Waterside C 2010

Waterside C saw less NKC paddlers, but there were still enough to need a minibus and car. Setting off from Nottingham in dark freezing conditions is becoming a habit.

The temperature gauge wizzed up and down between -6 and a steamy -0.5 all the way to Pewsey, where it finally stuck on -2. This obviously meant that the paddling race turned into a running race for much of the 1st third.

Josh was the only K1 but produced a steady performance for 9th Senior K1. He was considerably quieter as he hove into view at the finish than when he set off, but still going strong.

Chris & Zyggy had been first Nottie crew away, but the running was very demanding on them, although they finished strongly for the conditions as one of only 4 Junior/Vet crews to complete the race. 

 Becky & Tom also turned in a good performance to come 9th in the mixed race, but went straight to the top of the leader border for the broken rudder trophy. The spare in the back of the boat was obviously worth carrying. Shaune and Cathy did well to finish just behind them in 10th despite the mismatch in leg stride on the running. Considering that it was a bit longer than your average Canoe Polo pool, Shaune was looking remarkably fresh at the end and Cathy was sufficiently relaxed to sunbathe in the car park briefly. (Sorry no pics)

Paul and Harriet paddled steadily through the field with little incident apart from the need to negociate the packed portages full of Sunday afternoon spectators to win the Mixed K2 class.

Craig and Mark started well, dropping very little time over the frozen sections and working steadily through the field. Craig's clockwork ran down about 16 miles down the course, just after Hungerford and the field started working their way back through them. A few more turns of the key needed for Waterside D.

Mark managed to look fresh all the way down probably due to the steady fuel supply welded to his back.

All NKC crews finished. The day looked to be a beautiful spring one, but the thermometer says, "No!" The organiser summed it up on the Waterside website, "That was a tough one. Respect to all who finished."

Results

Thanks to Ollie Harding for the photos