I am a late forties kayak racer. My goal is to compete at the World Masters Games in Turin, Italy in 2013. I will be racing in ICF sprint kayaks. This blog will be my training diary for the next 4 yrs. I use a variety of running, weights, and cross training to hopefully become a better kayaker.

Monday, July 28, 2008

Deas K1 Practice

This morning, since I came home early was going to be a K1 practice in the Thunder. It was low tide and breezy. This was go for a technique practice, because you can turn in any direction to paddle different conditions. With the wind, against the wind, across the wind, etc.

The one thing that I was concentrating on for this practice was leg drive. I wore my stickiest shorts, so I would have to really push hard in order to get any kind of rotation. You really need good contact with the foot board in order to get good drive. With this in mind, I kept moving my seat up after each lap. With each adjustment I could feel I improvement in the drive and the control of the boat. Now I see why my coach was bugging me do move my seat up for the past year.

By the time I was finished a hour and fifteen minutes later, the set was as far as it could go towards the front. Now I need to back it off a notch and move the foot board closer to keep the trim level.

Another good practice with some improvements made.

Sunday, July 27, 2008

Training Paddle At Shomway Lake

Since yesterday's regatta was only one day, I decided to come back today and do some training. The other paddlers were here to do some racing to qualify for funding. I could have joined, but really, what is the point at this time.

When I arrived at the lake, the wind was blowing pretty good. This was going to be a good hard session, at least going into the wind. Since I got there at a more casual time, all the racers were there already getting ready for there first race.

I got my boat ready and headed out. On my first of two laps of the lake, I headed south to the part of the lake I had not seen yet. It was an easy paddle up to the section where the lake makes a 90 degree turn, right into the wind. The valley funnels the wind and it bounces back and forth all the way down the lake. So at one end of the lake the wind is blowing one way, and at the other end it is blowing from another direction.

I made the turn and started heading back north with the wind and waves. At this point the waves were not very big, and you could still catch rides. The farther I got towards the race course the higher the waves got. At this point I was starting to get some good speed. I was thinking to my self that I should be paddling my EVO instead. Passing the race course and heading towards the north end of the lake, the wind was getting faster and the waves were getting higher. Now the front of the boat was going through the wave in front and submerging.

This was fun to be paddling in. I got to the end of the lake in record time. Now it was time to make the turn, which would be a little dicey. I got to within 3 to 4 meters of the shore, where the waves were big and the reflective waves were coming from the opposite direction. I made the turn and now the waves were coming directly across my beam. This was a little concerning, with the boat rolling from side to side, but I just went with it and paddle to the opposite shore and started to paddle south again. Now I was going against the waves, and it was a slog going back to the dock.

Once I got back to the dock, I went and rested at our club tent and got ready for the next lap. After about 25 minutes and a cup of coffee, I was ready to go. this time I was going to go the other direction first. Again the wind was blowing pretty good, and my trip north was fairly quick. At the end of the lake the waves were even bigger than last time. The boat was really rolling going along the shore line. When I turned to go south the boat was jumping up and down on the waves.

The bow would go completely under water, and the way to the combing. I managed to see a big one coming, and was ready went it hit. It came right up the deck and nailed me in the chest. I had just enough time to grab my glasses and hat or they would have been blown off my head. This was fun. The waves stayed this way all the way to about three quarters of the race course, then dropped a little.

After the race course the waves were about half the size and smaller than that the north end. During this time I just kept practicing technique. For the rest of the paddle it was all technique with some power ups. This turned out to be a good practice session. A big difference from the day before.

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Bad Regatta, Frustration Level High

Today turned out to be one very bad regatta for me. Right off the bat when I got there at 7:15 no one had a schedule of races. After a while I figured that the regatta did not start until 9am , and not the usual 8am start.

Then I found out that the entire regatta would be one day. I had planned on two days, so tomorrow I will be going back to the lake for a training session before driving back to Vancouver.

Anyways back to the racing part of today. My first race was not going to be for an hour so I had time to chat with Keith, who I had not seen since last year at a Deep Cove race. There were not many masters so we were group with either the juniors or the open class. Our 1000 meters race had only 5 people in it. This would be the theme for the rest of the day, every race was a final.

The wind was not at the famous Shomway speed yet this morning, so it was just at a light breeze for this race.(that would change later in the day) Keith and I cruised down to the start line, Keith in his SRS Vulcan, and me in my Think Super Lancer.

The referee called us to line, and handed the race over to the starter. The lanes for the races were actually rowing lanes, which are really wide, so there were going to be two boats per lane. I lucked out and got lane #1, with no one in lane #2, so I had the whole lane to myself. This is were my luck ended. Right from the start, I was doomed. I had a slow start, but a smooth one, and managed to go about 100 meters before I was bagged. Gee only 900 meters to go. This was a race of pure survival and pain. I have no endurance what's so ever. So needless to say a came dead last.

Next up was the K2 1000 meters with Keith as my partner. This was good, because I have always had good races with Keith , and today would be no different. (it was the only good part about today) We had a little shaky start, but soon recovered and had a decent race.

Next was a long wait until our next race. This is normal for a regatta. You can have a huge gap between races, sometimes 6 hrs can go between races, but that would be the extreme, the average is about 1-1/2 to 2 hours. The opposite is also true. You can have no time between races and they hold the race for you.Which they do not like doing, and tell you so at the start line.

Well we got to chatting, and lost track of time. The regatta was behind schedule and when we finally got to the start line the referee was not happy with us and warned us that this was the last time we would be late. We tried to use the excuse that we were old, but he was not buying it.

This K2 race was even better than the 1000m before. We had a good start, and were in sync for most of the race. We were smooth, and in time, and managed to finish not far behind the juniors.

The next race was suppose to be an exhibition K4 1000 meters race, since we were not all from the same team. Since this regatta counted towards nationals, the boat had to consist of members from your team, hence the exhibition status of the boat. I don't think there was a single member of the boat that really wanted to do this race, and I know I was glad when we found out the there were four teams and only three K4s. So we scratched from the race and rested for the K1 500 meters.

It was a 2 hour wait for the K1 500 meters. We got up at the scheduled time and started to take our boats to the launch area, when we found out that they were really behind schedule now, but Keith and I decided to go anyways. When we got to the start area, there was a line up of different classes waiting to race, so I headed over to the shore and got out of my boat and went swimming. the heat here in Kamloops is higher than what I am used to on the coast. It was 31 / 32 degree, and a little cooling down was in order, since I had time before our race.

It was another 15 - 20 minutes before they called us to the line. This race was the same as my 1000m race, pathetic. This was just increasing my frustration level, by preforming so poorly.

Back to waiting for the next race. This fortunately was going to be a shorter wait than before only about 20 minutes. Once they switch to 200 meters the schedule goes really fast. When we got to the start line they were behind schedule again. This time we had to wait about 20 minutes in the famous Shomway wind. There was steady wind blowing up the course, with some really go gusts, that blew my boat back quite a ways, and almost sent my hat to the other end of the lake.

Now the waves were starting to get larger, and the wind just a little harder. One group went, and then nothing. The officials weren't calling us to the line or anything. It was about 5 minutes before a bunch of K1 juvenile girls showed up and started to line up. Apparently they decided to hold the race for them. This wouldn't be so bad, except for the wind and waves.

What can I say about my 200 meter race. Well let's say three strikes you're out. it was so bad, I just gave up with 20 meters to go, and just cruised over the finish line, totally pissed with myself.

It was a crappy end to my day. Now it was time to make a list of what went right and what went wrong at this regatta. Even though it was not a very good regatta, there are still things you can learn from and work on to fix. So that it what I am doing over the next couple of days. The stuff that I had no control over does not get on the list. Things like the heat, wind, waves, and the schedule are things that I just have to forget and move on.

Things that I actually can control will be on the list. i.e. endurance, speed, power. I will have to evaluate which of the elements gets priority, and to what level, to get ready for September and the BC Masters, which is the next and last sprint regatta of the year.

Friday, July 25, 2008

Kamloops Warm Up Paddle

I got to Shumway Lake just before the club trailer showed up.As I was pulling in the trailer was right behind me. Perfect timing. The wind was a little breezey, nothing too big, as I have heard that this lake can get pretty big waves on it.

Unloaded the Super Lancer, and took it down to the lake for a warm up paddle and to check out the lake. Jim was ahead of me in his Thunder, by about 500 meters. He stopped at the start area at the north end of the lake.

I was having some difficultly in keeping the boat from going to the left. I would need to adjust the cables when I got back to the dock. It was a good paddle going with the waves and I turned at the start line and had a look down the course. Then I started to paddle up the course. Just an easy technique paddle to get the feel of things and to look at the course.

It seems that the course actually turns a little to the right at the end. This I don't think will be a big deal.Once at the end of the course, I headed to the dock and adjusted the cables. Then it off again heading back to the north end of the lake.

That is when I had noticed that I had adjusted the cables in the wrong direction. So I pulled over to the bank and adjusted them in the other direction. Then off to the start line for the 500 meter races. Lined up, and headed to the finish line. I then called it an afternoon, and headed in. Just a short paddle to check out the boat and the lake.

Looking forward to racing tomorrow. I know I am entered in the 500 meters and the 1000 meter K1 races, plus the k2 events as well. Not sure about any K4 races yet, I will have to see which races my coach put me in tomorrow morning.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Last K1 Practice Before Kamloops



Tonight I skipped the Tuesday night race in favour of a K1 practice at Deas.

The shorter paddle length really helps out with stability, and I was cruising along quite nicely in the Thunder.It was just an easy paddle, just concentrating on technique and some playing around in the boat. The wind was up a bit, and it made for some nice wave riding on the way back from the bridge.

The safety boat for the rowers was out making some good waves to play on. So now it is off to Kamloops for district qualifiers on the week end.

Monday, July 21, 2008

Another Day, Another Run

Today was the first run of the week, and it was a good one. Same distance, just a little quicker. I can feel the motivation for running is beginning to return.

This is good because running is the fastest way to get in shape that I know of. It is like the most bang for the buck, sort of thing. I am going to try to do three runs a week to start with and maybe down the road increase it to five per week, depending on my lack of time.

My main goal with the running is build up my endurance again, but doing it injury free.
If I stick with a gradual build up, I think it is doable.

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Paddle Testing At Deas Island

Today I was out testing different configurations of my paddle set up.

I am looking to get another paddle, and this has brought on the discussion of blade size and length to consider. I have tested five different paddles in the last couple of weeks, trying to find one that works for me.

Daryl Remmler from Think Kayaks has been helping me out with this. He has the most paddles of anyone I know.After testing I have narrowed the list down to one. Now I just have to determine the proper length. Daryl had a look at my SET, and we lined it up to his Think paddle.Mine was a good 4 to 6 cms. longer. Which was strange because Daryl and I are roughly the same size. (or height should I say)

So now I am in the process of testing different lengths to find the optimum length for me. I went to Deas Island to do some testing. When I got there the wind was starting to pick up a bit. I thought this would be good for the testing because it will really push me since I was in the Thunder for today's paddle.

So I reduce the length of my blade by about 4 cms. I set it up as short as it would go. Right from the get go, it made a very noticeable difference. I was more stable in the boat than I have been lately. It took me a while to figure out why it made so much of a difference, then it dawned on me, because the length was shorter, I was not bringing the blade past my hip as much. My coach has been on me for this. With the longer blade set up it was very easy to bring the blade past my hip and get into a unbalanced position, and in the Thunder you really notice this, because there is NO forgiveness.

I had a really good paddle with this set up, and it is the length I am going to go with. Now I need to work on the optimal feather angle for me. Everyone seems to have an opinion on what is the best feather angle. Some say 72 degrees, some say 60 degrees. My opinion on it, is that it is up to the paddlers bio-mechanics that determines the correct feather angle.That is the amount that your control side wrist can actually rotate. Everyone had different ranges of motion in all their joints, so to say that a specific feather angle works for everyone does not jive with me.

Here is how I set up my paddles:

I bring all the items I need to set and tape up the blade with me.

When you place the blade into the water on the "on" side the blade should be in a neutral position. That is where the blade is angled to its maximum "catch" position. Too much facing out and the blade is in a open position and you lose power. Too much facing in, and the blade is in a closed position, and as well is losing power. It will not matter which blade size you have, if you have the blade in the right angle you will feel it, because it will be hard to pull.

You can do this on a dock or in your boat, I am going to use the dock as an example. First sit in the proper position for paddling, Knees bent, chest up,(not slouching) looking forward.Now rotate your core like you would in the boat as your are setting up for the stroke. Place the blade in the water vertically, stop and hold it. Look at the blade, does it look in the right position? rotate the blade until it is in a neutral position.You can do some test stokes to determine if it is in the right spot.

Now still holding the shaft and with the blade in the right position, mark the location. Once the spot is marked you can tape on something (string, cut o-ring, rolled up tape, etc) to locate your hand to the paddle. This is so when you grab the paddle it will orientate to the correct position. Make sure you test it a couple of times to make sure. If the blade does not line up in the neutral position when you grab the paddle, you should redo the set up.

With the control side done, you can now move to the other side. With the paddle loosened at the joint (two piece paddle) so it will just rotate if you turn it, place the blade in the water. Look at the position of the blade, and adjust it either way if it is not in the neutral position.Once you have the blade in the right spot, tighten the paddle. Then mark the position on both halves of the paddle. This way you can find the right spot quickly.

This way the blades are set up to your wrist movement. Now what is left is just finding the right distance for your hands on the paddle. I use the generic, place the paddle on my head, and move my hands until they are at 90 degrees to my elbows / biceps. Then I mark each handle at that position with some o-rings and tape.

Then all you need to do is go out and do a test paddle. You should have a solid feel all the way through the stroke. That is it.

Friday, July 18, 2008

Back On Track - Running Again

This morning I was out running again.

Already it was easier than Wednesday's run. It was the same workout as before, a nice easy run just to get back into the groove of training again. The distance was 4.5 kilometers, and even though it was early morning (6am) it was getting rather toasty out.

Slowly I will start first bringing the distance up, and then start working on the speed aspect of it. There is a race in the fall that goes around Stanley Park. It is 10 kilometers and I think I will use that as a goal for mt running. I have promised to do a couple of 5Ks as well, I just have to pick which one(s) that fit the schedule. (ya right, fit the schedule)

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Product Review – Vital ID


I started thinking about being out on training paddles or runs for that matter and having identification, but after my little mishap during a downwind run in English Bay the other week, it brought it to the top of the priority list.

I have been researching for a product that I could wear that would have my identification on it. I needed something that could be changed easily and be water proof. I was reading Canadian Runner magazine and came across the prefect product for my needs. It is the Vital ID sport band.

It is inexpensive, and can include all the emergency information required. It comes with two id strips, and you can order more if needed. So now I have my ID with me when I go paddling or running.

I have included a quick link to the VitalId site on my blog.

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

First Run In A Long Time

This morning was my first run in about two months. I have not been running because of my right calf. It was chronically tight, and even the easiest run was painful. I felt that my leg was finally ok to start running again, plus my paddling endurance is really suffering without the cross training

It was going to be a very easy run, and the distance to start was going to be short. At 6 in the morning the temperature is prefect for running, but even then it was warm, and I was really sweating by the time I finished.

In the end, it was a good run, and I managed to keep it an easy one. Normally I have a habit of going to hard to quickly. So for the next couple of months I will increase the distance and speed.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Deep Cove #15 - Hard, Going to Die Race



Tonight's race went south out of Deep Cove, across to the east side of Hamber island, continue south around Boulder Island, then back across the arm to Grey Rocks, and back to Deep cove around the 5 knot can. The race would be just under 5 kilometers.

I have been really tired these past couple of weeks, and tonight would be no different. I kept the warm up to a minimum to conserve what little energy I had. I started next to Katja and Kiran in the K2, and Saen in his V10S. Both of us had the same game plan. At the start we would get on the K2s wash and try to ride it as long as possible.

So right from the start I head start for the stern of the K2, and like wise Sean. He got on to the side wash, and I got on the stern wash. For me this was a really short time, about 2 minutes max before I jut died. Off the back I went. I had to slow down to a speed I could handle for the rest of the race. After dropping back about 5 or 6 boats, I managed to find a groove.

I had both Lina (who has really improved this season) and Gary in front of me. They were about 50 meters in front of me. Going across to Hamber, I managed to bring the gap down to about a boat length. It was a hard grind just to do that, and I started to slide back again, losing the gains I had made. By the time we were going around Boulder the two had about 30 meters advantage on me. This distance remained the same all the way to Grey Rocks. After the we hit the wall section after grey Rocks, I started to use the waves more and started to make some ground on Gary and Lina.

Coming up to the 5 knot can, I was about 10 meters behind, and thinking there is no way I am going to catch them. Then a gift from the heavens shined its light on me. Bob in the safety boat was filming and came right up on my right hand side. Well I was not going to pass up on this gift. I ramped up the stroke rate and got on its side wash. Yeehaa, off I went towards my targets. I rocketed up to and past both Gary and Lina. But as I got about 5 meters in front, the boat slowed down and veered off, leaving me to hold off the two racers I had been following all night.

I was just knackered by this point, and I slowed right down, just waiting for the inevitable. There was still about 200 meters to go, and I was just trying to survive. I tarted to listen to the racers who had already finished there race and were cheering on the people coming in.
Just then I saw in the corner of my left eye, the bow of Gary's ski. So I upped the rate just to hold him off, but there still a long way to go. Then I heard someone say to Gary, “go Gary, you got him” upon hearing that, I knew it was time to hammer or give up. So I put the power on and crank the stroke rate as fast as I could go.

After that I could not hear anything because my head was just pounding and I was on the edge of exploding. As I was going over the finish line, I thought I was going to barf. I was completely wasted. After the race , I just managed to paddle to the other side of the dock, and just sat there resting. It was a really hard race for me.

Saturday, July 12, 2008

New Deep Cove Web Cam

Deep Cove Outdoors has installed a new web cam.

It can be viewed at:

http://www.deepcovekayak.com/webcam/webcam.html

Now you can checkout the conditions before you go paddling in Deep Cove.

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Big Chop #6 – Great Downwind Run, Missed Race

Today had the biggest winds in Vancouver for some time. I got an email from Jeff saying lets get there early and do some downwind runs. By the time I got to Vanier both Jeff and Chris had done two runs already. Jeff suggested that we load the skis on a couple of cars and drive to Jericho and do a long down wind run before the race. So we packed up the skis and off we went.

We figured by the time we got there, we would have just enough time to make the race. We got ready in record time and launched from the Ecomarine rental shack. The windsurfers were really ripping it up out there. I cannot believe how fast they were going. We headed out into the bay. We were suppose to go at a 45 degree angle so we wouldn't get in a bad position by the time we reach the entrance to False Creek. But it was having a little difficultly in maintaining that line so I just went with the waves.

It was not long before both Jeff and Chris were over 200 meters to the left of me. So I knew I was on my own, and just kept an eye on them throughout my run. Boy this was fun. You really did not have to do any kind of hard paddling. The waves would just pick you up, and launch you. I managed to get to a maximum speed of 18.4 kph.

As I was getting closer to Kits beach, the waves were starting to come from multiple directions. There were quite a few times where the boat would completely whipped around across the waves. A quick brace, and I would spin the boat back to going with the waves. There was a couple of times were i was stopped and a wave from behind would completely fill the cockpit.

Anyways. As I was rocketing down a big wave, it kicked me sideways, and in I went. I quickly remounted my EVO, but did not get going fast enough, or stick out my legs for balance, and I got chucked out on another big wave. An OC6 out on a training paddle saw this and started coming over to me. They asked if i needed help, and I said I wasn't sure. I tried a couple of times to get in, but it wasn't going my way. So instead of getting too tired and getting myself in a bad situation, I asked the OC6 for help.

They came on my up wind side and drifted back to me. Once they were along side, one of the paddlers took my paddle, and I managed to climb back onto my ski. I thanked them very much for the help, and off I went. During my second dumping, my leash had actually unhooked itself. This is something I will have to fix right away.

From here I evaluated the conditions around the point before the entrance to False Creek. I was not in a good position to go around, so I headed straight with the waves into Kits beach. It was a very fast paddle. As I was heading in, I saw a group of swimmers actually out for a training swim in these waves. There was a lifeguard as well out there trying to row a dingy. he looked like he was wishing he was somewhere else. As I was coming into the beach I unhooked my leash, and out stretched my legs to prevent me from flying into the sand and rocks.

I got the ski up onto the beach without any difficulty, but the wind was blowing so hard, it was trying to spin the boat right out of my hands. From here it was a 1000m portage to the start line of the Big Chop. As I was walking up the beach, Jeff came paddling out of False Creek looking for me. I saw him, put the boat down with my foot on it so it would not blow away, and signaled that I was ok. Then i walked to Vanier with my ski on my shoulder. Yes I did get a few curious looks as i walked along the running path.

When i got to the start line I saw Alan and then Jeff paddling past, so I knew the race had already started. So I went to the registration desk, and told Brian that I was back and ok. then I went down to the beach and launched my ski. I figured since I am here, I might as well go for a training paddle, and use the racers as pace setters.

The course headed into False Creek, with a turn at the Cambie street bridge. The big chop was suppose to do two laps of this course. When I got out into the mix of things, Ryan was just in front of me in his sea kayak. So I cranked it up, and rode the waves up to him. Even though we were in False Creek the waves were still a good size for the wind. I passed Ryan and was looking for the next boat to catch up to.

As I passed the Granville Island market, the OC6 that rescued me was heading the other way out of False Creek. I said hi and thanks again for helping me. Continuing towards the Cambie street bridge, Alan came paddling by going the other way as well. He had done the turn at the bridge and was heading back for his first loop of the course. Right behind him by about 120 meters was Jeff, I said hello as he passed and I continued on.

I looked up ahead and spotted Sean and Chris coming towards me, so I turned around so I could paddle with them back to Vanier. Chris asked how my downwind was, and he told me about Jeffs' and his. We were both in agreement that it was one great day on the skis.

Heading back, I was on Chris's right side and Sean on his left. We were chatting the whole way to the Burrard street bridge and then I said I was going in. (still tired from the swim) So I backed off behind Sean. Then I thought, one more power up, so I put the power on and passed Sean and caught up to Chris. Then I turned and went in.

As usual the after party / meeting was great with smokies, cookies, and chips. So today's paddle / race was a real eye opener as to getting back on the ski in big waves. Can't wait for the next big wave so I can practice hopping off and getting back on in a some what control environment.

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Deep Cove # 14 – Hard Race, Paddle Test


Tonights race was going to include a swim in the middle. The long course was going to be, out from Deep Cove over to the mainland across from Jugg Island. Beach your boat and swim 160 meters over to Jugg and back, then paddle around Raccoon Island, over to Lone Rock lighthouse and back to Deep Cove.The total distance would be just under 8 kilometers.


As well tonight I was paddle testing. I'm in the market for a new paddle, so I am trying out as many blades as possible. During the race I was using a Max paddle. It was the Hank McGregor model in carbon. As soon as it was handed to me, I knew that this paddle was going to be a little much for me, due to its size and the aggressive shape. It came in between the SET paddle I normally use and my large blade Epic, which I use on occasion.


The quality of the paddle was top notch, and the small shaft was perfect for my hands. So off I went for my warm up paddle. With the blade in the water, it became apparent that this was going to be a chore for me over the 8 km distance. The grip at the catch is big, and the blade holds the water all the through the stroke with minimal slip. The exit is effortless.

After a quick paddle to the 5 knot can, it was time to hustle to the start line. As we were sitting at the line, Bob got out of his ski onto the dock, and started to speak through the load speaker. He said that Ty's wife to be, had secretly bought him a new Kevlar Legend and was going to give it to him in a couple of weeks, but because he was whining about getting a new ski, that she gave it to him tonight. So with that said Bob pushed the boat out into the cove and said that if Ty wanted to use his new ski, he would have to swim for it. With everyone cheering him on, that is exactly what he did. He had the biggest smile as he was swimming for it.

Then it was time to go. It was a quick start, and I got a good position beside Rod. I looked over to the far right and there was a group of paddlers behind the double XT of Brian and Sasha, moving fast. Up at the front of our group was Jim in his K1. During this time, actual throughout the whole race my balance was just not on. I was tippy, and could not seem to get it to work. It was not long before I was off the back of the group. I was basically on my own for the next 2000 meters, when Lina came up on my left hand side. Lina is getting stronger every week in the XT. So I decided to fight with my balance a little and stay with her. She would start passing me, and I would up the rate and move in front . She would then up the rate and try to pass again, so I would up it again. It was fun messing with her, but after awhile my balance became an issue again and I dropped off.

As we were coming up to Jugg, and the swim, I could see Jim carrying his K1 up the beach, and head out for his swim. I got to the beach and pulled my ski up on the beach, and headed out for my swim. Boy was it cold. It may have been a hot day, but that water was not. I managed to pass a couple of people on the swim. Once back on shore I grabbed my ski, and tried to manoeuvre through the piles of boats all over the beach.

I managed to squeeze through a gap, and get going after Colleen who was ahead of me. Around Jugg, and off to raccoon, With both Hope Brothers right behind me. The balance thing was still going on, and slowing me down. Rod passed me, but I managed to hold off Greg. As we approached Raccoon Island, I pulled up beside Colleen, and sat there for the length of the island. We we reached the northern tip of the island, I decided it was time to go. So I upped the pace, and managed to catch some decent waves to scoot ahead. I was on my own from then on. Steve was just in front of me, but I just could not real him in before the finish line.

Sunday, July 6, 2008

Technique, Time Study and Starts

Today was an easy technique paddle at Deas Island slough. I haven't been feeling 100% these days because of my cold. It seems to be hanging on, and not letting go. So I decided to take the ski out and do some technique paddling, using the GPS to see what changes can be made and how it effects the speed of the boat.

First off it was an easy paddle and working on technique. On the catch or set up, putting the blade in vertical, and not rotating until the blade was fully submerged in the water. Once the blade was planted, I started the rotation at the foot, ankle, and leg first, and then the core.

As I rotated I worked on on keeping my onside arm straight, and my offside hand at eye level. Once my offside hand gets to the center of the boat, it is time to exit the blade from the water. Using the offside hand as the fulcrum point, I snapped the blade out of the water right at the hip. This alone was equal to .3 to .5 kph faster. Keeping the blade in the water past the hip, and a slow exit prevents the boat from gliding, and slowing it down.

I did this half way to Ladner and back, going out of the slough and along the main channel. There was minimal current, and not much boat traffic. Once I returned to the slough, I stopped for about 15 minutes to rest before I started to do some starts. I did about four starts from the beach area out, while the rowers were heading out for their training session.

After the rowers had finished their session, Amber asked if I wanted to try a single. I said yes, and jumped in a Wintech rowing shell. right off the bat this was not the same as a surf ski. I managed to go to the opposite side of the slough, and back again without swimming.

Once I had finished rowing, I jumped back into the ski for my last starts session. This time I was going to use the markers setup up for the water skiers. I used the first set of markers to the next set, which is 40 meters in length. Thee were going to be all out starts from a died stop, and a stroke as high as I could go. Four starts was all I could manage, with a top speed of 15.8 kph. Over the next few weeks, I am going to be concentrating on my starts at the slough, as it is one of my weak areas.

The water ski slalom course is great for this, because it is measured all the way to 200 meters at 40 meter intervals.