Race report for Saturday, 8th April 2006 

Whilst compiling and logging the results earlier this week, it became obvious to me that there are some serious improvements in the times taken during the last weeks’ race. 

Consider the following: 

Adam Morley improved his PB and race record time by some 30-odd seconds, as did yours truly improve by some 2.18 mins. Kim Pollock improved his PB by nearly 2 mins, and he fell out more than once, so could have gone a whole lot better on the day. Grant Epple was almost 2 mins faster. (and rumour has it Paul Mauger would have done a whole lot better if Grant had managed to push the boundaries of human endurance, and go just a LIDDLE BIT faster, as Paul sat on his wash the whole way. Sheeesh!! Go fathom. Apologies to Grant) 

Following on, George Green and Mike Morgan in the Grey Fenn Mean Machine double, were more than a minute faster, and then 3 others were only seconds off there PB’s. Matt, Leo and Dudley who snapped his rudder cable, were but seconds from going to their PB’s. 

The point I’m trying to make here is, that the fun and REAL enjoyment is measured when (or hopefully SHOULD be measured and experienced), when you receive your race report from the weekends race results.  

Then by checking your time against previous race times and your PB, (personnel best in case you have never watched swimmers, who always know what their PB’s are),  you can measure whether you are improving or not.  

I know I get a huge kick out of seeing my times getting faster, with not necessary more or harder training. But by just racing smarter. 

Try analyzing how your training has gone that week, maybe how you raced that weekend, who was in your bunch or close ahead or behind, what line you took through the surf, whether you fell out or not, whether you rode wash (or slip; and its also possible to ride not only side slip, but tail slip as well) or not. If you were in a bunch, did you rotate the lead. (Thinks….I didn’t do that paddling with Grant, must try that next time, it might be interesting).   

Sometimes it’s not always possible to rotate the lead, as the paddler pulling is too strong for you to get past. In that case then just ride his wash. That’s OK! And if he’s too strong for you he won’t be content to sit on your slip anyway, and will go back to the front. But it does tell him that you’re feeling fine on his wash, and this might put some doubt in his mind as to how you’re feeling, what pace he’s setting etc. 

Maybe you spent a bit more time focusing on your technique. Adam made the point about Jody being able to go faster just by making some minor adjustments to his technique. This is a very good point. Sit up straight. Keep your paddles as near vertical as you can. Reach as far forward as you can without bending you back. Rotate..rotate..rotate your upper torso.  

If one looks at our top sprinters and marathon paddlers, they always seem to be relaxed and focused on their technique. 

Maybe you were just a bit more relaxed and weren’t so tight, and you just let things flow a lot more. 

Then its time to start focusing on next week’s race. Maybe you just got beaten by the guy in front of you. I know Kim should have beaten me, as he fronted Grant and me the whole way. But you can bet your bottom dollar that Kim is aiming to pip us both next week.  

This is good!! 

Its very good motivation setting goal’s for yourself. And also assists you on Saturday mornings when you really don’t feel like getting out of bed and dragging yourself down to Currumbin Creek for the Currumbin Creek Surf Ski series. (OOHH YEAH BABY!!) But you know deep down you gotta do it. Gotta beat ………..( add name of paddler in front of your results list). 

Otherwise, well done to all the paddlers that make the effort every week-end to come down. The Currumbin Creek Surf Ski series is infinitely better off as a result of your individual contributions.  

In years to come, you’ll be able to tell your kids you paddled in the inaugural series. You can bet I’ll still have the current results for your grandchildren to read! 

DON’T FORGET - pass this e mail on, and encourage your mates to get on the mailing list by subscribing to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  

ALSO…..see the race dates below. We’re going right through winter!! 

Finally, a big thanks to Gilly for starting, and Mike Flexmore for doing the time keeping.  

Till next time. 

SEE YOU ON THE WATER!

Editor 
 
 

IMPORTANT - Next race dates:

(NB all dates are Saturdays unless otherwise specified)

8th race – 22nd April 2006

9th race – 6th May 2006

10th race – 20th May 2006

11th race – 10th June 2006

12th race – 24th June 2006

13th race - 8th July 2006

14th race – 22nd July 2006

15th race – 12th Aug 2006

16th race – 26th Aug 2006

etc 

Entries close at: 7.45 a.m. You MUST enter with your name, e mail address and telephone

      number before the race starts

Pre - race briefing: 08.00 a.m.

Start time: 08.10 a.m.

Cost to enter:  FREE merely enter your details with us at the start and get a number.

Distance: 9.4 kms as per Garmin GPS

Prizes:  None at this stage- but hopefully….

Safety: 

Just take it easy in the surf. And help your mates 

All paddlers will be responsible for there own safety requirements. If paddlers are unsure of their competency in negotiating the surf or rips at the entrance corridor to the creek, then we strongly recommend that PFD be worn by these paddlers and that all further precautions are taken by the individual to ensure his or her own safety, such as leashes to secure your paddles to your ski. 

We recommend that paddlers be able to swim a minimum of 400 meters in 9 mins or less. No arrangements have been made for lifesaving IRB (inflatable rubber boats) to be in attendance. Under no circumstances will the organizers be responsible for individual safety.  

For more info contact Paul Mauger on 0405 474 778. 

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