Concept III. “The 1000 meter time trial”
As the weather gets nicer and the evenings get longer, it is easier to slip in a third weekly workout. The emphasis so far has been to establish that all-important aerobic base including a weekly aerobic paddle, a lactate threshold paddle, and a biweekly long paddle. Now that you’re comfortable with this workload, it’s time to increase the workout intensity by including the 1000-meter (about 850 yds.) time trial. Adding this strategy to your training offers potentially huge benefits from a quick, high intensity workout.
Keep in mind that the purpose of this training series is not to dictate a training program. The intention is to stimulate thought about the effectiveness of your training. Exposure to important components of exercise physiology may help you to critique your training program, develop the best training composition, and derive the greatest benefit from your training time.
Races are the highest quality workouts and can have the greatest impact on your fitness. The time trial is a race against the clock and should be performed at top speed but with your best form. The racing benefits derived from the 1000-meter time trial typically are greater than those from other distances.
The 1000-meter time trial will improve your speed, power, economy, and endurance. These are all the things that we desire in order to enhance our paddling performance. Here are some reasons to focus on the 1000-meter workout:
1) Race pace training increases aerobic capaccity more than a less intense but longer workout.
2) 25% of the energy required to paddle 1000 meters is produced anaerobically. Improved anaerobic capacity will enhance your kicking power at the end of longer races and improve your ability to utilize mid-race surges.
3) Practicing at 1000 meter speeds decreases the "perceived effort"
experienced in longer races.
4) The faster pace develops neuro-muscular coordination for maximum power
production and sustained faster pace.
5) 1000 meter pacing improves your paddling economy in order to allow you to paddle faster for a given effort and to conserve muscle glycogen.
6) This training heightens the aerobic capacity of fast twitch muscles, therefore, increases your VO2max and paddling velocity at lactate threshold.
7) Faster paddling improves biomechanics, dynamic flexibility, and range of motion for greater speed development.
8) Faster turnover develops optimal stroke cadence for racing.
9) Training variation offered by the 1000-meter time trial adds physiologic adaptation specific to that form of training and adds to your overall fitness.
10) The speed developed from the 1000-meter time trial improves performances at longer distances.
A 1000-meter course in a canal is perfect for this time trial. Start with a 20-minute easy warm-up paddle. Record your 1000-meter time so that you can monitor your improvement. Warm-down for 20 minutes. Stretch after your workout and relax while you re-hydrate and replace carbohydrate stores. You should realize large performance benefits for very little training time. The next article introduces a speed training strategy to further prepare you for your big race.
by Bruce von Borstel
Copyright © 1999 [Bruce von Borstel]. All rights reserved.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Monday, December 22, 2008
Training Concept #2 - The Long Training Paddle
CONCEPT II: “The long training paddle”
The previous training article stressed the importance of using training time effectively. More specifically, maximizing aerobic fitness is the most important means of achieving most racing goals. Concept II carries this theme further by introducing "the long training paddle".
The long training paddle is performed continuously at a relatively comfortable intensity (60-80% VO2max) for an extended length of time. Although the work intensity increases progressively as training improvements are achieved, the training stimulus is generally accomplished by increasing exercise duration. If you decide to try the long paddle, gradually increase a training session on alternate weeks to two hours or more.
There are numerous physiological and psychological benefits derived from the long aerobic paddle. The continuous steady-state workout produces the largest aerobic adaptations in both the central circulation and peripheral tissues. Benefits include: enhancement of oxidative enzymes, improved oxidative potential of both slow-twitch and fast-twitch muscle fibers, increased capillarization, raised cardiac output, heightened VO2max, hypertrophy of slow twitch fibers, increased mitochondria size and density, improved paddling economy, simulation of long race conditions, improved endurance, increased training workload, increased capacity to mobilize and oxidize fat, opportunity to practice fluid/electrolyte/carbohydrate intake, increased paddling comfort, and expanded capacity to withstand fatigue and boredom.
These are all significant training adaptations. However, I will expand on two of these benefits: 1) stimulation of fat metabolism for enduring energy, and 2) increased workload for the paddler with limited training time.
Energy for exercise is typically derived from ingested nutrients, the phosphate pool, muscle and liver glycogen (carbohydrates), and the breakdown of stored fat. Ideally, when we’re racing we want to count on energy contributions from all of these sources. However, these sources are trainable, and readily available energy from fat is crucial in order to maximize performance.
The long aerobic training paddle enhances the rate at which the exercising muscles can utilize fat. Stored fat is the body’s largest source of potential energy. Average fat reserves represent about 100,000 kcal of energy, while carbohydrate energy reserves are less than 2000 kcal. While the quantity of fat available for energy is almost limitless, carbohydrates can be depleted rapidly. As fat becomes the remaining energy source, it will become preferred for much of your endurance performance. Fat is only metabolized in the presence of oxygen and the long paddle is the perfect tool to train the athlete’s ability to mobilize and utilize fat as an enhanced energy source.
The long training paddle is a convenient way for the paddler with time constraints to increase the weekly training workload (training stimulus). If you are currently paddling one hour two days per week and increase one training session to two hours, your weekly workload increases by a very significant 50%. Typically, I will compliment the Wednesday night workouts with a 3-4 hour weekend paddle. This is a productive training regimen,
until more training days become available.
During the long training event, hydrate freely with fresh water. Also, take along an energy supplement in the form of a drink, fruit, cookie, or candy. Use this carbohydrate only if necessary to push you through an energy low. By restricting food intake during the paddle, you place an urgent demand on your fats to be a primary source of energy. At the end of
your exercise, replenish immediately with lots of carbohydrates, electrolytes, and water.
The long paddle should become an important part of your training program. The increased weekly workload will improve your aerobic fitness. The efficient fat metabolism will spare the rapid depletion of glycogen (carbohydrate). On race day, the long paddle will help boost your performance and leave you with a powerful finish.
by Bruce von Borstel
Copyright © 1999 [Bruce von Borstel]. All rights reserved.
The previous training article stressed the importance of using training time effectively. More specifically, maximizing aerobic fitness is the most important means of achieving most racing goals. Concept II carries this theme further by introducing "the long training paddle".
The long training paddle is performed continuously at a relatively comfortable intensity (60-80% VO2max) for an extended length of time. Although the work intensity increases progressively as training improvements are achieved, the training stimulus is generally accomplished by increasing exercise duration. If you decide to try the long paddle, gradually increase a training session on alternate weeks to two hours or more.
There are numerous physiological and psychological benefits derived from the long aerobic paddle. The continuous steady-state workout produces the largest aerobic adaptations in both the central circulation and peripheral tissues. Benefits include: enhancement of oxidative enzymes, improved oxidative potential of both slow-twitch and fast-twitch muscle fibers, increased capillarization, raised cardiac output, heightened VO2max, hypertrophy of slow twitch fibers, increased mitochondria size and density, improved paddling economy, simulation of long race conditions, improved endurance, increased training workload, increased capacity to mobilize and oxidize fat, opportunity to practice fluid/electrolyte/carbohydrate intake, increased paddling comfort, and expanded capacity to withstand fatigue and boredom.
These are all significant training adaptations. However, I will expand on two of these benefits: 1) stimulation of fat metabolism for enduring energy, and 2) increased workload for the paddler with limited training time.
Energy for exercise is typically derived from ingested nutrients, the phosphate pool, muscle and liver glycogen (carbohydrates), and the breakdown of stored fat. Ideally, when we’re racing we want to count on energy contributions from all of these sources. However, these sources are trainable, and readily available energy from fat is crucial in order to maximize performance.
The long aerobic training paddle enhances the rate at which the exercising muscles can utilize fat. Stored fat is the body’s largest source of potential energy. Average fat reserves represent about 100,000 kcal of energy, while carbohydrate energy reserves are less than 2000 kcal. While the quantity of fat available for energy is almost limitless, carbohydrates can be depleted rapidly. As fat becomes the remaining energy source, it will become preferred for much of your endurance performance. Fat is only metabolized in the presence of oxygen and the long paddle is the perfect tool to train the athlete’s ability to mobilize and utilize fat as an enhanced energy source.
The long training paddle is a convenient way for the paddler with time constraints to increase the weekly training workload (training stimulus). If you are currently paddling one hour two days per week and increase one training session to two hours, your weekly workload increases by a very significant 50%. Typically, I will compliment the Wednesday night workouts with a 3-4 hour weekend paddle. This is a productive training regimen,
until more training days become available.
During the long training event, hydrate freely with fresh water. Also, take along an energy supplement in the form of a drink, fruit, cookie, or candy. Use this carbohydrate only if necessary to push you through an energy low. By restricting food intake during the paddle, you place an urgent demand on your fats to be a primary source of energy. At the end of
your exercise, replenish immediately with lots of carbohydrates, electrolytes, and water.
The long paddle should become an important part of your training program. The increased weekly workload will improve your aerobic fitness. The efficient fat metabolism will spare the rapid depletion of glycogen (carbohydrate). On race day, the long paddle will help boost your performance and leave you with a powerful finish.
by Bruce von Borstel
Copyright © 1999 [Bruce von Borstel]. All rights reserved.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Training Concept #1 - Aerobic Training For Aerobic Racing
CONCEPT I: "Aerobic training for aerobic racing" (or use your time effectively)
This is the first of a series of articles about physical training. The emphasis is directed toward training for canoe and kayak racing, although, preparation for making a Hawaii Kai run or a day cruising around in Kailua Bay involves the same training principles. This series is intended to stimulate thought and discussion about your training program. Are you achieving your racing goals? Have you reached a plateau or are you losing your competitive edge?
Every training session should have a purpose. Most of us are limited to the amount of time that we can spend paddling. So, spend this time effectively and specifically to reach your objectives. Are you expanding your aerobic fitness, building your anaerobic power, pushing your lactate threshold, stimulating fat metabolism, building a strong background for the year 2001 racing season, or fine tuning your fitness for the next race?
Let’s assume that you’ve been spending time in your boat building the requisite paddling skills, fitness base, and stroke mechanics. Regardless of goals, your success will be determined by your underlying aerobic conditioning. Therefore, the first training concept concerns "aerobic training for aerobic racing".
The major energy source for paddling differs depending on the intensity and duration of exercise. Table 1 illustrates the relative contribution of aerobic (reactions involving oxygen) and anaerobic (reactions not requiring oxygen) energy sources. The energy spectrum describes the concept that as exercise progresses beyond several minutes, the aerobic system predominates. By understanding this energy spectrum, it is possible to train for specific improvements of the appropriate energy system.
Table 1. The Energy Spectrum.
Duration of maximum exercise
If the competition lasts longer than 30 minutes, 95% or more of the energy for the race is derived from aerobic sources. When this concept is applied to training, it is clear that most training time should be spent on aerobic development.
For example, if available training time is two days per week and one day is devoted to anaerobic workouts, then 50% of the training time is spent preparing for 5% of the race. A better balance might involve a long aerobic paddle one day and an anaerobic threshold paddle the second day. Aerobic training takes place at an intensity below the anaerobic
threshold. You should be able to talk comfortably and enjoy the scenery at this level. The anaerobic threshold occurs at the intensity at which the breathing rate begins to elevate rapidly. If you are working harder than this, you are training for something else.
Remember to use your time effectively by designing your training composition to compliment your racing. If your race is mostly aerobic, then use most of your time to boost your aerobic system.
by Bruce von Borstel
Copyright © 1999 [Bruce von Borstel]. All rights reserved.
This is the first of a series of articles about physical training. The emphasis is directed toward training for canoe and kayak racing, although, preparation for making a Hawaii Kai run or a day cruising around in Kailua Bay involves the same training principles. This series is intended to stimulate thought and discussion about your training program. Are you achieving your racing goals? Have you reached a plateau or are you losing your competitive edge?
Every training session should have a purpose. Most of us are limited to the amount of time that we can spend paddling. So, spend this time effectively and specifically to reach your objectives. Are you expanding your aerobic fitness, building your anaerobic power, pushing your lactate threshold, stimulating fat metabolism, building a strong background for the year 2001 racing season, or fine tuning your fitness for the next race?
Let’s assume that you’ve been spending time in your boat building the requisite paddling skills, fitness base, and stroke mechanics. Regardless of goals, your success will be determined by your underlying aerobic conditioning. Therefore, the first training concept concerns "aerobic training for aerobic racing".
The major energy source for paddling differs depending on the intensity and duration of exercise. Table 1 illustrates the relative contribution of aerobic (reactions involving oxygen) and anaerobic (reactions not requiring oxygen) energy sources. The energy spectrum describes the concept that as exercise progresses beyond several minutes, the aerobic system predominates. By understanding this energy spectrum, it is possible to train for specific improvements of the appropriate energy system.
Table 1. The Energy Spectrum.
Duration of maximum exercise
If the competition lasts longer than 30 minutes, 95% or more of the energy for the race is derived from aerobic sources. When this concept is applied to training, it is clear that most training time should be spent on aerobic development.
For example, if available training time is two days per week and one day is devoted to anaerobic workouts, then 50% of the training time is spent preparing for 5% of the race. A better balance might involve a long aerobic paddle one day and an anaerobic threshold paddle the second day. Aerobic training takes place at an intensity below the anaerobic
threshold. You should be able to talk comfortably and enjoy the scenery at this level. The anaerobic threshold occurs at the intensity at which the breathing rate begins to elevate rapidly. If you are working harder than this, you are training for something else.
Remember to use your time effectively by designing your training composition to compliment your racing. If your race is mostly aerobic, then use most of your time to boost your aerobic system.
by Bruce von Borstel
Copyright © 1999 [Bruce von Borstel]. All rights reserved.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Training Concepts For Paddlers - Intro
INTRODUCTION:
Every couple of days I will adding a paddling concept from Bruce von Borstel.
Training guidelines for the non-elite paddler are relatively hard to come by. Personal observation of training methods or the lack of training methods dictate the need for the development of a simple (non-technical) but effective training model.
The recreational racer has several obstacles:
1) race distances vary tremendously from 500 meter sprints to 30+ mile open ocean paddles and
2) training time is limited because of jobs and family responsibilities. It is evident that training time must be used effectively to maximize training effect, fitness, and race preparedness.
Paddling offers a multitude of health and wellness benefits for the general population. These include cardiovascular conditioning, musculo-skeletal fitness, weight management, stress reduction, skills and coordination development, enjoyment of the outdoors, social opportunities, friendship, and competition. Guidance in developing canoe and kayak skills, stroke mechanics, and physical competence will help to make the paddling experience more pleasurable, safer, and enduring.
TRAINING CONTENTS
CONCEPT I: "Aerobic training for aerobic racing"
CONCEPT II: "The long training paddle"
CONCEPT III: "The 1000 meter time trial"
CONCEPT IV: "Speed strategy"
CONCEPT V: "Cross training"
CONCEPT VI: "The Heart Rate Monitor"
CONCEPT VII: "The Aging Athlete"
CONCEPT VIII: "Long Distance Paddling"
CONCEPT IX: "Hypothermia"
CONCEPT X: "The Training Balance"
by Bruce von Borstel
Copyright © 1999 [Bruce von Borstel]. All rights reserved.
Every couple of days I will adding a paddling concept from Bruce von Borstel.
Training guidelines for the non-elite paddler are relatively hard to come by. Personal observation of training methods or the lack of training methods dictate the need for the development of a simple (non-technical) but effective training model.
The recreational racer has several obstacles:
1) race distances vary tremendously from 500 meter sprints to 30+ mile open ocean paddles and
2) training time is limited because of jobs and family responsibilities. It is evident that training time must be used effectively to maximize training effect, fitness, and race preparedness.
Paddling offers a multitude of health and wellness benefits for the general population. These include cardiovascular conditioning, musculo-skeletal fitness, weight management, stress reduction, skills and coordination development, enjoyment of the outdoors, social opportunities, friendship, and competition. Guidance in developing canoe and kayak skills, stroke mechanics, and physical competence will help to make the paddling experience more pleasurable, safer, and enduring.
TRAINING CONTENTS
CONCEPT I: "Aerobic training for aerobic racing"
CONCEPT II: "The long training paddle"
CONCEPT III: "The 1000 meter time trial"
CONCEPT IV: "Speed strategy"
CONCEPT V: "Cross training"
CONCEPT VI: "The Heart Rate Monitor"
CONCEPT VII: "The Aging Athlete"
CONCEPT VIII: "Long Distance Paddling"
CONCEPT IX: "Hypothermia"
CONCEPT X: "The Training Balance"
by Bruce von Borstel
Copyright © 1999 [Bruce von Borstel]. All rights reserved.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Sun Run 2009 - 25th Anniversary
Sunday, April 19 @ 9:00 a.m. - Register online: www.sunrun.com
Get in on the Celebration!
Join in and help us celebrate 25 years of community spirit and personal achievement in health and fitness!
REGISTER EARLY AND SAVE!
Register before the Early Bird deadline of January 31 and pay only $30 for your individual entry. Your fee includes a souvenir 25th Anniversary T-shirt featuring artwork by Tiko Kerr, PLUS a donation to The Vancouver Sun Raise-a-Reader campaign and amateur athletics via the Jerome International Track Classic.
Vancouver Sun subscribers save $2 on their Sun Run registration! The Vancouver Sun subscriber discount option is available on your registration form.
Enter online today at www.sunrun.com, or call 604.689.9441 for more information.
Corporate and School Teams - Early Bird Savings! Rally your friends, family, co-workers, neighbours and classmates together and enter as a team. Save $5 per member registered before the team Early Bird deadline of February 6 (Corporate team early bird entry is $35 per person) and February 13 (School team early bird entry is Students - $17 and Adults - $22 per person). All you need is a minimum of 10 for a Corporate team and 20 for a School team.
* Late additions to your Early Bird team? The final team deadline Corporate teams is March 6 and for School Teams it is March 13. Even if you create your team before the Early Bird deadline, you are welcome to add new people to your team list right up until each deadline noted.
* A fun way to show off! Corporate and school team entry fees include team T-shirts imprinted with your organization logo or school name.
Enter your team online at www.sunrun.com, or call 604.689.9441 for more information.
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, December 13, 2008
Epic Manufacturing Problems In China - Update
This is posted on Epics website.
As many of you may have read, Epic Kayaks has moved its manufacturing facilities in China. We no longer contract out the building of our boats & paddles to Flying Eagle, the composite boat builder we began working with roughly 3 years ago. We have already moved into a brand new 10,000 square meter (100,000 square foot) factory, with a custom set up for our new production. Our new production company is Hangzhou Epic Boat Co., Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Epic Kayaks, Inc. Controlled directly by Epic, our new factory gives us complete oversight of the entire manufacturing process. This will ensure the best possible efficiency and quality control.
Leading the charge is our new Director of Manufacturing, Dave Kruger. With over 30 years experience in the composite boat industry, and direct knowledge of factory layout and operation, Dave has been invaluable in this transition. He has been in China for the past three months, setting up our new facility and preparing our new production line. The factory is now complete with temperature controlled laminating rooms, high capacity vacuum pumps and a large oven for post curing to optimal properties. The first boats from our new factory will start rolling out in January 2009!
The biggest challenge of this move has been getting all of our molds, equipment, materials and finished product out of the old factory, a process being hindered by Flying Eagle. In July, we mutually agreed with Flying Eagle that Epic would be moving production out of their facility. It was agreed that we would be free to take all Epic possessions, including our molds, which we had contracted Flying Eagle to build (per our designs) and purchased.
As our moving date grew closer, Flying Eagle started making more and more demands. Before we could move our boat molds, they said, we’d need to purchase them AGAIN – paying 100% of what we’d already paid. On top of that we would be paying a currency fluctuation in their favor (they invoiced us in US Dollars for the molds, but then wanted the equivalent Chinese Yuan based on when we purchased) plus an additional 17% tax. They are also demanding that we purchase materials from them at an inflated profit margin compared to what we would pay on the open market, with some of these items being a 2-3 year supply.
To make matters worse, they insisted that we sign a lopsided separation agreement. Once the separation was complete, if we hired any former Flying Eagle employees (even those who had quit many years ago) Epic would be liable to a US $200,000 penalty per employee to be paid to Flying Eagle. If we continued to use the same non proprietary high temperature resin system for mold making, we’d have to pay them a $1 million penalty! There were absolutely no restrictions on the Flying Eagle side – they would be free to do whatever they wanted.
It became clear to us that Flying Eagle was trying to take advantage of a foreign company. They wanted to extort as much money out of us as possible, then put completely unreasonable business restrictions on Epic. They said the only way we’d ever get our property out of their factory was to agree to these ludicrous demands. While we have no intention of stealing their employees or copying their resin system, agreeing to huge penalties could leave us vulnerable to false charges that Flying Eagle may try to level against Epic, in hopes they could collect millions of dollars from us in a Chinese court.
In November, as we attempted to move our manufacturing materials to our new location, our moving truck was stopped at the Flying Eagle factory gate by their security guards. We called the police, and when they arrived we stated that we were simply trying to retrieve our possessions (molds, materials, equipment and finished product – all supplied and/or paid for by Epic.) The police went inside to get Flying Eagle’s side and when they returned, we were told that Epic must pay Flying Eagle RMB 8 million (nearly US $1.2 million) that they claim was owed.
With this ransom put on our property, and after four months of agonizing, time consuming and ultimately fruitless negotiations, we had no choice but to take legal action. We have filed a suit against Flying Eagle in the intermediate level court in Hangzhou, China. We’ll see where this leads; we hope the court system is objective enough to clearly see our charges.
In the meantime, work continues in our new factory. We are already working towards rebuilding some of our molds so that we can maintain production and supply our customers. Fortunately, in anticipation of our move, we have built up our stock of inventory at our headquarters in Charleston, SC; as well as some of our distributors worldwide.
It is unfortunate that this positive move for us has been marred by the complicated scenarios of doing business in a foreign country. We thank you for your support and look forward to bringing you the latest and greatest paddling innovations from our new factory in 2009.
As many of you may have read, Epic Kayaks has moved its manufacturing facilities in China. We no longer contract out the building of our boats & paddles to Flying Eagle, the composite boat builder we began working with roughly 3 years ago. We have already moved into a brand new 10,000 square meter (100,000 square foot) factory, with a custom set up for our new production. Our new production company is Hangzhou Epic Boat Co., Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Epic Kayaks, Inc. Controlled directly by Epic, our new factory gives us complete oversight of the entire manufacturing process. This will ensure the best possible efficiency and quality control.
Leading the charge is our new Director of Manufacturing, Dave Kruger. With over 30 years experience in the composite boat industry, and direct knowledge of factory layout and operation, Dave has been invaluable in this transition. He has been in China for the past three months, setting up our new facility and preparing our new production line. The factory is now complete with temperature controlled laminating rooms, high capacity vacuum pumps and a large oven for post curing to optimal properties. The first boats from our new factory will start rolling out in January 2009!
The biggest challenge of this move has been getting all of our molds, equipment, materials and finished product out of the old factory, a process being hindered by Flying Eagle. In July, we mutually agreed with Flying Eagle that Epic would be moving production out of their facility. It was agreed that we would be free to take all Epic possessions, including our molds, which we had contracted Flying Eagle to build (per our designs) and purchased.
As our moving date grew closer, Flying Eagle started making more and more demands. Before we could move our boat molds, they said, we’d need to purchase them AGAIN – paying 100% of what we’d already paid. On top of that we would be paying a currency fluctuation in their favor (they invoiced us in US Dollars for the molds, but then wanted the equivalent Chinese Yuan based on when we purchased) plus an additional 17% tax. They are also demanding that we purchase materials from them at an inflated profit margin compared to what we would pay on the open market, with some of these items being a 2-3 year supply.
To make matters worse, they insisted that we sign a lopsided separation agreement. Once the separation was complete, if we hired any former Flying Eagle employees (even those who had quit many years ago) Epic would be liable to a US $200,000 penalty per employee to be paid to Flying Eagle. If we continued to use the same non proprietary high temperature resin system for mold making, we’d have to pay them a $1 million penalty! There were absolutely no restrictions on the Flying Eagle side – they would be free to do whatever they wanted.
It became clear to us that Flying Eagle was trying to take advantage of a foreign company. They wanted to extort as much money out of us as possible, then put completely unreasonable business restrictions on Epic. They said the only way we’d ever get our property out of their factory was to agree to these ludicrous demands. While we have no intention of stealing their employees or copying their resin system, agreeing to huge penalties could leave us vulnerable to false charges that Flying Eagle may try to level against Epic, in hopes they could collect millions of dollars from us in a Chinese court.
In November, as we attempted to move our manufacturing materials to our new location, our moving truck was stopped at the Flying Eagle factory gate by their security guards. We called the police, and when they arrived we stated that we were simply trying to retrieve our possessions (molds, materials, equipment and finished product – all supplied and/or paid for by Epic.) The police went inside to get Flying Eagle’s side and when they returned, we were told that Epic must pay Flying Eagle RMB 8 million (nearly US $1.2 million) that they claim was owed.
With this ransom put on our property, and after four months of agonizing, time consuming and ultimately fruitless negotiations, we had no choice but to take legal action. We have filed a suit against Flying Eagle in the intermediate level court in Hangzhou, China. We’ll see where this leads; we hope the court system is objective enough to clearly see our charges.
In the meantime, work continues in our new factory. We are already working towards rebuilding some of our molds so that we can maintain production and supply our customers. Fortunately, in anticipation of our move, we have built up our stock of inventory at our headquarters in Charleston, SC; as well as some of our distributors worldwide.
It is unfortunate that this positive move for us has been marred by the complicated scenarios of doing business in a foreign country. We thank you for your support and look forward to bringing you the latest and greatest paddling innovations from our new factory in 2009.
Epic Production Problems With Manufacturer
Charleston-based kayak company sues Chinese manufacturer By Andy Owens
aowens@scbiznews.com
Published Dec. 10, 2008
A Charleston-based company that sells kayaks around the world has filed a lawsuit against its Chinese manufacturer after the manufacturer refused to release Epic Kayaks' proprietary kayak molds and threatened to put the company out of business in China.
Greg Barton, a two-time Olympic gold and bronze medalist and co-owner of Epic Kayaks, said several American companies doing business in China find themselves embroiled in similar conflicts when they try to end a business relationship with a
Chinese manufacturer.
Now, he's concerned about getting a fair hearing in a Chinese court. Barton and his partner hired attorneys overseas and hope, by taking a legal route, that Fuyang-based Flying Eagle will be pressured to come to an agreement.
"Can we get a fair trial in a Chinese court - an American company going against a Chinese company? Even if we do, are we going to be allowed to conduct business in the same area?" Barton said. "They've said they can put us out of business or make it impossible for us to do business in that area."
The dispute began over project management and pricing in July, some three years after Epic moved its production to Fuyang, an industrial city south of Shanghai. Flying Eagle manufacturers the rowing shells that many national teams used at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
The dispute led Epic to try to dissolve its business relationship with Flying Eagle and find a new factory in Fuyang. But four months after agreeing in principle to a separation agreement, Flying Eagle refused to release Epic's molds and equipment unless it received "hugely inflated, ever-changing fees that, if paid, would sink the company," Epic said in a statement.
Barton has spent the past three months in China trying to negotiate a settlement and has spent nearly half this year dealing with production in China. As the demands of Flying Eagle kept escalating, including clauses that could potentially leave Epic vulnerable to penalties up to $1 million, Barton said it became clear Flying Eagle officials thought they had Epic "over a barrel."
Epic filed a lawsuit in the intermediate level court in Hangzhou rather than agree to pay a "ransom" for its proprietary property and equipment.
"It's definitely going to have a significant impact on our cash flow and hurt us quite a bit," Barton said. "It's already hurt us for several months."
Barton said Epic Kayaks has some inventory in the United States and in Europe, so the company is able to fill some orders. Epic produces high-performance paddles and kayaks and was born out of a desire to bring modern, well-designed racing technology to touring kayaks.
"It's definitely costing some money but not nearly the value of what they're holding on to," Barton said. "Unless we're able to secure, very quickly, the release of our molds and things, we're going to be rebuilding some of those."
aowens@scbiznews.com
Published Dec. 10, 2008
A Charleston-based company that sells kayaks around the world has filed a lawsuit against its Chinese manufacturer after the manufacturer refused to release Epic Kayaks' proprietary kayak molds and threatened to put the company out of business in China.
Greg Barton, a two-time Olympic gold and bronze medalist and co-owner of Epic Kayaks, said several American companies doing business in China find themselves embroiled in similar conflicts when they try to end a business relationship with a
Chinese manufacturer.
Now, he's concerned about getting a fair hearing in a Chinese court. Barton and his partner hired attorneys overseas and hope, by taking a legal route, that Fuyang-based Flying Eagle will be pressured to come to an agreement.
"Can we get a fair trial in a Chinese court - an American company going against a Chinese company? Even if we do, are we going to be allowed to conduct business in the same area?" Barton said. "They've said they can put us out of business or make it impossible for us to do business in that area."
The dispute began over project management and pricing in July, some three years after Epic moved its production to Fuyang, an industrial city south of Shanghai. Flying Eagle manufacturers the rowing shells that many national teams used at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
The dispute led Epic to try to dissolve its business relationship with Flying Eagle and find a new factory in Fuyang. But four months after agreeing in principle to a separation agreement, Flying Eagle refused to release Epic's molds and equipment unless it received "hugely inflated, ever-changing fees that, if paid, would sink the company," Epic said in a statement.
Barton has spent the past three months in China trying to negotiate a settlement and has spent nearly half this year dealing with production in China. As the demands of Flying Eagle kept escalating, including clauses that could potentially leave Epic vulnerable to penalties up to $1 million, Barton said it became clear Flying Eagle officials thought they had Epic "over a barrel."
Epic filed a lawsuit in the intermediate level court in Hangzhou rather than agree to pay a "ransom" for its proprietary property and equipment.
"It's definitely going to have a significant impact on our cash flow and hurt us quite a bit," Barton said. "It's already hurt us for several months."
Barton said Epic Kayaks has some inventory in the United States and in Europe, so the company is able to fill some orders. Epic produces high-performance paddles and kayaks and was born out of a desire to bring modern, well-designed racing technology to touring kayaks.
"It's definitely costing some money but not nearly the value of what they're holding on to," Barton said. "Unless we're able to secure, very quickly, the release of our molds and things, we're going to be rebuilding some of those."
Monday, December 8, 2008
POWERbreathe Update #3
This week was a little hectic and I did not finish all of my workouts with the POWERbreathe. Even with the reduce training, I still managed to move up on the testing to 580 litres consistently.I have not managed to do a run test yet. Hopefully I will do that this week.
I am now at the 2-1/2 scale, and will be jumping to level 3 mid this week.
I am now at the 2-1/2 scale, and will be jumping to level 3 mid this week.
Monday, December 1, 2008
POWERbreathe Update #2
After weeks now with the POWERbreathe, and I am starting to measure a difference. I am consistantly blowing 570 to 580 litres per min now, and I am up to level 2 on the scale. Middle of this week I will be moving up to 2-1/2.
I hope to be starting some run tests soon, to see the difference in my breathing.
I hope to be starting some run tests soon, to see the difference in my breathing.
P90X Phase Three - Day Sixty Four
It is back to Chest and Back. Man was I ever bagged. I barely made it through it. I managed to increase my push ups, and a little improve, and I mean little on the pull ups. I am not very good at the pull up part, but I keep on trying. Maybe one day I will be good at them.
Afterwards I gave Ab ripper X a shot, but only lasted half way, and then I completely bonked. I hope to do better on it on Wednesday.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
POWERbreathe Update
Well it has been a week since I started using the POWERbreathe. During the week I have been doing some testing with the flow meter. So far I have not measured any difference in my output.
This weekends practice proved differently. During my paddle workout, I noticed that I was not struggling as much with my breathing during the power ups I was doing during wash riding exercises. It was very noticeable for me. As well, I have made a jump in the level I am using with the POWERbreathe. I am now at level one and going up a half level tomorrow.
I am looking forward to this weeks testing to see if I did it correctly, after feeling a noticeable difference in the boat.
This weekends practice proved differently. During my paddle workout, I noticed that I was not struggling as much with my breathing during the power ups I was doing during wash riding exercises. It was very noticeable for me. As well, I have made a jump in the level I am using with the POWERbreathe. I am now at level one and going up a half level tomorrow.
I am looking forward to this weeks testing to see if I did it correctly, after feeling a noticeable difference in the boat.
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.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
P90X Phase Two - Day Fifty Two
This was a case of too much, too quickly. I hammered the first half of the exercises, and paid for it in the second half. By the time I got to the end, I could barely do the exercises, especially the max rep pull ups. I could only do half of what I normally do. Even though I died at the end, I still think it is better to go all out and die, versus not going hard, just to make the rep count at the end.
This turned out to be my best Ab Ripper X workout yet. I am still struggling with the heels to the sky exercise. With my hamstrings being as tight as they are, I can't get my legs straight, so I have to do the exercise with them bent.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
P90X Phase Two - Day Fifty One
Another good round of Plyometrics. I really liked today's workout, I really pushed most of the exercises. There seems to be one exercise per set that is a real killer for me. Rock Stars, Hot Foot, Etc.are the ones I really have to push it, because I find them quite hard.
As I am doing the workout, I keep thinking I am going to die, but I keep pushing myself, and at the end, I think that wasn't so bad. Ha ha ya right. I I may bitch and whine about some of the exercises, but I love it. It is makes you want to work hard. It is like when you are doing a training session in the K1 or Surf ski, and you just dog it. This is like having your coach right next to you pushing you to work.
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Two words: Muscle Confusion. By providing an extensive variety of different moves that take time to master, P90X is continually challenging the body's muscles into new growth. The more you confuse the muscle, the harder your body has to work to keep up; the more variety you put into your workout, the better and faster your results will be.
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Monday, November 17, 2008
P90X Phase Two - Day Fifty
Back to Chest, Shoulders and Triceps. Today's workout was ok, not too hard. and not too easy. I push it where I could and maintained last weeks effort when I could not.The one arm push ups are still hard being in the middle of the workout. I am still doing them on my knees, but I am going fairly low to the ground.
After Chest, Shoulders and Triceps it was straight into Ab Ripper X. It was my best performance yet doing it. There was only two exercises out of eleven that I could not keep up, but I would still finish it, just not at the speed of the group.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Product Testing: POWERbreathe
This week I have started product testing a POWERbreathe, and for the next eight to ten weeks I will be updating the blog with the weekly updates on my progress. The POWERbreathe is used by Triathletes, Swimmers, Rowers, Bicycle Racers, Runners, etc., and the list goes on.
Check out the web site: www.powerbreathe.com.
As well as being a sports training device, it is also a medical device for people with Asthma, COPD, Bronchitis, etc, and is listed as a Class 1 medical device.
How It Works
“POWERbreathe will make your breathing muscles stronger, reducing breathlessness during exercise or activity. POWERbreathe uses a technique known as resistance training. This strengthens the breathing muscles by making them work harder, in much the same way as you might using weights to increase the strength of your arm muscles."
“When training with POWERbreathe, you notice that you have to work harder to breathe in. This is the effect of resistance training acting on the muscles used to inhale – primarily the diapharm and rib cage muscles. When breathing out, there is no resistance and you can breathe out normally, allowing the chest and breathing muscles to relax, naturally pushing the air form your lungs.”
When I saw the product and decided to test it, I knew I needed a “baseline” to go from to check the results that I would be measuring during the testing. So I went out and bought a personal flow meter from the drug store. After reading how to correctly measure my breath, I tested myself for a week before starting with the POWERbreathe. My baseline is an average level of 560 LPM, (litres per minute) and will be measuring this once a day to check my progress.
Twice a day I will be using the POWERbreathe, once in the morning and once in the evening, with a total of 30 breaths in each set. As it gets easier to do the 30 breaths, I will increase the resistance. This week I started at the lowest setting of 0, and it was tough to get through, but I managed and by the end of the week I was ready to go up a level.
I would like to thank Robert Remington and the rest of the people at Remington Medical for the demo unit and all the help I have received.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
P90X Phase Two - Day Forty Five
Today is the half way point on the first round of P90X. I am behind one day this week so tonights workout was Plyometrics.It was a good workout, and I almost can do the Rock Stars using my arms. Being such an uncoordinated spaz makes this exercise a little tough some days. The only problem with todays workout was I think I pulled one of the muscles in my right leg. It is very sore now.Hopefully it is not serious and it will go away / heal quickly.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
P90X Phase Two - Day Forty Four
Missed yesterdays workout, so I did it today. It was Chest, Shoulders, and Triceps. I managed to make some minor improvements from the last time. On some of the exercises, I could push it pasty where I was before, but on some I could just do what I had done last time.
Then it was straight into Ab Ripper X. It is still hard on my lower back but I push it where I can, and ease off where I can't. Eventually I will be able to go the full distance with this workout, it is just going to take time.
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