Final Sponsorship Figures

Well it has all wrapped up for the year, the final Sponsorship figure for my entry is $1111.
I set 2 goals this year.

• Beat 15 hours
• Raise over $1000

Both were achieved

Thank you to all those who helped out in one way shape or form. I could not have done it without you all.

On Another Matter

I am going to do it all again next year!

Finish line 2010

2011 Hawkesbury Classic

Well it is just over a week after my biggest challenge. I have now decided to do it all again but this time it will have a more defined goal. I will have a time to beat now, 111km in 14 Hours 12 Minutes & 39 seconds.

New Goal 111km in under 13 hours.
Is it achievable? I think so.
Will I be able to put the effort in to enable it? Yes.

So you all will get another year of me blogging the whole saga, enjoy the ride :)

Done & Dusted (if you get dust with that much rain;))

2010 Hawkesbury Classic is all over and what an event it was beginning to end.

The Certificate!

The weather starting to close in pre start

Off to the Start

Pre start

It all started off great, I got to Sackville on time at 1915, stopped for a brief top up of the water and food & have a stretch (butt/hamstrings sore).I was back on the water at 1940 and had the tough slog to Wisemans Ferry, it was fighting the tide the whole way.I got to Wisemans at midnight and was happy with the time to that point.I remember paddling with a guy on the run to Wisemans and telling them that last year it beat me and it was not going to do it again.
The paddle from Wisemans to the finish was mentally tough, in the first part I was frustrated with my speed and could not seem to get what I thought was a good speed when running with the tide, I could not get above 7.5km/h. As people passed me one after the other, they all asked how are you? My answer was I got nothing left!! I could not break it, it was checkpoint after checkpoint but seemed like I was not getting any closer to Brooklyn. I was starting to think I could not make it. I made the call to stop at the Low Tide Pit-stop for a stretch and a breather to get back on track. What a great move that was! After a coffee and a scone from the volunteers there I was away again and the mood had lifted. when the mood lifted so did the speed, i was back to doing 10's again and with it came the passing of kayaks.
Then the Southerly hit, it was horrible, 1-2 foot chop hitting you head on but unsighted as it was 4am. I was into strong winds and chop, the speeds dropped back to 5's as I joined another guy for the slog home. I got to that checkpoint and now had the Southerly behind me and only a little over 4km to the finish. I was cruising nicely at 7km/h riding the wind swells towards Wilson island. Then in a split second I was hit by a wave at 45* from the rear of about 3 feet, it knocked the paddle from my grasp and next thing i was upside down in the water. With the help of fellow paddlers in a double, Kayak 212, I got back in and bailed out the water and went for home. The swim had given me a second wind, I was not letting Mother Nature beat me and I was giving my all, I had passed a few kayaks that had got by me in my little episode in the water.
I saw the finish line and I was paddling like it was a 500m sprint. I was not going to leave anything in the tanks. I passed a few guys in doubles on the run in.
I was home I had completed my Hawkesbury Classic at my second attempt.
14 Hours 12 Minutes & 39 Seconds

The End

I had done it!

I will add some pics once i get them from everyone who took them.

The Time has Come

It has arrived, the greatest challenge I have ever tried to beat. It go me last year, it will not win this year!

In just under an hour I will be on my way to the start.

4pm start & hopefully off the water by 7am tomorrow morning.

2 Sleeps until the Big Day!!

It is certainly getting close now. less than 48 hours until the 2010 Hawkesbury Classic. This week has certainly been a busy week with me wrapping up my secondment role at work and handing over to the newly employed OHS Advisor. I have been running around picking up the required stuff for the classic and is now all done. I have not packed the gear into bags as yet. I am going to do that tomorrow night.Can't do much more if I am not ready now I cant change anything so what you see is what you get.

I have set myself pretty conservative goals for the paddle, 14-15 hours is my aim, and honestly if all goes to plan I could probably beat 13. After last years DNF I just want to get to Brooklyn and am truly in the Brooklyn or Bust class. Once that box is ticked off maybe next year i will go for a time.

I had my last session of acupuncture on the glutes tonight and it certainly is good. I cant believe it took me this long to start having it done. I have also booked in for a rub down massage on Monday. The Physio is not sure that I will be able to make it in for it :)

On the sponsorship front, Thanks to all that have donated or bought Raffle tickets. I have reached my goal of $1000 raised. $741 online, 264 in raffle tickets & another $15 online to give a total at 8:50pm of $1020 raised. :)

The online sponsorship option may go off-line tomorrow as they lock it out pre-start. Last year it came back on on the Monday or Tuesday so if any of you are waiting to see if I complete the course you can still donate after the event. I will have the cash reciept books for a few weeks yet as well.

This time next week

This time next week I hope to be celebrating finishing the 2010 Hawkesbury Classic. The goal is 15 hours, I know it may be a little conservative but I really only want to finish, anything more is a bonus.

Tried to go for a paddle yesterday but the wind was just too much, I was doing 8km/h just being blown by the wind. It was even hard to paddle downwind as the wind would throw my stroke out. I planed to paddle to Alfords Point Bridge and return. I only got to the head of the Woronora River when I decided that this was too rough and not with either hurting myself or damaging the kayak. It had only taken me 15 minutes to get to here with the wind & tide. It took me almost 40 to get back against both, I dropped at one stage to 3.5km/h. I though I was back on my sit on top kayak :). Worst part was not over. I still had to manage to get the kayak on the car once more. It was tough, I had to wait until the wind gusts eased and then wrestle with it to get it up on the car.

About to go for a gentle run down paddle this morning and then it is a week of carb loading to make sure the energy levels are there for the classic next Saturday afternoon.

4pm next Saturday and the time to see if all the work that has been done is successful, begins.

Weekend Paddles

What can I say, this weekend was a very good series of paddles. It started off with a 21km paddle on the Georges River Saturday morning followed by a 14km Night famil on the Hawkesbury & ended with another 11km on the Woronora yesterday. With less than 2 weeks until the classic it is all starting to fall into place.

Pre Start Briefing

The Saturday night paddle was great, as it was only 14km I went out hard and kept it for the entire paddle. I finished 6th out of the 25 or so paddlers, in 1 hour and 30min (or close to that, no official times as yet). Best part was the final 4km, staying with and then leading home a TK2 :) It shocked Rachelle & Tayla when I paddled over the line, they both thought I would take longer :)

14km done and pretty happy with it all

Saturday night was also a full run down on how to set the kayak up for the main event. I got some funny looks as my kayak looked set up for 111km and not the 14 we were doing. I had powerbars and the like taped to the deck I ad the maps placed the GPS, Compass, spare clothes, the lot all placed as if it was the real event.

Deck all set out

All set to go

Sponsorship Update

The $600 mark has been passed, over $500 online and another $100+ in raffle tickets and Cash.

Thanks to all those that have donated to this great cause.

Big training weekend planned, 20km morning paddle then a night famil paddle of 14km tomorrow night. Another paddle Sunday morning. it is now the time to start to peak and then taper down for the real thing in only 2 weeks time. Carbo loading and diet will also be worked on.

14 sleeps to go!

Oops no training today

Well what can I say, bed was too comfortable today and I could not get up early enought to meet the guys for our planned training paddle @ 0630 this morning. I did not set my alarm last night and when I woke up I really could not get it the rush to make it down to the river in time to meet them.

That said today has had a little success, I am in the process of planning a play-list for the I pod for the classic. If anyone out there has some ideas for what songs should be in my play list please let me know.

I think I may make the I pod part of the Sackville pit stop changes. That way I will have it for what is going to be no doubt the toughest part if this years classic. It will be a 4 hour+ fight against the tide to Wisemans Ferry. I also ordered Waterproof case and earbuds for the I Pod.

Other work that has been done is I have made an extra seat pad with cut outs for my butt cheeks to insert into the seat. I am going to trial it tomorrow morning. It may be good and prove an additional fix to the cramping and butt soreness that is becoming my biggest problem for the classic.

Oh well I will get out for a training paddle tomorrow, this event is getting ever closer.

Sponsorship update

Another Update to the $1000 Sponsorship Goal

Online $457
Raffle Tickets $110
Cash Donations $10

Total $577 :)

Past halfway, thank you to all those that have donated. A little over a month to go and yes I will be a pest in the coming weeks to get donations to the $1000 goal.

Good training weekend

Another weekend goes by and the Classic is getting closer under 4 weeks to go now!

It was a good weekend on the water with over 30km travelled. I did 20 on Saturday and another 10km today. The cramping problem was not as bad as previous weeks so the work at the Physio is working. I have another appointment tomorrow.

One good thing from today's short paddle was the workout I had when I chased down a friend that had almost 300m on me and I hunted him down in about 1.5km. It was a solid workout.

I also found a great program that I have been able to track all my training on Sports Tracker. It is a program for mobile phones that lets you log your workouts. It even has paddling as a workout.
www.sports-tracker.com

Next paddle: Saturday Morning 6:30

Sponsorship update

The $500 mark has now been passed. People have donated over $450 directly to the website & with the selling of hte first complete raffle ticket book I now have another $100 raised.

Thanks to all those that have donated or purchased raffle tickets so far. To those who have not donated by still intend on doing so you can still do it online at;
2010 Hawkesbury Classic - Sponsor Grant Mascord

I also have raffle tickets and cash receipt books for those who wish to purchase tickets or donate cash.

Passed the halfway mark for the $1000 goal.

Great morning Paddle

Took the chance for a morning paddle today and went down and did The Needles and return. Great place for a paddle. Also trialed a proogram i downloaded for my Nokia phone called Sports tracker. It isa a program that not only tracks you training but also logs it on GPS. I get a full report and best of all it is free. It also is very easy to look and see where I paddled well and where I was having a breather.

Todays paddle stats
11.93km
1 hour 25 minutes
Average Speed 8.35km/h
Peak speed 12.1 km/h

Sports Tracker - My Paddle today

Will hit the water or the gym tomorrow depending on the weather.

A week off work to train.

I have a week off work and will be a good week for training. I am going to try and get at least 3 paddles in before the weekend. Plan is to at least paddle Tuesday/Wednesday & Friday. Cant do Thursday due to physio appointment.

On 32 days to go and time to push the sponsorship hard. I will probably be a pest but I want to raise funds for this great charity. I am going to print up some flyers and do a letter box drop in my area. I got one of the local shops to let me place a flyer in their window.

At work I have a had a little win as well, my boss has agreed to buy a hamper that I could raffle and all proceeds are going to be for me to add to the classic sponsorship. All I have to buy is the Raffle tickets. :)

Any donations are greatly appreciated, my goal is to raise $1000. I am halfway there.

2010 Hawkesbury Classic - Sponsor Me 

Thanks

Saturday Training Paddle

Early start today hitting the water @ 6:30 for a planned paddle with the other Classic paddlers from SSCC. The other guys had a 40km paddle planned but due to a BBQ being held at my place I had to turn around at Picnic Point and return to Woronora to get a paddle of around 30km.
I had previously done the same paddle in around 4 hours 10 but that day was the start of the cramping issues. Today I did it in 3 hours and 35, the cramp issue is better too, not gone but better. Also the mods with the seat and pedal position have worked well the kayak seems to flow through the water better and I seem to paddle faster. Today I was keeping with the faster paddlers and also at times was the pace setter for the paddle.
Not long to go now and it all seems to be falling into place.

Paddle on Sunday

Did not get on the water on Saturday due to having to work on my TAFE assessment and going to the State rail auctions. I went bright and early Sunday and tried out the new seat config with the seat base I had made by Horizon Kayaks. Started off with a short paddle to the last house on the Wonnie upstream and then turned to the head of the river and back to the clubhouse,a little over 10km. I then went a short series of short paddle playing around with the paddle config as I was not feeling I was paddling effectively. After a few trial I have gone back to 212cm paddle. It feels good. Funny how last year I was paddling the same event with a 220cm flat blade paddle! I then went back to the beach and fiddled with the seat and rudder pedals as it looked like I was dragging the bum of the kayak in the water. Went one hole forward with the seat and rudder pedals and it felt better immediately, I went back out and had another paddle, a short 5km. I worked it like a sprint session doing 200m paddle flat out and then resting for a minute, another 200m resting. It felt great and best of all no pain in the hammys.

Had another Physio session today and worked the right hammy as the left now is pretty good. Down to 2 sessions a week.

40 Days to go until the Classic

Sackville to Wisemans Ferry Famil paddle

What can I say I am elated to paddle as well as I did today. Sure it still is not quite up to speed time wise and the cramping pain is still causing me grief but I have to think of the positives. I paddled today's famil 1 HOUR faster than last year! Sure I did it last year in the Wavedance Kingfisher but it was still a registered time. I did it today in 3 hours and 40 minutes. We had the tide with us for the start, due to the start being a little late it meant that for around the final hour we had to fight the tide.

Pre Start

It was a tough slog for the final 8km when the tide turned and the Wind picked up to blow straight in my face.

The cramping problems were still evident but were also better than last time. More Physio required but the results so far are pointing to the right direction. Cramps did not become a problem until after the 2 hour/20km mark and were not as bad a previous paddles.

The finish

Should have gone harder, carrying out of the water too easily :)

In other news there was a misunderstanding when I ordered the modified seat deck for the Bumfortable seat and it was not ready last Monday, on the way home today they rang to say it was ready, pick it up Monday.

Everything is now staring to fall into place for this years effort to be a good one.

Injury Update

Not as much paddling this weekend that I should have done but I have to treat this injury well so it is fixed forever. Only a 10km paddle today but it was a pretty intense one. I really pushed hard for the 5km back to the club. I gave everything I had and was knackered back at the beach. I did 10km, 5km out against the tide and then 5km back with it. 38 minutes to the turn and then 22 minutes back pushing hard with the tide also helping.

Seat worked well after I made a chock piece out of Tayla's old swimming bubble. Is only a temporary measure as I pick up the Horizon seat base that has no seat on it tomorrow, I can then fit the Bumfortable seat to that and I then have an adjustable extremely comfortable seat for my kayak.

Another physio session tomorrow too, so far in the 3 sessions the work being done has worked well. I am doing stretches every day and the results are coming. Hopefully this week will see the last of the regular sessions with Nestor (My Physiotherapist), will only need to go if I re-injure myself.

Last daytime famil next Saturday, Sackville to Wisemans ferry, a little over 30km and the last really big test before the Classic in just under 2 months time. Only a short night  time famil the week before the big day/night.

Hamstring Update

After an intensive physio week, every second day, it seems a paddle tomorrow may be ok. Will have to see how I wake up tomorrow after tonight's session. It is way better tonight, funny how much a massage hurts when it is doing good. Good to have a reason for the pain I was in during every paddle.

Next physio booked for Monday.

Hamstring Injury

Went to the Physio this morning and it's is not as bad as first thought but it does require treatment. My Hamstring & calf muscles are too tight. In the paddle stroke I am making it worse and it is causing the cramping. Looking at twice a week physio until it gets better.
Was quite painful having the deep tissue massage but it certainly feels better this afternoon. Next Session on Wednesday.
Another thing that will avoid problems was the seat, I have ordered a seat deck for me to attach the Bumfortable seat. That will be ready for pick up next Monday.
I have to get this right as I do not want to have another DNF (Did Not Finish) in my history.

Paddle NSW Marathon Series Race 7 - Woronora River

Well Today is done and dusted, not the best outcome but I guess just starting was an achievement of sorts. I failed to complete the 20km race distance. Was not the perfect day as the wind came up and made it fairly hard work.

Out to the Start

The Start

Lap to out bound under Woronora Bridge

All was good until about 7.5km into the event and the cramps started to return. I had the new seat but had only temporarily installed it with duct tape. At the 10km mark they had not gone away and I decided that was that I was not going to gain anything from trying to go thru the pain as I was slowing markedly from my normal speed. I retired.

After I got back to the beach and walked around it was ok, I also found the seat had come unstuck and was now 3inches further back in the kayak than it was when I started, it may be the cause but it may not be too.
I will book a physiotherapy appointment this week and hopefully the whole problem will be identified and a treatment will be started to fix it.

Short paddle yesterday & Very first Race Entry!

No big paddles this week as the new seat is still in the post. Went out for a paddle with some of the members of the club, plan was to paddle out to the head of the river and then a little more. As we were almost to the head we saw one of the club legends (80+ and still paddling a TK1) turn off and head down an inlet opposite Bonnet Bay. We caught up with him and he gave us a tour of part of the Wonnie that many do not see. We ended up this creek that was 3 feet wide in parts. Was unreal, funny things occurred too. One of the paddlers got stuck in a tree as the mangroves closed in over the creek. At the end the creek was too narrow for me to turn around the 5.8m Flyer. I had to get out and lift the kayak out of the water and turn it around.

Finally I bit the bullet and have entered the next Paddle NSW Marathon Series Race on the Wonnie next Saturday. It is a 20km Race, I have entered Division 5, that is the division that averages 10km/h.

The Seat should arrive this week and once that comes we shall really see how comfortable paddling can be.

Cramping solution

On Sunday I trialled a new seat in my kayak. A Bumfortable seat from NZ, was awesome so the solution to my cramping and sore butt problem has been found. I also rang Horizon Kayaks today about getting a seat pan made that I will be able to attach the Bumfortable to and then have a full adjustable seat once again.

Also hit the gym today and had a good upper body workout.

Sponsorship is almost at the halfway mark $457 raised.

Wisemans Ferry to Spencer Famil Paddle

Another box ticked off.

Covered the distance in just under 3 hours with a little stop 10km from Spencer, more about that later. Paddle was ok still having a few little problems with cramping and the cramping was the cause of a quite funny situation 10km from the end today.

On the Cramping, it was starting to get uncomfortable so I decided to head to shore for a short stop, stretch it out and get back on with it. That was the plan anyway. I picked what looked like a small beach in the break from the mangroves. I beached and stepped out thinking the mud would settle soon. I was soon stuck fast up to my hips in the mud. Would have looked quite funny, After 10 minutes the SES sweep boat came over and gave me a hand getting out of the little sticking point I was in. I was now covered in mud and paddling once again, I got a second wind as I tried to catch back up to the kayaks that passed me whilst stuck. I was sitting on 11km/h &  I caught one out of the 2 that passed me.

Was very funny and all the guys had a laugh when I told them about it.

Another paddle planned for tomorrow morning.

Famil Paddle Tomorrow

Tomorrow will be an important paddle as it will be a familirisation paddle from Wisemans Ferry to Spencer. Due to my retirement from last years event I have not paddled this section of the river. Talking to fellow paddlers they have all told me that this is a good famil paddle to do. Not sure of the time I will be able to do but hopefully wont be like the Sackville to Wisemans Ferry paddle last year where I lost the pack in under 30 minutes. I guess it was going to be tough paddling the sit on top fishing kayak :) Totally different with the Flyer this year.

On the sponsorship front, monies raised so far are almost 50% to the target of $1000, $457 raised online plus the additional funding from raffles and the like.

15km Paddle today.

After yesterday I thought today would be tough and I would not be able to do too much. I was still sore this morning when I got up and actually had to motivate myself to get down to the club.
Once at the club I was still a little tentative of the paddle we planned. 14km to the Needles upstream, with the tide there and fighting the tide back. Once on the water I was ok, in just on an hour we were sitting at the Needles eating Wendy's home made chocolates, yum.

Also thanks to Merle for taking some shots for me today. I finally have a few shots of the me actually in the kayak.

14km down and almost back to the clubhouse

Another bonus today was Col lending me his Stealth paddle, it makes so much difference!. I measured my paddle this afternoon, it is 230cm! way too long for marathon paddling. I have been told to get a paddle between 214 & 216 cm. If that is correct my paddle is over 15cm too long!!!! No wonder I am getting tired.

This afternoon I had to make a tough decision, I had to drill holes in my kayak. I have now fitted some saddles so that I can attach my bag to the front deck.

Bag fitted to front Deck

A few little tweaks to the kayak required this week before my big litmus test on Saturday, the Wisemans Ferry to Spencer familarisation paddle for the Hawkesbury Classic, just over 30km.

28km Today Woronora to Picnic Point and return

Went out with the regular Sutherland Marathon paddlers today in a paddle from Woronora Boat ramp to Picnic Point and return, Just on 28km.
Was a tough paddle when one of the guys was showing me a few drills to increase my confidence in the stability of the kayak. I failed and capsized, my first capsize in the Flyer! Wont be the last!
Silly me had not tied the GPS into my Jacket and it fell out. I though it was lost only to see it floating close by. Garmin Etrex's Float! :)
That was just before halfway and it took a little out of me and I struggled on the return trip.  Was fighting the tide for the return up the Georges River. Then when we had the tide helping the Southerly change hit and it was tough yet again. I got back to the boat ramp in just over 4 hours for the 28km.

Out to the club tomorrow for a small paddle, maybe 15km. Could be a little sore in the morning. I have to fix the seat problems in the Flyer, my bum is cramping up :(

Hit the gym hard

Went back to the gym last night for the first time in a while and hit my upper body and core program hard. Did not seem to hard and I did not have to back the weights off as much as I had expected. I did struggle with the reps but that was to be expected when I have not been doing the time.

Going back in the morning to do a cardio session and then will go straight to work.

A reasonably large paddle paddle is planned for Saturday with the other guys that are doing the classic. Woranora to Picnic Point and back, Think it is around 25km. Will be a pretty good test to see where I am at in regards to the whole thing.

One good thing is I am already ahead of last years planning as I had not even entered at this point last year.

25th July Update

Hi All

Only a short paddle today due to the club having it's AGM @ 11am. I hit the water and paddled up to the Como Rail bridge and return to the club (7.5km). Back to my old paddle today and the difference was marked between what I was paddling last week and today. Could only hit 11km/h today and last week I could hit 14km/h. I have to move up to the wing like paddle.

Yesterday I went out on the sit on top Wavedance Kingfisher Kayak for a fish with all the guys from KFDU Sydney Kayak Fishing Club. Great morning fishing but boy I felt it today. Fishing was not that good so I decided to do some trolling whilst paddling pretty hard. The Kingfisher felt like a tug boat compared to the Flyer. If any of you like to fish out of your Kayak look up Kayak Fishing Down Under great bunch of guys.

No paddle until next week but have to start moving them up in distance as the big date gets closer, just on 3 months until the classic.

$400 Raised

Thanks to all those that have donated.
I have now passed the $400 mark in donations. It is great to gain so much so early. I know I have been looking as if I am always asking for sponsorship but the Arrow Bone Marrow Foundation is a great cause.

Full Entry Status Confirmed

My Entry into the Classic has been confirmed fully and boat number has been allocated.

I am entry #138, wierd thing is it is 1 number higher than last year, #137.

Sponsorship is at $387 raised over a 1/3 of the way to the $1000 target.

Oatley Park & Return Paddle

Had a really good paddle this morning, borrowed a Stealth Paddle and it was amazing how much more efficient it was. Will have to look at getting one soon.

I had the GPS with me today, pity the batteries did not last the 2 hours on the water and went flat. When we got to Oatley we had a short break, I checked the figures at this point and it had the Peak speed of 13.5km/h (that is slick).

Yet another learning curve on the Kayak. Had a few close calls negotiating the power boat wakes but got through them all without any capsizes.

Col, one of the other members on the way back to the club said to me "have you paddled around the Island?" I said no and then we had a go at it at a very low tide. Needless to say I had to walk a part of it due to the water being 6" deep :)

Everyone back at the club had a laugh about it. Responses were mostly "you dont try that at low tide"

Not sure on the paddle next weekend as the club AGM & Tayla's birthday is going to take up most of the weekend. I will get one but not sure of it being of any length.

Hawkesbury Classic Website Down- Now Back online

Hi All

Just a quick note to say the Classic website is down at the moment,. more than likely for an upgrade or addtion. It should be back soon.

Currently I am at $387 raised in sponsorship, thanks to everyone who has sponsored me so far.

Site now back online

13 km Paddle upstream Woronora River

Went down the club this morning not knowing whether to paddle or not on hearing about Peter's death. When I got down there one of the guys said to me just go and have a paddle that is what Peter would have wanted.

I went upstream from the club for the first time. A group had headed up there about 20 minutes ahead of me. After about 6km upstream, fighting the run out tide. I caught up to them. We then turned and paddled back to the club. On the way back I tried a wing paddle, wow what a difference. Will definitely be the next purchase.

In the end just on 13km paddle today, will start to ramp up the distances in the coming weeks.

Back at the club it was pretty sombre with people learning of Peter's death and recalling funny things that he did on the past.

RIP Peter T

Shocked to have just learned one of the people from my Home Club Peter Tuziac has died. Peter has in the short time I had been attending the club always helped me & also aided me in my learning of the whole marathon paddling art.

Condolences to Kath & Family

RIP Peter

Back to the Gym

Went to the Gym tonight for the first time in a while, I just could not until today get motivated to go. Had a good cardio session of 20 min treadmill, 20 min bike & 2000m on the rower. Topped it off with a series of crunch exercises with a medicine ball to get the core strength up.

The Gym has also given me permission to post a flyer to raise sponsorship for the paddle.
Definition Health Club - Casula

Money Raised so far is $347, over a third of the way to the target of $1000. Please donate to the great cause The Arrow Bone Marrow Foundation.

First paddle of any distance

Hit the water at the club this morning for another paddle, this time I planned to go out for an hour or so. Today was to be the first use of the skirt in the kayak. I had been worried that I would fall out while struggling to fit it to the kayak.
Skirt went on quickly and easily, I was away and was dry too! :) I was soon on the Woranora River working my way to where the river meets the Georges River. Fighting the run out tide it took me 45 minutes to do the 6.8km to the Como Bridge. I turned at that point and with the tide it was a blur getting back to the Club at the Woranora Bridge in just on 25 minutes. This Kayak is fast!!!

Have to work on my fitness overall as I am feeling it a little this afternoon. Gym Session tomorrow.

110 days until the Classic.

Also gave the kayak a polish, should be even faster :)

Entry Confirmed

Well I am now confirmed for the Classic as I have raised the minimum sponsorship to have my entry processed ($200), 20% the way to my target of raising $1000.

First Paddle

This morning I went down to the Club on the Woranora River for my first paddle in the Flyer.

After a few questions about the kayak from other members I was out on the water. After about 10 minutes it was decided that the rudder pedal need adjusting. Back to shore and whilst being asked more questions as I did the adjustments.

Back to the water and I soon noticed something was still not quite right, it seemed to be tracking to the left. So back to shore. I soon found that the pedals were set up one hole out of alignment, oops. Problem fixed and back out on the water. This is a machine, a little tippy but not too bad once I spend some more time in it I will be right. It just glides through the water!

Even got a pic while I was paddling out in the river.
Hopefully I will get some pics that the other club guys took as I was paddling.

After the paddle I stayed at the club and asked more questions on how to set up the yak for the Classic.

New Kayak Delivered

This morning I drove up to the Central Coast to pick up and pay for my new Kayak. Money was exchanged then with the aid of Richard (the Seller) we set up the Roof Racks so the kayak fitted snugly. After what seemed an eternity (30 Minutes) the kayak was loaded and tied down. We were on our way home.

Thanks Richard for a great deal and also helping with all the stuffing around with the roof racks.

Once home the other problem had to be addressed, did it fit into the garage? Too much crap! After some shuffling with the aid of Rachelle the Horizon Flyer is now sitting on stools in the garage :)



First Paddle tomorrow

Welcome

Hi All

This blog will track my training and preparation for my 2nd attempt at the Hawkesbury Classic. The Classic is a 111km kayak paddle along the Hawkesbury River from Windsor to Brooklyn. It is held under a full moon starting at 4pm on Saturday 23rd October 2010.

I attempted to do this last year in borrowed kayak and had to withdraw at the Wisemans Ferry pitstop, 10 hours and 65km and I could go no more.

This year with better training and a better kayak it will be all go to the finish at Brooklyn.

I have started this today as I finally get myself a decent kayak to do the classic in today. A Horizon Flyer, a 5.8m touring/race kayak. :)

My entry is in for this year and you can help me raise funds for the Arrow Bone Marrow Foundation. My aim this year is to raise $1000, so far $157 is raised and with another $43 my entry will be confirmed. There is a $200 sponsorship minimum for an entry to be confirmed.

2010 Hawkesbury Classic - Sponsor Grant Mascord

Will post some pics of the new kayak later this weekend. Will have my first paddle in it tomorrow morning @ Sutherland Shire Canoe Club.