We apologise to those people trying to get on our web site and haven’t been able to get to the Sales Page. Someone has tampered with it and we are trying to fix the problem. This has also created an issue with the newsletter and as such, the newsletter will be in this format until the problem is resolved.
***********************************************
The Rottnest swim is on this week and T2 is being a paddle support for Stephanie’s team. Will he be able to survive such a hard paddle! Alaine and I hope to be paddling in the Canning Ascent on Sunday when T2 will be getting over his sea-sickness. It seems a long time since our last big race but the City Lights Race is only two weeks away when I will be paddling with Adrian Quick.
***********************************************
Life gets better with every week. Last night at the first Down River Buoy Championships it got even better. Against all odds on my first run I beat my nearest rival Spencer by 13 seconds and T2 by 18 seconds. Who would believe such a thing? Even I was surprised that I had beat them both so it wasn’t until my second run that I could finally claim the crown and knew it wasn’t just a fluke. On the second run T2 and Spencer did better but so did I and I still beat them by 10 seconds.
My 60th birthday year is turning out to be a good one. I paddled nearly 4000kms across Canada, received the Olegas Truchanas Award, published three books, The Avon River Guide, Race Along The Way and Three Rivers to Tuktoyaktuk, with three more books to come, broke and hold the mixed pairs double ski record in the Claisebrook Classic, won the over 45 mixed K2 State 10km Championships, won the Bay to Beach mixed sea kayak, (all with the old girl, Alaine) and now I’m number ONE at the first ‘International’ Down River Buoys Championships. Can it get any better.
T2 at the Down River Buoys Championships last night – and he was beaten by you know who!!!
Next race Thursday 1st March Sandy Beach Reserve.
So why did I beat the quality field, not because I was stronger but because there were 14 fairly sharp turns in the course and I was able to cut the corners, turn better and line up for the next turn without losing ground or taking a wider path. So after beating one of the strongest paddlers in WA (I won’t go on) we have another championship next Thursday at Sandy Beach Reserve 5.45 pm. Can I do it again. Be there to find out.
The Down River Buoy races are all about boat control, skill and the ability to be able to think your moves and get in the right position well ahead. If you want to do well in the Avon Descent, or want to be a better paddler, having these skills are very important.
If you want to be a better paddler think about what type of paddling is going to develop your skills and it’s not usually straight line flat water training, as I have just proven.
***********************************************
My latest book – Three Rivers to Tuktoyaktuk is now out
With Tony Chounding, Alaine Davin and Leonie Cockman
This expedition was the last in the big four North American rivers that I had planned to paddle. I had already completed the 4000km Mississippi River, the 3400km Yukon River, the 4000km Missouri River and now the focus was on a near 4000km journey down the Athabasca, Slave and MacKenzie Rivers from Jasper in the Canadian Rocky Mountains to Tuktoyaktuk on the shores of the Arctic Ocean. 67 days. 254 colour photographs, 260 pages and 4 maps. Printed in WA.
But then I got the idea to paddle across Canada which is another story and another book.
Camsell Bend on the Mackenzie River – It was so stunning and extremely quiet.
Three Rivers to Tuktoyaktuk
**********************************************
A CDU sit-on-top on it’s way to Rottnest. I heard it’s going to be rough this year. Good luck to all those swimmers and paddlers.
***********************************************
Tess Watson
This is Tess on holiday on top of Mt. Kyunjin Ri in the Langtang Valley.
Alaine, thank you so much for lending me the down jacket and other stuff for Nepal. I had the most amazing time. Also here are 2 photos, one of me in Poland which I meant to send to you guys ages ago because you sponsored me some money towards the trip, and one of my CDU fleece on top of Mt. Kyunjin Ri in the Langtang Valley.
This is Tess paddling at the championships in Poland.
Tess is a member of the Ascot Kayak Club. A very promising junior in all disciplines of the sport.
****************************************
Shane Hamilton (past President of the Ascot Kayak Club) and Ron (a Bolland Beater) doing some secret training but were caught out.
***********************************************
Saturday Morning Exercise
When Steve decided to reverse our normal Saturday morning race course I quickly positioned myself in in the line to have the advantage on the turn. But then he went on to say, we would also go around the first turn (which was only 150 metres away) in reverse too! I realised that I was now in the wrong spot because as soon as we got going, all my competition would be on my left and as we had to turn around the marker post on the left, I would be on the outside on the pack. I didn’t swear out loud because it’s not what I do, but I was saying to myself under my breath – bugger, bugger. I didn’t class that as swearing and so I didn’t think I would struck down by lightning.
At the first slight bend, Bruce and I were herded into the shallows and to a near dead stop and it felt as if we were the only 2 affected, the others in deeper water started sailing by us. Dave Tupling and I clashed more than once, he said sorry and I think he said he couldn’t help it as the others were paddling too close. When we started to turn at the marker post I had to go wide as the other PRS’s including Dave, were on my inside. By the time we finished the turn we were 10 to 15 metres behind the other 4.
This week they had outwitted, outplayed me on the first corner but could they outlast me?
I muttered bugger under my breath once again because I knew it would be hard to catch the others and they would do all they could to keep ahead of me. If they had been good mates you would have thought they would have waited for me, wouldn’t you?? By the time we passed the start line, which really was only about 300 metres after starting I was in 6th place. When I realised I was so far behind I had a little cry but being the man I am, I snapped out of my pathetic mood and decided to see how I could catch up. With Dave and Anne beside me I didn’t feel too much of a failure. Then I saw Klauss get further ahead which changed my mind so I thought it was time for another cry or at least a big sulk. I could just imagine what Klauss, Ron, Dave and Chris were thinking when they saw me so far behind. They would be happily rubbing their hands with glee and saying to themselves” I’m beating the old bugger, he’s not the paddler he used to be.”
The leaders, Klauss, Ron, Dave, Chris and Tom in the blue/white ski. I’m next with Dave T, Anne and Bruce.
Dave T and I were beside each other on the way up to the top turn with Anne somehow edging ahead and tailing Tom who was paddling with us for the first time on a fibreglass ski. By now Klauss was too far in front but I did still have hopes of catching Ron and Dave.
The rest of the field passing the jetty
Saturday morning can get pretty busy near Sandy Beach with other kayakers and rowers.
For some reason Dave T and I let Anne get away from us, we must have been concentrating more on beating one another. Ron, Dave and Chris were ahead of us. Chris suddenly stopped to catch his breath and we managed to pass him but, he soon caught up again!. By now, I knew I had to put some pressure on if we were going to catch up. I sprinted and got over one wave, rested then sprinted over another wash wave. Dave came with me. Feeling good I thought I had a chance of catching Ron but then Anne paddled past Ron and Dave and they then hooked onto her wash and they both got away from us again. We now had no chance of catching up so now, I just had to make sure I beat Dave T. 3 weeks ago I could easily beat Dave T but these last 2 weeks he has stepped up his game and he’s getting harder to beat. I managed to beat him last week but this week, he didn’t appear to want me to do the same.
We sprinted to the line but it looked as if he beat me by 10cms.
It was another good race and it always makes me feel good to have a good race, although afterwards I might feel bad if I have lost. At least it’s keeping me fit, it’s keeping my heart pumping and it’s keeping some fat off.
To the other 4 who beat me…there is always next week!!
Waiting for their times and catching their breath before the fitness training continues.
****************************************************
Basic Skills Course
The course covers – safety, forward and reverse paddling, emergency stop, sweep (turning) and draw strokes, a basic support stroke and a capsize drill.
This is a fun day kayaking and an opportunity to meet other people.
Cost: $90.00 inc. GST and Craft …$70.00 inc GST with own craft
Duration: 3 hours
Time: 9.00am – 12.00pm
Venue: TBA
Dates: Sunday March 18th
****************************************************
Down River (Wild Water Racing)
Flat Water Buoy Practise & Race
With a new season of white water only a few months away it’s probably time to practice your Down River skills.
We have been having practice sessions on a Friday morning at 6.00am at Claughton Reserve, Katanning Street, Bayswater and races on a Thursday evening.
At this stage we will have one more practice session which will be held on Fri 2nd March. We put out several bouys in the river to create a winding course which teaches paddlers to develop boat skills.
The next race will be on Thursday 1st March at Sandy Beach Reserve, Bassendean at 5.45pm time. Paddlers will do at least two runs around a buoyed course with several turns. Paddlers will leave at one minute intervals and the idea is to paddle the 8-10 minute course either at their own speed or for the experienced as fast as possible.
The third race venue is to be decided.
Boats prefered for these sessions are Down River kayaks, or Wavehoppers without rudders. Although other boats are welcome.
If you want to join in with the training or the races or need more information please contact Terry Bolland on 9378 1333.
Spencer King rounding the last buoy on the course
****************************************************
Monday Night Training with T2
Claughton Reserve, Katanning Street, Bayswater.
Time 5.45pm
PFD’s must be worn
****************************************************
Be Seen At Night
The Guardian Light
The Guardian Light might look small but it is one of the best lights for night paddling. Being small and light you can clip it on you cap, shirt or PFD. It either flashes or is constant. It is waterproof and the batteries last for 250 hours on flashing mode. It is visible for 5kms.
The lightest, brightest, toughest light in its class.
Worn by all sensible paddlers
Only $25.00
Lights are needed for this years City Lights Race
*********************************************
Th THE BOOKS
Since I turned 60 I have published 3 books. My latest is called Three River to Tuktoyaktuk, an almost 4000km journey along the Athabasca, Slave and Mackenzie Rivers in Canada starting from the Rocky Mountains and finishing at the Arctic Ocean. The first part of the journey I paddled with Tony Chounding with Alaine Davin and Leonie Cockman joining us half way. The second part we had 2 canoes and 4 different personalities.
Three Rivers to Tuktoyaktuk
254 colour photographs, 260 pages and 4 maps. Printed in WA.
Cost: $35.00
*********************************************
Race Along the Way
The Yukon River
108 colour photographs, 181 pages, 7 maps. Printed in WA
Cost: $28.00
*********************************************
Avon River Guide
The Avon River Guide is a must for all paddlers entering the Avon Descent or paddling socially down the Avon River.
It not only has heaps of information, training tips, it also contains detailed maps of every rapid and has 353 colour photos of the rapids. Specs: A 4 size. Printed in WA
Cost: $ 40.00
*********************************************
Three Rivers to Tuktoyaktuk
All the big waves were on the left-hand side of the river, so we kept to the right side which appeared to e safer. As we approached Rock Rapid it didn’t look so bad downstream, but as we got closer I could see a bundle of big waves peaking and exploding like an erupting volcano a few hundred metres ahead. Knowing that we were heading for trouble we had no option but to divert and, as it now looked completely calm on the left hand side we started to head over, foregoing the chance of getting out and checking our route.
As we moved across to the left side of the river on a particularly swift current to paddle what appeared to be safe, not turbulent water, our heavy canoe was being whisked away as if it was a cork. By the time we reached the centre, I suddenly noticed that the flat line of water that spanned virtually the whole width of the river was actually a wide ledge and beyond it the river dropped and disappeared into a deep hole. At the bottom of the ledge, and after the deep hole there was a huge high wave waiting. We couldn’t escape to the left side as it was too far, the water too fast and the shore was actually lined by a vertical cliff and worst of all, we had come too far to go back to the safer right shore! The only way forward was straight towards and over the ledge. I looked beyond the ledge and thought shit – bloody hell…..this is a big one, we could be in trouble here.
Over the roar of the rapid I shouted to Tony to straighten up and just go for it. There was nothing else we could do. Our chances of getting through it seemed slim as it was one hell of a drop with a massive wave that followed. Although we could have been looking at death in the eye or at least be subject to a horrific capsize, I didn’t feel any panic or any real fear.
Tony put in two magnificent strong bow draw strokes which brought the bow around, so within seconds we managed to get the canoe straight. We were soon at the top of the ledge with the massive wave dancing wildly before our eyes and I could only think of paddling strongly. We slid at great speed, down what seemed to be a giant water slide. The wave at the bottom was colossal. I shouted to Tony to paddle hard as we have to hit it with speed – oh shit……
As we headed down the ramp and towards the monster wave I expected to be sucked in and spat out. I still had no fear and I don’t know why. Maybe things were happening too fast to sense fear or I just knew there was no turning around, and we had no choice but to deal with the situation. At the bottom of the slide we looked up to see the wall of water towering above us and it really didn’t seem possible to get through it without capsizing. The size of the wave was bigger than anything that I had ever been through before.
What goes down must come up and by hell did we come up. The heavy canoe charged through the wave and Tony got a walloping. For a fraction of a second he was gone, and then the wall of water crashed on me holding me captive for a few seconds under the bubbling aerated mass of water. It took us a while to adjust our vision and see what was ahead as a waterfall of water was cascading down our faces. I was expecting another big wave but the next one was much smaller and we speared through it without a problem. It was an amazing experience! We thought we were going to be gobbled up by the huge roller coaster but somehow we came out of it intact and still upright.
We had magnificant views paddling through the Ramparts. There were high cliffs on both sides of the river.
The team near the end of the journey. Leonie, Tony, Alaine and me
********************************************
Sunday morning I had a social paddle took a few more photos and chatted to people.
Rainbow Lorikeet
Photos taken at Sandy Beach Reserve, Bassendean
The rainbow lorikeet was first recorded in Perth in 1968 and the population was thought to have originated from fewer than 10 birds that were either deliberately released or had escaped from aviaries. Since the early 1960s, the population has increased and is spreading rapidly over the metropolitan area.
Distribution
The rainbow lorikeet occurs in south and east Indonesia, east through New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, New Caledonia and the north and east of Australia. In Australia, the rainbow lorikeet occurs from northern Queensland and along the east coast to Eyre Peninsula in South Australia and a feral population occurs in Perth.
In the Perth region, rainbow lorikeets cause a variety of problems including:
•
damage to commercial and backyard fruit crops;
•
fouling of outdoor areas and vehicles with droppings;
•
competition with native species for food and nest sites; and noise.
In the Swan Valley, rainbow lorikeets damage to commercial table and wine grape crops and they have also been reported damaging fruit in orchards in the Perth hills.
These lorikeets also pose a potential disease risk to wild and captive parrots because they are carriers of Psittacine beak and feather disease. It is possible that they will also have a negative affect on hollow-nesting species including the Purple-crowned Lorikeet, Elegant Parrot, Ring-necked Parrot, Red-capped Parrot, Western Rosella Honey Possum and Pygmy Possum.
this information was taken from the WESTERN AUSTRALIAN RAINBOW LORIKEET MANAGEMENT STRATEGY
http://www.agric.wa.gov.au
********************************************
We think this is a Juvenile Crested Tern
Photos taken at Ron Courtney Island opposite Garvey Park Redcliffe
Description
The Crested Tern has a pale yellow bill, black crest, grey wings and back, and a white neck and underparts.
Size
46cm. Habitat islands, beaches, lakes and inlets. Food small fish
Breeding
Nest is shallows crape in the ground. Lays 1 (rarely 2) whitish-brown eggs with darker blotches and speckles.
Range
All round Australian coast
*********************************************
Hi Terry,
Hope you are well. Thanks for the newsletter, always a good read.
Reading your section of wildlife and photography prompted me to write the following:
I take my Sea Bear for gentle cruises around Alfred Cove near Troy Park in Alfred Cove/Attadale, where there is a designated wildlife sanctuary and where domestic pets are prohibited. The water is often like glass and very shallow and it is a real haven for the birds, with lots of migratory wading species, among others, resting and feeding there. Sometimes one has to walk the kayak across the shallows if the tide is well out.
Last week I was there sitting quietly watching the birds and some complete yo-yo on a yellow and black jet-ski came by at 60+ knots and did three or four complete circuits of the bay at full speed, scattering swans, pelicans, pied stilts, oyster catchers, gulls and an osprey in all directions. Infuriated, I tried to wave him off but he didn’t see or ignored me, being too engrossed in being a complete nuisance.
I think he was even too dim to understand the risk to himself in travelling at such speeds in 3 or 4cm of water, although I would happily have seen him take a spill.
Being a freedom-loving character I hate regulation but this is one time I would love to have been able to read a rego number on the jet-ski, but they as far as I know there is no requirement for them.
I think we kayakers could do a lot to protect these peaceful places but it gets hard sometimes when you can’t catch miscreants, record registration numbers or have no avenue of redress or complaint. I might pursue this a bit further. Other views would be appreciated.
Hi to T2, Alaine and others at CDU. Cheers, Doug
View of Perth across the marshes at Alfred Cove – there is an Osprey sitting on the left hand fence post by the water’s edge but he is too far away to see clearly.
*********************************************
More Bank Erosion
If the Swan River Trust had replaced the posts whenever one would came loose they wouldn’t have had the big cost of doing major works which this bank will need to get it back in shape. Once the bank is exposed the reeds are more proned to being washed away. The reeds are growing on clumps of clay and when the clay gets washed or broken up by the constant boat wash, the clumps of reeds float away.
The before and after shot. It cost thousands to stop the erosion. All they really have to do is to stop the boats going on the upper section of the river.
Swan River Trust must had spent thousands on this part of the river as they put heaps of limestone boulders, and covered some of it with a fibress sheet and planted trees. Workmen were there for weeks and a water worker continues to water the planted vegetation so it eventually might look a bit more natural.
******************************************
Races
Down River (Wild Water Racing)
Flat Water Buoy Practise & Race
Practise: Friday 2nd March at 6.00am Claughton Reserve, Bayswater.
Races: Thursday 1st March at Sandy Beach Reserve 5.45pm.
More information ring Terry on 9378 1333
******************************************
Marathon # 4 – Canning Ascent
Sunday 26 February 2012 , Registration @ 6:45 to 7:45 am at Deep Water Point , off the Esplanade , Mt Pleasant , UBD Map 308 Ref H 12
Main Event will be raced in 4 Divisions with Team Boats starting with in the Divisions.
This race must start on time to allow paddlers to clear the Ski Boat area which opens at 9:00 am.
Long Course – Appox 14 km starting at Deep Water Point ,
Short Course & Guppy Courses – Starting at Riverton Drive, Riverton, UBD Map 309 Ref L 13
Long Course requires a Car Shuffle, Parking can be an issue at Riverton so please consider car pooling.
Please note :– The race will finish at Riverton Drive between Shelly Bridge and Fern St. Bridge, NOT at Hester Park.
Further information email marathonwa@canoe.org.au or phone Peter on 0427004035
******************************************
City Lights
Sponsored by Canoeing Down Under & Alarms WA
Mark the diary for Sunday 4th March 2012, and find a partner for City Lights. Previous entrants will know this is a unique race and a good challenge.
Starting from Riverton Bridge, the race makes its way down to the junction with the Swan and up into Perth Waters.
From unpredictable open waters we wind our way up past Burswood and into the tranquillity of Ascot Waters, finishing after dark at Ascot Kayak Club.
A relay team option makes the race more accessible to a range of paddlers. Total distance is 30km, or in a team tackle 13km or 17km sections.
Entries opening Monday 13th Feb. Race Director is Dave Boldy city.lights.race@gmail.com or 0432 91 71 41.
******************************************
February 26 – Marathon Canning Ascent (Deep Water Point to Riverton Bridge)
February 28 – Ladies That Paddle Program commencing at Ascot Kayak Club
March 3 & 4 – Oceania Championships – Sprint (Penrith)
March 4 – City Lights Long Distance Event (Canning River Canoe Club to Ascot Kayak Club)
March 11 – Bevan Dashwood Dash (Kent Street Weir to Riverton Drive)
March 14, 15, 16, 17, 18- National Sprint Titles (Penrith)
March 18- Summer Series #4 (Ascot Kayak Club)
May 20 – Canoeing Down Under Paddle Challenge (Seeding race for the Avon Descent)
******************************************
Second Hand Boats
Bushranger Canoe $650.00
Dagger Blackwater Double with skeg and compartment: $950.00
Touring Fibreglass Kayak: Good Condition: $600.00
Talon Racing K1: Very good condition. For the lighter paddler. Fibreglass. $1200.00
Double Cuttlefish Sit-on with storage areas: Near new. $850.00 save $400.00
Plastic Kookaburra 2 person Canoe: $700.00
Cobra Surf Ski: 5.2m plastic. Good Condition $850.00
Hawke Double Fibreglass double kayak with paddles. excellent condition: $650.00
cdunewsletter 