Comments for Paddler Profile: Katie Pocock at http://www.surfski.info , comment 0 to 2 out of 2 comments http://www.surfski.info Mon, 01 Dec 2008 18:50:27 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/664/156/#pc_2226 Hi Teresa, Thank you so much for your kind words and massive apologies for this very belated response! Oh man I know what it is like racing all the boys - if it's any consolation I do feel like all of those 10km races on the lake where I was stone cold motherless last and those big sea paddles where I was so far behind I thought it would be dark by the time I finally got back to my car, have definitely made me the paddler I am today! So my tip would be stick with it champ – I bet you are getting stronger and stronger, even if it doesn’t feel like it! I think it is fantastic that you are in Sydney. I raced 20 beaches this year and it looks like Dean is fostering a growing community of ocean paddlers. I definitely plan to come over and race his bridge to bridge race sometime soon. As for paddles, I use a Gut paddle which is a flat water kayak blade made in the Czech Republic. I use small blades set at 60 degrees on a 212 shaft, but this is a flatwater and probably a bit big for surf ski paddling. I am currently working with Jiri Gut , who is hoping to have a good surf ski blade out asap – so watch this space! In the interim I would suggest an epic blade – these guys know downwind paddling well and are producing well made affordable blades. - Katie Pocock Sun, 06 Apr 2008 01:09:34 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/664/156/#pc_2199 Katie what an inspiration you are. It was so good to read your story as there a lot of stories about the guys, so it was very fresh to read about you. I am a 49 year old who has been paddling for 4 years and always against the guys so we definitely need more girls. I have this year paddled the stanwell park to wollongong race which was 24kms and also did dean gardinar bridge to manly race which was a lot of fun my placing was 4th. I am hoping to get better stonger and definitely faster any hints? I am looking to buy a paddle what do you use? Thanks for your story and i wish you all the best for the future and for the next lot of challenges. Please write your story about the molokai race in surf ski info, as i am looking forward to reading it. Teresa - teresa Sun, 30 Mar 2008 10:16:29 +0100