Well the past year has been a bit of a bust, as far as paddling and running is concerned. After getting back from Australia, and suffering from "I don't want to paddle in the cold any more", I managed to little or no training what so ever.
On top of that, I managed to be "un-gainfully employed", which did not help my lack of enthusiasm.
During the past year I managed to do exactly one running race and one paddle race. (Hey at least I was consistent. lol)
Now things have started to come around, and I am looking forward to start training again for next year. I have "spruced" up my blog a little and I am coming up with a list of races I want to go in next year.
Since I am basically starting from scratch, I am going back to my previous training logs, to see what worked and what did not. What can I say, if you don't look at previous logs, then they are basically useless. Well maybe not useless.
So it is time to start on basic endurance training first. This will be a long process of running, weights, and yes paddling. I am also going to start blogging about my progress, as I work myself back into shape.
Showing posts with label ICF. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ICF. Show all posts
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Friday, February 27, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
Cascade Canoe and Kayak
Cascade Canoe and Kayak Center has announced their schedule for this years races, camps, and presentations.
Cascade is operated by Dan Henderson, former US Team member, coach and World Championship Team Leader, will lead this camp. He was the co-author of the International Canoe Federation (the world and Olympic canoe/kayak racing governing body) Coaching Manual and coach of the Cascade and Seattle University Canoe & Kayak Racing Teams. Dan is also a Masters candidate in Exercise Science at Western Washington University with a focus on the kayak forward stroke biomechanics.
Dan has agreed to speak on the Biomechanical Forces involved in kayaking, at the ICF Coaching Symposium, in Warszawa, Poland. The International Coaching Symposium will be held from February 27 until March 1, 2009.
Races
Cascade Canoe & Kayak Race for the Cookies! Sat, April 18 at 9:00 am
Northwest Senior Games Kayak Races Sun, June 7 at 9:00 am
Cascade Canoe & Kayak Thursday Evening Summer Race Series
Dates:
#1 - July 9 at 6:30 pm
#2 – July 16 at 6:30 pm
#3 – July 23 at 6:30 pm
#4 – July 30 at 6:30 pm
#5 – August 6 at 6:30 pm
Cascade Canoe & Kayak Sprint Race Sat,Sun July 25 & 26 at 9:00 am
Cascade Canoe & Kayak Distance Race Sat, November 7 at 9:00 am
Camps
* Masters' Camp March 23-28, Renton
* USA Canoe/Kayak NW Region Development Camp June 22-28, Lake Wenatchee YMCA Camp
Presentations
Efficient Kayak Forward Stroke- Tues, Apr 7 at 7:00 pm
Efficient Canoe Forward Stroke - Tues, Jun 30 at 7:00 pm
Efficient Kayak Forward Stroke- Tues, Oct 13 at 7:00 pm
Sunday, December 14, 2008
ICF Congress Update
The ICF held their annual congress in Rome Italy on November 28 – 29.
Here are some of the highlights from that meeting:
The 2009 Championships will now include a 4X100m sprint relay (male and female K1)– in an effort to make canoeing a more exciting sport for TV. This should be an interesting event, you can see a test event here.
At the 2010 Championships they will also include a 5000m long distance event for both male and female K1’s.
Flatwater Racing will now be known as Canoe Sprint, Slalom Racing is now known as Canoe Slalom, and Marathon Racing will be Canoe Marathon.
I really the really interesting thing was that they changed the events to make it again more TV friendly. So they dropped all of the womens 1000 meters events. As well as the mens C4 1000 meters, mens K4 500 meters, mens C4 500meters, mens K4 200 meters, womens K4 200 meters, and the mens C2 200 meters. See chart below.
Here is the "new" format for the World Championships.
As you can see the regatta is in two sections, the first being the "Olympic" events, and the non "Olympic" events.This should make the regattas next year quicker with having less events. That's if the local regattas follow the same outline as the ICF.
Unfortunately it is the women who will be getting cheated out of all of the 1000m events. It will be interesting to see if this happens at the local level. I certainly hope not. Well see.
Here are some of the highlights from that meeting:
The 2009 Championships will now include a 4X100m sprint relay (male and female K1)– in an effort to make canoeing a more exciting sport for TV. This should be an interesting event, you can see a test event here.
At the 2010 Championships they will also include a 5000m long distance event for both male and female K1’s.
Flatwater Racing will now be known as Canoe Sprint, Slalom Racing is now known as Canoe Slalom, and Marathon Racing will be Canoe Marathon.
I really the really interesting thing was that they changed the events to make it again more TV friendly. So they dropped all of the womens 1000 meters events. As well as the mens C4 1000 meters, mens K4 500 meters, mens C4 500meters, mens K4 200 meters, womens K4 200 meters, and the mens C2 200 meters. See chart below.
Here is the "new" format for the World Championships.
As you can see the regatta is in two sections, the first being the "Olympic" events, and the non "Olympic" events.This should make the regattas next year quicker with having less events. That's if the local regattas follow the same outline as the ICF.
Unfortunately it is the women who will be getting cheated out of all of the 1000m events. It will be interesting to see if this happens at the local level. I certainly hope not. Well see.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Master Technique Class
Today's practice was a bit of a disappointment for me. I was really sore from Friday's workout. So not being able to move very well, is not good for technique. So I tried to just go back to the basics for todays paddle on the suggestion of my coach. She really knows her stuff, and could tell today's session was not going to be too productive.
So I just concentrated on keeping my top hand going at eye level and straight across and not dropping. It was a gorgeous day. Sunny and warm, with no wind. It made for a nice paddle of over 10 kms. I kind of lost count of how many laps I completed. I was doing an ok pace and was catching the paddlers in front of me. I caught one paddler, she was going at a good pace, so I stayed with her for a while.
Then I decided to practice so wash riding. So I rode the wash on the right side, and then drop back a few meters and power up on the opposite side, and ride the wash on the left side. I practices this for a couple of minutes. Then I dropped back to chat with Gary and another paddler. Now it was getting a little chilly, so I decided to head in to the dock. As I was going in, I started to do some balance work. It was four stroke with my eyes open and four strokes with my eyes closed. Towards the end near the dock I had to watch out because there is a cable that goes underwater. I have been caught by it before, and got hung up on it. It was a little freaky, but I managed to stay up, and back up off the cable. So I made sure I went wide of it this time.
Another issue I had today was that I was using my Epic large blade for this practice. It wasn't the fact that the large blades are hard to pull, it is that I have shorten the length by quite a bit, and had not changed my tape positions. So I was continuously moving my hands around, trying to find the right spot. Other than the “issues”I was having, it was a nice paddle. Since I don't get on the water as much as I want to these days, all the paddles I get are good ones.
So I just concentrated on keeping my top hand going at eye level and straight across and not dropping. It was a gorgeous day. Sunny and warm, with no wind. It made for a nice paddle of over 10 kms. I kind of lost count of how many laps I completed. I was doing an ok pace and was catching the paddlers in front of me. I caught one paddler, she was going at a good pace, so I stayed with her for a while.
Then I decided to practice so wash riding. So I rode the wash on the right side, and then drop back a few meters and power up on the opposite side, and ride the wash on the left side. I practices this for a couple of minutes. Then I dropped back to chat with Gary and another paddler. Now it was getting a little chilly, so I decided to head in to the dock. As I was going in, I started to do some balance work. It was four stroke with my eyes open and four strokes with my eyes closed. Towards the end near the dock I had to watch out because there is a cable that goes underwater. I have been caught by it before, and got hung up on it. It was a little freaky, but I managed to stay up, and back up off the cable. So I made sure I went wide of it this time.
Another issue I had today was that I was using my Epic large blade for this practice. It wasn't the fact that the large blades are hard to pull, it is that I have shorten the length by quite a bit, and had not changed my tape positions. So I was continuously moving my hands around, trying to find the right spot. Other than the “issues”I was having, it was a nice paddle. Since I don't get on the water as much as I want to these days, all the paddles I get are good ones.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Masters Technique Session
Today was a Masters Technique class at Burnaby Lake. I have missed the last three or four sessions.Since that time the ranks have swollen to over 12 paddlers. There was around 13 or 14 K1s out on the lake today. It was a prefect day for paddling, no rain, no wind, and it was actually warm out. I had to strip down to one long sleeve shirt after one lap of the lake.
I got to the lake early so I could set up my Thunder and get a good warm up and stretch. I did a short dryland warm-up of running in place, with high knees and wide stance, much the same as in P90X. Then I did all my stretches, especially working on the my legs, or so I thought.
There were so many boats that there was a line up to get out on the water. Once on my way down the lake, I realized that I did not in fact stretch my Hamstrings enough, because boy could I feel them, they were really tight. I even considered turning around to go back to the dock to stretch them, but I kept going.
My balance was pretty good today, I had no emergency braces at all. My stroke rate was medium, some where around 80, and I was just concentrating on technique. After about two laps of the lake, the call came from my coach, to turn around and see her. She said she was going to video me and observe my stroke. I told her to give me a few meters for the steam on my glasses to clear up. She said I didn't need to see.
So off we went down the lake. It never fails, the video camera always makes me nervous, and it sure showed. Then we stopped and discussed my areas of improvement. As usual, I am leaning too far back, and losing it at the catch. (Hamstrings too tight) I was going to slow with my rotation at the hips (Hamstrings too tight) and not enough slide. I was cycling too fast and not pausing for the setup. I need to slow down at the setup with a horizontal shaft, "before" putting the blade in for the catch.
This is why you have a coach. They are able to see where you cannot, the errors in your technique, and give you ways of correcting the problems.
After the video section I did two more laps and then headed in. It is good to see so many new faces to the club. Most of them are from the Tuesday night races in Deep Cove. Good job Chris and Gary for promoting the club. Next weekend I will back at the slough to train in K1.
I got to the lake early so I could set up my Thunder and get a good warm up and stretch. I did a short dryland warm-up of running in place, with high knees and wide stance, much the same as in P90X. Then I did all my stretches, especially working on the my legs, or so I thought.
There were so many boats that there was a line up to get out on the water. Once on my way down the lake, I realized that I did not in fact stretch my Hamstrings enough, because boy could I feel them, they were really tight. I even considered turning around to go back to the dock to stretch them, but I kept going.
My balance was pretty good today, I had no emergency braces at all. My stroke rate was medium, some where around 80, and I was just concentrating on technique. After about two laps of the lake, the call came from my coach, to turn around and see her. She said she was going to video me and observe my stroke. I told her to give me a few meters for the steam on my glasses to clear up. She said I didn't need to see.
So off we went down the lake. It never fails, the video camera always makes me nervous, and it sure showed. Then we stopped and discussed my areas of improvement. As usual, I am leaning too far back, and losing it at the catch. (Hamstrings too tight) I was going to slow with my rotation at the hips (Hamstrings too tight) and not enough slide. I was cycling too fast and not pausing for the setup. I need to slow down at the setup with a horizontal shaft, "before" putting the blade in for the catch.
This is why you have a coach. They are able to see where you cannot, the errors in your technique, and give you ways of correcting the problems.
After the video section I did two more laps and then headed in. It is good to see so many new faces to the club. Most of them are from the Tuesday night races in Deep Cove. Good job Chris and Gary for promoting the club. Next weekend I will back at the slough to train in K1.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
B.C. Masters Day One
Today the first day of the B.C. Masters at Whonnock Lake in Maple Ridge. One of the first races to go was the masters K1 500 meters. I was in the first heat of two. The progression was going to be the first three to the final and the next three fastest times of the heats to the final. I was in lane five, just looking to get third place or better, so I could move on.
My start was a little shaky, but I recovered quickly, and soon found myself sitting in forth. So I started to pull harder to try and move up. as I was doing this I could hear the referee start yelling at boat two. He was telling him to move to the right, that he was out of his lane. Then I heard the guy on my right yell to him that he was in his lane, but there was no stopping him. He came flying across all of the lanes. Seeing this I knew that he was going to be disqualified, and I was heading to a third place finish.
Sure enough I managed to come in third and boat #2 was disqualified. I felt bad for him because two years earlier, I had done the exact same thing. If you look just a little to the left, it looks like your lane and you follow it. You don't realize that you are crossing lane, and the referee is yelling at “you”. After the second heat, and the times were posted, I checked to see if the DQ hadn't happen would I have still made the final. It turned out that my time would have gotten me in anyways.
Next up for me was the K4 500 meters. This was about an hour and a half away, so I had lots of time to relax and eat. Since it was cloudy and cold, I made sure that I was dressed warm. We got our boat setup, and headed out for a warm up. I was in seat four, which comes in handy. People can't see how badly I am paddling. So the order in the boat was Jeff, Dan, Hugh, and myself. We practised a couple of starts. Six hard slow power strokes , and then smoothly building the stroke rate up.
Our start was a little rocky , but after about 50 meters we got into sync. We held our own, but could not catch Victoria, and came in second. It was a good race. After thanking everyone for a good race, it was off to the beach, and some warm clothes. Another hour plus wait before the 500 meter final. The sun actually managed to come out, and the warmth was appreciated after a cold morning.
I managed to get some sleep before the final. For the final, I switched the high seat for the low seat in the Super Lancer, which would help me put more power on the blade without having to deal with balance. I was in lane two, for the final. After a brief warm up, I headed for the start line. I looked down my lane and made sure that I had the correct colour of buoy on my right side. That way I would not cross into the other lanes.
My start was ok, but still needs work. Right from the get go, I was about four boats down on the start. For some reason I could not concentrate on technique and was basically flailing around. This does not make for speed in the boat. I think I came in sixth or seventh.
So I managed to make my goal of making it into the finals of the K1, but I was hoping to be closer to the front at the end. Being that regattas and racing against guys that are faster than you, helps you determine how much training you need to do. In this case, a lot. Also you get to observe the technique that makes a boat go fast. By watching the younger and faster paddlers, you can see what works and what does not, in terms of boat speed. It is helpful just to sit back and watch.
Next up was the 2000 meter race. I was number 10, but the order really doesn't make I difference. No one really line up in order on these races. The starter tries to get it right, but the paddlers are not really helpful, by lining up before being called to the line. My self included.I moved over to the middle of the start line, to get a better line to the turn at the end of the course.
The start was fast, with Jaden and Garth blasting off. By the time I was almost at the turn, I think I was sitting in 8th or 9th. The whole time I just kept concentrating on putting the blade in vertically and pulling hard. I was behind Karol the whole 2000 meters, and could not get any closer than about three boat lengths. I did manage to keep other people behind me from passing. I could hear Steve behind me, and it acted like a motivation thing, to keep pushing.
It was a good hard race, and I am happy with my performance.
My start was a little shaky, but I recovered quickly, and soon found myself sitting in forth. So I started to pull harder to try and move up. as I was doing this I could hear the referee start yelling at boat two. He was telling him to move to the right, that he was out of his lane. Then I heard the guy on my right yell to him that he was in his lane, but there was no stopping him. He came flying across all of the lanes. Seeing this I knew that he was going to be disqualified, and I was heading to a third place finish.
Sure enough I managed to come in third and boat #2 was disqualified. I felt bad for him because two years earlier, I had done the exact same thing. If you look just a little to the left, it looks like your lane and you follow it. You don't realize that you are crossing lane, and the referee is yelling at “you”. After the second heat, and the times were posted, I checked to see if the DQ hadn't happen would I have still made the final. It turned out that my time would have gotten me in anyways.
Next up for me was the K4 500 meters. This was about an hour and a half away, so I had lots of time to relax and eat. Since it was cloudy and cold, I made sure that I was dressed warm. We got our boat setup, and headed out for a warm up. I was in seat four, which comes in handy. People can't see how badly I am paddling. So the order in the boat was Jeff, Dan, Hugh, and myself. We practised a couple of starts. Six hard slow power strokes , and then smoothly building the stroke rate up.
Our start was a little rocky , but after about 50 meters we got into sync. We held our own, but could not catch Victoria, and came in second. It was a good race. After thanking everyone for a good race, it was off to the beach, and some warm clothes. Another hour plus wait before the 500 meter final. The sun actually managed to come out, and the warmth was appreciated after a cold morning.
I managed to get some sleep before the final. For the final, I switched the high seat for the low seat in the Super Lancer, which would help me put more power on the blade without having to deal with balance. I was in lane two, for the final. After a brief warm up, I headed for the start line. I looked down my lane and made sure that I had the correct colour of buoy on my right side. That way I would not cross into the other lanes.
My start was ok, but still needs work. Right from the get go, I was about four boats down on the start. For some reason I could not concentrate on technique and was basically flailing around. This does not make for speed in the boat. I think I came in sixth or seventh.
So I managed to make my goal of making it into the finals of the K1, but I was hoping to be closer to the front at the end. Being that regattas and racing against guys that are faster than you, helps you determine how much training you need to do. In this case, a lot. Also you get to observe the technique that makes a boat go fast. By watching the younger and faster paddlers, you can see what works and what does not, in terms of boat speed. It is helpful just to sit back and watch.
Next up was the 2000 meter race. I was number 10, but the order really doesn't make I difference. No one really line up in order on these races. The starter tries to get it right, but the paddlers are not really helpful, by lining up before being called to the line. My self included.I moved over to the middle of the start line, to get a better line to the turn at the end of the course.
The start was fast, with Jaden and Garth blasting off. By the time I was almost at the turn, I think I was sitting in 8th or 9th. The whole time I just kept concentrating on putting the blade in vertically and pulling hard. I was behind Karol the whole 2000 meters, and could not get any closer than about three boat lengths. I did manage to keep other people behind me from passing. I could hear Steve behind me, and it acted like a motivation thing, to keep pushing.
It was a good hard race, and I am happy with my performance.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Hot Paddle in September
Today was one of the hottest days that I can remember in a while. (of course my memory is not that good)
It was a easy two laps with Shota in the Extreme and me in my Thunder. I kept having to stop and look to make sure Shota was doing ok. After coming in, I went and stretched again because I was tightening up. Then it was time to practice balance and more starts. The balance section went good, but the start section wasn't as good as I had hoped.
For the balance it was more of the same. Sitting still with my eyes closed, and paddling around, with side draws. Rocking the boat, and bouncing the boat. After the main balancing drills were done, I started to try new ones. I tried to tip the boat over as far as I could without going over. A new one was taking my PFD and putting on my seat, and paddling around. This made the boat extremely tippy by lifting me up by about 2 inches above the seat. this is where I got to cool down from the heat. Boy that felt great.
The starts weren't very good. I kept leaning over to the right for some unknown reason. I went swimming on numerous occasions. I just could not get it hooked up, with any consistency. I just have to keep working on it, to get it dialed in.
I gave Shota a shot at the Thunder. He got in the boat while I held it by the bow. I did not let go, and he got the idea on how tippy this boat is real fast. I asked him if he wanted to try it again, but he said no.
Still lots of fun on such a warm day.
It was a easy two laps with Shota in the Extreme and me in my Thunder. I kept having to stop and look to make sure Shota was doing ok. After coming in, I went and stretched again because I was tightening up. Then it was time to practice balance and more starts. The balance section went good, but the start section wasn't as good as I had hoped.
For the balance it was more of the same. Sitting still with my eyes closed, and paddling around, with side draws. Rocking the boat, and bouncing the boat. After the main balancing drills were done, I started to try new ones. I tried to tip the boat over as far as I could without going over. A new one was taking my PFD and putting on my seat, and paddling around. This made the boat extremely tippy by lifting me up by about 2 inches above the seat. this is where I got to cool down from the heat. Boy that felt great.
The starts weren't very good. I kept leaning over to the right for some unknown reason. I went swimming on numerous occasions. I just could not get it hooked up, with any consistency. I just have to keep working on it, to get it dialed in.
I gave Shota a shot at the Thunder. He got in the boat while I held it by the bow. I did not let go, and he got the idea on how tippy this boat is real fast. I asked him if he wanted to try it again, but he said no.
Still lots of fun on such a warm day.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Starts, Starts, and More Starts
Today's workout started like the rest, with stretching. Having my muscles warmed up and loose is very important to having a good session. I start with the legs, and then move progressively up the body:
Calves
Hamstrings
Quadriceps
Lower Back
Upper back
Shoulders Arms
Neck
I did two loops of the slough, before heading to the beach to practice balance and starts. First up was balance drills. Side draws, backwards paddling, bouncing the boat,etc. Then I though of a new one, I took my feet off the foot board all moved them side by side towards my butt. I managed to get my heels touching the seat platform. Then I paddled around in that position. I almost went in doing this. I got a cramp in my right leg, and pushing my feet back to the foot board, I tipped over, but saved it right at the last moment.
Then I started doing the start progressions. Starting with just sitting still and keeping my paddle in the start position. Each time I would try to hold it longer, from one second all the way to the full ten seconds. Next was paddling backwards and then one hard stroke forward. Again with each time I would increase a forward stroke all the way to eight strokes.
Then it was full start from a stopped position. Always lining up to something and looking both left and right to line myself up. Then it was a quick hard stroke, and building to eight strokes. Then session was really good, and I didn't go swimming. So since the water was warm, I decided to really go for it. This time I would pull as hard as I could, if I went in, oh well. I managed to stay dry and it really increased the speed of my starts.
As always a planned one hour session turned into a hour and a half session. Once things are clicking, you just don't want to lose it, so you keep going.
Calves
Hamstrings
Quadriceps
Lower Back
Upper back
Shoulders Arms
Neck
I did two loops of the slough, before heading to the beach to practice balance and starts. First up was balance drills. Side draws, backwards paddling, bouncing the boat,etc. Then I though of a new one, I took my feet off the foot board all moved them side by side towards my butt. I managed to get my heels touching the seat platform. Then I paddled around in that position. I almost went in doing this. I got a cramp in my right leg, and pushing my feet back to the foot board, I tipped over, but saved it right at the last moment.
Then I started doing the start progressions. Starting with just sitting still and keeping my paddle in the start position. Each time I would try to hold it longer, from one second all the way to the full ten seconds. Next was paddling backwards and then one hard stroke forward. Again with each time I would increase a forward stroke all the way to eight strokes.
Then it was full start from a stopped position. Always lining up to something and looking both left and right to line myself up. Then it was a quick hard stroke, and building to eight strokes. Then session was really good, and I didn't go swimming. So since the water was warm, I decided to really go for it. This time I would pull as hard as I could, if I went in, oh well. I managed to stay dry and it really increased the speed of my starts.
As always a planned one hour session turned into a hour and a half session. Once things are clicking, you just don't want to lose it, so you keep going.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Readership Expanding
When I started this blog on January 2nd, 2008, I thought this was a good way of keeping a training log for my lead up to the World Masters Games in 2009, and to promote kayak racing in general.
Since then it has been read in 73 countries and over 2,000 unique visitors as per google. This is cool, and I hope some of my training will help others in their goals as well. As well as my failures. (learn from my mistakes)
Thanks for reading.
Darrell
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Dark and Dreary K1 Practise
I got off to a late start tonight, so by the time I got to Deas, it was 6pm, raining, and dark. The rowers were already out on the water. (the ones that actually braved it) Good thing I had my neon yellow shirt with me for visibility out on the water.
So I decided to try going out without stretching. Turn out to be not so good of an idea. Big surprise. I started to seize up by the time I got to the bridge on the first lap. So I had to stretch in the boat on the next length, by over rotating in the boat. This worked out ok. When I got back to the dock, I hopped out and stretched properly. Mental note, ALWAYS STRETCH, even if it is pouring rain.
Back for another lap of the slough. This time I was concentrating on pulling my blade out of the water fast and at the hip. I have a visual clue, as to when my on side blade is at my hip. My off side hand is just before the center of the boat, at that time I snap the blade out of the water, and continue to rotate past center a little to set up for the next stroke.
If you sit in a chair, you can go through your stroke to see where your visual clue is. It will be different for different paddle lengths, arm lengths, etc. As you rotate look at your on side blade, and stop it at or just before it reaches your hip. Now look at your off side hand to see its location. That is your visual clue, as to when to pull the blade out of the water. It sure is easier to do this in a chair versus an ICF flat water boat.
So I made sure that I had my weight on the blade all the way through the stroke, and then snap it out of the water. It is important to keep the power on, all the way through the stroke, not just at the beginning.
This was working ok, but I would lose it, and get it back again. Still not an automatic thing, needs work. Reminds me of a saying I heard “Amateurs practise till they get it right, Pros practise until they can't get it wrong”
After working on this, I decided or the rain did for me, to cap it at two laps, but that was not the end of paddling. Now I started to work on an area that I am weak on, and that is starts. My starts are very poor.
So the first thing was to break down the function of the start and work on it step by step.
The first thing is paddling to the start line, and get ready for the start. So I had an imaginary line, and use it to line up. I did a couple of things here, at first I would ease up to the line and just sit there. Then I would go past the line and paddle backwards slowly to the line. This is because as part of tactics, you should go past the line by a little amount and have the starter call you back. Be forewarned though, some starters can get a little annoyed with this tactic, and can start bagging on you.
Then I practise some of the stuff that might come up as you sitting at the line. Scratching my head, looking at my watch, that sort of thing. I can't tell you how many times myself or someone else has gone in by just adjusting their hat, or fiddling with something at the line. So I did this for about 5 to 10 minutes.
Next up was raising the paddle for the start. It is one thing to sit there with your paddle in a “neutral” position, it is another to hold it in a off balance position, as in the start for any amount of time without practise. So I did this one for about 15 minutes. I would raise the paddle just like the start, with the blade in the water, and hold it for as long as I could.
Now came actually starting. The first four strokes are the power ones, to get the boat up and moving. So in my mind, I would be saying “racers start within tens seconds”, raise the paddle to the set position, hold it for a couple of seconds, and then hammer the first four strokes, and then glide. I would try to get a explosive start, like a 100 meter sprinter on a track. I did this about ten times, each one with different success. Not consistent at all. Needs more work. I managed to only swim twice during this section of the workout, and one was because I was braking really hard, so I wouldn't hit the beach.
By now it was dark, and almost 8 pm. I hustled to get the boat bagged and on the car, and then changed. I was the last person to leave the park. It sure is creepy in the rain and pitch black. Other than that it was a good practise.
So I decided to try going out without stretching. Turn out to be not so good of an idea. Big surprise. I started to seize up by the time I got to the bridge on the first lap. So I had to stretch in the boat on the next length, by over rotating in the boat. This worked out ok. When I got back to the dock, I hopped out and stretched properly. Mental note, ALWAYS STRETCH, even if it is pouring rain.
Back for another lap of the slough. This time I was concentrating on pulling my blade out of the water fast and at the hip. I have a visual clue, as to when my on side blade is at my hip. My off side hand is just before the center of the boat, at that time I snap the blade out of the water, and continue to rotate past center a little to set up for the next stroke.
If you sit in a chair, you can go through your stroke to see where your visual clue is. It will be different for different paddle lengths, arm lengths, etc. As you rotate look at your on side blade, and stop it at or just before it reaches your hip. Now look at your off side hand to see its location. That is your visual clue, as to when to pull the blade out of the water. It sure is easier to do this in a chair versus an ICF flat water boat.
So I made sure that I had my weight on the blade all the way through the stroke, and then snap it out of the water. It is important to keep the power on, all the way through the stroke, not just at the beginning.
This was working ok, but I would lose it, and get it back again. Still not an automatic thing, needs work. Reminds me of a saying I heard “Amateurs practise till they get it right, Pros practise until they can't get it wrong”
After working on this, I decided or the rain did for me, to cap it at two laps, but that was not the end of paddling. Now I started to work on an area that I am weak on, and that is starts. My starts are very poor.
So the first thing was to break down the function of the start and work on it step by step.
The first thing is paddling to the start line, and get ready for the start. So I had an imaginary line, and use it to line up. I did a couple of things here, at first I would ease up to the line and just sit there. Then I would go past the line and paddle backwards slowly to the line. This is because as part of tactics, you should go past the line by a little amount and have the starter call you back. Be forewarned though, some starters can get a little annoyed with this tactic, and can start bagging on you.
Then I practise some of the stuff that might come up as you sitting at the line. Scratching my head, looking at my watch, that sort of thing. I can't tell you how many times myself or someone else has gone in by just adjusting their hat, or fiddling with something at the line. So I did this for about 5 to 10 minutes.
Next up was raising the paddle for the start. It is one thing to sit there with your paddle in a “neutral” position, it is another to hold it in a off balance position, as in the start for any amount of time without practise. So I did this one for about 15 minutes. I would raise the paddle just like the start, with the blade in the water, and hold it for as long as I could.
Now came actually starting. The first four strokes are the power ones, to get the boat up and moving. So in my mind, I would be saying “racers start within tens seconds”, raise the paddle to the set position, hold it for a couple of seconds, and then hammer the first four strokes, and then glide. I would try to get a explosive start, like a 100 meter sprinter on a track. I did this about ten times, each one with different success. Not consistent at all. Needs more work. I managed to only swim twice during this section of the workout, and one was because I was braking really hard, so I wouldn't hit the beach.
By now it was dark, and almost 8 pm. I hustled to get the boat bagged and on the car, and then changed. I was the last person to leave the park. It sure is creepy in the rain and pitch black. Other than that it was a good practise.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Nicomekl River K1 Practise
As a bit of a change I kept driving down the freeway to the Nicomekl River Rowing Club for today's K1 practise. Also because the ski boats had the slough this afternoon, not that the Nicomekl would be any better for boat traffic. The Nicomekl has no set times for paddle sports and boating, it is every man for himself.
After getting my boat to the dock, and finished my stretching routine, it was off to paddle up stream first. Within the first 100 meters of leaving the dock the first boat appeared from behind me. They slowed down for the marina where I launched, but as soon as they got past the marker they gunned it. This was going to be a concern, but I turned into the coming waves and paddled through them. I watch the waves come right up to the combing, just short of coming into the cockpit.
Then I turned back toward the shore, riding the waves in that direction. It was fun, and the speed cranked right up fast. I am starting get the hang of paddling the Thunder in some pretty bouncy conditions. From here it was a easy paddle to the first turn in the river. There was current going the opposite direction as I was, and when I got to the turn, the bow wanted to swing around on me. I managed to keep it straight, and headed around the dock the golf course made, and straight to the shore on the other side.
I wanted to stay fairly close to the shore because I was paddling by myself, and if need be, I could just swim / paddle to shore and get out. That's one of the reasons why I wear my Vital ID band. Usually I am paddling on my own, and if I get into trouble there is emergency information on me.
I continued all the up to the Elgin bridge and then turned around a headed down river. Once I got back to the dock, I pulled over and stretch again before heading to the ocean. I stayed on the west side shore of the river, just in case I need a easy exit from the water, and the boats seem to hug the opposite side.
Nothing exciting happened all the way down the river, no boats, no sudden waves, just a nice easy paddle. When I got to the train bridge, I pulled over for a bit of a rest, and watch the boats leaving the Crescent Beach marina, heading out to Mud bay. After about 5 minutes, I decided to head back to the dock.
Cruising along, a cabin cruiser came by, so I turned to catch the wave at the right angle, so I would not dump. Let the waves roll past, and then paddled to catch them. Riding these waves was interesting because they were trying to throw me in the wrong direction than what I wanted. So I was continuously adjusting my steering and my paddle to compensate.
I came to the last 90 degree bend in the river, just before the dock. This is the spot where the water gets quite fun. It is where the river flow meets the in coming tide, or it seems. The water ends up going straight up and down, as in washing machine. Great in a ski, not so much in a K1. I must be getting better in this boat, because I had no problem paddling through it. In fact I went back for a second shot at it.
Then I did a sprint the length of the dock. I jumped out of the boat and stretched a little bit, and then paddle again up to the Elgin bridge and back. The total distance was only about 12.5 kilometers.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Good & Wet K1 Practise
The K1 practise today was at Deas in the Thunder. It was raining non-stop the whole time, but the good thing about it was it was warm.(Not like winter, when it is raining all the time and cold.) I liked it, because you can regulate your temperature better, then in the heat. If you get too hot you can strip off a shirt or two. In the heat there really isn't much of an option than to get wet.
After getting my gear ready and my boat down to the water, I went to the rowing club's porch to do my stretches. I wanted to stay dry for a little longer, before going out and being soaked for the next hour and a half. My coach is really on me about stretching before paddling, and the more I do it the more it becomes a habit. I can really notice the difference if I have not stretched before hand. My rotation is not very good, and my legs really cramp up.
So now before I start paddling, I make sure that I have done my stretching routine. This workout was going to be a steady technique paddle, and after each lap get out of the boat and stretch. The water on the first few laps was flat from one end of the slough to the other. During all the rest of the laps it was a different story, the wind had kicked up and made some nice waves to practise on.
It was not the same from one end to the other though. At the club house side, because of the trees around the slough, the wind was low, but at the marina side, the wind was blowing. This was great. I like paddling in bouncy, wavy water to get used to it. Especially in the Thunder. With these conditions I would practise powering up in the flats and then in the wavy section focus on getting my blade in vertically and power all the way through the stroke.
Turning at the marina end was fun as well. Practised cranking the tiller bar over, and turning slowly around, to maximize the effect of the beam waves on the boat. I wanted to practise technique with the boat really rocking from side to side.
After about an hour and twenty minutes, I decided that was enough. My technique was going south rapidly, and I was getting tired. The one good thing about it, was that even though I was tired my balanced stayed the same. Usually at this point I am bracing like mad, but it was only my technique that was suffering.
After getting my gear ready and my boat down to the water, I went to the rowing club's porch to do my stretches. I wanted to stay dry for a little longer, before going out and being soaked for the next hour and a half. My coach is really on me about stretching before paddling, and the more I do it the more it becomes a habit. I can really notice the difference if I have not stretched before hand. My rotation is not very good, and my legs really cramp up.
So now before I start paddling, I make sure that I have done my stretching routine. This workout was going to be a steady technique paddle, and after each lap get out of the boat and stretch. The water on the first few laps was flat from one end of the slough to the other. During all the rest of the laps it was a different story, the wind had kicked up and made some nice waves to practise on.
It was not the same from one end to the other though. At the club house side, because of the trees around the slough, the wind was low, but at the marina side, the wind was blowing. This was great. I like paddling in bouncy, wavy water to get used to it. Especially in the Thunder. With these conditions I would practise powering up in the flats and then in the wavy section focus on getting my blade in vertically and power all the way through the stroke.
Turning at the marina end was fun as well. Practised cranking the tiller bar over, and turning slowly around, to maximize the effect of the beam waves on the boat. I wanted to practise technique with the boat really rocking from side to side.
After about an hour and twenty minutes, I decided that was enough. My technique was going south rapidly, and I was getting tired. The one good thing about it, was that even though I was tired my balanced stayed the same. Usually at this point I am bracing like mad, but it was only my technique that was suffering.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Raining Buckets K1 Masters Practise
This weeks Masters Practise was very, very wet. As I was driving to Burnaby Lake to pick up a Super Lancer to use, the skies opened up and started to just dump. I got soaked just going from my car to the water, which was only about 10 meters away.
I managed to get in two laps before the rest of the crew got to the lake. The first lap was ok, but the steering in the boat was off. I had to crank over the tiller bar to the right to go straight. So after the first lap, I pulled over at the beach and tried to fix it. It did not seem to work, no matter what I did. So for the rest of the night, I would fiddle with it, and still have the bar cranked over.
I managed to over come this by just leaving it where it was and placing my feet below the tiller bar on the foot board. It was the most comfortable solution, but it worked. I will have to check the steering this weekend to make sure there isn't a problem at the rudder end of the system.
The next lap I caught up with Katja and paddle beside her. My goal was to stay with her, but with a slower stroke rate. That way I had to use power to keep the boat at the same speed. Then it was off to the beach to talk to Lynn my coach. I was getting good rotation, but I was still not pausing long enough at the catch before rotating. As well my hands were too low, so I wasn't getting the blade in vertical.
My next lap was to concentrate on those aspects of the stroke. Some times I would get it, other time I would lose it. When you get the proper stroke you can really feel the boat rocket forward. This is why my practises usually end up longer than scheduled. Once I get in the groove, I don't want to stop because I will lose it. So an hour usually ends up being an hour and a half or two hours.
It was overall a good practise because I was really trying to use power with technique. I was really tired after this one.
I managed to get in two laps before the rest of the crew got to the lake. The first lap was ok, but the steering in the boat was off. I had to crank over the tiller bar to the right to go straight. So after the first lap, I pulled over at the beach and tried to fix it. It did not seem to work, no matter what I did. So for the rest of the night, I would fiddle with it, and still have the bar cranked over.
I managed to over come this by just leaving it where it was and placing my feet below the tiller bar on the foot board. It was the most comfortable solution, but it worked. I will have to check the steering this weekend to make sure there isn't a problem at the rudder end of the system.
The next lap I caught up with Katja and paddle beside her. My goal was to stay with her, but with a slower stroke rate. That way I had to use power to keep the boat at the same speed. Then it was off to the beach to talk to Lynn my coach. I was getting good rotation, but I was still not pausing long enough at the catch before rotating. As well my hands were too low, so I wasn't getting the blade in vertical.
My next lap was to concentrate on those aspects of the stroke. Some times I would get it, other time I would lose it. When you get the proper stroke you can really feel the boat rocket forward. This is why my practises usually end up longer than scheduled. Once I get in the groove, I don't want to stop because I will lose it. So an hour usually ends up being an hour and a half or two hours.
It was overall a good practise because I was really trying to use power with technique. I was really tired after this one.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
K1 + Ski Boats = Swimming
Today was a short (one hour) paddle at the slough. When I got there, a water ski boat was attempting to get his kids to water ski. Good to start them young. As I was doing my stretches, I noticed that he was getting a large inner tube setup to pull behind the boat. I though, humm this is going to be good. I need some practise in some larger waves, and it was hot out, it might serve two proposes. You can see where I am going with this.
Just as I was getting in my K1, the boat took off with two kids in the tube, and heading off for the far end of the slough. I waiting a second or two to let the water settle down before going. Once I was moving I saw that the boat was hanging around the middle of the slough. One of the kids had gone airborne, and was regrouping. Just as I was getting even with them, they took off, but this time spinning donuts, making some rather large and confused waves in all directions.
Since I knew this was coming, I thought I was ready for it, boy was I wrong. The first set came complete beam side and they were big rollers, which I managed to stay up in.But I forgot being so close to shore, the reflective waves nailed me on the other side. In I went. I did not mind in the least. I needed cooling down from the heat, and it made for a nice short swim.
After emptying my boat, it was off for a couple of laps, with the odd power up, and some steady state paddling. Then about 10 to 15 minutes of balance training. It was a good short paddle / swim.
Just as I was getting in my K1, the boat took off with two kids in the tube, and heading off for the far end of the slough. I waiting a second or two to let the water settle down before going. Once I was moving I saw that the boat was hanging around the middle of the slough. One of the kids had gone airborne, and was regrouping. Just as I was getting even with them, they took off, but this time spinning donuts, making some rather large and confused waves in all directions.
Since I knew this was coming, I thought I was ready for it, boy was I wrong. The first set came complete beam side and they were big rollers, which I managed to stay up in.But I forgot being so close to shore, the reflective waves nailed me on the other side. In I went. I did not mind in the least. I needed cooling down from the heat, and it made for a nice short swim.
After emptying my boat, it was off for a couple of laps, with the odd power up, and some steady state paddling. Then about 10 to 15 minutes of balance training. It was a good short paddle / swim.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
K1 Practice – Look Ma No Paddle
Today was another K1 technique practice with balance drills at the end. It was the usual loops around Deas with some power ups just to make things interesting. My back is sore from the weekend so i wasn't into really pushing my limits. I did manage 6 loops in the time that I had.
Coming in after the last loop, I decided to do some balance drills at the beach. So I positioned myself about 3 meters from the shore and started to do some side braces, and leaning the boat over as far as I could. then I started to do the closed eyes drills. Side braces, forward strokes, and backward strokes, all with my eyes closed. Then I tried to sit in one spot and lift my arms up to shoulder height with my eyes closed. This did not work out too well, as I decided to wash my shirt since it was sweaty, lol.
After draining my boat, I decided to do some no paddle drills as suggested by Lynn my coach. So I tossed my paddle on shore and started to paddle down the slough. Before I knew it i was 150 meters from shore. what can I say no guts, no glory. It is one thing to go this in shallow water, it is another to do it where you will need to swim a fair distance to get back in.
I continued to paddle around with just my hands for the next 15 minutes. I was having fun, this was a blast. I paddled back to the beach area, and parked about 5 meters from the shore. Then I was trying to sit there and bring my arms up in a “T” at shoulder height. Then I would bring them slowly down and forward, to makes things interesting. Then I tried to bounce the boat at the same time. I could only do this for a short time, as it was getting a little too tippy without a paddle.
I ended up going in again because as I wasn't paying attention, and was drifting backwards towards the shore, and digging the stern into the shore. Oops.
I have come a long ways since starting to paddle ICF K1s. When I first started I could barely paddle a Laser trainer, and now I am closing my eyes and staying dry. I remember trying a boat with this level of stability and being scared to let go of the dock. I would stay up for about 5 seconds max, before going swimming. Just goes to show you that if you keep at it you will succeed.
Coming in after the last loop, I decided to do some balance drills at the beach. So I positioned myself about 3 meters from the shore and started to do some side braces, and leaning the boat over as far as I could. then I started to do the closed eyes drills. Side braces, forward strokes, and backward strokes, all with my eyes closed. Then I tried to sit in one spot and lift my arms up to shoulder height with my eyes closed. This did not work out too well, as I decided to wash my shirt since it was sweaty, lol.
After draining my boat, I decided to do some no paddle drills as suggested by Lynn my coach. So I tossed my paddle on shore and started to paddle down the slough. Before I knew it i was 150 meters from shore. what can I say no guts, no glory. It is one thing to go this in shallow water, it is another to do it where you will need to swim a fair distance to get back in.
I continued to paddle around with just my hands for the next 15 minutes. I was having fun, this was a blast. I paddled back to the beach area, and parked about 5 meters from the shore. Then I was trying to sit there and bring my arms up in a “T” at shoulder height. Then I would bring them slowly down and forward, to makes things interesting. Then I tried to bounce the boat at the same time. I could only do this for a short time, as it was getting a little too tippy without a paddle.
I ended up going in again because as I wasn't paying attention, and was drifting backwards towards the shore, and digging the stern into the shore. Oops.
I have come a long ways since starting to paddle ICF K1s. When I first started I could barely paddle a Laser trainer, and now I am closing my eyes and staying dry. I remember trying a boat with this level of stability and being scared to let go of the dock. I would stay up for about 5 seconds max, before going swimming. Just goes to show you that if you keep at it you will succeed.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
K1 Technique Practice
oday was a technique practice in Deas slough with the Thunder. Each time out now I am getting better with both balance and technique. Mind you there are set backs some times.
I have been paddling for almost a week now with my new one piece paddle. It is a Think carbon mid wing blade, and has a different feel to it than either my Epic or my Set. This is going to be my main paddle from now on. It has a bigger bite at the catch and has a smooth exit. I would like to thank Daryl of Think Kayaks for setting me up with the new paddle.
This practice was all about technique and distance. I worked on what Lynn was telling me the day before about pausing at the catch or setup and then powering through the “entire” stroke, not just at the beginning. By moving my seat up really helps in this regard, as I can really push hard off the foot board.
I concentrated on slowing my stroke rate down, and make each one count. Trying to setup each stroke properly with lots of rotation, and putting as much weight on the blade as I could without getting tippy. With each time out I am improving this aspect of my paddling. Also keeping my on side arm straight through the stroke is working out. Doing this helps keeping the power on the blade through out the stroke.
You can really feel the boat jump forward. After a couple of laps, it was time to practice some balance. Did the usual, eyes closed, side draws, forward, backward strokes, as well as I started to try bouncing the boat. Having your eye closed gives a whole new meaning to being able to feel the boat.
Then it was off for three more laps of the slough. This made the distance by the time I was done, to 11 kilometers. I am looking forward to the next practice. Whenever that maybe, with work being so busy right now.
The thunder is definitely my hardest boat to paddle, but it is still my favorite. It gives you a sense of accomplishment being able to paddle it.
I have been paddling for almost a week now with my new one piece paddle. It is a Think carbon mid wing blade, and has a different feel to it than either my Epic or my Set. This is going to be my main paddle from now on. It has a bigger bite at the catch and has a smooth exit. I would like to thank Daryl of Think Kayaks for setting me up with the new paddle.
This practice was all about technique and distance. I worked on what Lynn was telling me the day before about pausing at the catch or setup and then powering through the “entire” stroke, not just at the beginning. By moving my seat up really helps in this regard, as I can really push hard off the foot board.
I concentrated on slowing my stroke rate down, and make each one count. Trying to setup each stroke properly with lots of rotation, and putting as much weight on the blade as I could without getting tippy. With each time out I am improving this aspect of my paddling. Also keeping my on side arm straight through the stroke is working out. Doing this helps keeping the power on the blade through out the stroke.
You can really feel the boat jump forward. After a couple of laps, it was time to practice some balance. Did the usual, eyes closed, side draws, forward, backward strokes, as well as I started to try bouncing the boat. Having your eye closed gives a whole new meaning to being able to feel the boat.
Then it was off for three more laps of the slough. This made the distance by the time I was done, to 11 kilometers. I am looking forward to the next practice. Whenever that maybe, with work being so busy right now.
The thunder is definitely my hardest boat to paddle, but it is still my favorite. It gives you a sense of accomplishment being able to paddle it.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Masters' Technique Session – Deer Lake
Today was a Burnaby Lake masters technique class at Deer Lake. I was looking forward to it, because a had missed the past four sessions. I got there early so I could stretch and do a bit of a warm up paddle in the Thunder.
There were not very many people at today's session. So it was pretty much one on one for coaching. Lynn (my coach) was saying that I was dropping my hands too much and bending my on side arm as I was coming through the back of the stroke. As well as, pausing at the catch. So that was my focus for today's session. Slow my stroke down and pause, then rotate keeping my hand up, and pulling the blade straight out of the water at the exit.
Easier said than done, especially in the Thunder. I did a short loop so Lynn could watch what I was doing, and correct my mistakes. At some point close to shore I went for a unintentional dip. It sure felt good because of the heat. After about ½ hour of that, I decided to do some balance exercises just off the beach. So I would sit in the boat in about three feet of water, and close my eyes and sit there. At first I was just sitting without moving the boat, but after a while I started doing side draws and paddling forward and backwards with my eyes closed.
I even got real brave and tried a start with my eyes closed. I got exactly four strokes before face planting into the lake. Then Lynn said to paddle around with no paddle just my hands. So off I went along the shore with just my hands. I could paddle forwards and backwards, but side draws with my hands just wasn't working and in I went. It was pretty funny. Good thing it was a warm summer day, and not a cold winter day.
I stayed an extra 30 minutes after everyone had left, just to keep practising. It is my goal now to stay in the thunder until the end of September.
There were not very many people at today's session. So it was pretty much one on one for coaching. Lynn (my coach) was saying that I was dropping my hands too much and bending my on side arm as I was coming through the back of the stroke. As well as, pausing at the catch. So that was my focus for today's session. Slow my stroke down and pause, then rotate keeping my hand up, and pulling the blade straight out of the water at the exit.
Easier said than done, especially in the Thunder. I did a short loop so Lynn could watch what I was doing, and correct my mistakes. At some point close to shore I went for a unintentional dip. It sure felt good because of the heat. After about ½ hour of that, I decided to do some balance exercises just off the beach. So I would sit in the boat in about three feet of water, and close my eyes and sit there. At first I was just sitting without moving the boat, but after a while I started doing side draws and paddling forward and backwards with my eyes closed.
I even got real brave and tried a start with my eyes closed. I got exactly four strokes before face planting into the lake. Then Lynn said to paddle around with no paddle just my hands. So off I went along the shore with just my hands. I could paddle forwards and backwards, but side draws with my hands just wasn't working and in I went. It was pretty funny. Good thing it was a warm summer day, and not a cold winter day.
I stayed an extra 30 minutes after everyone had left, just to keep practising. It is my goal now to stay in the thunder until the end of September.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
K1 / Surf Ski Practice at Deas
Today we were in singles, Amber in the EVO, and myself in the Thunder K1. It is hard to tell someone how to paddle when you can't really see them. Being in the front of the K2, it is not very good to keep looking back to see how Amber is paddling.
So we spent about an hour and a half, just working on technique. The one good thing is that Amber has good balance from rowing, so she can just hop into the EVO and go. It makes it a lot easier to just have to worry about technique than it is to add balance into the equation.
We did some drills were you touch the opposite side of the boat after each stroke to hep with rotation. As well as, taking one stroke and rotating two more time in the air, and then taking a stroke on the opposite side, and so on.
We were at the slough at the same time as the rowers from Deas were out, and they were giving Amber the gears about paddling instead of rowing. All in good fun.
So we spent about an hour and a half, just working on technique. The one good thing is that Amber has good balance from rowing, so she can just hop into the EVO and go. It makes it a lot easier to just have to worry about technique than it is to add balance into the equation.
We did some drills were you touch the opposite side of the boat after each stroke to hep with rotation. As well as, taking one stroke and rotating two more time in the air, and then taking a stroke on the opposite side, and so on.
We were at the slough at the same time as the rowers from Deas were out, and they were giving Amber the gears about paddling instead of rowing. All in good fun.
Monday, August 4, 2008
K2 Practice at Deer Lake
Today we decided to do a K2 practise at Deer Lake, since Burnaby is full of weeds and lily pads this time of year. We arrived at the club house at around 11:30 and packed up the K2 on top of my car. Since we were only going to drive about 4 kilometers, it would be ok on top of the Focus wagon. It sure is a lot longer than my surf ski when you get it up there.
The parking at Deer Lake was nuts, even with the added stalls which basically doubled the parking. Parked in a no parking zone to unload the boat, and gear. Just as we were finishing unloading, a car pulled out, and we quickly scooped up the spot.
We adjusted the boat to our liking, and pushed off the beach. There were quite a few people curious about the K2, having probably never seeing one before. Today's workout was just getting used to paddling together and working on a couple of things.
The first lap was good, with no shakes or wobbles. We just had to pull over top do a little seat adjustments. The timing is getting better with each outing, so we were trying to work on rotation. Once around the lake, we went to the beach to go over some of the basics.
Then it was out for another couple of laps in the blazing hot sun. Once back to the beach for the last time, we tried some balance drills. Basics like side draws in both direction at the same time, as well as one person at a time. Holding the paddles up in the air, and bouncing the boat. We managed not to go swimming, which is a good thing.
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