February 2007 This Issue
MURRAY RIVER MARATHON YAK FISHING FOR KINGFISH RIO VA`A RACE KAYAK SURFING STAND UP PADDLING PADDLEBOARDING PADDLE LEASHES AND PLENTY MORE! 17 E G PA E E S K A Y KA F R U S A WIN
Contents 01 Australia’s Mike Murray, Moloka`i Dreaming - Photo Bob Coello 06 Paddlers Put In A Marathon Effort on the Murray Melissa Sawyer 10 High Surf Conditions for Rio Va`a 2006 - Nicolas Bourlon 15 Queensland’s Surfski Series Matures - Paul Mauger 17 Win a Surfkayak 19 Leashes 23 Max Adventure Paddle Australia - Steve Cooper 25 How do I know if I need to stretch my shoulders? 28 Catching Kingfish on a Kayak - Philip Welsh 29 Hawaiian Top Watermen Come Together - Jodi Young OCEAN PROMOTIONS 32 Australian OC1/OC2 Championships - Tracey Horan 35 Get into Paddleboarding 38 Kayak Surfing - Ross Boardman MEGA SURF KAYAKS 41 Paddleboarding into History 43 Events Long distance kayaker and adventurer Andrew McCauley became separated from his kayak and lost at sea only hours from completing his journey from Tasmania to New Zealand. The circumstances are vague given that his kayak was found 80km from Milford Sound and at the time of his disappearance conditions were calm. The search was concluded on February 15th. I only met Andrew McCauley once; when he, Laurie and Stuart gave a talk on their Antarctica trip. I left that evening with a grin on my face and a feeling that with careful planning we can all push that envelope, if we want. Andrew has left us doing something he was passionate about. Below is a traditional Polynesian Burial Poem; thanks for being such an inspiration Andrew. www.andrewmcauley.com Andrew McCauley
Watermen’s’ Burial Poem Bury me deep in the clear blue sea Where the crashing waves will spray over me Where my soul will rise with the risen sun And be surfing [paddling] still when the day is done.
From the Editor ell it’s back to the proverbial grindstone for most of us. Now that the holiday period has come and gone, forget not the important things in life, which may have revealed themselves to you in a quieter moment, with family or friends, or while on the water. Many a great revealation manifests itself while afloat. It must be the expansiveness in being in an ocean environment, the fact that there are few road signs to limit thought or impulsiveness, the fact that paddling allows us to tap into some deeper primal sense of self, which we can take with us when shorebound. Enjoy the E-zine and please, send us your stories, short or long.
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Kayak Paddlers Put In A Marathon Effort on the Murray
Melissa Sawyer
Paddlers are all smiles at the starting line of the 2006 Red Cross Murray Marathon. The race includes a myriad of paddle powered craft, from kayaks to canoes, surf skis and foot pedal powered boats.
cool light southerly wind caused the majestic red gum trees on the banks of the mighty Murray River to sway, and nothing could be heard … except the buzz of more than 700 nervous and excited paddlers ready to hit the water.
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They joined together for the first time to do something never done before – break a 14-year-old record and be the first men to complete the race in under 25 hours. Their boat was custom-made in Cobram, one of the towns along the way. Each team member had paddled up to 200 km each week over the previous months in order to be in peak condition for the race.
It was the first day of the Red Cross Murray Marathon, and while most of us were putting our feet up for the Christmas break, these paddlers were getting ready to take on one of the longest paddling events in the world.
“What we’re seeing here is probably the fastest K4 long-distance team that Australia could ever produce,” says Glenn Hemphill, who set the previous record in 1992 (25:08:19) with Nev Hargreaves.
At 404 km, between December 27 – 31 paddlers travel from Yarrawonga to Swan Hill as one giant moving tent city. Each night the 3000 paddlers, support crew and friends camp together, throw frisbies together, cook dinner together and get massages from Red Cross volunteers together.
The four-man ‘super boat’ crew achieved their goal of completing the race in the outright fastest time, winning the overall handicap and taking line honours each day. They paddled into Swan Hill in 24 hours, 18 minutes and 47 seconds.
The event attracts a dedicated core of enthusiastic paddlers as well as mum and dad teams from throughout Australia and the world. Over five days they travel through rugged country and a 70,000 hectare red gum forest along the river border shared by NSW and Victoria … starting out at Yarrawonga and ending up at Swan Hill.
The Marathon is an event where first timers can paddle alongside elite athletes. 2006 saw a myriad of different boats paddling for varied reasons – teams of Koori youths and police officers aiming to build relationships, CWA women proving that age is no barrier, and school groups enjoying the holidays together.
None were more dedicated than a team of two Red Cross Murray Marathon champions Nev Hargreaves (Yarrawonga) and Simon Stenhouse (Canberra), and two Australian kayaking team members, Michael Leverett (Melton) and Tim Naughtin (Corowa).
The members of the Victorian Country Women’s Association wanted to be known as ‘Chicks With Attitude’ when they took on the Mighty Murray River. Some of the members of the Victorian CWA team
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Kayak
“Having fun, involving members across Victoria and raising funds for the work of the Red Cross is worth all the sweat, hard work and dunks in the Murray,” she said.
Members of the K4 Challenge Blue Team paddle hard on day three of the Red Cross Murray Marathon.
travelled up to 90 km twice a week to attend training sessions on Lake Mulwala, Yarrawonga, in preparation for the Red Cross Murray Marathon.
The CWA team did conquer the mighty Murray in 2006 with a time of 40 hours, 41 minutes and 54
CWA Victorian Deputy President Helen Wall said that while the training sessions were taken seriously by all team members, everyone had taken an ‘unintentional’ swim at least once. “Getting in and out of the kayak with a semblance of dignity and not always succeeding is just part of the fun!” Helen said. Trying to shake the perception that it is an organisation of old ladies making scones and tea was the motivation for the Chicks, whose oldest paddler was 73 years old. Helen Wall said participating in the Marathon gave women a chance to get out of their comfort zone, take on a challenge and succeed. Yarrawonga: CWA team members Helen Wall and Dawn Campbell are handed their paddles as they get started to take on the 2006 Red Cross Murray Marathon.
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Kayak
The Superboat glides past. Nev Hargreaves, Simon Stenhouse, Michael Leverett and Tim Naughtin combine for one of the fastest boats ever to grace the Murray river.
seconds. It was all about friendship and fun for the Outback Scrubbers who travelled 2600 km from Mt Isa in Queensland.
“I’ve got the energy of a kelpie. I train seven days a week and lift weights – how else am I going to wind down from being a teacher?” says Marilyn.
The Outback Scrubbers took a few knocks while towing their boat through the desert from Mt Isa to join this year’s Red Cross Murray Marathon. Their boat was clipped by a truck near Adelaide when they stopped for a meal at the pub, requiring some urgent repairs. This was much to the surprise of the barmaid on the Birdsville Track, who loudly questioned what they were doing so far from water.
Twenty-six-year-old Erin Lynch, of East Ringwood in Melbourne, has competed in the Red Cross Murray Marathon since 1996. She embodies the community spirit of the event. Over the years Erin has coached teams of younger paddlers, started a canoe club from scratch and created a new class of event, the K4 Challenge, to eliminate barriers to entry for those who have never paddled before.
“Where we live is very isolated, so it’s good to get away and see the country even though we had to travel 2600km to get here,” says Ken Glasco, President of the North West Canoe Club. “You can call us keen or eccentric, but everyone who does this is a masochist. Over five days, though, you get to spread the pain around,” he says.
The K4 Challenge consists of three boats entered in a kayak relay. Each team has a mixture of experienced and new paddlers and is designed to introduce new people to the sport. With their songs, laughter and energy, the K4 Challenge teams are also impossible to miss on the river. The one common element that draws these vastly different teams together is simple: the Australian Red Cross. Almost $300,000 was generated by the 2006 Red Cross Murray Marathon. These funds support Red Cross services, from serving breakfast to children who may otherwise go without to reuniting families separated by war and disaster.
The team regularly trains in swampy lakes, competes in the Dirt and Dust Marathon and in the Gregory Canoe Race three hours north of Mt Isa. Often, team members compete in the croc-infested waters of the Katherine Marathon. “Paddling a Marathon is just as painful up north as it is here, except there are no crocs in the Murray!” he says. Team-mate Marilyn ‘the machine’ Drynan is a 50something teacher who has competed in 55 triathalons in Mt Isa alone, and this is her first Red Cross Murray Marathon. She grew up on a dairy property in Beaudesert making canoes from corrugated iron and paddling bathtubs up the creek with her brothers.
For more information, go to www.redcross.org.au or email vicevents@redcross.org.au
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Va`a Event High Surf Conditions for Rio Va`a 2006 By Nicolas Bourlon Photos on past editions and information on Rio Va`a 2007 can be found at www.riovaa.com
io de Janeiro was once again the venue for South America’s largest va`a race. Recognised by the IVF as the South American venue of the international va`a circuit, Rio Va`a 2006 brought together the strongest va`a paddlers from Brazil (including some of the best Olympic kayak paddlers) and experienced athletes from Argentina, Tahiti and Hawaii.
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The V1 – 500m race was held with traditional (rudderless) canoes while the V1 medium distance race was open to all canoe models (traditional or ruddered). The V2 canoes were chosen for the sprints instead of the V6 recommended by the IVF due to the open sea characteristics of the location. The minimum weight for the V6 canoes was set at 180kg – for the last year before Brazil adopts the150kg weight standard. Three metre swells make Rio Va`a 2006 the most challenging race ever.
Rio Va`a organisers had decided to adopt the World Cup format defined by the International Va`a Federation for the biannual IVF World Va`a Cup.
Each Rio Va`a race since the first in 2002 has had different weather conditions and Rio de Janeiro’s tropical latitudes make springtime a period of conflicting tendencies with the North-eastern trade winds (that prevail in the summer) fighting the Southern cold fronts (that prevail in the winter).
IVF President Charles Villierme made the trip to Rio to support the event and share his experience with Brazil and Argentina’s club presidents in their aspiration to strengthen the sport both nationally and regionally.
Rio Va`a 2006 had the nearly perfect combination of sunny weather, high tide, easterly winds and strong south swells that surprised many teams and made this race the most challenging ever.
The event was contested by men’s and women’s teams in eight events: V1 sprints 500m (men and women) V2 sprints 1000m (men) and 2000m (women) V1 medium distance 10km (men) and 5km (women) V6 long distance 28km (men) and 10km (women)
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Va`a Event rudderless cockpit-type canoes used by Rio Va`a Club and visiting Tahitian paddlers couldn’t perform as expected without spray covers. The women’s 5km race was won by Brazilian paddler Emily Janchevis who paddled in the race for Rio Va`a Club while she trains with the Hawaiian Canoe Club in Maui. The men’s 10km race was won by Sebastián Cuattrin. As a member of Brazil’s Olympic kayak team and winner of nine medals in Pan-Americans Games, his experience makes him a serious contender in every va`a event he enters. “The adrenalin in Polynesian canoes is different from kayaks and there is also the beautiful scenery. I’m used to competing in flat water conditions and these waves give an additional emotion,” affirmed Sebastián Cuattrin. By the time the sprint races were underway in the afternoon, the Praia Vermelha, enclosed by the Sugar Loaf, Urca and Leme monoliths, had choppy cross waves that made the V1 500m elimination heats subject to varying waves and wind conditions. Anapa Bambridge and Sebastián Cuattrin, expected favourites for gold ended up out of the 3 top spots. The men’s V1 500m winner was Celso Filetti from Santos, Brazil.
Saturday: V1 and V2 races in surfing conditions While an early morning start was planned, it was delayed by a broken trailer with São Paulo’s canoes. By the time the race started, a strong wind had picked up and the course had to be modified.
Emily Janchevis won the girl’s V1 500m and teamed up with Marleny Cotrin from Niumalu Canoe Club (Kauai) to also win the V2 2000m. The men’s V2 race, using ruddered canoes, was a fierce battle with the race course shortened to 1000m; Sebastián Cuattrin and Fábio Paiva took the gold.
As cross waves formed due to conflicting surf swell and winds, it became clear that the race was to be dominated by sit-on-top surfing canoes and that the
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Va`a Event impressive with all the canoes sprinting to the first point out of Praia Vermelha and 3 canoes scraped the Leme rocks. Rio Va`a Club took the lead followed by Tribo Q Pira from Santos with Sebastián Cuattrin paddling seat # 4 and Matero from São Paulo.
At the end of the day, the Tribo Q Pira team from Santos, Brazil collected 3 gold medals for the men and Rio Va`a Club from Rio had the top spots for the girls. Race officials were happy to call it a day and paddlers headed home after a long day in the water and on the beach.
When the va`a had reached Ipanema, one crew from Praia Vermelha Va`a Club had already abandoned the race at Praia do Diabo (Devil’s beach) and the fight for second place, which continued all the way back to Praia Vermelha, was between Tribo Q Pira, Team Manu o Ke Kai from Argentina and Brucutus from Bertioga.
Rio Va`a Club wins both men’s and women’s V6 races while 5 crews swamp in the 3 metre high waves close to Sugar Loaf. The normal long distance race course takes paddlers from Praia Vermelha along Copacabana Beach around the Arpoador surfing spot, rounding the Ipanema Cezar Park hotel buoy and back to Copacabana, Praia Vermelha were the girl’s race finishes after 18km.
The Rio Va`a Club canoe with local paddlers Massimo Novello, Leonardo Faria, Paulo Almeida, Nicolas Bourlon and steered by Tahitian paddler Viri Teiva, put to good use its two weeks of training with Papeete Va`a Club coach Anapa Bambridge who paddled in the seat # 4. Rio Va`a lead the whole race, surfing the waves at Arpoador and Ipanema and the long swells along Copacabana to round the Praia Vermelha buoys with a 4 minute advantage on the pack.
The men’s race has 10 more kilometres as paddlers continue around the Sugar Loaf and Cara de Cão rocks to enter the Guanabara Bay, paddle in flat water to Urca Church and back around the same path to Praia Vermelha. The girl’s race had the early start in a shortened 10 km course from Praia Vermelha to Copacabana due to concerns with the sea conditions in Ipanema. The shorter course turned the race into close combat between crews during most of the course.
Sugar Loaf proved once again to be a tough hurdle to jump and as they rounded the Cara do Cão rocks into the bay, surfing a huge wave that broke more that 10 metres up the rocks, 4 more crews - Tribo Q Pira 98 FM (Santos, Brazil), Brucutus (Bertioga, Brazil), Canoa Brasil - Jaws (Santos, Brazil) and Matero (São Paulo, Brazil) - abandoned the race to be rescued by race officials and the State of Rio de Janeiro lifeguards.
The girl’s V6 was won in 1:00:40 by home team Rio Va`a Club with Juliana Ribeiro, Ana Paula Amorim, Beatriz Amorim, Marleny Cottrin and Kimberly Barnes (both from Niumalu CC) and Emili Janchevis (from Hawaiian CC). Cabo Frio Outrigger Club (Brazil) came second in 1:01:49, followed by Brucutus from Bertioga, Brazil in 1:04:35.
Rio Va`a Club won the first V6 South American title with a time of 2:20:41. “Just finishing the race could already be considered a good result,” said Tahitian paddler Anapa Bambridge, who paddled with the Rio
By the time the men’s race got under way, it was clear the winds would pick up. Race start was
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Va`a Event Va´a Club crew. “With these sea conditions, the peperu (steersman) and a solid crew with surfing skills is essential. Our time was only 5 minutes away from the 2:14:16 course record set in flat water conditions (by Ruahatu Va`a from Toulon in 2004).” Anapa Bambrigde spent 2 weeks in Rio training Rio Va`a paddlers to support the development of the Canoa Rio Va`a project for kids from low income families as part of the cooperation agreement between Rio Va`a Club and Papeete Va`a Club with support from the IVF.
development of va`a racing in Brazil and South America, and to Everdan Riesco, Brucutus Club (São Paulo) President for his contribution towards the integration between clubs from different Brazilian States. Rio Va`a Club won the trophy of the first South American Champion Club: “After 5 Rio Va`a events, the club still had not won its own race (the best results being second place in 2004) and winning both V6 events was the result of hard work from club members focused on training for the race as well as the organisation of the 5th Rio Va`a,” commented organiser and paddler Nicolas Bourlon.
Rio Va`a 2005 winner Team Manu o Ke Kai from Buenos Aires Argentina, took second place with 2:30:25 followed by Praia Vermelha Va`a Velox (Rio de Janeiro) in 2:36:44. Steersman Mariano Larghi and president of the Argentina Outrigger Association said, “The race is hard core and it really ended up being super challenging with the complexity of the coastline and its currents. The complete course is starting to be one of my favourites and we look forward to next year.”
Even more important for the sport was the integration between Brazilian Clubs, the reinforced exchanges with Argentina and for the first time, the participation of Tahitian paddlers and Hawaiian wahine paddlers. It is important to note that the participation of foreign teams has always been a key factor in the race’s success. Nicolas Bourlon who organises the Rio Va`a race, with nautical support from the Rio de Janeiro Yacht Club, wants to see the Rio Va`a as a parallel event during the 2007 Rio de Janeiro Pan-American Games. “We have confirmed personal support from Cesar Maya, Rio de Janeiro Mayor and Gustavo Cintra, Municipal Secretary of Sports and Leisure, and we expect to be able to organise a demonstration event to promote va`a racing as a future PanAmerican and Olympic discipline. This is the strategy we developed with Charles Villierme in 2004 when he met with Brazilian Olympic Committee officials and for which the IVF board has given us full support.”
Other finishers were Niteroi Va`a Club from Rio de Janeiro (2:41:36), Canoa Brasil – Hoe Mana from Santos, Brazil (2:43:52), Brasilia Va`a Club from Brasilia, Brazil (2:50:01) and Rio Va`a Club B (3:12:06). Awards ceremony in front of Sugar Loaf Sugar Loaf had proved once again to be a turning point for Rio Va`a in high swell conditions and was also a perfect backdrop for the awards ceremony that followed the now traditional Rio Va`a after race buffet in Circulo Militar da Praia Vermelha. The South American men’s team title was won by Tribo Q Pira 98 FM (Santos, Brazil) thanks to their clean sweep in the one man and two men races.
The presence of Charles Villierme in 2004 and again in 2006 gave the IVF’s blessing to this first South American Cup.
The Rio Va`a Club women won the South American women’s title with a perfect score in all 4 events showing the consistent growth of the women’s participation.
IVF Board support and Charles’ personal commitment go a long way to make paddlers from Brazil, Argentina and soon other South American countries confident that they are part of the va`a ohana and that they can effectively contribute to the sport’s worldwide expansion.
The awards ceremony included the Te Aito Rio Va`a awards that recognise the outstanding contributions to the development of the sport in Brazil. In 2005, award winners were Ronald Williams for bringing the first canoe to Brazil in 2002 and Simone Duarte for her difficult yet successful dedication as Rio Va`a race director since 2002. In 2006, the Te Aito Rio Va`a was awarded to IVF President Charles Villierme for his support of the
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For more information
Surfski Surfski Ocean Racing In Queensland Australia t was reported back in 2005 by Staff Writer Murray Williams in the Cape Argus, a local Cape Town daily newspaper in South Africa, that “One man’s passion and drive for his sport made it so popular that his concept was being copied in several countries.”
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with Paul Mauger
Armed with a boatload of charisma and the latest communications technology, Harker turned surf skiing into a mini-society - with a loyal following of thousands. And his own life has become a fabled "endless summer", writes Williams. Since those early days, Harker has sparked an entire social scene.
That man was Billy Harker and the sport Williams was referring to was the cultural revolution called ‘Surf Ski ocean paddling’ later to be named the Men’s Health Surf Ski series after the naming rights were sold to the popular men’s magazine. Prior to 1997, paddling surf skis in the sea, and in particular marathon racing out in the ‘deep’ ocean, was generally the domain of only the fittest and most experienced of surf lifesavers.
It was only a matter of time before the rest of the world sat up and took notice. At ocean paddling events around the world, such as the Molokai Ocean Paddling Marathon (generally recognised as the World Championships of Surf Ski Ocean Paddling) where legends Dean Gardiner and Oscar Chalupsky have reigned supreme for more than 20 years, word started to get around that there was a ‘new’ surf ski paddling series developing in South Africa.
The sport is not for the faint-hearted. Considered to be one of the most extreme sporting environs in the world with huge ocean swells, often gale-force winds, possible sun-burn, predators in the form of maneating sharks, blue-bottle jelly fish, and so on, the risk to life and limb remains daunting. All that changed as a result of the vision of one man and many of his well travelled disciples. Ten years later, ocean surf ski paddling exploded onto the world water-sports stage and is now one of the fastest growing and hottest sports around.
As a result of the phenomenal success of the series, Harker now runs a winter surf ski series in KwaZuluNatal and his Cape Town series from October till March. His series has now been copied in New Zealand, Australia, Dubai, the US and Canada.
How?
In Australia, surf ski legend Dean Gardiner has been instrumental in developing the Men’s Health surf ski series format. But it is a challenge to run a surf ski series on a continent as large as Australia.
“One man in particular,” says Williams: “Harker organiser of the now named Discovery Men's Health Surf Ski Series.”
In addition to Dean’s success in the development of the Ocean paddling scene in Australia, groups and individuals at regional level around the major cities have also contributed significantly to the growth of the sport here.
For more info on the Currumbin Creek Surf Ski Series visit: http://geocities.com/currumbinpaddlers Race start from Currumbin Creek
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Surfski Says Paul: “More often than not, success of similar water sport events is dependent on capturing the attention of sponsors, who in turn lure our top paddlers, who in turn encourage the everyday Mr. Average to compete. With sponsors providing incentives such as cash and prizes for our paddlers, it becomes easier to keep the guys coming back again and again. Thus building the profile and development of the sport.”
One such group is the Currumbin Creek Surf Ski Series on Queensland’s Gold Coast, initiated and organised by Paul Mauger, a seasoned veteran of ocean paddling for the past 35 years. Paul has completed numerous ultra-marathon surf ski and kayak races in South Africa, and since his arrival in Australia more than 2 years ago, realised that Queensland, and in particular the Gold Coast, needed some sort of ocean racing surf ski series, hence the Currumbin Creek Surf Ski Series was born. The Series is also open to other paddle craft such as outriggers, paddleboards and kayakers and has been running since Jan 2006. From its humble beginnings, it is now starting to attract more and more high calibre paddlers. Elite athletes such as Guy Andrews, Nathan Meyer, Jody Zerbst, Karl Treacher, Peter Dorries and Matt Carter are regular attendees at the bi-monthly club races. Not dissimilar to the Manly Paddlers club in Sydney.
With Queensland being the home of arguably the majority of Australia’s top surf paddlers and kayakers, Paul is well-positioned to take the sport of ‘Ocean surf ski paddling’ in SE Queensland to the next level.
Paul intended the series to promote and encourage the sport of surf ski ocean paddling amongst all sea and water enthusiasts in Queensland, and specifically on the Gold Coast. That he has achieved a measure of success must be acknowledged. But much work remains for the series to become a major draw card of elite paddlers in the national and international arena.
Paddlers paddling out through the entrance to Currumbin Creek on a very flat day!
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The Kanu Culture Team will pick the best entries for publication in future issues of Kanu Culture E-Zine. The winner will be announced in the March 07 issue.
Conditions: The entry must be emailed to competition@kanuculture.com no later than 9th March 2007. Promotion is only available to residents of Australia. Images over 5mb will not be accepted. Images must be hi res jpegs. By submitting the entry you are giving KANU Culture publishing rights to both the story and photograph. Prize does not include: Delivery of kayak outside of capital cities 2. Travel or accommodation expenses, to take undertake the instruction course at Jervis Bay Kayak. Paddle is not included in the prize The winner will be advised by email. The Judges decision will be final and no correspondence will be entered into.
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Clinic Leashes
Falling 'Out-Of' or 'Off' Your Craft and Releasing the Paddle
paddle and its craft are intrinsically linked. Lose your paddle and you lose your primary means of propulsion. Lose your craft and you’ll be thinking its time to take up another sport. Of the two however, the craft remains the most important, so you would grab it first if it meant choosing between one or the other. This brings us to the inevitable conclusion, that it makes sense to keep the two 'attached' whenever practical by the use of a paddle leash.
The paddle may act as a sea-anchor slowing the drift of the hull, leaving your arms free to swim, retrieve and recover.
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PADDLE LEASHES Supplied in either short or long lengths, a short paddle leash isn't always long enough for many advanced paddle strokes. Make sure you can do all your strokes with the paddle leash on. A coiled paddle leash strethes out to its longest length when you extend your paddle. With the forward paddling stroke, it will stay somewhat short and can pull against you. Consider using a longer ‘static’ leash. Remember, the longer the leash the greater the risk of entanglement.
Cautionary Note ‘Entanglement’ is the single biggest concern for the paddler when wearing a leash. At the point of capsize, this can become critical and it is therefore not always a safe option to be 'leashed up'. This can be especially true when paddling in breaking surf - white water kayakers don’t leash up to their paddles and neither do many surf kayakers and neither should OC1 and OC2 paddlers. Length of the leash, point of attachment, and ease and speed of detachment must be considered.
PADDLE ATTACHMENT This can be a simple Velcro loop secured around the mid shaft or in the case of the paddle leash designed by Lendal Kayak paddles, a balland-loop attachment which is both secure and easy to manage (can be done one-handed by most people with a bit of practice). A quick tug on the bright yellow release tab provides instant disengagement in an emergency.
Dropping Your Paddle While Upright Should you drop your paddle unavoidably or deliberately, if you are wearing a paddle-leash it will remain close to the craft. When undertaking kayakphotography, where you need both hands and voluntarily let go of your paddle, a paddle-leash is a must have accessory. The same is true if you want to assist others or access other equipment on your craft such as a map, food etc. In the case of yak fishing, a set of paddle clips attached to the deck is the better option. This will allow you to secure your paddle to the craft and have both hands entirely free, though while paddling to your fishing grounds wearing a paddle leash is certainly an option. A rod-leash is also a good investment for the yak-fisherman, to prevent loss of rod and reel over the side! Falling 'Out-Of' or 'Off' Your Craft Holding the Paddle Holding onto your paddle in these initial stages will ensure you remain close to your craft with your body weight preventing it from drifting away. Once satisfied that you can recover the craft, you can pull yourself along the leash, let go of the paddle, recover and pull the leash in to resume paddling.
Velcro loop secured around paddle shaft with clip system to secure to craft.
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Clinic CORD
KAYAK / SKI ATTACHMENT
Commercial paddle leashes generally consist of either coiled or straight 1/4" bungee or webbing that is roughly 20mm in width. Some experts prefer to use a thin, light static line which, unlike elastic cord, allows you to maintain a positive connection with the craft at all times, ie if the paddle becomes stuck under the craft during a rescue. A static cord, allows you to pull as hard as you like to retrieve it.
Paddle leashes secure to the craft in a variety of ways and positions determined by the nature of the kayak's design and intended purpose. A Velcro looped band, plastic or brass clip or cam-lock buckle secures to a strong point on the kayak or ski. Some clean skinned decks have no attachment point, so you may need to consider attaching a fixing point, ring or cleat of some description. COCKPIT, FOOT-WELL ATTACHMENT [Sit On Tops, Surfski]
Coiled leashes tend to get tangled and due to their weight often 'smack' the deck with each stroke taken. Rubber shock cord or thin static line won't tangle with itself and is lightweight. Loop and ball with quick tag release.
In calm conditions, you can attach the paddle within the cockpit to a strap-eye or deck line. For surfskis the foot well area is a common attachment point in all conditions. Some ski designs include a moulded hollow attachment point at the top of the central footwell divider or forward of the pedals.
There are mixed views on whether the connecting cord should be dynamic [elasticised] or static. Elastic or coiled cords have some advantages in that they 'cushion' the pressure of the pull from the craft, but on the other hand do not provide positive control over the craft or paddle. They are shorter when recoiled and therefore less obtrusive, stretching when required. The excess of a 'static' cord can easily be stowed away, so it extends only in the case of capsize or if you drop the paddle, or simply shorten it o suit your style of paddling.
Above: Coiled leash secured to sit-on-top within cockpit. Left: Coiled leash secured to footwell divider.
Some two piece webbing designs permit you to paddle 'disconnected' or 'connected' with half of the leash attached to the paddle the other to the kayak. A plastic-clip connects the two at your convenience.
Left: Coiled leash secured to mounting point forward of the footwell.
While you can purchase a commercial leash, making your own is not that tricky, using 3.5 feet of 3/16" shock cord [or static cord] and a nylon shock cord hook works a treat. It will stretch to more than twice its length when required and is short enough not to drag in the water or flop around the deck.
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Clinic DECK LINE ATTACHMENT
OUTRIGGER CANOE / SKI LEG LEASHES
This is the common attachment for most sea-kayaks and for most conditions, ordinarily just forward of the cockpit area.
In the case of OC1 / OC2 paddling, it is not practical to attach a paddle leash to a canoe paddle, the practice reserved for double-ended kayak paddles. A better option is to attach a spare paddle to your canoe using deck clips. Attaching yourself to the craft is also a worthwhile option in some instances, such as when paddling solo and duo OCs and surfskis, by using a leg leash attached to the craft. While the sea kayaker sits deep within the hull cavity, essentially 'wearing' the craft and SOT paddlers often sit within a hull recess, the OC1 / OC2 / Ski paddler is only barely hanging on by the skin of their cheeks. Solo and duo OCs and skis are designed to move at great speed following wind swell. Falling off at speed could result in the loss of your craft - not an uncommon occurrence.
BOW ATTACHMENT [Sit on Tops, Sea Kayaks]
For kayak surfing, it is common practice to attach the paddle leash to the bow. While this is easily accommodated on short kayaks designed for the surf, for longer touring style kayaks most commercially available leashes are too short for the task. Ultimately the longer the leash, the greater the opportunity for entanglement and therefore for this type of kayak, it is not recommended - use the deck lines and keep to a short leash.
For outrigger canoeing, many consider a leash more important than a PFD! Some builders provide a leash attachment point near the steering pedals while some models include a built in retractable 'static' cord within the foot-well. Most ski paddlers who use a leash, prefer to leash the paddle to the ski and not themselves, especially in breaking surf.
One way to ensure the use of a short leash when using a longer touring kayak is to add a 'running-line' from the bow, back towards the cockpit. A regular length leash can then be clipped or looped to this line and is free to run forward to the bow in the event of capsize.
You can use a surfboard leash, but these tend to be uncoiled and drag in the water. A boogie board leash can work well [buy the longest you can]. There are few commercially made canoe-leashes. Ensure that it has a quick release system or Velcro enclosure where the leash attaches to you so you can get free of it if needed.
The added advantage of attaching the paddle leash to the bow is that the kayak will end up pointing into the wind and waves with the paddle acting as seaanchor. Attach to the bow carry handle, strap-eye or affix suitable cleat or ring.
When paddling an OC2 or Double Ski it's best to have both paddlers leashed up. If one falls off and ends up any distance away, it can be very difficult for the remaining paddler to make their way back to recover them. Learning to use a canoe or ski leg leash safely takes practice and thought. Memorise where the pull-tab is located so you can remove it quickly and always attach it with the pull tab in the same location and direction.
Running-line attached between bow and footwell, permits paddle to slide.
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Fishyak 20 Baretta Road Wangara 6065 W. A. Tel(+61) 08 93096477 Fax (+61) 08 9309 6511
Sole Australian & New Zealand Distributor of Malibu Kayaks & Crack Of Dawn Kayak Accessories
Kayak Max Adventure Paddle Australia
he inaugural event was run on Saturday 3rd February with over 100 souls turning out at the Georges River National Park for an 8am start. The task at hand was to collect as many of the 24 Checkpoints (CPs) located along, in and around the river inside the 5 hour time limit, accumulating as many points as possible.
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The preceding weeks had organisers combing the area for suitable CPs, keeping in mind that access would be a major factor on what was one of Sydney’s biggest oyster producing rivers, not to mention the maze of mangroves surrounding the river. The National Park is tucked away surrounding the Georges River and even some of the local residents hadn’t explored all it had to offer. Organisers had calculated roughly an 11am high tide which was just over midway through the race and would make route choices interesting. The event attracted a range of athletes from seasoned adventure racers and paddlers like “Team Millie” to first timers who were looking for something different and could paddle the supplied Voyager 2s. As one racer put it, the focus is quite often taken off kayaking in adventure racing with the aim to try and cater for everyone with a course that would involve almost 95% paddling. You were allowed to paddle
Steve Cooper
pretty much whatever you wanted, as long as you were competent and it met the buoyancy requirements. In the wash up, only 1 K1 fronted with the rest of the field made up of fast racing skis, singles and doubles, a few AR specific doubles, a lot of sea kayak and multisport type craft, and then the 20 or so supplied Voyager doubles which were evenly split across 3 of their own categories. The morning started with glassy conditions on the river and a tide on the way in. After registration was out of the way, competitors started pouring over premarked maps in readiness for the Points Handout shortly after the start. With some of the CPs placed far from the start and worth up to 60 points, many competitors decided to head for them first, there was going to be some paddling today for sure. The elite paddlers amongst the group felt confident that they could potentially clear the course of all CPs, so they went about mapping their route. Paddlers were then notified that the Points Handout would take place around the corner at Cattle Duffers Flat, an unused part of the National Park just a few minutes away so teams had to paddle there. The mass Le Mans start had paddlers running for their craft. The immediate area had several CPs close by, and no sooner had the competitors converged on the 2 officials at the Give-Out and they were sprinting for the ridge track, the first CP of the day for most.
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Kayak As the day wore on, the orange Voyager 2 craft could be spotted by the safety boat dotted along the banks of the river looking for various CPs. Two points had paddlers ascending to high points overlooking the river and a navigation error by a couple of teams resulted in them enjoying commanding views over the start finish area from another high point. A mooring buoy tested the balance of a few folk and Oatley Park at the bottom end of the course gave competitors another chance to stretch their legs.
From here on in teams went to all corners of the river. The CP at Pleasure Point was under water at high tide and on initial inspection had teams wondering how far down it was, thankfully at most about 4 feet. Deadmans and Mill Creeks were no go zones near the start at low tide, but luckily for the likes of Pete Tedesco and Paul Dreghorn, Deadmans Creek had just enough water in to be one of the first points they visited. Unfortunately vandals looked after CP5 while CP4 left some paddlers guessing. It was described as “Submarine Pipes” and attention to the wording was crucial as there were several signs in the vicinity but only one worded exact the same and only visible once on top of it.
Meanwhile, a single bolt of lightning and a thunder clap followed by a 2 minute torrential downpour on part of the course had racers cooling down but wondering what was to follow. Thankfully, the race continued and all returned safely to the finish. A blistering pace by Millie ProKayaks had them finish in a shade under 4 hrs with Jay Wilson and Brett Greenwood 19mins behind in 2nd place. The first ladies home were Powell Power Paddles with 440 points and 4mins under the 5hr mark. It was an awesome effort by the Disco Diva girls to take out the “double supplied class” and beat the boys (Team Underdone) and the mixed crew (Team Kachiki) in the same boats by 10 and 20 points. The solo class saw Michelle Giardini win over Janelle Wallace by 24 points and the solo male class had 23 guys battle it out with the top 3 all on the same points but Anthony Anderson beat Darren Keen and Paul Grundy on time.
The majority of the other crews had headed towards the ocean and the furthest CPs with the intention of working back. CP12 was at the junction of the Woronora and Georges River and was the target of Matt Blundell and Mike Snell (the eventual winners in the “own doubles class”).
At the end of the day all shared in nearly $5000 worth of prizes supplied through the Kayak industry; Prokayaks-Narrabeen, Blue Earth-Drummoyne, Horizon line Canoes-Penrith, Q-Kayaks -Ingleburn, Abadu Outdoor Accessories and Perception Kayaks. A big thanks goes to all these guys, not to mention National Parks’ Barry Hodgson for his work, the volunteers for their help on the day, and the local scouts for catering for some very hungry paddlers. Check out the Max Adventure website www.maxadventure.com.au for the complete results as well as details of the next event. P.S. Lime Kiln Bay which contained CP22 was so named because of the kilns used to turn shells from aboriginal middens on the banks of the river into lime for use in cement in Sydney’s early years.
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Health How do I know if I need to stretch my shoulders? e are all acquainted with the fact that many injuries in sport and more specifically paddling are due to chronic tightness in muscle groups. Many shoulder injuries, in particular impingement and rotator cuff injuries are directly related to tightness and the resulting poor shoulder position during the stroke. Technique is also affected and the inability to stretch out during phases of the stroke limits the reach.
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WHAT SHOULD WE STRETCH? Most of us don’t need to stretch every muscle in the body. Making our training time and our stretching sessions more specific will save a lot of time stretching a muscle that is already elongated to optimal length. The best way to know what we should stretch is to try each stretch, mark the ones that are particularity tight and add these to our training programme. Another way to ascertain the need to stretch is to have a few test positions and any difficulty getting into those positions indicates that we definitely need more stretching.
The reasons for muscle tightness are usually multifactorial and include poor posture, the type of work we do, previous sports, gym training and familial tendencies. Older athletes often need more stretching than their younger counterparts.
CHECKING TO SEE HOW TIGHT WE REALLY ARE
WHEN SHOULD WE STRETCH?
These two positions are a “litmus” test for muscle tightness in the shoulders.
We should ideally stretch when the muscles are warm. In paddling, it is better to paddle lightly to an assembly point, thus performing a warm up, and do a few light stretches. More stretches should be performed after the cool down phase. If serious stretching sessions are warranted due to significant tightness, these should be incorporated into a concentrated home stretching session performed once or twice daily.
Position 1 Stand with your back against a wall. Your feet should be away from the wall (about 20cms from the heels). Keep your head, upper back and buttocks against the wall. A small curve will occur in your low back. Draw your abdominal muscles in lightly and hold them throughout this exercise. Place your arms against the wall next to your head (about ear level) with your finger tips and elbows on the wall. Slowly slide your hands up the wall until your fingers meet above your head and slowly slide back down. Remember to keep your back in position and your fingers and elbows on the wall. Chances are that for many of you there will be a lot of pulling in both the front and back, (Lats pectorals, rotator cuff) and you may struggle to keep your elbows on the wall. If tightness is positive, repeat this exercise 10 times as an active remedial stretch. Position 2 This is a test of rotator cuff tightness. Place your hand on the back of your waist line, with the back of
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Viking Kayaks
Easy to use by everyone everywhere Viking Kayak For your nearest stockist visit our website www.vikingkayak.com.au or email us vikingkayaks@bigpond.com or free phone 1800 00 42 40
Health your finger tips along your central spine. With the opposite hand, grip your elbow and pull it forward. If you are tight, a stretch will be felt in the lower shoulder blade. Do not hunch your shoulders up. If you cannot get anywhere close to reaching your elbow, the rotator cuff muscles are definitely tight. You should be performing stretches on these muscles holding for about 20 seconds and performing about 10 stretches a few times per day. A towel can be used around your elbow to pull on until more flexibility is achieved. OTHER WAYS TO IMPROVE FLEXIBILITY Physiotherapy If you are so tight that pain is occurring in joints such as your shoulder or back, you should consult a sports physiotherapist for an accurate diagnosis, treatment and advice on management. Ignoring pain will just worsen the condition. Often rest will only be a bandaid affect because as soon as you return to paddling you go back to the same old bad technique. A physiotherapist who paddles is the ideal scenario as they will be able to also help with aspects of stroke correction and correct muscle recruitment while paddling. If such a person is not available, your coach may need to work with you and your physiotherapist to sort out some of the on water stroke issues. Remedial massage therapy
Pilates and Yoga
A regular massage say every 2 weeks is an excellent way to aid your recovery from heavy training and help you maintain mobility. If you are a recreational paddler and you are going for a long ocean paddle for instance, book in for a massage a day or two after the paddle to aid your recovery and to restore your flexibility.
Both disciplines emphasise flexibility, correct posturing and controlled movement, greatly assisting in the maintenance of flexibility and core strength.
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Yak Fishing Catching Kingfish on a Kayak
Philip Welsh a lot of fun with reasonable success, however, these days it is all about fresh or live bait and consistency with our catch rate. Squid or Yakkas on a downrigger has more than doubled our strike rate, with a fish nearly guaranteed on every outing. This method of fishing takes the bait to the fish as opposed to the fish coming to the surface to find the bait or lure. The downrigger system is one that we have purpose built with efficiency and safety on mind. Quite simply it gets the bait down to where the fish are schooling. We tend to fish at 4 to 5metres with a trolling speed at around 1 to 2 knots. This troll could be best described as a controlled drift. It has given us veteran’s great pleasure to watch the sport grow. With the arrival of such quality fishing forums like www.kfdu.com.au people are becoming aware of the sport and getting involved at a great rate.
he adventure sport of offshore kayak fishing was introduced to me some six years ago by my brother Paul. Over a decade ago Paul and fellow members of Mona Vale Surf Club somewhat pioneered the sport here on the Northern Beaches of Sydney.
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To conclude, the offshore scene is not for everybody and it does come with associated risks, however the rewards are great and worth the effort.
Offshore kayak fishing has always been our scene and thanks to various kayak manufacturers we know have craft designed for this style of fishing. We paddle ocean kayak Elite 4.5’s purpose built for fishing outside. We mix and match our style of fishing to suit the seasons. The warm waters see us targeting pelagic fish mainly the Seriola Lalandi or the Yellowtail Kingfish. This has become somewhat of an obsession for us and as a result we have made some drastic changes in our approach to catching these beasts. In the early days it was all about “lucking fish”, whilst dragging lures around behind the kayak. This was
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Stand Up Paddling rivers, opening up the lifestyle and cross-training benefits to those who live inland. Keaulana, a mentor to surfers worldwide, has teamed up with former pro surfer and respected shaper Dave Parmenter to create a progressive blend of rocker and curves for boards that maintain speed while staying 'loose'. The Beachboy style of surfing, which originated during the early days of riding the waves at Waikiki, has never had so many options or as much room to move as it does today. When it comes to paddles, C4 Waterman's quiver of "Pohaku Paddles" includes wood, carbon, and hybrid wood/carbon models that cover the gamut from stand-up surfing, to canoepaddling, to steering and big-wave models that allow you to "hook in" and manage the speed and maneuverability on large days. There's also a travelfriendly 2-piece paddle that doesn't compromise function for form.
Hawaiian Top Watermen Come Together to Launch ‘C4 Waterman’ ‘Innovative Line of Stand-Up Boards, Cross-Over Paddles, Watercraft & Accessories Open the Waterman Lifestyle to All.’ Jodi Young
Sharing a passion for ocean sports, the drive to excel, and a desire to share the waterman's spirit, their state-of-the-art paddles, stand-up boards and accessories are the modern evolution of the oceanbased lifestyle that Hawaii is famous for. Now these decorated innovators are opening a portal to the rest of the world.
With the number of surfers and paddlers growing exponentially around the earth's coasts and shores, the 'fun'-damentals are being revisited. Advancements in materials and design, and the added benefits of time and experience have opened up a whole new door of possibility. Today, the rest of the world is catching on to an idea Hawaiians have longunderstood: that you don't have to limit the way you have fun to one means of taking to the water.
C4 Waterman offers a diverse range of highperformance stand-up boards, ranging in length and design from 10'0", to 10'6" and 11'6". These boards are the product of technology and techniques that can be applied to every size and type of wave - or even to flat-water. C4's innovative inflatable stand-up board is made for travel and ideal for lakes and
Ironically, stand-up paddling and surfing was founded in laziness. The old Beachboys of Waikiki learned that
hrough their own highly respected pursuits, Hawaii's Brian Keaulana, Todd Bradley, and Mike Fox have brought together more than 100 years of ocean experience to launch the C4 Waterman brand of wave-riding tools and equipment, launched at the recent ASR Trade Show in San Diego, Jan. 25-27.
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Stand Up Paddling
they could better teach the tourists and take their photos if they could use their surfboards like a platform.
share their love of riding the ocean - be it on a standup board, or in an outrigger canoe. "Our philosophy is based upon a respect for the ocean and the Hawaiian roots of these sports, along with the desire to extend the culture and camaraderie of true watermen," said Bradley. "It is our goal to develop a complete line of waterman equipment and accessories, utilizing our own expertise to offer a better product for those who wish to further explore the lifestyle."
By using a paddle they were able to move about more freely and easily, with minimal effort. What started as laziness soon became a tool for training, after they learned it actually improved their core strength and balance while at the same time being a lot of fun. These principles, core to every type of training, and to life, are the basis of C4 Waterman.
ABOUT THE C4 WATERMEN Brian Keaulana If you've heard of surfing, you've heard of Keaulana. Son of legendary, pioneering Hawaiian waterman 'Buffalo' Keaulana, Brian's ocean roots run deep. In both work and play, his life is defined by the ocean. Professional stuntman, stunt coordinator, featured in films such as Riding Giants and Billabong Odyssey, his accomplishments all stem from a life in the ocean. Born and raised on the beach at Makaha, Brian has made major contributions to the surfing world both by way of his own sporting achievements, and through his ocean safety expertise that rewrote the safety and possibilities of enjoying the ocean, saving countless lives along the
"Anybody can do this," says Keaulana. "It's not about being 'somebody', it's about being your best and creating your own best experience in life. Within every person there's a waterman. C4 is a concept based on a waterman's lifestyle and values. It represents the Core 4 disciplines of being a waterman: Balance, Endurance, Strength, Tradition (B.E.S.T.) The same skills we need for life." While they've individually clocked up a stunning amount of water time, it is by embracing the history and accumulated knowledge of their forefathers that the C4 watermen have shortened the learning curve and lengthened the surfing lifespan for those who
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Stand Up Paddling way. A master of tandem, canoe surfing, big-wave riding, and towin, his experience cannot be surpassed. Mike Fox Fine-tuned instincts have seen Mike ride the wave of success both in the ocean and as an entrepreneur. A lifeguard at the unheard-of young age of just 15, Fox continued to redraw the lines as a canoe paddler, surfer, and businessman. With an awardwinning company, Hawaii Modular Space, and athletic talent, Mike has always nurtured a passion for sharing the 'stoke' - whether it be through philanthropy or by sharing the waterman lifestyle with a new generation. Todd Bradley Like his partners, it's hard to believe Todd Bradley ever sleeps. He lives what he loves and wastes no time in doing so. Balancing family life with a highly successful career in brandbuilding, sales and marketing, he somehow still managed to reach elite levels in a slew of sports, particularly canoe paddling and surfing. His passion and energy are huge driving forces in the C4 mission of further exploring the waterman lifestyle. For More Information
Brian Keaulana in Hawaii and below Ryan Downs hooks into a Mooloolaba swell in Australia. Photo by Brett.
In Australia, the sport of Stand Up Paddling is very rapidly growing in a way which even the Hawaiians would be impressed. Chris D’Aboitz based in Queensland’s Noosa, has already taken the initiative to start a tuition business while a growing number of surfboard makers are getting requests for Stand Up Paddle boards.
http://www.c4waterman.com Todd Bradley, Cell: (808) 479-7444 Email: todd@c4waterman.com
Todd Bradley and Brian Keaulana will be making an appearance at the Noosa Surfing Festival to be held March 5th - 11th with the intention of running clinics and displaying new product.
noosafestivalofsurfing.com
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OC1/OC2 Event Australian OC1/OC2 Championships Jan 27th Tracey Horan
paddlers opted for a wider course looking for better runs as the wind turned more north easterly later in the day.
great event - thanks to everyone who supported it travelling long distances to take part- both paddlers and officials. It was fantastic to see so many juniors paddling. Although the numbers in the adult's short course were down, they were more than bolstered by the 37 junior paddlers racing. Results show just how close some of the racing was over the 9km course.
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A special mention to the sponsors for donating prizes that were given away to place getters - it really helped to make the event a bit special. Thanks to Northcliffe for doing the food, Brad and Bryan for assisting with the overall set up and also to Brendan (B1 - Hoe Horo) for helping out with presentations etc. Sue Stevens came all the way from Fraser to assist and did not race - thanks Sue. Thanks to all the clubs providing support boats, drivers and helpers on the day. I'm sure this event will be even bigger next year, a fitting finale for the Ho Horo (NSW), SQ Canoe (S Qld) and Waipuhi (NQ) OC1/2 race series.
The numbers in the long course were up with 64 starters, 20 of which were OC2s. A quality field with paddlers from all over Qld and NSW made for some great racing, as did the addition of some our top ski paddlers. Again the results table shows how close our top OC1 paddlers are to the skis - congratulations to Peter Dorries (1st OC1), Mark Forbes & Cameron Gaylard (1st OC2) and Amanda Ozolin's superb perfomance (1st womens OC1) right up there amongst the guys. After an uncertain week, the weather turned on a near perfect northerly wind and swell allowing the 22km Spit/Currumbin course to go ahead.Hope everyone enjoyed the long course as much as we did further back in the pack - very challenging and some great bumps to catch all the way to Burleigh - after that I was too tired to care! In fact, I think I'm still recovering! While we followed the inside line, many
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OC1/OC2 Event
Above: Peter Dorries dominated the event paddling an Australian designed Stealth.
Open Men Peter Dorries Stealth Greg Long Pahoa Matt Carter Pegasus Master Men Mike Mills-Thom Hurricane Aaron Kirby Pegasus Thor Koschel Hurricane Senior Master Men Danny Sheard Hurricane Grant Hughes Hurricane Ian Newland Hurricane Golden Senior Master Men Lucky Hookano Hurricane Loch Ledford Hurricane Simon Currie Hurricane Open Women Amanda Ozlins Hurricane Katrina Sullivan Hurricane Master Women Jo Dryden Hurricane Open Men OC2 M. Forbes/C.Gaylard Tiger P. Sloman/Ron Grabbe Stingray S. Harris/P. Helliwell Stingray Open Women OC2 T.Horan/E.Hamp Tiger J. Grant/S. Cooper Tiger P. Priest/Jo Hookano Tiger Mixed OC2 N. Anderson/M. Rix Tiger K. Shield/S. Thomas Bladerunner P. Steele/C.Steele Zulu Open Men Surf Ski Guy Andrews Red 7 Karl Treacher Fenn 61 Daniel Jenkin Forcefield
OC2s rapidly gaining popularity. Northcliffe Cronulla Outrigger
01:42:49 01:43:37 01:44:08
Coffs Coast Malamluha Panamuna
01:43:10 01:52:30 01:56:54
Mooloolaba Nth Beaches Mooloolaba
01:50:27 01:56:04 02:07:23
Northcliffe Outrigger Coffs Coast
02:04:02 02:11:42 02:17:27
Mooloolaba Mooloolaba
02:03:12 02:21:46
Southport
02:37:09
Panamuna Mooloolaba Rockhampton
01:51:18 02:00:57 02:05:07
RiverCity 02:16:05 Brisb/RiverCity 02:25:47 Northcliffe 02:27:12 Northcliffe 02:10:16 Bay Outriggers 02:18:55 Noosa/Nthcliffe 02:27:14 01:41:36 01:42:02 01:45:16
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Hot Tip: Mooloolaba’s Amanda Ozlins is not only the new girl on the block, hailing from Canberra, but quite possibly our fastest female OC1 paddler at this point in time. Look out for her now and into the future.
Clinic Get into Paddleboarding
up against the flags at the beach during an Australian summer. Born in the mid 20s, fading out during the 60s, and resurfacing during the 80s, its legacy is synonymous with the definitive ‘waterman’, the ‘journeyman’, the ‘adventurist’ and the quirky.
ustralia’s Surf Life Saving and Lifeguard culture have embraced the 10’6” rescue paddleboard as its primary rescue device almost since the day the first flag was pushed into the sand at Bondi Beach. Young ‘nippers’ are taught the art of paddling prone [lying down] progressing to their knees, which is ultimately where they stay once they get the hang of it, then going back to prone when either fatigued or returning to shore in tricky conditions.
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It’s all about the board’s relationship with the ocean, the way it interacts and responds to the ocean’s every dent and ripple, and the evocative lines of the board itself. Fundamentally this is about getting back to some serious basics, bringing true meaning to the old expression ‘just add water’. Its beauty has to be in its simplicity and in so many ways paddleboarding is quite possibly the single best cross-training you can undertake for any paddle sport – period.
It’s no surprise that Australians are amongst the world’s best exponents of the art, if not ‘the’ best, as quite simply it’s a deeply ingrained part of Australian beach culture. There’s not a whole lot that other nations can do to challenge this notion, nor match our gene pool, climate or mind-set.
The resurgence of paddleboarding is a curious thing. Californian Mike Eaton, a modern day paddleboard evangelist and paddleboard shaper now in his 70s, believes there are three types of people who are attracted to paddleboarding.
While learning how to paddleboard is fundamental to an involvement with Surf Life Saving or in being a professional Lifeguard, there’s a good deal more to the iconic yellow and red paddleboard we see leaned
Surfers, who paddle to keep in shape and maintain a nurturing relationship with the ocean; Lifeguards, who have a natural symbiotic relationship with their paddleboards which they use as standard rescue equipment; and the third type, who simply thrive on ‘sweating bullets’. I think you could add a fourth category, that of the ‘adventurist’ or even the ‘purist’. Wanting to find out more for myself, I jumped on a 12’ board for the first time and headed out for a 5km
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Clinic Paddleboarding is more about endurance and covering distances over water in the most minimalistic of ways. Your choice of board is going to be dictated by your physical size and your abilities, but in a nutshell you’ll want to aspire to the longest, narrowest board you can handle. For the beginner, you can begin developing some basic paddleboard skills by paddling a Long board [Malibu] if you have access to one, something in the order of 9-10’. If it’s wide enough, you can practice some knee paddling.
bash across Mooloolaba Bay and back. The sea was calm with a moderate swell on a beautiful morning. Lying ‘prone’ and paddling arm over arm, I have to say for a sport which looks ‘limited’ in its appeal, I’m hooked, which isn’t a good thing for either my bank balance or my already challenged time management skills. Already I’m asking questions and checking out the websites to see what’s out there.
The paddleboard is evocative of all that an ocean craft should be, with beautiful lines and symmetry not to mention an amazing array of customised colours which are now being produced. For cross-training purposes, for the canoe paddler or kayaker, this has to be one of the best packages available. As a standalone sport, it is sure to continue its rise to prominence as one of ocean paddle sports most noble of skills.
You’ll need to start off learning to paddle ‘prone’ on your stomach and you’ll need the right board to do this. As you get better you’ll want to learn to paddle on your knees alternating between this and paddling ‘prone’. The two styles are fundamentally different. Prone, means paddling arm over arm and generates about one third of the power knee paddling generates. When you are paddling on your knees, you are using both arms simultaneously, with your back and body weight behind the stroke. The only downside is that you will have to learn to balance; but it’s only water, so it’s all good. Paddleboard design in a nutshell goes like this; longer is faster but can be hard to handle especially in high winds and big seas; narrow is also fast though too narrow and its going to be ‘unstable’; so like most paddle craft, paddleboard design is ultimately about compromise. Paddleboards begin at around 6’6”, ‘Nipper Boards’ are used by Australian juniors entering surf lifesaving. An 8’10” board is used in New Zealand for 10-14 year olds and makes a great training board. The standard used by Lifeguards as rescue paddleboards is around 10’6”. Boards which are this length are essentially more sprint, surf and rescue orientated. Boards that are 12’ are for people looking to make the transition into distance paddling. Boards that are around 14’ are designed more specifically for paddleboarding in its original form, over distance in the open ocean. At 16’ plus, you are entering hardcore territory, sleek, long art-forms, designed for speed.
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Kayak Surfing Seat of Your Pants Adrenalin
Ross Boardman
he early morning sun crested the horizon as Sam and I strolled out to the lookout to see the line up forming clean, glassy three foot waves. The banks had reformed nicely over the last month or so after the recent east coast low had transformed our local break. A closer look revealed the form of a kayaker already out the back and a pod of dolphin swimming close by.
As an avid kayak surfer I have discovered the joy of sitting out the back waiting for the next big set. Positioning is the key to good wave selection and safety, and having the ability to constantly change position is critical to a brilliant surf experience.
As I sank the blade into the water for the first time, I felt the tension on the upper shoulder as yet again, in my eagerness to get out the back, I had neglected the stretching routine I was supposed to performed. I smiled to myself as I thought, “I am going to feel this tonight�.
leapt into action and I was off, careering across the face. As the wave closed out behind me I had time to see clearly, I was surfing, planing at near warp speed. Not quite in a tube, but it was almost as good. Minor adjustments in trim were all that was required, as I
T
As it approached I scanned the shape to attempt to launch at the highest point and broke hard left as I heard the sound of the whitewater in my right ear. The kayak sat up and seemed to leave the water for an instant as I drove the right rail into the wash, it
The first wave slid under the hull gently as the water splashed up and hit me in face, reminding me that it was 6 am, and that I was really awake now. As the second wave stood up and curled above my head and the nose of kayak speared through the top, the remainder landed square on my chest spurring me to put in more effort to get over the next wave that was already starting to lip. I dug in harder and harder as I climbed and lifted off the top to feel the spray and kayak suspended in mid flight if only for a split second, then the inevitable splash down in deep green water, I was out the back. After catching my breath I scanned the horizon, looking for the bump that indicated the next set.
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Kayak Surfing was hummed along in unison with the wave. Ahead was a small unbroken peak that promised to close the door in my face as I leaned into the wave and pried the nose up and out of the top, airborne for a second before finding myself sitting alone and still, left to contemplate the last twenty seconds of sheer adrenalin. The contrast in sensations, as real as it was bizarre. I spent the next two hours trying to repeat the previous sensation, but it wasn’t to be. The experiences vary, from wave to wave and day to day, and that is what draws us back to the surf zone. Ross Boardman – Is a Professional Sea Kayaking Instructor and Co-Owner of Mega Surf Kayaks Australia & New Zealand.
Essential Surf Kayaking Information
KAYAK SELECTION GUIDE High performance surf kayak should be between 225 and 246cm in length and be of carbon kevlar or carbon kevlar / glass or high density polyethylene construction.
A FEW RULES
Weight will vary dependant on construction. Carbon kevlar is light construction between 9 and 11kg, while polyethylene is around 15kg.
The surf zone inevitably attracts a broad spectrum of surf users from board surfers to body boarders, and swimmers. With this in mind it is highly advised that a little respect and thought be granted to these other users.
Centre pillars should be of mini-cell foam or tri laminate foam construction. Single layer will not stand up to the rigors of the surf zone.
Upon arriving at any beach, assess the break for firstly, other users, taking note of the danger one might present to other beachgoers, then secondly hazards that may endanger yourself.
All modern high performance surf kayaks have an adjustable Tri Fin Set Up. Adjustability allows for tuning of the craft to different surf conditions, with the outer fins holding the kayak from sliding out on the wave face.
Take your new found skills to the quiet end of the beach and surf small waves then gradually make your way to the bigger end of town.
Hull needs to have dedicated surf rails (the part of the kayak that enables steering and hold on the wave face) to ensure smooth entry and hold on the steep section of the wave. High performance surf kayaks will generally have a softer rail on the nose transitioning to harder rails to the stern for maximum grip and turning ability. Different rail shapes and thicknesses will respond differently in varying wave shapes.
Never, ever drop in on any surf user. This is the single most dangerous and annoying action you can take in the surf zone. Surf etiquette involves an awareness of everyone and everything around you. Basically, wait your turn patiently and gain the respect of others around you giving due consideration to all.
Concave hull shape - Great for creating lift and speed from take off, will suck down onto the wave and carve tight best combined with a vee or flat section to maintain speed.
Gain some professional instruction. Attain the skills through a professional Kayaking operation. Wear the appropriate safety equipment.
Flat bottoms are the simplest answer that gives
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Kayak Surfing
stern of your kayak on each side of the piller. Makes the kayak easier to empty in the event of a swim and makes it easier to control when swimming it in for a restart if required.
speed in all situations. It gives a smooth ride in choppy waves. It is a good beginners kayak and good for floaters and climbing white water. Facility to attach end grab webbing for managing the kayak in the event of a swim. EQUIPMENT BASICS The good news is that if you’re already a sea kayaker or whitewater paddler, most of your kit will already be suitable for the surf zone. Kayak of around 240cm with solid foot blocks, generally made of shaped or cut blocks of foam. Avoid plastic or aluminium foot blocks as they can break and risk entrapment within the kayak. Helmet – We can’t stress the importance of wearing a helmet enough. Wayward surf boards, paddles and of course the sandy bottom can all pose risks to the head.
GETTING STARTED Jervis Bay Kayak Co offer Surf Kayaking Courses at all levels. Instructors Tracy Garner and Ross Boardman are passionate about the sport of Surf Kayaking.
PFD – Minimum type II and preferably low profile. As your technique improves, you will find yourself leaning right out and skimming off your paddle. The lower the profile, the less chance of it hitting the water and slowing you up on the steep section of the wave.
Mega Kayaks – Manufactured and distributed by Harplane Pty Ltd or a dealer in your state. See www.surfkayaks.com.au or www.surfkayaks.co.nz The Essential Guide to Surf Kayaking – Author Simon Hammond World High Performance Champion 2003. $44-95
Paddle – Ideally the surf kayaker will use a short (around 190 – 196 cm) paddle with a large rodeo type blade. This shorter length will allow for a rapid cadence in your stroke and a quick get up and go. Feathering or offset is a matter of preference as wind conditions are common on the coast and this will help with paddling into headwinds.
DVD – The Search 2 – Paddlesport Chronicles Vince Shay NTSC. $44-95 Make for the Break Surf Kayak Club P.O.Box 27 Erowal Bay NSW 2540. see website : www.surfkayaks.com.au
Stern Float Bags – Use these religiously in the
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Paddleboarding Paddleboarding into History nce in a while you hear about someone who, for some reason, decides to push themselves to extraordinary levels. Californian paddleboarder, Kevin Eslinger is such an individual. Born in 1963, his primary passion is surfing and his love affair with paddlboarding stems from an attraction to its inherent beauty and symmetry, as well as the way it moves through water.
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In 2002, Kevin paddled 73 miles from San Clemente Island to Ocean Beach California. Until he attempted his epic 100 mile paddle, the world record for the longest continuous paddle was 90 miles. Santa Barbara Island to Ocean Beach - 101 Nautical Miles ‘After years of planning and 18 months of distance dedicated training, I began my attempt at 100 nautical miles at about 3.30pm on a Friday afternoon in September. Since Santa Barbara Island has nowhere to land, I slipped off of the boat, paddled out past the spot where the GPS read 100, turned around and went. The first five hours were the most fun I've ever had on a paddleboard. Picking up the small (1-2ft) but very organized bumps that were rolling up behind me,
I managed to average 4.6 knots. But very soon after dark it became apparent that I was not making the same sort of progress. For the next 10 1/2 hours I couldn't get the board over 3 knots. Not realizing that I was paddling directly into a 1.5-2kt current was extremely frustrating and I had to fight off a lot doubts I was having regarding my training, nutrition and mental preparation. A couple of hours after sunrise, having covered 40 miles, we broke into blue water and broke free of the current.
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Paddleboarding Until the 75 mile mark, I was able to hold a 4.2 knot average. At that point we ran into another current, but only half as strong as the first one. We broke free of that with about 10 miles to go, just before my second sunset on the board and just after a pod of dolphins gave us a close escort for about 10 minutes. By that time the tank was pretty near empty and the finish became a rollercoaster of eat-paddle-fade-eat. The lights of the Ocean Beach Pier finally got brighter and bigger, and I crossed the tip of it shortly after 9pm. A small group of fantastic friends' hoots and cheers buoyed me in through the surf and I wobbled up the sand, very thankful to be done. The GPS read 101, the time 29 hours and 31 minutes. I was hoping to be four or five hours faster than that but no matter, I was finished.
my great and generous friends Keith and Judy Melville who loaned me their boat for this adventure. I would also like to express my gratitude to everyone that shared positive energy with me both before and after.’
I could not have done this without the aid and support of a lot of incredible people. Mike Eaton and Gary Bond for the board that was up to the task and the belief that this could be done. My crew; my Dad George, who was my greatest supporter and captained the boat. And my friends; Becky Jackman, who fed me and never slept, Brad Lally, who helped drive the boat, and Bob Christiansen, who played and sang for hours from the foredeck. A Huge thanks to
It was estimated that Kevin paddled an incredible 88,500 strokes on this journey and consumed 20 litres of a carbohydrate drink, 6 litres of water, ate a dozen Powerbars, 24 energy gels, 5 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and 3 cheese and mustard sandwiches!
Need some tips on steering an outrigger canoe? This is the most comprehensive book on the subject with anecdotes and quotes from some of the worllds best. 180 pages all colour. www.kanuculture.com
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Events AUSTRALIA THE CURRUMBIN CREEK SURF SKI SERIES http://geocities.com/currumbinpaddlers Series founded in January of 2006 and ran 30 races by years end. The race has remained unchanged 9.5 kms from Currumbin creek to Tallebudgera shark nets and back. Other events also staged. Contact paulmauger@hotmail.com for more information. MANLY PADDLERS Manlypaddlers.com has been developed specifically for the paddling "community of interest" on the Northern Beaches of Sydney and continues to grow attracting attention from paddlers all around the globe. Our races are run on every Sunday that has an odd date. 8am start out of Shelly Beach. If the ocean conditions are particularly bad, we will run the race in the harbour, starting at Manly Cove. Manly Paddlers is a non-aligned, non-profit 'confederate' of paddlers interested in promoting the sport.
MOLOKAI WORLD SURFSKI CHAMPIONSHIPS http://www.molokaiworldchampionships.com The 2007 race will feature a new event organizer as well as a slightly new course. There will be two preraces/ time trials. The first will be a relay from Kailua to Kaimana Beach (traditionally known as Souci Beach). The second will be a time trial from Makapuu to Souci Beach.
QLD SUNSHINE COAST - TRAINING Rod Taylor has moved to the Sunshine Coast, he is able to offer one-on-one coaching for all disciplines of paddling - still water, surf, ocean, kayaking, or OC1s. For $60 a day Rod's offering self-contained B&B, with up to two instructional training sessions per day, plus other activities such as surfing and cycling. Airport pick-up included. In addition to his years of experience, Rod holds a Level II Coaching Certificate. If you want to consider several days away for a concerted training regime, here's and ideal opportunity. Rod can be contacted on his mobile 0419 499 309 or via his email address, downwindpaddler@bigpond.com
The race will take place on Sunday, May 20th and finish on Waikiki's Queens Beach. The race distance will be 32.3 nautical miles (37.2 miles or 59.9 kilometers). While the course will be slightly longer, we've eliminated the last 5K into the wind. If the trades are blowing, the runs from Hawaii Kai to Waikiki are awesome! The Awards ceremony will be held 100 yards from the finish at Lulu's Surf Bar and Restaurant at the base of the Park Shore Waikiki Hotel. Be prepared to carbo load in style.
MENS HEALTH OCEAN SERIES
On this new website you will be able to read all about the nitty gritty of the 2007 race; how to enter, where to stay, renting a ski and more, as well as the rich history of the race. There are also links to a variety of excellent paddling sites.
March 11th Bridge to Beach, Sydney to Manly 11 Kilometer Bridge to Beach Ocean Swim (Relay teams and individual) 6am - Registration Blues Point Park North Sydney. 7.30am - Event starts under the Harbour Bridge The race finishes at the western side of Manly wharf.
SOUTH AFRICAN SURF SKI SERIES http://www.surfski.co.za/calendar.asp Comprehensive calendar and guide to South Africa’s surf ski scene.
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Events OC1/OC2/SURFSKI
24 March
6 May 6
20 May
1 April
15 April 27-29 April
Surfski World Cup South Africa 2007 June 29-31
HAWAII KANAKA IKAIKA RACING ASSOCIATION 2007 Rhino Events Coastal Relay 34 Miles, Kailua, Lanikai, Waimanalo, Hawaii Kai and at Magic Island. Rhino Events Ka'iwi Channel Relay 40.2 Miles. Team Relay - Molokai to Magic Island 2007 Molokai World Solo Canoe and Surfski Championships Hosted and put on by Epic 32 Miles Solo Endurance Race Molokai, Kalua Koi to Oahu
Prize Money Doubled! ARB Electrical Wholesalers confirmed their sponsorship of the South African Surfski World Cup, to be held over the period 29-31 June 2007 in Durban, South Africa. Alan Burke of ARB announced that prize money will be doubled this year and the winner of the race will walk away with R80,000 (approx $11,000). This is the biggest prize purse in surfski history. "By giving the race a three day window, we hope to ensure optimum conditions," Butch Murray head of the South African National Surf Ski Committee said, "and there will be relay and celebrity races on the other two days. We aim to increase participation to at least 400 paddlers." Prerace events will be held in all the major centres in South Africa, also sponsored by ARB to market this year's World Cup. ARB are adamant that this will be the world's premier surfski event and they aim to ensure that the top paddlers from the rest of the world will be in Durban to compete with the best South Africa has to offer "This race just came became a whole lot more serious!" Dawid Mocke, Cape Town's star surfski paddler on hearing about the increased prize money.Further details will be posted on www.surfskiworldcup.com
CALIFORNIA Catalina Challenge Relay AUSTRALIA OC6 NSW State Titles Marathon Central Coast OCC. AOCRA National Marathon Titles (Seniors & Juniors) Coffs Harbor Coffs Coast OCC
Fifteen years in the making, this 480 page book with 800 photos and illustrations on the subject of outrigger canoeing covers an amazingly broad spectrum of topics. Novice or experienced paddlers alike will appreciate its contents. For a fuller view of contents or to purchase visit www.kanuculture.com
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Events Gold Coast Cup Aust
Powerade Hamilton Cup Aust Update
Saturday 10th March 2007 http://www.northcliffeoutriggers.com.au/gcc.asp
Sunday, 3rd June 2007 Nominations Due by March 30th http://www.hamiltoncup.com
Northcliffe Outrigger Canoe Club will host the 11th Annual 43 km Gold Coast Cup, an OC6 (9 men, 10 women, 5 women and 4 men mixed) changeover race.
Total prize money for this event is $50,000 Only those teams who have competed in the 16km marathons will be eligible to win prizemoney. All teams racing in one of the eight divisions, and abiding by all Official Race Rules and Hamilton Island Rules will be eligible to win prize money.
New to the format this year is the additional age division of 40+ in the Mixed Category.
Prize money will be distributed amongst the following five (5) divisions:Open Men, Master Men, Open Women, Master Women, and Open Mixed Division. Teams must compete in the 16km marathons to be eligible for prize money in the 42km marathon. Prizemoney will be awarded as follows. 1st $6000, 2nd $3,000, 3rd $3,000
The male/female ratio is now set at 5 female and 4 male paddlers for both open and 40+ categories, keeping abreast of international racing.Canoes will be set up on beautiful Greenmount Beach, at the southern end of the Gold Coast for new staggered race start times. Female and Mixed crews will head off at 8:00am Male crews start at 8:30am.
Senior Master Men, Golden Master Men, Senior Master Women and Golden Master Women divisions will race for medals.
Lined up for the start off Greenmount Point, changeover crews race out in an easterly direction to a designated buoy, back to the starting area, then north along the spectacular Gold Coast beach line past Surfers Paradise to the Gold Coast Seaway. Once through the Seaway teams enter into the Broadwater, for a flat-water dash to the finish line at the Southport Spit.
Day One – Thursday 31 May 2007 OC1 and OC2 – 8km marathon OC1 and OC2 – 500m sprints OC1 and OC2 – 16km marathon Day Two – Friday 1 June 2007 OC6 – 16km marathons OC6 – 500m sprints Day Three – Saturday 2 June 2007 OC6 – 1000m sprints Day Four – Sunday 3 June 2007 OC6 – 42km Powerade Hamilton Island Cup Marathon
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Events 17th March
NEW ZEALAND Hauraki Hoe 60km Birkenhead Wharf, Auckland
Need to send out important monthly updates to your club or association members?
The 2007 Hauraki Hoe is shaping up to become the best Hoe ever. This years event is being run in conjunction with the Pasifika Festival hosted by Auckland City Council and is supported by the Northcote Community Centre.
Can’t find the time to manage complicated data bases? Short of time to make your communications effective?
The course will be run in reverse to maximise the benefit of an outgoing morning tide and an incoming afternoon tide. Spectator viewing will be optimal both from on land and at sea. For those of you who wont be paddling, get yourself on board a spectator boat and get up close and personal to the action. There will be on shore activites for the whole family, an awards ceremony, dinner and music. There will be a Junior Hoe Potu ("mini Hoe"), open to J16 & J19 crews with water changes, being run out of Little Shoal Bay with full spectator viewing from the shore. Put it in your diaries now, start training and sign up to take part. This will be an event to remember!!
Have a product, service or event you need to promote? Why not use this monthly production of KANUculture E-zine as a way of resolving all of these issues? Talk to us about how we can help you get your message across and take the worry out of communicating. We need material, you need to get your message out there!
The Hauraki Hoe is a 64km outrigger canoe race that circumnavigates the inner islands of the Waitemata Harbour, Auckland, New Zealand. The Hauraki Hoe is the first race on the international calender of marathon outrigger canoe races. 24-25 March
King of the Harbour Surf Ski and Outrigger World Cup www.surfski.co.nz darcyprice@xtra.co.nz
KANUculture E-zine is Distributed Worldwide.
31st March
Contact Either Steve West (Qld) steve@kanuculture.com or Maria Miller (NSW) maria@kanuculture.com
Tauranga Harbour Challenge 2007 24km/16km - Sulphur Pt, Tauranga
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