First Kayak Race

Today was the 3rd leg of the Tasmanian Canoe Club 2015 Winter Series at Lake Trevallyn so supporting our new club and it’s first hosted race I entered for a bit of fun. I knew from the previous days paddle I was very slow but I still had ambitions of doing the full 10km race. This all changed after talking with a few people and getting on the water and finding things very different with 47 other paddlers all churning up the water in all sorts of craft including a few outriggers. Ended up being 3 paddlers in the 5km race including myself.

We were off and the other two quickly gaped me and they got to the second buoy before I got to the first. That put them 300M in front of me and they just paddled out of site and the next time I saw them was when they passed me coming back the other way after the last turn, they finished 11 minutes in front of me. The fastest 2 guys in the 10km also beat me to the line and they did 2 laps. I suppose I can’t expect much only having paddled my boat 4 times so far.

This is a very technical sport and technique is everything. Without proper technique you just end up paddling slowly (like I am). I’ve watched all the training videos and practice at home with a broom handle against the wall on one of those pump up fit balls but there is just nothing like rocking and rolling on the water. I know exactly what I am doing wrong (lack of rotation) but until I am completely comfortable in the boat it won’t get better. There are glimpses of what I need to do but it all too soon goes wrong and a paddle slap is required to save myself from falling out. At least I am paddle slapping instead of going in now.

Not deterred at all in fact I have paddled a few times in a row now and not fallen in which is a great thing as I can tell you the water is bloody cold in the dam! I was pleased to not come out today with all the extra wash and large wake coming at 45 degree angles of some of the fast boats. Advice from others suggests it will just click at some stage and I will be away. Everybody in the club and at the race were very supportive and friendly. Our new club has a great bunch of people in it some I already new from biking and hiking.