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 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.

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.