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Well it's 8 weeks since I started paddling over 20 kms a day. I have paddled 1424 kms since then averaging 178 kms a week. For the last three weeks I have paddled over 200kms a week and the weather doesn't seem to get any better.
- Jessica Fox - Daniel Watkins - Lucien Delfour
- Jamie & Shannon
- The Australian Sprint Team
- Moon Rise
- Fishing Line Hazards
- Progressive Racing Group
- Bells to Middle Swan
- Kimberley Kayak Expedition #6
- Birdlife
- Along the Helena River
- This Morning on Guildford Floodplain
- Coming Events
Jessica Fox
Gold & Bronze
Jessica Fox is certainly Australia's and the worlds most achieved slalom paddler.
She won a bronze medal in K1 and a gold medal in C1 at Tokyo.
It is Fox’s second Olympic K1 bronze after a third place in Rio and silver in London.
But getting a gold medal in C1 in Tokyo was extra special.
Watkins recorded an impressive time of 101.28 in a clean run in the semis that saw him finish only +0.63 seconds behind the fastest paddler, Frenchman Martin Thomas.
Just over an hour later and taking a lot of confidence from the semi into the final, Watkins came out of the start flying, before unfortunately getting into some trouble at gate 16, when he got stuck in the eddy. This ultimately cost him some precious time in an otherwise strong and fast run.
Daniel came 9th. And what a fantastic result.
While it was not an Olympic medal, Watkins was pleased with his performance and able to take away some learnings from his first Olympic Games.
Paddle Australia
Dual Olympian Lucien Delfour has made his mark on the canoe slalom Olympic competition, qualifying third fastest for Friday’s men’s K1 semi-final in a time of 91.10 and two clean runs.
The world number five Lucien Delfour put his competitors on notice, recording consistent times in both runs of the qualifying round, finishing second and third respectively.
Looking strong from the outset, Delfour was able to record two clean runs, with no penalties incurred. He will enter Friday’s semi-finals in third position, with only +0.96 seconds separating the top three of Hannes Aigner (GER), Giovanni de Gennaro (ITA) and Delfour.
Daniel will be paddling later today.
Paddle Australia
The Australian Sprint Team
Moon Rise
While most people were about to prepare dinner on Saturday night, I went out for my second paddle to make sure that I paddled more than 20kms. Knowing that the moon was going to rise as darkness set in I made sure that I was near the Ascot slalom course when that happened.
And what a great moonrise it was, although the photo I took with my little camera, whilst being pushed about by the current is not that great, the memories of being there and paddling on such a beautiful still night will hopefully never leave me.
Memories don't have to be super special to be special.
Moon rise the day after full moon.
Full moon along the Helena River.
Fishing Line Hazards
I have paddled in some awful conditions this winter, but this mornings (Tuesday) 20 km paddle was certainly a tough one with strong winds pushing against a current creating some good waves. Then there was the wind gusts and heavy rain, but the biggest surprise was when I was paddling the shore side of the new slalom posts to stay out of the strong current. Suddenly I had a tight fishing line against my neck.
I didn’t see the line which was caught up on a wire and snagged in a tree on shore. My paddle hit the line and the line slid down the shaft to where it was neck high. As my forward motion tightened the line my paddle was driven against my body and the tension stopped me and started springing me in reverse. I could feel the line across my neck, I was nearly pulled out of my kayak and if I had been paddling my K1 instead of my Time Bandit I would have surely capsized. Then the tension on the
line suddenly caused it to either snap or it came untangled from the tree, but whatever happened I was very lucky.
When I had steadied myself I wrapped the line connected to the wire around my paddle and then tugged it and broke the line.
There is already a lot of snapped fishing line on the wire so be very careful when paddling the shore side of the slalom posts.
The fishing line that could have cut into my throat.
Fishing line is being caught on the new slalom poles and in some cases caught in the trees on shore causing a dangerous place to paddle.
The wintry weather hasn't been kind lately but we still get 12 to 20 paddlers braving the weather. Although we are missing a few as in summer we have up to 40 paddlers.
Izzy and Geraint passing Chad.
Bolland's Elbow, Bells to Middle Swan
It was the last Avon Descent seeding Race of the series so all the top guys were there but less paddlers than the Northam to Toodyay. It was advertised as Walyunga to Middle Swan but the high water level created too much danger to paddle through Bells Rapid.
It was a tricky race to organise as Bells Rapid Park was closed off to sightseers and only competitors could go down to the river so the gate had to be guarded. Any cars left inside the gate had to stay there until Bruce McWhirter unlocked it after the event.
Kris Smith and his band of volunteers were busily getting things prepared for what was going to be a very different start than usual due to the high water. There was little place to warm up as the river was flowing too fast so an eddy was chosen and 4 paddlers at a time took off which seemed to work out pretty well. With Warren Southwell shouting orders
most people eventually got the gist.
Paddlers waiting for the briefing.
Photo Jane Hilton
Paddlers attempting to warm up which was difficult in such fast water.
Photo Jane Hilton.
Getting ready to go.
Photo Jane Hilton.
Will Lee and Brendan Rice.
Photo Mitchell Hale.
I was in front of Simon O'Sullivan for a few minutes but under 23 Ethan Jackson just took off.
Photo Mitchell Hale.
I took off quite early with Simon O’Sullivan and a young Ethan Jackson on a ski. For the first few hundred metres I was ahead of Simon but he eventually passed me and he stayed there unfortunately. There were lots of swirls which pushed me around, a disadvantage of paddling a Wild Water kayak. The other two had rudders so they weren’t affected as
much. The current was screaming along.
About 3 kilometres into the race I could see that I was catching up with John Hilton who started 1 minute ahead of me and was also in a Wild Water kayak. I caught up with him and a ski paddler about 1km before Amiens Crescent but although I tried hard to pass them it didn't happen. I noticed a K1 scooting through a flooded area to my right and he
was passing us all without any sort of fight. He had done his homework and just knew where to go. I attempted to pass the ski and John on a wide straight just before Amiens and succeeded and was soon through the last section of T Trees after Amiens Crescent and into the open river.
Because a few of us paddling Wild Water Kayaks were not only taking part in the main race we were also competing in a Wild Water Race which finished at Amiens Crescent so we had to put all our power into the first section and try to keep it up all the way to Middle Swan.
I started on the 4th grid ahead of many faster paddlers probably because I had paddled the two previous seeding races, so Josh Kippin, Luke Dooley, Brett McDonald and several other faster paddlers passed me in the first 6kms. Once out of the trees I tried my best to keep the power on. Several vineyards and fields were flooded and every so often
a K1 paddler would pass me.
John Hilton.
Photo Jane Hilton.
Luke Dooley, Ben Carrick and Peter Tomczak.
Photo Mitchell Hale.
As Josh Richards and Chris Little were passing a heavy pallet stood in my way and I hit it head on and it stopped me dead. I heard later 3 other paddlers had hit it. Josh and Chris slowly left me behind, Josh getting the upper hand. At Maali Footbridge a few people were looking on and Lawrence Greed was there with his camera. I heard him shout Nina. Nina
is one of my main competitors although she was paddling a K1 today and I was in a WW kayak so in theory she should be faster. On Wednesday I beat her in the Ascot Club Race and one of the long marathon races but she has beaten me in an Ascot race and a marathon race and is getting better every day. Being an excellent slalom paddler she has skill and the speed to get off the line fast.
Minutes later it was Jane Pankhurst who started passing me and I took the opportunity to grab her wash although that wasn’t easy. With all the swirls it was hard to stay on her rear wash but I gave it my all. Chris had fallen off Josh and Jane was getting closer to him and the closer she got the harder it was for me to keep up. Eventually she was just too
fast and I had to let her.
I could see Luke way ahead and I’m sure that I was getting closer to him. I also thought I could see Simon but it was hard to recognised the paddlers on the skis.
When I saw the powerlines I knew that I only had a couple of kilometres to go. Jane and Chris were going head to head with Chris getting the upper hand. Simon and Ron Clarke were 1 minute 31 seconds ahead of me which I didn’t think was too bad as they were paddling skis over 1 & 1/2 metres longer than my kayak.
I crossed the finish line with Nina close by. She beat by nearly 3 minutes and Jane over 3 minutes but I beat a few others so I was happy.
After presentation we had to drive back to Bells Rapid to collect my car. It was just unbelievable how many cars were parked along the road and in the parking areas. It was jammed packed and hard for us to get into Bells so Kris dropped Steph and I off along the road and we walked down to get our cars. Bruce was on the gate only allowing kayakers to
come out. When we came out only Warren was left. He was waiting for Patrick and Dave who were the last ones to collect their car. Bruce couldn't leave until they arrived as he had to lock the gate when all kayakers cars were out.
A tip--- don't go to Bells at the weekend - there are too many sightseers.
Chris Little, Jane Pankhurst, Nina Mueller and Josh Richards take off.
Photo Mitchell Hale.
Jane Dooley. It was her birthday.
Photo Mitchell Hale.
Kris Smith the race organiser.
Great job Kris and volunteers.
Photo Mitchell Hale.
George Pankhurst and Brody Crawford.
Brody was a reserve paddler for the Tokyo Olympics in C1.
Unfortunately he wasn't needed.
Photo Mitchell Hale
Results Here:
https://www.webscorer.com/racedetails?raceid=248653&did=286614
Kimberley Kayak Expedition #6
Wednesday 2nd
Incredible birds sounds broke out just before dawn. It was time to rise and ready ourselves for a walk to the top of the range behind us. I had already climbed it 3 times before but it is so beautiful up there I never get tired of seeing the view. After a quick breakfast we were walking along the beach beside the cliff before climbing the ridge.
The going was pretty tough from the start, but it got tougher as we gained height. We followed a gully for a while and then broke off to find an easier route. As the ground got steeper the rocks moved under our feet quite dangerously. We started passing green ants. I had warned the guys about them earlier and within five minutes Pam was shouting and had her shirt off trying to shake the green ants off. They do bite.
The view from the top of the range was magnificent. We explored, had a group photo and moved across to another vantage point for another amazing view. Then it was time to descend and the trip down was much easier and back at camp we were soon ready to leave. As we moved off the view of the rock cliff face opposite our camp to the north was more magical in the morning light than when we arrived the previous day. It was hard to take our eyes off it.
A view of Cascade Bay from the top of the range.
A view of Cascade Bay from the top of the range looking south-west.
Leaving Cascade Bay. Gary taking in the view.
Passing cliffs north-west of Cascade Bay.
Don next some different Kimberley Cliffs.
Moving along the cliffs and then between Pecked Island and the mainland I expected to see a croc as I had done before, but I was disappointed when we passed through the stunning channel without seeing one. As we approached Hells Gate, where the currents are usually extreme, today there was little movement, which was again quite disappointing as I wanted the guys to see how powerful the current was
around there. The tide though wasn’t at the right height. We renamed it Fizzle Gate.
We moved past three great campsites before entering Crawford Bay. I thought I spotted small eyes of a croc but it never appeared again. There were turtles galore though. It didn’t take us long to cross Crawford Bay and reach the point of Cone Bay where there was a big splash behind us. Probably a shark! Then Don and Tel sighted a small croc and this time it was real.
A couple of kilometres along the bay we came across Johnson’s camp, a beach with shelter and water. We relaxed, filled water bottles and washed our clothes. I went for a walk along the range crossing ridges and gullies which were pretty tough. Thistle like plants half dead spiked my trousers but at least I got great views of the bay. A wallaby bounded away as I traced my steps back across the ridges and gullies. By the time I returned the crew were sitting at the
water’s edge on chairs eating tinned oysters and drinking wine, except for Don and Gary who vowed not to drink on the trip because they didn’t buy any.
As the sun set we moved away from the cool spot at the water’s edge and started preparing dinner in the shade of the high cliff. It was Don’s birthday so we had cake and candles that wouldn’t blow out.
Thursday
After having a leisurely breakfast we headed across Cone Bay in perfect conditions. A fishing boat was working across the bay. Our paddle was interrupted with several photos and rest breaks and when we started passing oyster/pearl beds we looked back towards the southern cliffs and they were stunning.
We started to move through Sir Richard Island channel and it wasn’t long before sighting a two metre croc. The narrow pass was a beauty and as we turned out of it to go north we paused at the point to eat nuts, watch two kingfishers on the rocks and two dolphins that circled us. We were surrounded by beautiful small islands as we crossed over to Mary Island where we found a sheltered spot amongst the mangroves and rocks for lunch. It was a great little hide-away,
but Pam wasn’t at ease as she thought that crocs would be around.
Crossing Strickland Bay the wind picked up from the south-west giving us a lift to the channel between Hidden and Dunvert Islands and the start of the Whirlpool Pass. Here Tel and Don got out of their boats to cool down. Pretty brave in these waters, I thought! With the current in our favour we moved into the spectacular S shaped Whirlpool Pass where turbulences pushed us around and the current
aided our passage. When the passage opened up we made for our camp on the right hand side of the pass where a beach greeted us and a spectacular cliff looked down on us.
The tide was pretty low as we came out of Whirlpool Pass
After carrying our gear ashore Don went out to fish and I climbed the highest point to get a better view of the pass. The view of Don fishing below in the clear waters was picture perfect. Descending and walking along the oyster laden rocks at the bottom of the cliff was a real hazard and could slice my booties and feet open so easily.
Don down there fishing. North end of Whirlpool Pass
I check out the Spoonbill every day and usually it is alone but occasionally a friend drops in.
On Ron Courtney Island.
I don't often see a pelican perching so high in a tree.
The wild weather and strong current has encouraged me to venture up the Helena River to get out of the swift flow. Unfortunately fallen trees prevent me from going more than 1.1 kms along the river from the Swan River and if the tide is right I can pass under a tree I can go another 400 metres.
It's not often you can see sheep 12kms from the city centre.
Up the Helena River.
This Morning in the Guildford Flood Plain
I just love exploring so when I get a chance to take a different route I go for it.
It's good to make my 20+ km paddle more interesting.
Although I pass this area several times a week it's only when the river is high that I can creep around the shallows and find birds and beautiful trees from another prospective.
A duck perches in a beautiful tree.
We are losing magnificent trees like these.
A pair of Swans just love feeding in the floodplain.
Ibis also like feeding in the floodplain.
It's such a shame that huge trees like this one are dying off along the river.
Another tree at the end of its life.
Back home (in the background) a male Shelduck.
Females can be distinguished from males by a white ring around the eye and the base of the bill, and they can be heard calling to one another, the male honking loudly, and the female answering with a buzzing call.
The Australian Shelduck is a large, brightly coloured duck with a small head and bill. The male head and neck are black, tinged green, with a white neck ring and occasionally a white ring around the base of the bill. The upper parts are mainly black, while the underparts are dark brown with a cinnamon breast. White upperwing coverts form a white shoulder patch. The wings are black and deep chestnut with a large green speculum (window in wing). The female has a
white eye-ring and a chestnut breast. This species is also known as the Chestnut-breasted Shelduck, Mountain Duck and Sheldrake.
The Australian Shelduck grazes on green grass on land or in shallow water. It also eats algae, insects and molluscs.
The nest of the Australian Shelduck is usually in a large tree hollow, well lined with down. They have also been known to breed in rabbit burrows and in large hollows on cliff faces . Flightless downy young may gather in creches. Only the female Australian Shelduck incubates the eggs, while the male defends the brood territory. This species is monogamous and some birds are known to create permanent pair-bonds.
from Birdlife Australia.
Paddle WA Live Lighter Sprint Regatta #1 -
2021/2022 Season
Champion Lakes Regatta Centre
This is a Sprint distance and Long Distance Race Regatta for Ski, Kayak, Canoe, OC1/V1/Va'a Sunday 1st August 2021
Held in conjunction with the Avon Descent Scrutineering
Includes a Lucky draw prize of $250 donated by the Avon Descent
https://www.webscorer.com/register?raceid=247458
Entries close midnight Saturday 24th July - Late fee for entries after this date.
Masters Games
Early Bird Entries before 31st July.
*Register for 2021 Australian Masters Games**
https://australianmastersgames.com/games/
Dates: Marathon: 10th and 11th October Sprint: 13th October
Location: Champion Lakes, Henley Drive, WA 6111
Entry Fees:
Early Bird: $115 [70+ $105] for games and $30 for Canoe/Kayak
After Early Bird $145 [70+ $135] for games and $30 for Canoe/Kayak
Discount Dates:
Early Bird before 31st July
Minimum Age: 35
Murray Whitewater Festival
20th-21st August | Murray River, Dwellingup
LiveLighter The Ramon
Sunday 15th August | Middle Swan Bridge to AP Hinds Reserve
Entries for the LiveLighter The Ramon are now open!
Formerly known as the LiveLighter Avon Challenge, the event was rebranded as LiveLighter The Ramon in 2020 to honour one of WA's, paddling greats, Ramon Andersson. Ramon has many profound paddling achievements including going to two Olympic Games (1992, 1996), winning
Olympic Bronze (K4, 1992), two-time WA Sports Star of the Year, and WA Coach of the Year.
Sunday 15th August
15km, Middle Swan Bridge to AP Hinds Reserve
Racer check-in: 7.45-8.30am
Briefing: 8.30am
Race Start: 9.00am
Enter as an Ironperson, Team of 2, or Team of 3
Kayaks, canoes, skis, outriggers, SUPs, dragon boats, surf boats & Canadian Canoes all welcome
Entries close 11.59pm on Thursday 12th August.
Nanga Challenge 2021 - 11th September
One of AKC's most iconic races the Nanga Challenge has something for everyone. The Nanga 2021 charity is The Butterfly Foundation
Supporting men or women, young or old, athletes or otherwise to deal with eating disorders and body image.
Course options:
'Nice' or ‘Nasty’ as a Solo or in Teams
Duathlon: Paddle & MTB or MTB & Run [Pair or Solo]
Plus New for 2021 'The Adventure Pairs' category, aimed at novices
Nice: 8k Paddle, 15k MTB, 10k Run,
Nasty: 12k Paddle, 23k MTB, 13k Run,
Duathlon: Nice or Nasty lengths.
Adventure Pairs complete the Nice course, craft can be supplied
A Paddle, Run and MTB challenge
Early-bird entries open from July 1, beat the August the price rise ! Camping at Chuditch for the Saturday night post event is included for all entries completed in JULY, or until the campsite is full. Be quick, sites are limited, first in, best... camp spot!
Enter at: https://www.webscorer.com/register?raceid=245426
Questions: Emailnangachallenge@gmail.com and grant@alarmswa.com.au or call 0417
945 577
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