Showing posts with label DW. Show all posts
Showing posts with label DW. Show all posts
Tuesday, 22 April 2014
DW results
Here are the results of the DW for Wey Kayak Club members. Well done everyone (participants, coaches and especially support crews who are always the unsung heros!)
Saturday, 19 April 2014
Half way through the DW
It's 11pm on Saturday 19th April and the "straight through" DW competitors are about half way through their ordeal.
Wey crews are doing well and making steady progress.
Special shouts for Jono Dennis (boat 502) who changed partner only a week ago. He is now paddling with Nicholas Cotton from Richmond CC.
...and for Charlie and Bill (boat 390) who are making brilliant progress in an open canoe (approx same times as K2 boats) They also have a tracker so you can see where they are: http://maps.opentracking.co.
Shane Houghting (boat 406) and Graham Holmes (Southampton CC) are steaming along having had a good lie in this morning (started at 1.43pm).
Nathan and Paul (boat 367) are looking strong too. They are just coming into Henley.
Wey crews are doing well and making steady progress.
Special shouts for Jono Dennis (boat 502) who changed partner only a week ago. He is now paddling with Nicholas Cotton from Richmond CC.
...and for Charlie and Bill (boat 390) who are making brilliant progress in an open canoe (approx same times as K2 boats) They also have a tracker so you can see where they are: http://maps.opentracking.co.
Shane Houghting (boat 406) and Graham Holmes (Southampton CC) are steaming along having had a good lie in this morning (started at 1.43pm).
Nathan and Paul (boat 367) are looking strong too. They are just coming into Henley.
Thursday, 12 April 2012
David and Rachel Cooper's DW adventure
The DW was an epic race.
We knew before we started that it was going to be tough as we had had less than optimal training and the conditions (specifically flow and tide times) weren't great. However we set off in good spirits and kept to our race pace, just ahead of our Teddington cut off time and were feeling in by the time we got to dreadnought reach. Getting back on the river however it was apparent that the small amount of flow on the Thames that we had hoped for just wasn't there, and despite going all out we started to fall behind our cut off times, so came of the water at Old Windsor lock. We decided to take a long break then paddle slowly to Teddington and wait for the next tide. Paddleing down the tideway was nice to have a little bit of help from the water at last and for the first time I was glad for the stability of our Kirton Tasman as narrower boats were precariously knocked around by the wash from the big boats in London. By the end of it my body was broken but I wouldn't have missed it for the world.
Look forward to getting back to training once my shoulders working again and maybe next year I'll catch the first tide. Thanks ever so much to our support team and to all of the encouragement we received.
We knew before we started that it was going to be tough as we had had less than optimal training and the conditions (specifically flow and tide times) weren't great. However we set off in good spirits and kept to our race pace, just ahead of our Teddington cut off time and were feeling in by the time we got to dreadnought reach. Getting back on the river however it was apparent that the small amount of flow on the Thames that we had hoped for just wasn't there, and despite going all out we started to fall behind our cut off times, so came of the water at Old Windsor lock. We decided to take a long break then paddle slowly to Teddington and wait for the next tide. Paddleing down the tideway was nice to have a little bit of help from the water at last and for the first time I was glad for the stability of our Kirton Tasman as narrower boats were precariously knocked around by the wash from the big boats in London. By the end of it my body was broken but I wouldn't have missed it for the world.
Look forward to getting back to training once my shoulders working again and maybe next year I'll catch the first tide. Thanks ever so much to our support team and to all of the encouragement we received.
Mark Powell and Matthew Toye's DW adventure
You might have seen Matt and I paddling like the ugly ducklings up and down the Wey in preparation for the DW. We knew we weren't pretty, 'rotation' remained a secret art form and our Condor, having completed the DW with James Warren the year before was within our comfort zone but ever so heavy!
But before we get to Devizes we almost had to pull out as Matt's left wrist flared up very badly and a week before the big day he got a cortisone injection to help us on our way.
So we knew we were ugly, lacked technique, were not 100% fit, had a heavy boat and were over a year into a drought. No flow on the K+A and nothing to rely on on the Thames. But we had been adopted by James and Phil Gunney so what could go wrong?
We gathered at Devizes on the Easter Saturday afternoon, aiming for the Sunday afternoon tide as we weren't that quick and wanted to avoid the expected chaos at Devizes at 7am on Saturday morning.
We started well - cautiously but confidently, in the knowledge that the 'Pound' was shallow and slow. Too true but we got to the first lock, Wootton Rivers, half an hour ahead of schedule. At this point our cycling support duo kicked in and they led us down into the darkening night. And it was raining hard with a headwind, something we had little experience of over the past 18 months.
The K+A stretch went well - the Bruce Tunnel and Crofton locks were dealt with easily and we got to Hungerford (25 miles) and Dreadnaught (54 miles) on time. So we lost our early 30 minute lead but were still on time, after all those locks and in the dark.
Matt's left hand was now starting to cause real trouble, so he was hardly drawing the paddle on the left side which brought him out of time with the right hand stroke. Phil however appeared out of the gloom like some mystical beast, handed over some very sage advice and let us get on.
The longer Thames stretches were a relief in that we could build up some momentum after the stop-start nature of the K+A. But Matt's hand was getting worse and our speed started to falter and we were slowly falling behind schedule. However morale in the form of following the K1's start their Third day at Marlow, being told that Redgrave had pulled out and coming across a lone swimmer in the River helped us catch up some lost time.
But by Boveney (82 miles) we were exhausted, I put a call through to the wives at this unsupported lock. A pep talk later and we were off to see our families (and our 5 young children) who were meeting us at Romney (Windsor/Eton). Their faces said it all as we climbed pathetically out, Matt's arm worse than ever, and we were now an hour over schedule. If we didn't find some speed we would never make the tide at Teddington!
We got going and were greeted by about 30 familes and friends near Runneymede, such an amazing and emotionally charged morale booster. Phil returned on a bike and told us he was taking us to Teddington and Claire Gunney also appeared, giving us a massive lift.
So the three of us set off, occasionally joined by Claire running along the towpath, but we couldn't close the gap. Matt's hand was worsening beyond comprehension, we had the odd caffeine 'reviver' to keep us going but Matt couldn't keep stroke. Our wives were taking it badly, seeing us arrive in a worsening state but we didn't give up. Our portages were also taking far too long as we were prepped for the next few miles and ibuleve was rubbed into Matt's worsening hand. By now the whole forearm and wrist was red and swollen.
So at Sunbury and with 2 locks to go and 1 hour behind schedule, we battled on and brought the time in, but we were heading for a 6.45pm arrival at Teddington and outside the 5-6.30pm tide window.
Up stepped Mr and Mrs Gunney at Molesey, advice parted (Phil telling us he wanted us to get the earlier flow of the high tide but we knew we had to come up with a miracle). So for the last 5 mile stretch to Teddington we 'sprinted' (club sprinters please excuse this term but we really went for it!), going through all previous levels of exhaustion. Phil was our constant companion, with Claire appearing now and again, and somehow we made up half an hour on the last 5 miles, not bad when you had already done 103 miles, and arrived at Teddington at 6.15pm, 15 minutes to spare.
Another feed stop, lights and light sticks on, water change, yellow beanie hats on, and we were off down the Thames. We had agreed to take it easy but the thought of spending at least a further 3 hours in the boat, with no rest, brought no joy. And with all the eddies and swirling water we had to keep the paddle speed up just to remain stable and pointing in the right direction.
We counted down the bridges - Richmond, Twix, Kew, Chiswick, Barnes, Hammersmith, constantly talking and trying to keep each other going. But Matt was in real trouble and just outside Putney he said he needed to pull over as he was about to pass out. We all know you don't stop on a tidal river but given the option of your crew passing out or trying to stop, we opted for the latter. But we misjudged the speed of the tide on the moored line of boats 15m from the bank and we capsized.
Luckily all our support crews were there as was a rescue boat which was meant to be at Westminster but had engine problems. So they dragged us to shore, we stripped off and shivered in front of the whole of south west London, and changed into dry clothes and took on hot soup.
So what now? Give up with just 6 miles to go? Both Matt and I made the same call at the same time - it was too dangerous to get back on the water given our state so we would walk to Westminster. What followed was Monty Python-esqe, the bizarre sight of a very heavy blue Condor being carried by two exhausted blokes with 2 support crew walking alongside and 2 support cars nearby, shadowing our crawl down river. Some very strange looks along the way!
Race control were our constant companions, keeping the finish open for us well after the last paddler home. We eventually crossed the line at 11.32pm on Easter Sunday, flanked by about 20 family and friends. Medals and cuddles, and also tears from the DW marshalls.
Final stats were 31 hours 47 minutes (nearly 5 hours over schedule) but in our class we were 76/164 starters, of which only 90 finished. 4 Olympians also gave up. Add in the many dark places we visited during our struggles, emotionally exhausted wives and family, one very mangled arm, and the bodies that wanted to give up their owners, we believe we can hold our heads up high.
We definately couldn't do it with out our amazing support crew but it was Phil and Claire who got that final bit of energy and determination out of us, and to Teddington on time. Bottle it and sell it, you will make a fortune!!
We hope this hasn't put anybody off even thinking of the DW, we were starting from a much lower technical level than almost anyone else at the club. If you want to experience the high highs (and the lowest lows you have ever imagined) then doing this full on marathon is for you. We would love to build a core DW crew at the club, so if you are interested let us know. Trade in those white craft tops and let's see how far you can really push yourselves......
But before we get to Devizes we almost had to pull out as Matt's left wrist flared up very badly and a week before the big day he got a cortisone injection to help us on our way.
So we knew we were ugly, lacked technique, were not 100% fit, had a heavy boat and were over a year into a drought. No flow on the K+A and nothing to rely on on the Thames. But we had been adopted by James and Phil Gunney so what could go wrong?
We gathered at Devizes on the Easter Saturday afternoon, aiming for the Sunday afternoon tide as we weren't that quick and wanted to avoid the expected chaos at Devizes at 7am on Saturday morning.
We started well - cautiously but confidently, in the knowledge that the 'Pound' was shallow and slow. Too true but we got to the first lock, Wootton Rivers, half an hour ahead of schedule. At this point our cycling support duo kicked in and they led us down into the darkening night. And it was raining hard with a headwind, something we had little experience of over the past 18 months.
The K+A stretch went well - the Bruce Tunnel and Crofton locks were dealt with easily and we got to Hungerford (25 miles) and Dreadnaught (54 miles) on time. So we lost our early 30 minute lead but were still on time, after all those locks and in the dark.
Matt's left hand was now starting to cause real trouble, so he was hardly drawing the paddle on the left side which brought him out of time with the right hand stroke. Phil however appeared out of the gloom like some mystical beast, handed over some very sage advice and let us get on.
The longer Thames stretches were a relief in that we could build up some momentum after the stop-start nature of the K+A. But Matt's hand was getting worse and our speed started to falter and we were slowly falling behind schedule. However morale in the form of following the K1's start their Third day at Marlow, being told that Redgrave had pulled out and coming across a lone swimmer in the River helped us catch up some lost time.
But by Boveney (82 miles) we were exhausted, I put a call through to the wives at this unsupported lock. A pep talk later and we were off to see our families (and our 5 young children) who were meeting us at Romney (Windsor/Eton). Their faces said it all as we climbed pathetically out, Matt's arm worse than ever, and we were now an hour over schedule. If we didn't find some speed we would never make the tide at Teddington!
We got going and were greeted by about 30 familes and friends near Runneymede, such an amazing and emotionally charged morale booster. Phil returned on a bike and told us he was taking us to Teddington and Claire Gunney also appeared, giving us a massive lift.
So the three of us set off, occasionally joined by Claire running along the towpath, but we couldn't close the gap. Matt's hand was worsening beyond comprehension, we had the odd caffeine 'reviver' to keep us going but Matt couldn't keep stroke. Our wives were taking it badly, seeing us arrive in a worsening state but we didn't give up. Our portages were also taking far too long as we were prepped for the next few miles and ibuleve was rubbed into Matt's worsening hand. By now the whole forearm and wrist was red and swollen.
So at Sunbury and with 2 locks to go and 1 hour behind schedule, we battled on and brought the time in, but we were heading for a 6.45pm arrival at Teddington and outside the 5-6.30pm tide window.
Up stepped Mr and Mrs Gunney at Molesey, advice parted (Phil telling us he wanted us to get the earlier flow of the high tide but we knew we had to come up with a miracle). So for the last 5 mile stretch to Teddington we 'sprinted' (club sprinters please excuse this term but we really went for it!), going through all previous levels of exhaustion. Phil was our constant companion, with Claire appearing now and again, and somehow we made up half an hour on the last 5 miles, not bad when you had already done 103 miles, and arrived at Teddington at 6.15pm, 15 minutes to spare.
Another feed stop, lights and light sticks on, water change, yellow beanie hats on, and we were off down the Thames. We had agreed to take it easy but the thought of spending at least a further 3 hours in the boat, with no rest, brought no joy. And with all the eddies and swirling water we had to keep the paddle speed up just to remain stable and pointing in the right direction.
We counted down the bridges - Richmond, Twix, Kew, Chiswick, Barnes, Hammersmith, constantly talking and trying to keep each other going. But Matt was in real trouble and just outside Putney he said he needed to pull over as he was about to pass out. We all know you don't stop on a tidal river but given the option of your crew passing out or trying to stop, we opted for the latter. But we misjudged the speed of the tide on the moored line of boats 15m from the bank and we capsized.
Luckily all our support crews were there as was a rescue boat which was meant to be at Westminster but had engine problems. So they dragged us to shore, we stripped off and shivered in front of the whole of south west London, and changed into dry clothes and took on hot soup.
So what now? Give up with just 6 miles to go? Both Matt and I made the same call at the same time - it was too dangerous to get back on the water given our state so we would walk to Westminster. What followed was Monty Python-esqe, the bizarre sight of a very heavy blue Condor being carried by two exhausted blokes with 2 support crew walking alongside and 2 support cars nearby, shadowing our crawl down river. Some very strange looks along the way!
Race control were our constant companions, keeping the finish open for us well after the last paddler home. We eventually crossed the line at 11.32pm on Easter Sunday, flanked by about 20 family and friends. Medals and cuddles, and also tears from the DW marshalls.
Final stats were 31 hours 47 minutes (nearly 5 hours over schedule) but in our class we were 76/164 starters, of which only 90 finished. 4 Olympians also gave up. Add in the many dark places we visited during our struggles, emotionally exhausted wives and family, one very mangled arm, and the bodies that wanted to give up their owners, we believe we can hold our heads up high.
We definately couldn't do it with out our amazing support crew but it was Phil and Claire who got that final bit of energy and determination out of us, and to Teddington on time. Bottle it and sell it, you will make a fortune!!
We hope this hasn't put anybody off even thinking of the DW, we were starting from a much lower technical level than almost anyone else at the club. If you want to experience the high highs (and the lowest lows you have ever imagined) then doing this full on marathon is for you. We would love to build a core DW crew at the club, so if you are interested let us know. Trade in those white craft tops and let's see how far you can really push yourselves......
Tuesday, 13 April 2010
In addition to Isobel and Naomi’s achievements in the K2 and Phil’s heroic effort in doing over 1000 200m races in a row, credit is also due to a couple of other Wey paddlers.
James Dunlop was aiming to do the Senior Doubles but his training partner had to pull out injured (a dislocated shoulder which apparently plays havoc with the technique) a few weeks before the race. Undeterred, James climbed into one of the club’s K1s and finished the K1 Senior event in under 24 hours in 35th place, with no capsizes, which given the fact that he’s only got a few months kayaking experience and was repeatedly attacked by a swan on the pound is some achievement.
Shane Thomas was also aiming to compete in the Senior Doubles but his paddling partner was sent off to Saudi Arabia or somewhere not renowned for its kayaking so he press-ganged a mate with no paddling experience whatsoever into joining him. Waterside B was one of their first outings and the DW was a mere 6 weeks later. Shane and Simon set off from Devizes just after 7am on Easter Saturday, had a bit of a “rest” at Old Windsor when they realised that they weren’t going to make the morning tide at Teddington, finally finishing at Westminster at 22.48 Sunday evening, having paddled the tideway in the dark. That’s over 39 hours. Hats off to them for sticking with it and not giving up.
By all accounts they’ll all be back next year for more when hopefully we'll be able to enter an armada of senior doubles....
Monday, 13 April 2009
DW 2009 - Last Day
Hurrah, we've made it!
While most people would have been still asleep, preparations were in full swing for a very early start at Teddington. Shortly before 6 am we were ready to get on the water, Clive was set to follow us on his bike (as he had done in the previous days) and the other members of the support crew to cheer us on from various bridges en route to Westminster. The start was given at 6.30, and after a few initial wobbles Calum and I got into our usual rhythm, gliding past Richmond, Kew, Barnes, Putney on our way to the finish. The force of the outgoing tide led to some impressive speeds (around 9 mph), but also to a couple of rather shaky moments, which I admit to being terrified of, as it would have been a rather long swim for the bank! (There have in fact been a few capsizes, and Calum also recalls seeing a K1 which was sinking with the paddler still in it). The London Eye came into sight around Vauxhall, and the appearance of Westminster Bridge in the distance gave us the energy to cover that final stretch of the race. So after 1 hr 55 of hard paddling we were finally at the steps of the County Hall ready to receive our finishers' medals!
With a total time of 20:06, we, according to provisional results, have come first in the Endeavour class!
Once again it must be said that the whole race would not have been possible without our incredible support team. Clive, cycling alongside us, provided us with a great amount of valuable information, dashed to locks to identify the best spots, and, crucially, very skillfuly and rapidly repaired our boat after it had been damaged on the second day. Lynsey, Richard, Hannah, Alexander, Maria and Tom kept us well fed and watered and in high morale on portages, and helped in numerous other ways. Thanks must also go to Dave, Pete and Mike and everyone else at the club who guided and supported us throughout our training. Thank you so much to all!
DW 2009 - Day 3
Today was the longest day of the race: 38 miles from Marlow to Teddington. Everybody arrived at the start extra early, and after some work to reinforce the broken front of the boat, we were off the start around 8.15 am. With strong flow helping us along, Windsor Castle came into view well ahead of schedule. Encouraged by this, we pressed on towards Staines, taking extra care not to damage the boat further on portages. The middle section of the day seems to have gone exceptionally quickly, and by the time we arrived at Sunbury Lock, I was still convinced we hadn't reached Chertsey! The last 7-8 miles, however, proved to be rather hard and certainly very painful (Calum and I strongly regretted not padding out our seats). The final mile before Teddington dragged on forever! Once we had made over the lock though, everything suddenly seemed very easy and we were at the finish in no time. End result: 5 hrs 44, giving us a 14 minute lead over the next boat.
For the third day running, our support team - Richard, Hannah, Clive, Lynsey, Maria and Alexander - have excelled in providing us with food, moral support and valuable information. Thank you very much to all!
Coming up tomorrow is the final 17-mile leg which will take us through Richmond, Chiswick, Hammersmith, Putney, Chelsea and Vauxhall to Westminster Bridge!
Saturday, 11 April 2009
DW 2009 - Day 2
What a day! We're now leading our race by a minute after finishing 25 minutes ahead of schedule, so the pressure is on for tomorrow.
It was a fairly unremarkable paddle after the start until the front of our boat broke off at a portage. Thanks to large amounts of tape and a very skillful repair by Clive, however, it was swiftly re-attached and we were able to continue without much delay. Excitement grew as we approached Reading and we were starting to look forward to the Thames and some flow to aid our progress. After a quick compulsory portage at Dreadnought Reach, we pushed on for Marlow, passing the half-way point to Westminster along the way. We arrived at Marlow in a state close to total exhaustion, got changed, bypassing the showers (which were cold and only seemed to work one at a time!), and headed off home to recuperate in preparation for the longest day of the race tomorrow.
Friday, 10 April 2009
DW 2009 - Day 1
It's Easter again - time for a paddling trip on the Kenett and Avon Canal and the Thames!
After an evening in Devizes last night and breakfast with a Basingtoke crew at the B&B this morning, the green boat, the support team and, indeed the paddlers, arrived at the start to find a remarkably empty car park (and no, the race is on!). Quick check in and wrist-tagging, and we (Calum and I) crossed the start line shortly after 7.15 am. We finished overtaking the five boats that had started ahead of us just before Pewsey and stayed in the "lead" until the end of the day! The tunnel was great - calm, empty, with no other boats in sight. The support team - Lynsey, Clive, Richard, Hannah, Alexander and Maria were great, offering plenty of food and encouragement along the way. The stretch from Great Bedwyn to Newbury was very familiar and rather painful, but the the effort has definitely paid off - 34 miles in 6:14 (14 minutes ahead of schedule) and, so far we're second, 6 minutes behind the leaders!
So 34 miles down, 91 to go...
Oh, and it still isn't too late to sponsor us online!
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