Waterside was an awesome race. i didnt really know what to expect, having heard many conversations and reports of the race from last year, i was abit weary, however i was very pleasantly surprised! I would say probably one of the most enjoyable races ive ever done, exciting, hard and challenging but also chilled and relaxing. The company was fab as always, and alot of laughs!!! Thanks Mick for racing with me, i hope u enjoyed it as much as i did!
p.s. check me out, writing the first blog! x
Monday, January 28, 2008
Waterside A
There was a good turnout by NKC at Waterside A this weekend with entries in the Senior K1, Ladies K1, Mixed K2, Ladies K2, Veteran Junior K2 and C2. Hopefully there will be some personal reports from some of those taking part. Meanwhile here are a few photos of Ian in Senior K1, Hayleigh & Cathy in Ladies K1 and Mick and Sarah in Veteran/Junior K2.
Photos by Tadek (See also NKC Website Home Page)
Monday, January 14, 2008
Winter Race 4
They were the most challenging conditions of the 2007/8 Series so far. Some of us can remember even more extreme conditions over the years, but this was quite bad enough, with the water nearly to the top step outside the club and a gusty downstream wind. It was very similar to the first one I ever did in 1971 or 2 in a slalom boat. I think I managed some of it backwards and it took over 2 hours! Andy took the longest on this occasion twice as fast as that (I think he's about the same age that I was at the time!) He actually finished and scored points, although several were not so fortunate with 3 swimmers and several rescuers not completing the course and others retiring for other reasons. At this point, special mention must go to Pat, Ady & Ricky, Norman & Alison who helped Geordie & Tony out in a very brambly patch of "The Grove. " Pat in particular deserves thanks as he had already rescued Tom at the first cross over.
The juniors that completed the course deserve special mention, as strength on the last section to Clifton Bridge was the most important asset apart from boat control. Zyggy, Harvey, Laura & Tadek did well with their experienced senior partners, but the two crews who deserve special mention here are Beth & Leanna and Shobhanna & Zyggy as they were all junior crews. Beth and Shobhanna managed to steer & stroke for their younger partners in the most challanging conditions, with their skills developed at the training sessions during the high water in the summer being put to the real test. Sarah was the other junior who completed the race with Harriett and again they deserve a special mention as this was their first time together as a crew.
Two of the Fast Track girls raced and they also deserve paticular mention as they had paddled up from Holme Pierrepont just to start the race. That says something about their determination & skill already. They do need to learn to get closer to the bank going upstream in fierce currents, but it is a comment on their strength, stamina and will power that they made it to the club and finished the race like that.
As you would expect in such conditions, the fastest K1s, who normally find it hard to get to the front and score high points, benefitted from the conditions, with a win for Ian C, and 19 for Matt F & 18 for Jimmy. Altogether 40 people entered in 27 boats - a good turn out for such a day.
Full (as yet unofficial) results can be found at http://uk.geocities.com/nottinghamkayakclub/resultstore/winter_races_07_08.htm.
Please note that the date of Race 5 has changed to 3rd February as there is a rowing event on 17th.
The juniors that completed the course deserve special mention, as strength on the last section to Clifton Bridge was the most important asset apart from boat control. Zyggy, Harvey, Laura & Tadek did well with their experienced senior partners, but the two crews who deserve special mention here are Beth & Leanna and Shobhanna & Zyggy as they were all junior crews. Beth and Shobhanna managed to steer & stroke for their younger partners in the most challanging conditions, with their skills developed at the training sessions during the high water in the summer being put to the real test. Sarah was the other junior who completed the race with Harriett and again they deserve a special mention as this was their first time together as a crew.
Two of the Fast Track girls raced and they also deserve paticular mention as they had paddled up from Holme Pierrepont just to start the race. That says something about their determination & skill already. They do need to learn to get closer to the bank going upstream in fierce currents, but it is a comment on their strength, stamina and will power that they made it to the club and finished the race like that.
As you would expect in such conditions, the fastest K1s, who normally find it hard to get to the front and score high points, benefitted from the conditions, with a win for Ian C, and 19 for Matt F & 18 for Jimmy. Altogether 40 people entered in 27 boats - a good turn out for such a day.
Full (as yet unofficial) results can be found at http://uk.geocities.com/nottinghamkayakclub/resultstore/winter_races_07_08.htm.
Please note that the date of Race 5 has changed to 3rd February as there is a rowing event on 17th.
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