguin Island
Action Outdoors Association
paddle group........paddle Penguin and Seal Islands.......good
to see so much wildlife and nature right on Perth's doorstep....
Race of the Week
Sprint Kayak
Regatta
State Champs - 14th - 15th January - Champion Lakes
Regatta 4 - 26th February - Champion Lakes
**********************
National Sprint Grand Prix # 1
December 9 @ 8:00 am - December 11 @ 5:00 pm
West Lakes
Adelaide, South Australia
**********************
Slalom Collie Camp #2
December 10 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
**********************
Slalom Summer Series #2
December 11 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
**********************
Indian Ocean Paddling Race 4
December 17 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
to be confirmed
2nd Hand Boats
Level 1 Flatwater
Instructor Course
TRAINING DAY
Tuesday 17th January
Ascot Kayak Club
8:30am - 3:30pm
ASSESSMENT DAY
Wednesday 18th January
Ascot Kayak Club
8:30am - 3:30pm
Assessment Information
Candidates will need to submit a log book of assessment as
part of the course, supplying required documentation with
reference to overnight camps and taking people out on paddling
courses.
Participant Pre-requisites
Must be able to perform the basic skills/strokes.
Need to have 'average' fitness and flexibility (some components
are physically strenuous).
Level 2 or equivalent Senior First Aid valid certification
- this is a requirement for successful assessment and certification.
At least 15 years of age.