Fluid Dynamics

So its begun – the training leading up to the Avon Descent is now in full swing…its pretty tough after a brilliant summer with long warm evenings, great surf and some very cool Collie runs on those warm, sparkly clear summer days.

The rains havent come yet, but the evenings are colder, darker and its just so much easier to stay in bed than on the river. If you can drag yourself out of bed and brave the pre-dawn river, its well worth the effort. The winds are non-existant, the boaties are all at home and the river resembles a huge mirror, reflecting the magnificient colours of dawn. Pelicans and darters streching out in the early morning mist as you glide by.

Its not all cruising though and the interval training has started and some long training runs to get used to spending long hours in the boat. The paddling is getting better, stronger and more smooth….now we just need the rain to start and the white water to start flowing.

The 1st races have started too

Bevan Dashwood Dash a 12km race in the upper reaches of the Canning, see my other post. It was a hot day – about 35 C deg – and I probably didnt need those extra beers the night before…1:40:00 not a great time – but I pushed through the pain and it was good to finish.

Next up the the John Sim Race up at the Ascot Canoe Club, another 12km race. This time on my birthday, paddled a little stronger and although I pushed a bit hard to start with – finished quiet well and got a 4th place with 1:18:00.

Last weekend competed in the Finn Paddle Challenge, 18km race. It was a great day with very little wind and a good field of 260plus boats in the race. A good race and another 4th, with an overall race time of 1:58:40.

Next up is the Double Barkers (24km) and then Northam to Toodyay (33km)…plus hopefully lots of white water and some Valley runs and some more play time in the flip stick.