****************************Pairs Enduro – sponsored by Canoeing Down Under
When we arrived at the start of the Pairs Enduro Race, Eric Crombe told Alaine that he had written up the workplace harassment form and a name was already typed on it. I’ve got no idea what he was referring to, who at Canoeing Down Under would harass another work colleague. I couldn't understand why people were looking my way.
This is Eric Crombe!! He just needs the pink shirt that the lady is wearing and it would go well with his CDU hat and pink ski. Anyway all eyes were looking towards me as Samantha Pilton the organiser, started the briefing. She talked about putting sunscreen on, watching out for fisherman along the shore, helping others if they get into trouble, etc, etc. Then there was a mention of encouraging your team mate, giving them support and helping each other along by allowing them to wash ride. At that point I realised that Samantha was sharing all the things that I usually do and asking others to take a leaf out of my book! It was quite nice that others were using my good points to share with others!!
So the idea of the race was to keep together and cross the line together. We were the 5th team on the line with Terry T2 and Leonie starting 1 minute behind. Although it was only a flat water race, Alaine was still suffering with nerves, which she gets a few days ahead of every race. No matter, I was confident that she was going to paddle well.
We took off and within a few kilometres we were passing Bruce and Warren in their short plastic kayaks. They tried to psyche Alaine out by telling her she wasn’t working hard enough and she was leaving all the work to me but of course Alaine didn’t care. Eventually we got over their wash and got into clear water where we sped all be it slowly, away from them. Some time later T2 and Leonie came steaming up behind us, drew level and overtook. T2s weight sat his bulky boat well down and Leonie was hanging onto his good wash with dear life. As they eased away from us I could only hope that Leonie would get so tired that she would collapse in a heap and allow us to pass, but unfortunately it didn’t happen.
We were making good time but every time a boat wash came by or a pair of faster paddlers would pass, Alaine dropped off my wash. She was really hurting as she hasn’t trained much since she came back from the Mackenzie River and I was pushing her and encouraging her like I usually do. I am a very sensitive person as most of you know and I always know just what to say to lift people’s confidence and make them feel good. “Come on paddle harder”, I shouted, “get back on my wash, up, up, up up”. “You are doing very well but can you go faster”!!
The faster paddlers were passing. I was impressed with John Hilton who only two years ago was slower than me. Now he was flying and making me look very slow. But it wasn’t at all bad, we managed to pass the female super team of Sue Quick and Julie Howlett.
Coming up to the line Alaine paddled level with me, I gave her encouragement for the second time (can’t over do it). She was completely exhausted and aching. She was also disappointed in herself because she knew she could do better, (which I agreed) but I didn’t care I just love paddling slow.
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AKC Wednesday Race
Three days after the 17km Pairs Enduro it was time to get back in the double kayak and paddle in the Ascot Kayak Club Wednesday night race. Alaine wasn’t feeling very confident, didn’t want to paddle and she purposely left her paddling gear at home so she wouldn’t have to. But after a loan of T2s holey underpants, and some new shorts and a rashie donated by CDU, she had no excuse not to.
I wouldn’t normally write about a night race but it was time to lift its profile. Our main rivals were Grant Pepper and Helen. Grant is a well known doubles champion so in theory we had no chance of beating him. Lawrence was also there, but he was too scared to paddle with a female so he paddled with Paddy Burke instead. Someone did mention there was no difference (but no names supplied)!!
As usual we were left behind a little as all the fast paddlers on our grid took off. After 500 metres however, when all the wash calmed down we were able to power hard and get on the wash of Grant and Helens. At the first turn we slipped by them and although they tried to wash hang us they faded and we got stronger gaining on all the other paddlers in front. We didn’t see much of Lawrence and Paddy, unfortunately they were well ahead, most likely wash hanging some of the faster paddlers. That didn’t faze us though, at least we were well ahead of Grant and Helen.
Peter Beyer, who bought an Excalibur from us the previous day, wasn’t breaking any records in his fairly unstable kayak, but he impressed me because I didn’t expect he would be able to paddle it at first without falling in. Well done Peter.
At the finish line we waited for Grant and Helen, but some how they sneaked by and we could see them way up river waiting for people to leave the club. There was no avoiding us though, we just waited for them to come in. It was the first time that I had ever beat Grant, so I had to rub it in.
The previous day Grant had installed an alarm in our warehouse, apparently he was about to send out an invoice but now it seems the invoice is going to be amended, apparently the price has now gone up.
Grant is a perfectionist when it comes to installing alarms, (although it seems that his paddling is suffering) so give him a call on 0417 945 577 if you want an alarm system for home or work.
I wouldn’t normally write about a night race but it was time to lift its profile. Our main rivals were Grant Pepper and Helen. Grant is a well known doubles champion so in theory we had no chance of beating him. Lawrence was also there, but he was too scared to paddle with a female so he paddled with Paddy Burke instead. Someone did mention there was no difference (but no names supplied)!!
As usual we were left behind a little as all the fast paddlers on our grid took off. After 500 metres however, when all the wash calmed down we were able to power hard and get on the wash of Grant and Helens. At the first turn we slipped by them and although they tried to wash hang us they faded and we got stronger gaining on all the other paddlers in front. We didn’t see much of Lawrence and Paddy, unfortunately they were well ahead, most likely wash hanging some of the faster paddlers. That didn’t faze us though, at least we were well ahead of Grant and Helen.
Peter Beyer, who bought an Excalibur from us the previous day, wasn’t breaking any records in his fairly unstable kayak, but he impressed me because I didn’t expect he would be able to paddle it at first without falling in. Well done Peter.
At the finish line we waited for Grant and Helen, but some how they sneaked by and we could see them way up river waiting for people to leave the club. There was no avoiding us though, we just waited for them to come in. It was the first time that I had ever beat Grant, so I had to rub it in.
The previous day Grant had installed an alarm in our warehouse, apparently he was about to send out an invoice but now it seems the invoice is going to be amended, apparently the price has now gone up.
Grant is a perfectionist when it comes to installing alarms, (although it seems that his paddling is suffering) so give him a call on 0417 945 577 if you want an alarm system for home or work.
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The new shipment of Epic Skis will soon be here.
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The new shipment of Epic Skis will soon be here.
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Two weeks ago we mentioned that one of our customers had been killed in a motor bike accident. We have just learnt that he collided with a huge truck tyre that was lying in the middle of the road. Apparently it had been there for some time and no one stopped to move it. It is a reminder to us all that debris left on the road can be fatal.
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Ultimate™ 12 Propel
Ultimate™ 12 Propel
With all the comfort and convenience of an Ultimate™ plus the versatility of a pedal kayak, the Ultimate™ 12 Propel gives you the choice to paddle or pedal. A fantastic kayak for fishing or even relaxing or exercising different muscle groups. You can pedal forward or backward and the rudder control lets you steer with a single finger while you enjoy the luxury of the First Class™ Seating system and the stability of the Tunnel Hull™.
Length: 368 cm
Width: 76 cm
Weight: 26 kg
Alaine pedaling the Ultimate Propell. An electric motor will also fit in the centre when the pedal unit is taken out
Paddling the Propell without the pedals****************************
Wind Paddle Sail
The WindPaddle is a self launching, self standing sail that stows either on-deck or below in a small coiled/folded package that is 1/8th it's original size. Combine this with the ability to be quickly launched and doused while out on the water and you have a very easy to use sail.
The WindPaddle usually requires no boat nor deck modifications for use. Just clip it on to existing deck fittings.
Sail Models
Adventure: Launch and fly from the on-deck position. Large horizontal oriented window for good visibility. The WindPadddle can be set-up for instant self-launching. Weighs 14 oz.
Cruiser: Larger sail for tandems and canoes where more power is needed. Launch and fly from the on-deck position.
Adventure: Launch and fly from the on-deck position. Large horizontal oriented window for good visibility. The WindPadddle can be set-up for instant self-launching. Weighs 14 oz.
Cruiser: Larger sail for tandems and canoes where more power is needed. Launch and fly from the on-deck position.
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A coyote swimming across the wide river - Athabasca River, Canada
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