Press Release

11th February 2008
Hemel Paddle Power at Waterside B
See Waterside B picture library here

Eight intrepid paddlers from Hemel Hempstead Canoe Club put in brilliant efforts on Sunday. It was Waterside B, Great Newbury to Aldermaston & Back; 17.5 miles; with 19 portages (carrying the boats around locks and obstructions). There were 213 boats racing. This is a warm up to the Devises Westminster Race, at Easter - the 125 mile the paddling "Everest" the Hemel paddlers are contemplating - longest non-stop paddle race in the world . The paddlers were supported by club chairman John Bennett, who unselfishly carried out the unromantic support duties.

This was a rather difficult race as the current whisked the paddlers down to Aldermaston, but it was a fight against the current on the way back. There were also low bridges, a lot of other paddlers and generally very choppy conditions. Old timer Al UnC Farrance paired up in the mixed K2 class with young Shirine Voller said, "It was a great day, we paddled well and managed to be on the bank, changed and eating our picnic when the others came in. But I have to say I am worn out!"

Racing kayaks and canoes have very thin sleek racing lines. Thus they are not very stable especially at slow speeds and in swell. There were times when there was a lot of swell, typically when the banks were walls or moored longboats. Narrow bridges were also difficult. However the biggest challenge was portages. Like pit stops in Formula 1 racing it's here that races are won and lost. You need to find space, keep your speed up to the last moment, exit swiftly, lift the boat, and run on to the put-in, avoiding slipping in the mud, finding a space again and not falling in, as many did, re-embarking. The K2 boats are 21 foot long so it's no mean feat.

Chris Preston, a local fitness instructor, won the senior K1 class for the complete Waterside series last year. He was miffed to have been beaten by Hemel lad Mick Doyle but commented, "I cut my time compared to last year but slipped several places. It was a real quality field, Mick beat me for the second time - I think I need to keep my training methods secret!"

John Houston and Robin Oakley are new to K2 racing, despite being veterans, To compete at this level they have been in specific training since November in the K2. They have maintained a hard training regime regardless of the weather - except the time they hit ice and damaged the rudder and had to turn back, but they still managed 10 miles that day! They have also been attacked by a vicious swan who lives on their training route. John said, "We'd hoped to give Al UnC a run for his money, but two swims put paid to that. It was a great learning day." Back at home upon hearing he proposed another 20 mile race next Sunday John's long suffering wife, Sue said, "You know he's mad but it keeps him out of my way."

Ladies Erika™ Henson & Camilla Lennon are also K2 virgins and worked very hard and finished ahead of their planned schedules. After the race Erika™ soon fell asleep but mother of 8, Camilla, dressed as a Mountie, was full of it and was encouraging all to race again the following Sunday.

John Bennet provided support which included meeting the paddlers at portages and pushing food in their mouths and swapping the drinks bottles with a minimum of delay. His efforts were essential to ensuring the teams could put in maximum effort. However he did put a square of jelly in Robin's mouth at one portage and he wasn't expecting it, "I thought it was frogs spawn, but was sure it was full of energy so ate it anyway, it was a bit of a shock!"

Hemel Hempstead Canoe Club www.hhcanoeclub.com welcomes all-comers from beginners to experienced paddlers (although under 14s must be accompanied by an adult). Club nights are Thursday evenings from 7pm, but members can often be found paddling or using the gym at other times throughout the week. Located at Nash Mills Recreation Centre, by Red Lion Lane. Membership is great value and allows use of the gym and to borrow craft and benefit from free advice from other members. During the summer term they will provide a low cost coaching session on Monday nights for beginners.

Waterside B Results:
Mick Doyle K1 Senior 2:21, Chris Preston K1 Senior 2:38
Alan Farrance & Shirine Voller K2 Mixed 2:55
Erika™ Henson & Camilla Lennon K2 Ladies 3:51
John Houston & Robin Oakley K2 Vet 3:1
218 craft entered overall.

See Waterside B picture library here