Winter Series Race 6 - Race Director's Report

WE HAVE TAKEN THE LEAD, Yah!

What fine results these are below, for our dedicated paddlers whom have given the team a huge effort in paddling 3 races over 2 days, at a venue 5 hours from Melbourne. 

We have taken the lead on the Tally Board, something to be really proud of, splendid effort everyone. John Young even predicted on Saturday, that we would overtake INCC based on our attendance. He also noted the impact of having a “Race Director” at a club to help support the team approach to competition. What do you think of your paddling in winter series races as part of a Team?  I know that for me, it makes a better experience all round. 

We were hosted and treated with wonderful hospitality from Mitta Mitta CC during the weekend, reflecting a well-managed club.  Congratulation to MMCC, it is a race that is worth building in the years to come.  The course offers some different conditions depending on the wind direction but only for short sections of the course.  Some of our team came prepared to camp at the venue with sufficient facilities to cater for all.

The combination of the three races gave a very different experience to racing in a winter series race and it was agreed by the team to be very enjoyable.  Times have been recorded for each of our races and averaged to get the handicapped or adjusted times.  I found it interesting to see how my times improved over the two races on Sunday with only approx. 20mins in between.  Definitely proving that being warmed up, familiar with course, having stroke rhythm embedded into your muscle memory all give more confidence to your racing.

Of our team’s competitors we had 4 Canoeist and 4 Kayakers racing, this was another wonderful effort by those dedicated Canoeists who are usually in the minority, proving that they are the backbone of this team, as Kayakers come and go they have been consistent during the season, I am so proud of you. 

We had Wennie competing for the first time this season, pairing with Anna in their first TK2 doubles race, which proved to be a great result, well done on the effort of jumping into the boat together just before the race start.      

The other kayaking pair of Gary and Liz were able to produce good results from Div 7 or shortest distance on the day, we are so grateful that the handicap systems allows for our recognition in the points tally. 

Immediately we knew on Sunday after the last race, that we had done our best to have the club take the lead on the points tally, discussions moved to the last race of season, Echuca Mini, our “Grand Final” ... September is finals time isn’t it?

If you want to be part of this winning team, we are looking for new or returning competitors to race in the last event on Saturday 12th October on the Murray River, from Barmah to Echuca.  Total distances are: full distance 50kms or short distance 20kms.  Relays are 50kms with 3 legs 12kms, 18kms and 20kms. 

We are aiming at TK2, K1 & K2, TC1 relays, so if you have intention to be in a relay please indicate on the Team Board and I will allocate you into a relay team or you can nominate your own team.  Registrations are now an earlier time than noted in Marathon diary, registration at Barmah is at 6.15am, briefing at 6.45am, starts from 7.00am – 8.30am based on craft.  Short distance registration, briefing and start times are on the board.  The intention is for all paddlers to finish at the same in Echuca, earlier start is due to unclosed river on the day.   

Our pre-race Team Luncheon will be on Sunday 6th October at 11.30am, join us after the Zoli’s session to discuss our strategies and planning for the “Grand Final”.

Liz Jenkins

Race Director

Results for Winter Series Races 6 2019 – Wodonga

Tally Points

Paddlers Results after Handicap