Wednesday, June 27, 2012
2012 Whitewater Open Canoe Downriver National Championships
First Timer’s Perspective – I Loved it!
When I found out from Tom Blue that this year’s ACA Whitewater Open Canoe Downriver National Championships were going to be on the Nantahala, I jumped on the idea. I love racing wildwater in a decked canoe and this would be my chance this year to compete in a national level event. And I relished the idea of racing in open canoe nationals in the F-14 class (the class with the fastest allowable specifications) to see how I stack up in the sport. After all, I have done hundreds of runs down the Nanty in wildwater (decked) canoes and I got my start paddling in an open canoe. If only it was that simple
For starters, it was hard really hard finding an F-14 boat. Fortunately, Allen Hedden volunteered to let me borrow his fiberglass We-no-nah Jenson. At first I was reluctant to borrow it. After all, it was a fiberglass lay up that I knew was bound to be heavy. And I knew what that meant from all of my wildwater racing experience. Every pound is a handicap and if the weight difference turned out to be more that 10-15 pounds, it could equate to a handicap that could keep me off the podium. Ultimately, Allen’s boat turned out to be the best option I could come up with and I was grateful to have it. After all, it was my ticket to get to race against our nations best in WWOC, so I went for it and outfitted it as best as I could for DR racing and raced with what ended up being a 20-30 pound handicap.
The rules for WWOC DR racing seem to be somewhat overwhelming for new racers. I had asked a lot of questions leading up to the event and by race week I figured I had made all of the outfitting changes that I needed to make to the boat as race-worthy as possible. The only detail I missed was that my bow air bag exceeded the length of the 36” deck plate but I was lucky enough to be able to swap it out for the min-bag in the bow of my rec canoe. Then there are the 2 classifications of boats: F14 (the narrower faster boats where width must be at least 14.375% of the length) like the We-no-nah Jenson and the new design from Savage, and F16 (where the width must be at least 16+% of the length). These rules are strictly enforced and they DQ’d Chris Osment’s boat for being too skinny (as he had pulled his boat in at the gunnels to the point where it made it too skinny at the water line). My completely stock glass Wenonah turned out to have the opposite challenge; the manufacturer had pushed out the gunnels by several inches in this glass version over their race models and this made the boat wider at the gunnels and at water line, but at that point I was just happy to see that it passed.
I found WWOC DR racing at the national level to be very similar to Wildwater Nationals. The sports are about the same size and both have some great folks in them. And like wildwater, WWOC has a number of really good athletes in the sport. For example, Jeff Owen, who is a high school science teacher in Maine and has a paddling program for his students, is also a many time national champion in multiple classes. Jeff was the overall winner both days in the two races I participated in (the OC-1 sprint and the top to bottom DR race). The Havens family, who I have known for several years, was there in full force raking up the medals. Zach was the National Champion in the F16 class and his parents
As a result of the dimensional rules and the need for speed, the new F-14 C-1s have hulls similar to wildwater C-1s. They have decked as much of the boat as possible.
Jeff Owens’s Savage Boatworks OC-1 really demonstrates this. The first 3 feet of the boat are fully enclosed with carbon fiber. In addition, Savage has engineered the wing to be behind the paddler so that the boat is narrow for the full length of the stoke. The boat felt very similar to a Tip-Top C-1 with perhaps a bit more glide (because it is longer). And like Wildwater, a competitive C-1 is in the 25 pound range.
But it’s not all about the boat. It’s about the skill set it takes to race OC as well as the thrill of competition and I was delighted to get to lay it all out there. I have not spent enough time in the boat at race pace to figure out how far I can push the boat into waves without taking on water.
Candidly, I figure I did about as well as I possibly could have in the “sprint”. I ran the OC line on the right bank through Ferebee and pretty much ran my regular wildwater lines from there. It worked well, everything clicked, and I was 3rd overall. The top 3 finishers overall were:
1) Jeff Owens – 6:53 - Overall Winner – Overall National Champion
2) Zach Havens – 7:06 – 19-39 Age Group National Champion
3) John Pinyerd – 7:08 – Masters Age Group National Champion
Link to all sprint results: http://www.fbcanoeracing.org/wedresults.pdf
The buzz on my second day of racing was over who was going to be the overall winner in the 8 mile Down River race. It was a match up between Jeff Owens, who has won several national titles in a row, and many time National Champion Dave Benner, whose canoe racing skills are legendary. Although I was pretty close in the “sprints” I quickly pooh-poohed on any talk of me besting them figuring that eight miles is a really long race for me, and the heavy boat would be an even bigger factor at this length. I also know I still have some details to iron out on what waves I can take on in open boat racing. And during the race I found I was over thinking the lines and I hurt myself at times by not easing off in the rapids and doing whatever it took to stay on a perfect line and remembering to always do the little tricks like leaning the boat away from the breaking waves.. Ultimately, I was glad to have finished as well as I did. The top 3 finishers overall were:
1) Jeff Owens – 52:02 – Overall Winner – Overall National Champion
2) David Benner – 53:34 – Masters Age Group National Champion
3) John Pinyerd – 55:00 – Second in Age group; 3rd overall
Link to Down River Results: http://www.fbcanoeracing.org/thuresults.pdf
The buzz going into to the last day of racing (a day which I mistakenly opted out of racing and foolishly placed a higher priority on work) was how well Jeff and Dave would do teamed up in an OC-2. There was even talk of them doing the entire top Nanty in less than 50 minutes. I knew that kind of talk was just that, and they ultimately raced the course in 53:06 (which bested Dave’s individual time by about 30 seconds).
Link to all Awards and Results: http://www.fbcanoeracing.org/results2012.html
It was nice to see friends like the Osments there and Gabriella Schlidt (who won her F16 sprint age group). But I would love see more folks there! I would to do this again and have a couple dozen other SE racers with us. Seriously, when it was all said and done, this was a hoot!!!! And the question in the back of my mind between now and then will be…. Gee, I wonder how many medals we could all win if we all went for it? And how well I can do if I get the most competitive boat on the planet and train like I was going to a world championship? It’s those kinds of questions that have me racing for 3 decades and I hope to do this again.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
2011 Atlanta Dragon Boat Festival, Lanier Olympic Venue, Gainesville, GA
September 10, 2011
Wow, the new race boats that we used at the festival “are not your fathers Oldsmobile.” They are more like a Porsche. They are lighter, faster, narrower and much tippier than the boats we used last year. I personally saw 3 flip and swims and I’m sure there were several more. Heck had a couple of us not thrown in low braces, I figure we would have flipped the KSU boat on our first outing.
I’m delighted to say that I had a “boat load of fun” at the annual Atlanta Dragon Boat Festival. Evelyn Orenbuch did a nice job of fielding a team and a terrific job of pulling it together.
Also, many thanks go to Gerri Lumsden at Porsche for arranging sponsorship for us. Yes, you are reading this correctly, Porsche paid our entry fee and provided very cool looking Porsche hats and Patagonia capilene shirts. So I was delighted to get to race for the Porsche Dragons!!!
In some respects, this year was a real eye opener for me into the world of Dragon Boat Racing. Ev really knows her stuff when it comes to this sport, and since there were just a handful of use who had raced DB before, I figured that the best thing I could do was to play the role of a support person (along with her husband, Stuart).
Ultimately, that boiled down to me play the role of “stroke” in the right position for the KSU and Porsche Draggons. What a blast!!! Sure there was a little pressure not to daydream, and a couple times I felt myself getting a little self conscience about it, but after a couple heats I had it figured out. I also how to wedge myself in and get a solid push with my feet, and change up my stroke enough so I did not bump top hands.
What I figured out along the way (from getting to race in a real race boat) is that DB racing is a real sport and a huge sport worldwide. I had figured this out last year, but having a real drummer (i.e. someone who really understands the sport and can communicate with the “strokes”) makes a world of difference. Our drummer made a huge difference in our last two races.
The new race boats got me excited about racing in this sport. I even daydreamed that if we were to round up 20+ hard core racers, a dedicated drummer, train on a semi-regular basis, get a sponsor to help, we could have a darn good team.
OK, now that’s really dreaming.
Wow, the new race boats that we used at the festival “are not your fathers Oldsmobile.” They are more like a Porsche. They are lighter, faster, narrower and much tippier than the boats we used last year. I personally saw 3 flip and swims and I’m sure there were several more. Heck had a couple of us not thrown in low braces, I figure we would have flipped the KSU boat on our first outing.
I’m delighted to say that I had a “boat load of fun” at the annual Atlanta Dragon Boat Festival. Evelyn Orenbuch did a nice job of fielding a team and a terrific job of pulling it together.
Also, many thanks go to Gerri Lumsden at Porsche for arranging sponsorship for us. Yes, you are reading this correctly, Porsche paid our entry fee and provided very cool looking Porsche hats and Patagonia capilene shirts. So I was delighted to get to race for the Porsche Dragons!!!
In some respects, this year was a real eye opener for me into the world of Dragon Boat Racing. Ev really knows her stuff when it comes to this sport, and since there were just a handful of use who had raced DB before, I figured that the best thing I could do was to play the role of a support person (along with her husband, Stuart).
Ultimately, that boiled down to me play the role of “stroke” in the right position for the KSU and Porsche Draggons. What a blast!!! Sure there was a little pressure not to daydream, and a couple times I felt myself getting a little self conscience about it, but after a couple heats I had it figured out. I also how to wedge myself in and get a solid push with my feet, and change up my stroke enough so I did not bump top hands.
What I figured out along the way (from getting to race in a real race boat) is that DB racing is a real sport and a huge sport worldwide. I had figured this out last year, but having a real drummer (i.e. someone who really understands the sport and can communicate with the “strokes”) makes a world of difference. Our drummer made a huge difference in our last two races.
The new race boats got me excited about racing in this sport. I even daydreamed that if we were to round up 20+ hard core racers, a dedicated drummer, train on a semi-regular basis, get a sponsor to help, we could have a darn good team.
OK, now that’s really dreaming.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
NOC Canoe Club Challenge – Round 3 – August 13th
Round III of the NOC Canoe Club Challenge was even more fun because it included the classic South Eastern US Whitewater Championships Downriver Race. I am blessed to be able to get to race yet another time. This year I was really lucky as Lynn had surgery two days before, but was very much in favor of me going to the race. I felt doubly lucky to get to stick around for the slalom in the afternoon.
On a personal level, the top to bottom downriver race was a little crazy since I was in a composite race boat and given my concerns about my shoulder. There
multiple groups of rafts ahead of us and passing them was challenging at times. It seemed like every time I would start picking it up I would have to back off and take an alternative line through the raft minefields.
Kurt, Tierney, and Haley all had very solid times and given the lack of competition, I easily won my umpteenth Charlie Patton Award for being the fastest canoe of any kind down the river. Ultimately my time was ok (given the longer course this year) and I felt like I beat everyone that I should have and lost to everyone that should have beat me (except for perhaps Bern). Most importantly, I
beat Bearn Collins, who got pushed off line by a raft and flipped. I’ll take it. I won a beer off it and have taken the lead in the beer cup award.
Here’s the link to the article: http://www.usawildwater.com/news/2011/110815_Southeasterns.html
Racing at the club/regional level has the tendency to make a good racer feel like
Superman, and good equipment helps. Allen and Gabby were nice enough to offer me a choice of boats and I felt like Gabby’s Outrage was 
a good choice for me. I really love that boat as it’s narrow enough for me to race it like a C-1 and it handles quite well. Ultimately I ended up with first in OC-1.
In the slalom C-1 event, I paddled my Cascade, which is a nice “creek boat” but
feels like a pig to me. Since I had to get back home to Lynn, I did two quick C-1 runs and headed back to ATL. I was a little surprised to hear that I won given the fact that there was were some pretty solid racers there, including a former member of the Yugoslavian Junior Slalom Team who happened to be racing a Bat Max. It looks lime my strategy to just run as wide open as I could though the course paid off.
Ultimately GCA won the Slalom and the Canoe Club Challenge and the Atlanta Whitewater Club won the downriver event. In my mind, this was more like a tie, with the real winners being everyone who participated and the NOC for coming up with such a cool event.
On a personal level, the top to bottom downriver race was a little crazy since I was in a composite race boat and given my concerns about my shoulder. There
multiple groups of rafts ahead of us and passing them was challenging at times. It seemed like every time I would start picking it up I would have to back off and take an alternative line through the raft minefields.
Kurt, Tierney, and Haley all had very solid times and given the lack of competition, I easily won my umpteenth Charlie Patton Award for being the fastest canoe of any kind down the river. Ultimately my time was ok (given the longer course this year) and I felt like I beat everyone that I should have and lost to everyone that should have beat me (except for perhaps Bern). Most importantly, I
Here’s the link to the article: http://www.usawildwater.com/news/2011/110815_Southeasterns.html
Racing at the club/regional level has the tendency to make a good racer feel like
In the slalom C-1 event, I paddled my Cascade, which is a nice “creek boat” but
feels like a pig to me. Since I had to get back home to Lynn, I did two quick C-1 runs and headed back to ATL. I was a little surprised to hear that I won given the fact that there was were some pretty solid racers there, including a former member of the Yugoslavian Junior Slalom Team who happened to be racing a Bat Max. It looks lime my strategy to just run as wide open as I could though the course paid off.
Ultimately GCA won the Slalom and the Canoe Club Challenge and the Atlanta Whitewater Club won the downriver event. In my mind, this was more like a tie, with the real winners being everyone who participated and the NOC for coming up with such a cool event.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
NOC's Canoe Club Challenge - July 16th
NOC's Canoe Club Challenge (CCC)was an absolute blast.
Initially, I felt compelled to race because of my involvement with the GCA and the NOC in working together to continue the "Southeastern Whitewater Championships" Downriver race as a CCC event at the grand finale on August 13th. I had no idea just how much fun it was going to be.
Roger Nott did a good job organizing our timers for the July 16th event, so all I really needed to do is show up and race for the GCA. If you know Roger, you know he has an incredible respect for racers both past and present. True to form, he had
reserved the number "1" bib for me. Of course, I did not think anything about it until Chris Hipgrave started ragging on me, and then I realized what a neat gesture it really was.
Kudo's go to Allen Hedden, my racing partner in OC-2 at the Southeasterns's 25 years ago for asking me to race OC-2 with him. We won in OC-2 then and we won again this year in spite of more than a couple gray hairs between us. It is absolutely how amazing just how quickly we clicked and after just run or two we were really dialed in order to beat some formidable competition like Team Popp.
Allen provided all 3 of the boats I paddled: the OC-2 we paddled together, an OC-1, and a Gyromax C-1. Wow, what a joy as Allen does a terrific job outfitting his boats which really helps my paddling skills. They are amazingly comfortable while feeling like they "fit like a glove".
The coolest thing of the weekend is that Allen and I tied in our OC-1 races. I
think it's only fitting as he supplied the boats and my motivation for getting in the OC-1. From what I could tell, Allen who has better open canoe skills had crisper, tighter lines, while I was able to stay in the game by pushing the boat a little faster.
It was also fun to paddle a Gyromax again, 20+ years or so after I sold mine in order to help buy another race boat. While I did not figure anyone could beat me in a decked C-1, I was starting to wonder as it was the last event I did for the day as time (and my energy) were starting to run out. But my runs were solid and I won, with Roger Nott (who did very well) finishing second.
Ultimately, I did about all I could to help "Uncle GCA" win the CCC as I completed 13 runs and won the 3 classes I raced in. I am blessed to be able to still do things like this and thrilled that none of my parts fell off.
Here are the results by class:
http://www.noc.com/images/stories/pdf/2011_July_JK_Canoe_Club_Challenge_Class_Results.pdf
The results organized by Team are at:
http://www.noc.com/images/stories/pdf/2011_July_JK_Canoe_Club_Challenge_Team_Results.pdf
The CCC website link is:
http://www.noc.com/noccom/festivals-a-events/canoe-club-challenge/
Initially, I felt compelled to race because of my involvement with the GCA and the NOC in working together to continue the "Southeastern Whitewater Championships" Downriver race as a CCC event at the grand finale on August 13th. I had no idea just how much fun it was going to be.
Roger Nott did a good job organizing our timers for the July 16th event, so all I really needed to do is show up and race for the GCA. If you know Roger, you know he has an incredible respect for racers both past and present. True to form, he had
Kudo's go to Allen Hedden, my racing partner in OC-2 at the Southeasterns's 25 years ago for asking me to race OC-2 with him. We won in OC-2 then and we won again this year in spite of more than a couple gray hairs between us. It is absolutely how amazing just how quickly we clicked and after just run or two we were really dialed in order to beat some formidable competition like Team Popp.
Allen provided all 3 of the boats I paddled: the OC-2 we paddled together, an OC-1, and a Gyromax C-1. Wow, what a joy as Allen does a terrific job outfitting his boats which really helps my paddling skills. They are amazingly comfortable while feeling like they "fit like a glove".
The coolest thing of the weekend is that Allen and I tied in our OC-1 races. I
It was also fun to paddle a Gyromax again, 20+ years or so after I sold mine in order to help buy another race boat. While I did not figure anyone could beat me in a decked C-1, I was starting to wonder as it was the last event I did for the day as time (and my energy) were starting to run out. But my runs were solid and I won, with Roger Nott (who did very well) finishing second.
Ultimately, I did about all I could to help "Uncle GCA" win the CCC as I completed 13 runs and won the 3 classes I raced in. I am blessed to be able to still do things like this and thrilled that none of my parts fell off.
Here are the results by class:
http://www.noc.com/images/stories/pdf/2011_July_JK_Canoe_Club_Challenge_Class_Results.pdf
The results organized by Team are at:
http://www.noc.com/images/stories/pdf/2011_July_JK_Canoe_Club_Challenge_Team_Results.pdf
The CCC website link is:
http://www.noc.com/noccom/festivals-a-events/canoe-club-challenge/
Thursday, June 23, 2011
USA Nationals, Salida CO, Our Trip to the “Heart of the Rockies” - June 2011
USA NATIONALS SALIDA/FIBARK CO (is this my last big race?):
I am just happy to be able to be competing. My shoulder has not held up to the rigors of whitewater training/racing, perhaps due in part to the rocky rivers of the Eastern US. So getting to go to Nationals again was a joy and an honor.
2011 was a banner year for snowfall in the “fourteener” region of the Arkansas river basin. River flows were a romping 3000+ CFS when we got there and grew to 3500ish later in the week.
As a result, the Sprint Course was a romping stomping solid and continuous big Class III that took about a minute.
For me, it felt like a minute long wresting match, but apparently I am my own worst critic as the video and pictures that I reviewed showed that my form was very solid on race day.
All those years of training and coaching I have given over the years have apparently helped ingrain the correct form when it counts.
While I was all geared up to do the Sprint on Thursday afternoon and the Classic at 5PM on Friday, the good Lord had a different plan.
Our day on Thursday started off with a call at 3:35 stating that Harold (Lynn’s Dad) had died. So we begin our day planning our return to ATL and Birmingham AL for the funeral (see the Tribute to Harold Mask below). Ultimately what worked out best was to fly out of DEN to ATL on Friday a.m., so once the arrangements were made we headed off to Salida to help Ed Loeffel with organizing the event. A second but lower priority was to do my best (in my old “No Name” C-1 that I borrowed back from Denny Adams).
I was reminded again why I love Wildwater. The 10+ mph current made you feel like you were flying down as you tried to hammer down an awesome, continuous, big surging Class III and right through the middle of town. But it is also the camaraderie that makes our sport special. Wildwater is a small close knit sport where we still try and help each other with technique, lines, and even sharing boats. When Lisa Adams asked if she could share boats with me 10 minutes before the first race, I was happy to help out as my old “No Name” is now technically her boat.
I was quite happy with my Sprint runs on Thursday and I stacked up quite well against the kayaks and was second to Tom Wier our top C-1. While I was hopeful that at least one of the younger up and comer’s would beat me, they still have their work cut out for them, and I finished second.
When the organizer heard of Harold’s death and that I had to leave after the Sprint race, they allowed me to take my classic run (with Terry Smith doing the timing). In spite of feeling a bit tired from the sprints, and feeling downright arm weary, I decided to go for it and knock out my “classic” distance race along with Colton Popp. WOW, that was one of the hardest races I had ever done. It was brutal, as I started out the race on brisk pace only to run out gas 4 minutes into the rate due to the thin air at 7000 feet. After getting really sloppy, I was forced to slow it down and try and try and let my oxygen debt catch up with me. What would have taken a couple minutes back east took twice as long but I was gradually able to start properly driving the boat and pick the pace back up.
But when it was all said and done, the FIBArk Whitewater Festival is one of the coolest paddling events on the planet. I am just glad I got to be a part of in (although it was abbreviated) and finish both of my Nationals run.
Will this be my last Nationals level whitewater race? Probably. I need to focus on my shoulder, and if I get it fixed I will more than likely become a flatwater and all around fitness guy.
HIKING AND EXPLORATION:
As we typically do, when USA Nationals are in a garden spot on the planet, Lynn and I try to turn it into an outdoor adventure trip.
This year was no exception as the Salida/Buena Vista/Chaffee County CO area is well known as the “Heart of the Rockies.”
It started with the SUV we rented (we got an incredible deal from Alamo).
While the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee does not have as much clearance as the older models, and is not quite as nimble due to the elimination of the lower gear range, it did work well for what we needed it for and it got a solid 25+ mpg. Armed with 4WD, we were able to get to the trailheads we needed without fear.
Being prepared is key to hiking in CO. I typically pack twice as much water as needed, a light weight jacket, and an extra base layer or two (and we like Patagonia’s products for this).
For day hikes I normally wear shorts and the full height Keen Targee II boots and Lynn likes the lower cut Keen Targee’s (but wears long pants).
Dark glasses are essential as you never know when you are going to cross a snowfield.
Since the snow was still present above 11,000 some of the trails that we normally do were off limits. As a result, we hit several of the trailheads we love that were less affected such as Denny’s Creek/Browns Cabin (west of BV), Buffalo Peaks Wilderness area (NE of BV/Elephant Rock), and trails around the Saint Elmo area.
WOW, what a great adventure. The combination of getting to view some incredible mountain scenery and wildlife was just downright inspirational.
Depending on how everything goes, Lynn and I may try to return in mid-September during peak leaf change.
I am just happy to be able to be competing. My shoulder has not held up to the rigors of whitewater training/racing, perhaps due in part to the rocky rivers of the Eastern US. So getting to go to Nationals again was a joy and an honor.
2011 was a banner year for snowfall in the “fourteener” region of the Arkansas river basin. River flows were a romping 3000+ CFS when we got there and grew to 3500ish later in the week.
As a result, the Sprint Course was a romping stomping solid and continuous big Class III that took about a minute.
For me, it felt like a minute long wresting match, but apparently I am my own worst critic as the video and pictures that I reviewed showed that my form was very solid on race day.
All those years of training and coaching I have given over the years have apparently helped ingrain the correct form when it counts.
While I was all geared up to do the Sprint on Thursday afternoon and the Classic at 5PM on Friday, the good Lord had a different plan.
Our day on Thursday started off with a call at 3:35 stating that Harold (Lynn’s Dad) had died. So we begin our day planning our return to ATL and Birmingham AL for the funeral (see the Tribute to Harold Mask below). Ultimately what worked out best was to fly out of DEN to ATL on Friday a.m., so once the arrangements were made we headed off to Salida to help Ed Loeffel with organizing the event. A second but lower priority was to do my best (in my old “No Name” C-1 that I borrowed back from Denny Adams).
I was reminded again why I love Wildwater. The 10+ mph current made you feel like you were flying down as you tried to hammer down an awesome, continuous, big surging Class III and right through the middle of town. But it is also the camaraderie that makes our sport special. Wildwater is a small close knit sport where we still try and help each other with technique, lines, and even sharing boats. When Lisa Adams asked if she could share boats with me 10 minutes before the first race, I was happy to help out as my old “No Name” is now technically her boat.
I was quite happy with my Sprint runs on Thursday and I stacked up quite well against the kayaks and was second to Tom Wier our top C-1. While I was hopeful that at least one of the younger up and comer’s would beat me, they still have their work cut out for them, and I finished second.
When the organizer heard of Harold’s death and that I had to leave after the Sprint race, they allowed me to take my classic run (with Terry Smith doing the timing). In spite of feeling a bit tired from the sprints, and feeling downright arm weary, I decided to go for it and knock out my “classic” distance race along with Colton Popp. WOW, that was one of the hardest races I had ever done. It was brutal, as I started out the race on brisk pace only to run out gas 4 minutes into the rate due to the thin air at 7000 feet. After getting really sloppy, I was forced to slow it down and try and try and let my oxygen debt catch up with me. What would have taken a couple minutes back east took twice as long but I was gradually able to start properly driving the boat and pick the pace back up.
But when it was all said and done, the FIBArk Whitewater Festival is one of the coolest paddling events on the planet. I am just glad I got to be a part of in (although it was abbreviated) and finish both of my Nationals run.
Will this be my last Nationals level whitewater race? Probably. I need to focus on my shoulder, and if I get it fixed I will more than likely become a flatwater and all around fitness guy.
HIKING AND EXPLORATION:
As we typically do, when USA Nationals are in a garden spot on the planet, Lynn and I try to turn it into an outdoor adventure trip.
This year was no exception as the Salida/Buena Vista/Chaffee County CO area is well known as the “Heart of the Rockies.”
It started with the SUV we rented (we got an incredible deal from Alamo).
While the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee does not have as much clearance as the older models, and is not quite as nimble due to the elimination of the lower gear range, it did work well for what we needed it for and it got a solid 25+ mpg. Armed with 4WD, we were able to get to the trailheads we needed without fear.
Being prepared is key to hiking in CO. I typically pack twice as much water as needed, a light weight jacket, and an extra base layer or two (and we like Patagonia’s products for this).
For day hikes I normally wear shorts and the full height Keen Targee II boots and Lynn likes the lower cut Keen Targee’s (but wears long pants).
Dark glasses are essential as you never know when you are going to cross a snowfield.
Since the snow was still present above 11,000 some of the trails that we normally do were off limits. As a result, we hit several of the trailheads we love that were less affected such as Denny’s Creek/Browns Cabin (west of BV), Buffalo Peaks Wilderness area (NE of BV/Elephant Rock), and trails around the Saint Elmo area.
WOW, what a great adventure. The combination of getting to view some incredible mountain scenery and wildlife was just downright inspirational.
Depending on how everything goes, Lynn and I may try to return in mid-September during peak leaf change.
Monday, June 20, 2011
A Tribute to Harold “Paw-Paw” Mask (1933-2011)
While Lynn and I had figured on having a combination of a Colorado adventure trip and USA Nationals, we ended up having to cut it short to return home for her dad's funeral and to help. Harold’s death was the reason that Lynn and I jetted back home during the middle of our Nationals.
I am going to miss my father-in-law Harold Mask who passed away on June 16. In many respects he was like a second father to me, especially given that my own father died more than 20 years earlier.
Paw-Paw (as Lynn and I and the grandkids all called him) would fill a room with his personality and his laughter. His outgoing nature made him a natural for sales and during his career he had an unblemished reputation as very honest and fair Sales Director/VP that would always go the extra mile for his customers.
He dearly loved his wife Gayle (of 58 years, who he married when he was 20 and now survives him). He also loved his family, his friends, his work, traveling and animals. He had an incredible way of communicating with both dogs and cats. And last but not least, Paw-Paw loved the Lord.
While we hate to say goodbye, we know that Harold is in a much better place now, as his suffering in this life has ended. It is perhaps appropriate to state what Christians of faith like him believe about death (as summed up by the Apostle Paul in Romans 8):
So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because those that believe in Him belong to Him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed them from the power of death. Christ lives within you believers, so even though your body will die, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God. This is because the Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.
Yet while we may suffer now in this life, this is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later. We wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children, including the new bodies he has promised us. Those that believe in Christ were given this hope when we were saved.
Can anything ever separate a believer from Christ’s love? Of course not. Overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loves us unconditionally. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
I am going to miss my father-in-law Harold Mask who passed away on June 16. In many respects he was like a second father to me, especially given that my own father died more than 20 years earlier.
Paw-Paw (as Lynn and I and the grandkids all called him) would fill a room with his personality and his laughter. His outgoing nature made him a natural for sales and during his career he had an unblemished reputation as very honest and fair Sales Director/VP that would always go the extra mile for his customers.
He dearly loved his wife Gayle (of 58 years, who he married when he was 20 and now survives him). He also loved his family, his friends, his work, traveling and animals. He had an incredible way of communicating with both dogs and cats. And last but not least, Paw-Paw loved the Lord.
While we hate to say goodbye, we know that Harold is in a much better place now, as his suffering in this life has ended. It is perhaps appropriate to state what Christians of faith like him believe about death (as summed up by the Apostle Paul in Romans 8):
So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because those that believe in Him belong to Him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed them from the power of death. Christ lives within you believers, so even though your body will die, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God. This is because the Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.
Yet while we may suffer now in this life, this is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later. We wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children, including the new bodies he has promised us. Those that believe in Christ were given this hope when we were saved.
Can anything ever separate a believer from Christ’s love? Of course not. Overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loves us unconditionally. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Lyons Outdoor Games June 11, 2011
Lyons Colorado is a really cool outdoor town about half way between Boulder and Estes Park. I was delighted when my travel schedule allowed me to race in this year's Wildwater Race. The race course is awesome for wildwater racing and training.
Since I am really focusing on ensuring my trucking operation is running well these days I opted for a night flight that ended up being a late night flight to Denver with midnight arrival in Boulder. Oh well, so I got 5-6 hours of sleep, jumped in a Tip Top C-1 that Denny Adams provided, and did a test run of the course with Race Master Jeremy Rodgers early Sat a.m.
The race course from the Apple Valley Bridge to Black Bear Hole is continuous Class 2 and has a half dozen class 3ish rapids. Our race took us right through the Lyons Whitewater Park (which has been enhanced by Scott Shiply) during peak Outdoor Games spectatorship.
Jeremy Rodgers did a great job of organizing the event and the winners got some great swag. Olympian Scott Shiply led the Kayak field followed by Gary Lacy. Team Dawson, led by coach Lisa Adams, showed up in force and everyone did quit well. Spencer Huff, an up and coming star in the Jr ranks really showed me something and I think he will rapidly improve with more time in the boat and coaching.
I was the fastest canoe down the river and stacked up well on a personal level. On a personal note, the Tip Top felt incredibly stable to me compared to the tippy Bala I normally paddle, and this is a factor I will strongly consider as I back away from paddling on a regular basis (due to my shoulder issues).
All in all, this was a great course, a great event, and a great time. I hope to see more of you there next year.
Links:
http://www.usawildwater.com/news/2011/110613-LyonsGames.html
http://lyonsoutdoorgames.com/blog/
Results: http://lyonsoutdoorgames.com/blog/?p=1555
Since I am really focusing on ensuring my trucking operation is running well these days I opted for a night flight that ended up being a late night flight to Denver with midnight arrival in Boulder. Oh well, so I got 5-6 hours of sleep, jumped in a Tip Top C-1 that Denny Adams provided, and did a test run of the course with Race Master Jeremy Rodgers early Sat a.m.
The race course from the Apple Valley Bridge to Black Bear Hole is continuous Class 2 and has a half dozen class 3ish rapids. Our race took us right through the Lyons Whitewater Park (which has been enhanced by Scott Shiply) during peak Outdoor Games spectatorship.
Jeremy Rodgers did a great job of organizing the event and the winners got some great swag. Olympian Scott Shiply led the Kayak field followed by Gary Lacy. Team Dawson, led by coach Lisa Adams, showed up in force and everyone did quit well. Spencer Huff, an up and coming star in the Jr ranks really showed me something and I think he will rapidly improve with more time in the boat and coaching.
I was the fastest canoe down the river and stacked up well on a personal level. On a personal note, the Tip Top felt incredibly stable to me compared to the tippy Bala I normally paddle, and this is a factor I will strongly consider as I back away from paddling on a regular basis (due to my shoulder issues).
All in all, this was a great course, a great event, and a great time. I hope to see more of you there next year.
Links:
http://www.usawildwater.com/news/2011/110613-LyonsGames.html
http://lyonsoutdoorgames.com/blog/
Results: http://lyonsoutdoorgames.com/blog/?p=1555
Monday, March 28, 2011
US OPEN - Nantahala River - March 26-27
US OPEN - Nantahala River - March 26-27
New Faces for our Sport and a new Personal Record for me!!!
The NOC always puts on a great race and this weekend was no exception. I have also come to love the Format of the US Open (although I think we could improve on Patton's Run as a sprint course).
We had several new racers at the event. I am extremely impressed with Rick Thompson and Fransheka Barretto who both did quite well in their first race. It was great to see some new Juniors at the event which also served as the East Junior Team Trails.
For results see: http://www.usawildwater.com/news/2011/2011USOpenResults.pdf
For Jr Team Selection see: http://www.usawildwater.com/news/2011/110328-JuniorTeam.html
Rick Thompson's Pics: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=184558&id=1065603187&l=25bd2706cd
On a personal level I had mixed results. My left shoulder (yep the one I injured, had surgery on, and rehabbed, perhaps only to put another tear in? is acting up). So I held back in Sprint race through Patton's run. Candidly I hate Patton's as it is primarily shoulder ripping shallow gravel bar followed by a shallow rapid with tendon ripping consequences. So I held back an turned in a what may be a life time slow against the top kayaks (who have a huge advantage because they can plane up across the shallows).
Sunday was different. My training took over and I set a PERSONAL RECORD of 11:55 in the Classic Race. I have never broken 12:00 before and my time in 2006 (a banner year for me) was 12:20. In spite of my concerns on my shoulder, I had made up my mind to try and lay it out there in deeper water where I was not worried about hitting rock with my paddle tip. The weather cooperated and the river went up two-three inches which really helped in the shallows too.
Back to reality... I will be getting my shoulder looked at tomorrow by Dr Crag Weil. I would hate to give up the sport I love... but heck, I could learn to paddle flatwater in an Epic V-12 K-1 if I had too.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Glacier Breaker – February 26-27
Glacier Breaker – February 26-27
Wow, the Glacier Breaker weekend was better than ever. Of course Chris Hipgrave, the Nantahala Outdoor Center, and the Nantahala Racing Club always do a terrific job of hosting and running their races. A neat addition is the G.B. is permanently being changed to a two day format that includes Sprints, a Classic, and the opportunity to train with folks on Saturday afternoon.
I was thrilled to see several new racers at the GB (see the results). Bartosz did a great job of piggy backing on with me (and Bailey) to warm up and get in some practice runs.
It was great to see the team members (and prospective team members) that attended the advanced training camp on Thursday and Friday. Chris Norbury has been serving as our head coach and his efforts are really appreciated. His video review and his advanced coaching techniques are just downright awesome (although please be forewarned, should you have the opportunity to get his coaching, don’t let his direct and seemingly caustic style of pointing out your weaknesses scare you, he is really trying to help you improve)!
In K-1, Andrew McEwan looked really smooth and is still very fast. Chris Hipgrave is still quite a machine as he ran the races which made it difficult for him to warm up, and yet he still turned in solid results. I was also impressed by Tom Wier who continues to seem to develop even in this “off year” for him.
On a personal level, I’m just happy to be alive and kicking!!! And heck, my positive attitude and a solid love of sport seem to be helping my paddling. I barely even thought of my shoulder and felt solid most of the time in whitewater!!!! My focus on my stroke over the winter and my flatwater training really helped me in the flats.
And of course in the all important “beer cup” series, I lead my racing buddy Bern Collins by a hair.
See the complete results at:
http://www.usawildwater.com/news/2011/110227_Glacier_Breaker.html
Wow, the Glacier Breaker weekend was better than ever. Of course Chris Hipgrave, the Nantahala Outdoor Center, and the Nantahala Racing Club always do a terrific job of hosting and running their races. A neat addition is the G.B. is permanently being changed to a two day format that includes Sprints, a Classic, and the opportunity to train with folks on Saturday afternoon.
I was thrilled to see several new racers at the GB (see the results). Bartosz did a great job of piggy backing on with me (and Bailey) to warm up and get in some practice runs.
It was great to see the team members (and prospective team members) that attended the advanced training camp on Thursday and Friday. Chris Norbury has been serving as our head coach and his efforts are really appreciated. His video review and his advanced coaching techniques are just downright awesome (although please be forewarned, should you have the opportunity to get his coaching, don’t let his direct and seemingly caustic style of pointing out your weaknesses scare you, he is really trying to help you improve)!
In K-1, Andrew McEwan looked really smooth and is still very fast. Chris Hipgrave is still quite a machine as he ran the races which made it difficult for him to warm up, and yet he still turned in solid results. I was also impressed by Tom Wier who continues to seem to develop even in this “off year” for him.
On a personal level, I’m just happy to be alive and kicking!!! And heck, my positive attitude and a solid love of sport seem to be helping my paddling. I barely even thought of my shoulder and felt solid most of the time in whitewater!!!! My focus on my stroke over the winter and my flatwater training really helped me in the flats.
And of course in the all important “beer cup” series, I lead my racing buddy Bern Collins by a hair.
See the complete results at:
http://www.usawildwater.com/news/2011/110227_Glacier_Breaker.html
Chute the Hooch Training Camp – January 15-16, 2011
Chute the Hooch Training Camp – January 15-16, 2011
Wow what a blast. The CTH Training Camp is always a special time because it’s a chance for advanced racers to get back into the swing of things for the year, and for new racers to try out the sport. I was so impressed by the amount of enthusiasm from everyone that attended the whole camp and time trial.
My shoulder felt solid and the video review showed my stroke has really improved. For video see: YouTube Video (by Bartosz Ilkowski) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8lfwRN3Iew
For an article and complete results see: http://www.usawildwater.com/news/2011/110118_Chute-the-Hooch.html
Also see: Links:
• Race Results: http://www.usawildwater.com/news/2011/2011_Chute_the_Hooch_Race_Results.pdf
• Article on Worldkayak.com by Rick Thompson http://regions.worldkayak.com/atlanta/2011/01/18/chute-the-hooch-training-camp-weekend/
• Photos (by Rick Thompson) http://www.usawildwater.com/news/2011/2011_Chute-the-Hooch-Photos.html
Wow what a blast. The CTH Training Camp is always a special time because it’s a chance for advanced racers to get back into the swing of things for the year, and for new racers to try out the sport. I was so impressed by the amount of enthusiasm from everyone that attended the whole camp and time trial.
My shoulder felt solid and the video review showed my stroke has really improved. For video see: YouTube Video (by Bartosz Ilkowski) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8lfwRN3Iew
For an article and complete results see: http://www.usawildwater.com/news/2011/110118_Chute-the-Hooch.html
Also see: Links:
• Race Results: http://www.usawildwater.com/news/2011/2011_Chute_the_Hooch_Race_Results.pdf
• Article on Worldkayak.com by Rick Thompson http://regions.worldkayak.com/atlanta/2011/01/18/chute-the-hooch-training-camp-weekend/
• Photos (by Rick Thompson) http://www.usawildwater.com/news/2011/2011_Chute-the-Hooch-Photos.html
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Southeastern USA Whitewater Championships - Aug 14
August 14th - Nantahala River - Southeasterns
Race Results: http://www.usawildwater.com/news/2010/100816_Southeasterns.html
Video: http://community.gapaddle.com/_Southeasterns-Pattons-racing-boats/video/1248900/65179.html
The Southeasterns were an absolute blast. We had something like 85 participants that started in 4 waves with the composite Wildwater boats all starting in the last wave. Between squeezing through the raft traffic and passing about 75 other competitors, it was a really exciting race in terms of staying focused and jumping on secondary lines on the fly.
All and all it was probably my best race this year. Why? It's the first race (or hard workout for that matter) this year where my shoulder did not hurt and I felt fully up to the task. Apparently going at a distance pace is just what the doctor ordered and this showed up in the results too. I know the Lord has blessed me by allowing me to continue to participate in the sport I love, and it's great to feel like I got to go full speed.
In spite of the raft and boat dodging and relatively low water, I turned out a relatively fast time of 53:38 and was only 13% behind Chris Hipgrave in the winning K-1(versus a hull speed handicap of 15%). I was the first canoe of any kind by a mile and won my dozenth Charlie Patton award. It was a nice feeling to finish as the 4th boat overall and most importantly, I beat Bern Collins (who I was right behind and passed when he guessed wrong on which way to go around raft traffic) to win the "Beer Cup" award. I was also thrilled to see Colton Popp finish just 3 minutes behind me to take 2nd in the canoes.
It was great to see so many folks there. Congrats to the NOC and the GCA for putting this togehter and to everyone who participated.
Race Results: http://www.usawildwater.com/news/2010/100816_Southeasterns.html
Video: http://community.gapaddle.com/_Southeasterns-Pattons-racing-boats/video/1248900/65179.html
The Southeasterns were an absolute blast. We had something like 85 participants that started in 4 waves with the composite Wildwater boats all starting in the last wave. Between squeezing through the raft traffic and passing about 75 other competitors, it was a really exciting race in terms of staying focused and jumping on secondary lines on the fly.
All and all it was probably my best race this year. Why? It's the first race (or hard workout for that matter) this year where my shoulder did not hurt and I felt fully up to the task. Apparently going at a distance pace is just what the doctor ordered and this showed up in the results too. I know the Lord has blessed me by allowing me to continue to participate in the sport I love, and it's great to feel like I got to go full speed.
In spite of the raft and boat dodging and relatively low water, I turned out a relatively fast time of 53:38 and was only 13% behind Chris Hipgrave in the winning K-1(versus a hull speed handicap of 15%). I was the first canoe of any kind by a mile and won my dozenth Charlie Patton award. It was a nice feeling to finish as the 4th boat overall and most importantly, I beat Bern Collins (who I was right behind and passed when he guessed wrong on which way to go around raft traffic) to win the "Beer Cup" award. I was also thrilled to see Colton Popp finish just 3 minutes behind me to take 2nd in the canoes.
It was great to see so many folks there. Congrats to the NOC and the GCA for putting this togehter and to everyone who participated.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
USA Wildwater Nationals & Team Trials – 7/31-8/1
USA Wildwater Nationals & Team Trials – 7/31-8/1
Skagit River/Northern Cascades WA
Race Results at: http://www.usawildwater.com/news/2010/100803_US_Nationals_Final.html
WOW, this year's combined Nationals/Team Trials reminded me why I first got into the sport of wildwater/downriver nearly 30 years ago. The Northern Cascades are some of the most pristine mountains on the planet, and the Skagit River was a perfect venue.
And of course, since the race was in such a wonderful setting, Lynn and I turned it into an outdoor adventure. Our USA Nationals/Team Trials were an incredibly well run
event. Tom Weir and the event organizers had all sorts of neat extras that they had done for the race, from boat stickers to tote bags. Sure, the turnout was lower than it would have been if the event had been held in CO, the SE or the Mid-Atlantic, but I think the “no shows” just blew it by not coming. I personally loved the venue and hope to race their again soon.
The water of the Skagit is aqua-green from the glacier melt and crystal clear and the scenery from the river is spectacular. I even saw a bald eagle fly over on one of my practice runs. And the last 3 minutes of the “classic” distance race course (and where we held our sprints) as were very challenging.
What I loved about this incredibly challenging rapid was that it was really safe (and as a result AW holds it to a Class III ranking). In spite of the relative safety, we had racers refuse to run it after they saw just how big it was in person.
Overall, on a personal level I was very pleased with my continued progress. Shucks, I’m thinking most guys in my shoes would have quit paddling by now, and would have certainly given up wildwater. To have my bicep tendon tear loose this spring when I tried to train up, after having gone through extensive shoulder surgery and rehab last year, was a huge ordeal. Candidly, I look forward to the day when I no longer have pain when I paddle and when I can lay it all on the line without thinking about the consequences of a mishap. As a result, my wildwater training has been limited to nothing bigger than the Nanty so far this year.
So I stuck to very conservative race strategy/lines in the S-bend rapid. I did not want to have to try and roll and/or put myself in an awkward situation. I also elected to race a more stable boat, the “No Name” instead of a faster, lighter Bala. This may have caused me to drop a place in the “classic” distance race but did not affect my overall standings.
In the Sprint Races on Saturday, Jack Ditty bested Tom Weir to earn the title of Sprint National Champion in C-1. I was happy with my solid but conservative effort had earned me a spot on the podium.
Sunday’s “Classic” distance race was truly exciting. While my whitewater skills were not 100%. I am pretty fit at distance events. So I felt like Tom would win the race, but I also felt like that Jack Ditty (who had won the Sprints), Andy Bridge (former World Cup Champion) and myself were all in a cat fight for second. My instincts were correct and I won my second medal of the weekend. Tom won the “classic” race and I was 5 seconds behind Andy and 10 in front of Jack.
Perhaps the most exciting thing I did for the weekend was to jump in a C-2 with Mike Harris. The good news is that Mike is a much better C-2 racer than some folks give him credit for. Mike is so easy to communicate with. He understands C-2 speak and has a great feel for what to do in the boat. He is one of just a few folks on the planet that I would jump into a C-2 with on a river like the Skagit or the Deerfield (like we did in 2008). The bad news is the outfitting in the boat we borrowed was horrible because the pedestals were ridiculously high. Fortunately Mike had figured out that we could peal back the top inch which helped make the boat slightly more stable. That was a good thing since we put in just above the starter and were off to the races! Mike’s timing for his strokes in the bow were perfect and we executed our lines quite well.
So while my strategy this year was quite conservative (because of the rehab), I am really FIRED UP about racing again!!!! And it was really a hoot to get to race at such a cool venue and get to bring home 5 medals for my efforts.
But this was also an outdoor adventure for Lynn and me too. The Upper Cascades are truly some of the most spectacular mountains that God has created.
The “Thunder Knob” trail was one of our favorite. I sported views of Glaciers as well as Diablo Lake.
Diablo Lake, with it aqua-green water, is just nothing less than spectacular. The pictures don’t do it justice.
Rainey Lake (which Lynn knick-name mosquito lake) was beautiful but had some of the hungriest mosquitoes we have ever encountered. It was a quick in/out with the camera.
The park ranger had told us that the Blue Lake Trail was her favorite hike in the entire region. It turned out to be our favorite too. The scenery was nothing short of spectacular coming and going. Blue Lake was crystal clear blue and gorgeous.
I was also reminded what I love about Washington and the PNW.
There are few spots on earth where you have spectacular mountains and the ocean too. If you’ve never been there, the San Juan Islands are very cool.
Lynn and I took the opportunity to go to Friday Harbor, bike San Juan Island, and do a little sea kayaking. Along the way we saw some incredible sights and Orca too!
Skagit River/Northern Cascades WA
Race Results at: http://www.usawildwater.com/news/2010/100803_US_Nationals_Final.html
WOW, this year's combined Nationals/Team Trials reminded me why I first got into the sport of wildwater/downriver nearly 30 years ago. The Northern Cascades are some of the most pristine mountains on the planet, and the Skagit River was a perfect venue.
And of course, since the race was in such a wonderful setting, Lynn and I turned it into an outdoor adventure. Our USA Nationals/Team Trials were an incredibly well run
event. Tom Weir and the event organizers had all sorts of neat extras that they had done for the race, from boat stickers to tote bags. Sure, the turnout was lower than it would have been if the event had been held in CO, the SE or the Mid-Atlantic, but I think the “no shows” just blew it by not coming. I personally loved the venue and hope to race their again soon. 
The water of the Skagit is aqua-green from the glacier melt and crystal clear and the scenery from the river is spectacular. I even saw a bald eagle fly over on one of my practice runs. And the last 3 minutes of the “classic” distance race course (and where we held our sprints) as were very challenging.
What I loved about this incredibly challenging rapid was that it was really safe (and as a result AW holds it to a Class III ranking). In spite of the relative safety, we had racers refuse to run it after they saw just how big it was in person.
Overall, on a personal level I was very pleased with my continued progress. Shucks, I’m thinking most guys in my shoes would have quit paddling by now, and would have certainly given up wildwater. To have my bicep tendon tear loose this spring when I tried to train up, after having gone through extensive shoulder surgery and rehab last year, was a huge ordeal. Candidly, I look forward to the day when I no longer have pain when I paddle and when I can lay it all on the line without thinking about the consequences of a mishap. As a result, my wildwater training has been limited to nothing bigger than the Nanty so far this year.
So I stuck to very conservative race strategy/lines in the S-bend rapid. I did not want to have to try and roll and/or put myself in an awkward situation. I also elected to race a more stable boat, the “No Name” instead of a faster, lighter Bala. This may have caused me to drop a place in the “classic” distance race but did not affect my overall standings.
In the Sprint Races on Saturday, Jack Ditty bested Tom Weir to earn the title of Sprint National Champion in C-1. I was happy with my solid but conservative effort had earned me a spot on the podium.
Sunday’s “Classic” distance race was truly exciting. While my whitewater skills were not 100%. I am pretty fit at distance events. So I felt like Tom would win the race, but I also felt like that Jack Ditty (who had won the Sprints), Andy Bridge (former World Cup Champion) and myself were all in a cat fight for second. My instincts were correct and I won my second medal of the weekend. Tom won the “classic” race and I was 5 seconds behind Andy and 10 in front of Jack.
Perhaps the most exciting thing I did for the weekend was to jump in a C-2 with Mike Harris. The good news is that Mike is a much better C-2 racer than some folks give him credit for. Mike is so easy to communicate with. He understands C-2 speak and has a great feel for what to do in the boat. He is one of just a few folks on the planet that I would jump into a C-2 with on a river like the Skagit or the Deerfield (like we did in 2008). The bad news is the outfitting in the boat we borrowed was horrible because the pedestals were ridiculously high. Fortunately Mike had figured out that we could peal back the top inch which helped make the boat slightly more stable. That was a good thing since we put in just above the starter and were off to the races! Mike’s timing for his strokes in the bow were perfect and we executed our lines quite well.
So while my strategy this year was quite conservative (because of the rehab), I am really FIRED UP about racing again!!!! And it was really a hoot to get to race at such a cool venue and get to bring home 5 medals for my efforts.
But this was also an outdoor adventure for Lynn and me too. The Upper Cascades are truly some of the most spectacular mountains that God has created.
The “Thunder Knob” trail was one of our favorite. I sported views of Glaciers as well as Diablo Lake.
Diablo Lake, with it aqua-green water, is just nothing less than spectacular. The pictures don’t do it justice.
Rainey Lake (which Lynn knick-name mosquito lake) was beautiful but had some of the hungriest mosquitoes we have ever encountered. It was a quick in/out with the camera.
The park ranger had told us that the Blue Lake Trail was her favorite hike in the entire region. It turned out to be our favorite too. The scenery was nothing short of spectacular coming and going. Blue Lake was crystal clear blue and gorgeous.
I was also reminded what I love about Washington and the PNW.
There are few spots on earth where you have spectacular mountains and the ocean too. If you’ve never been there, the San Juan Islands are very cool. Lynn and I took the opportunity to go to Friday Harbor, bike San Juan Island, and do a little sea kayaking. Along the way we saw some incredible sights and Orca too!
Monday, June 14, 2010
Back to the Hooch Race 6-12-10
In April and May I started training hard only to have to go through a whole series of issues with my shoulder. It was hard to take after everything I have been through over the last year (see blog string). It was a key reason that I did not go to Sort Spain this year for the World Wildwater Championships .
I'm thrilled to have resolved my shoulder issues. The bottom line is that I tore my bicep tendon loose. It just did not stay attached from the surgery last July. While sore and tender, an MRI confirmed that the rotator cuff was in tact. My doc and my therapist (and my friends in the know like Terry Smith) feel like I don't need to re-attach it. So I am going to be another Bret Farve and play on.
With that in mind I went back to training very carefully but at an athletic level. And I took advantage of the local races in my area like the 8th Annual Back to the Hooch race that has about 400 entries. It was a lot of fun.
The results are at: ttp://www.chattahoochee.org/downloads/2010-timesbycategory.pdf
We were 3rd overall. The overall finish order was:
- K-1 Multisport - Dean
- K-1 WW - Rob
- OC-2 Marathon - Martin/John
- C-2 mixed - Melanie/Allen (who also won best costume for their Tom Sawyer/Huck Finn outfits) and in my opinion turned out the best performance of boats.
Here's Martin's version of our "race report":
"Dean, Rob, Bill, Carl - I believe that was the entire ACC fleet for the k-1 race.
Very few comments, as they were all ahead of us. I believe we were passing under Roswell Road headed downstream about the time they were passing under headed upstream. We did barely catch Bill, and he had a few choice words for us. We tried to take a stroke off his bow, but he was too crafty for us and swung wide as we approached.
Huck & Tom (I mean Allen & Melanie) and John & I were the the other ACC racers, both in OC2. Larry ran it of course, and did a superb job.
John & I did our best to keep Huck & Tom in sight most of the way down. We lost them a couple of times in the fog. We'd gain a boat length, lose a boat length.
Thank gosh for the shoals. They slowed down considerably as we approached Bill's house, and then when we got to the big island, we were able to sneak up right on their tail.
Chased them all the way through the shoals, left of the small island where all the current runs, down past the tennis courts.
With 400 in sight (in theory, as it was still foggy), they swung right and we swung left. I don't think the right side is faster at any level, and we proved it that day by edging them out just above 400 bridge.
Then it was the race experience that won the day. They tried time and again to 'hup!" climb out wake, but we'd speed up just enough to keep them back. You could hear Huck "hup!" then about 10 seconds later another "hup!" as they switched sides. That got to be really frigging annoying!!!! Why we didn't just drop your sorry rearends by 2 minutes I don't know! I prefer silence when I race, so guys, please take note.
We rounded the Island at the normal parking lot maybe one length apart, then raced to grab the eddy line next to river right shore. Fortunately Tom & Huck stayed out in the current on our right as we headed back upstream to Roswell Road. As we approached the first dock upstream of our normal putin, we yelled at the fishermen on the dock to watch their lines We headed right next to the dock which is the fastest line (and we needed the fastest line).
These two bozos watched us with no interest until we were just downstream of the dock then started waving us away. I saw the lines in the water right as we hit them. We carried two lines with us upstream for about 10 yards until we literally stopped and backpedaled to drop them off our bow.
John had a few choice words for the idiots on the dock, and I'll let him repeat those for you in person.
At this point, Tom & Huck were about 3 boat lengths ahead and not showing any fatigue. So since we had a small rest in removing the lines, John called a sprint.
About 30-40 strokes per side all the way to the finish. I know how hard we went because I think I pulled muscles in both shoulders & abs. I was extremely sore after the race!
We managed to catch up to the Huck & Tom just below Roswell Rd bridge, and sucked eddy current to stay ahead of them by about 1 boat length at the finish.
Lots of cheering going on on the sidelines, and one of the few neck-and-neck finishes of the day most likely.
Wore my poor old tired ass out, but FUN!
Thank goodness for carbon fibre vs wood strip, and for lycra vs denim!!!
And of course, being in a borrowed boat, we didn't care how hard we hit the rocks so that allowed us to keep stress levels down and spirits high! But of course, we'll never tell Evelyn that. If she asks, make sure everyone tells her how much we babied it! And we did wash it out at the end (phew! so glad we didn't have to cover that smell with a sprayskirt.)
We took our beer quota and headed to the dock!"
Martin
Monday, March 29, 2010
Team Trials March 27-28 (I am back)
Our Team Trials were a blast. It was pure joy to be back racing. Chris Hipgrave and the NOC/NRC always run a great race and this year was no exception.
Tom Wier is “the one to watch” at this years World Championship in Sort Spain. Tom continues to get faster. JP Bevilaqua has also improved by an incredible amount. I’m hopeful he will make it to the Worlds. For the complete results, see the link at:
http://www.usawildwater.com/news/2010/2010-US-Open.pdf
Overall I was very happy with my results at Team Trials. Just to be able to compete at the national level after my total shoulder blowout last May, and then surgery, recovery and the whole rehab process in 8 months is a God-send.
The challenge for me is that much of my training over the past year was not specific to wildwater or was at a lower intensity. The net result is that I have dropped about 3-5% in speed vs where I was in 2006. The other challenge is that I am not sure just how hard I can train or if I am Ocoee ready (and not hurt my every progressing shoulder).
I think the proper perspective for me is that I’m back to within 95-97% of where I was. How neat is that!!!!
I’ll take a few more days and pontificate going to the Sort Worlds. For me, I don’t know that it’s worth it given the fact that I likely won’t be 100%. In any case, I’ve met my athletic goal for 2010….by the grace of God, a great surgeon, rehab and hard work… I am back!!!
Tom Wier is “the one to watch” at this years World Championship in Sort Spain. Tom continues to get faster. JP Bevilaqua has also improved by an incredible amount. I’m hopeful he will make it to the Worlds. For the complete results, see the link at:
http://www.usawildwater.com/news/2010/2010-US-Open.pdf
Overall I was very happy with my results at Team Trials. Just to be able to compete at the national level after my total shoulder blowout last May, and then surgery, recovery and the whole rehab process in 8 months is a God-send.
The challenge for me is that much of my training over the past year was not specific to wildwater or was at a lower intensity. The net result is that I have dropped about 3-5% in speed vs where I was in 2006. The other challenge is that I am not sure just how hard I can train or if I am Ocoee ready (and not hurt my every progressing shoulder).
I think the proper perspective for me is that I’m back to within 95-97% of where I was. How neat is that!!!!
I’ll take a few more days and pontificate going to the Sort Worlds. For me, I don’t know that it’s worth it given the fact that I likely won’t be 100%. In any case, I’ve met my athletic goal for 2010….by the grace of God, a great surgeon, rehab and hard work… I am back!!!
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Making Progress - Glacier Breaker
The Glacier Breaker Race and Training Camp was a great early season test. It was great to race and train with my friends on the Nanty!!!!!
WOW, what a difference a few more weeks of training and getting back in the boat makes. While my shoulder is still rather tender at times, and does not respond well to erratic movements, it is becoming increasingly functional and as a result I am closing the gap fairly quickly on getting back to where I was in 2006-2008. It will be intersting to see how well I can do at Team Trials.
While I still want to do much more both on and off the water, the exciting news for me is that I’ve pulled within 3-5% of where I normally am this time of year. Here are the results: http://www.usawildwater.com/news/2010/100227_Glacier_Breaker.htm
WOW, what a difference a few more weeks of training and getting back in the boat makes. While my shoulder is still rather tender at times, and does not respond well to erratic movements, it is becoming increasingly functional and as a result I am closing the gap fairly quickly on getting back to where I was in 2006-2008. It will be intersting to see how well I can do at Team Trials.
While I still want to do much more both on and off the water, the exciting news for me is that I’ve pulled within 3-5% of where I normally am this time of year. Here are the results: http://www.usawildwater.com/news/2010/100227_Glacier_Breaker.htm
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Pushing up my TIB (Time in Boat)
The Chute the Hooch Training Camp went really well overall. Here's a link:
http://www.usawildwater.com/news/2010/100125_Chute_the_Hooch.htm
On the surface, my results were very solid. But for me, the writing is on the wall. I'm experiencing the same challenges as everyone else I have observed that had shoulder surgery and is coming through rehab. My stroke is a half foot shorter on the front end when I'm on my left (rehabbing) side and I'm tippy in the boat. Even worse for me, I'm shaky in whitewater.
Time In the Boat will will tell how soon and how far I will get this year. The next test is the Glacier Breaker on the Nanty (last weekend in Feb)
Saturday, December 12, 2009
My Rotator Cuff Recovery is Going Well and I am Getting Stronger!!!
In spite of starting out with a complete blowout, my rotator cuff recovery is going very well and I am now back to working out on a regular basis. While I’ve got a two-three more months of hard work at my rehab before I get back on whitewater, I have all of my flexibility back and I am getting stronger every week. I’m back to working out 5-6 days a week and a couple of them are now on flatwater.
As a result of my progress, I’m looking forward to racing in 2010 (although it’s too early to decide on the World Championships)! The season opener is the “Chute the Hooch Training Camp on Jan 23-24 and I will be ready for it! http://www.usawildwater.com/news/2009/091101_Chute_the_Hooch.htm
There’s no secret to my successful and speedy recovery. I followed the same basic guidelines that other successful surgery/rehab patients have done:
- Choose a Great Sports Medicine Doctor: For me, the choice was easy. I chose Dr. Craig Weil because he is an excellent orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine doctor. But there were two other reasons that I felt were important. I wanted to use someone I knew so I would get the attention I wanted, and someone that was conveniently located for me. http://arthroscopy.net/sp03000.htm
- Choose a Great Rehab Center: Again, this was an easy choice for me. Having worked with Marcus Hutchison on rehabbing my other shoulder in 2003, I choose the Atlanta Falcons Physical Therapy Center (in East Cobb). In addition to being a real expert, Marcus had just the right mixture of holding me back early on and encouraging me to work hard as I got stronger. http://www.atlantafalconsptc.com/
- Use technology to help you: Besides being a great surgeon, Dr Weil is up on the latest technology and prescribed the Kinex Phase One Rehab integrated shoulder motion chair. I spent 4+ hours a day in the motion chair for the first 3 weeks after surgery which prevented scar tissue from forming and promoted blood flow and healing. In addition, because I used the chair, I was not afraid to move my arm and had a good benchmark for what constituted a normal level of discomfort. I also found the local ATL distributor to be easy to work with and to be very likeable http://www.kinexmedical.com/
- Do exactly what you are told to do for the first 8-10 weeks….. nothing more, nothing less. Perhaps the hardest part for me was taking it easy for the first 2+ months.
- Once you are given the green light to start light strengthening, treat your rehab like you do your training and go for it!!!
Please feel free to let me know if I can help you with any questions you might have.
Monday, November 9, 2009
I am Back In the Boat (if you can call it that)
Well I did it... I paddled a K-1 wildwater boat on flatwater for 30 minutes and it was not all that bad. I was fine the next day too!
Since he has been through the same kind of thing, Larry Castillo was kind enough to call me ahead of time with his thoughts on "watch outs".... and they were spot on. As he and I predicted, the hardest part was getting in and out of the boat!!!! WW K-1's are tough to get in/out of especially if you are trying to avoid putting pressure you your shoulders!
My thoughts are:
- I figure I have to crawl before I walk, and walk before I run. Yep this is a crawl.
- GEE, who made these WW boats so durn tippy? For the first couple of minutes I was happy I wore my life jacket on flatwater if that tells you anything. By the end of the workout I felt pretty good about it.
- Marizio's Esox is way to small for me. If I am going to paddle it, I at least need to rip out the thigh braces.
- I will try C-1 next (because it will be easier to get in/out of). I should probably start with something more stable like a Tip Top.
- I'm going to start off slow/easy and only add 5 minutes per workout
- I'm going to start doing this 2x/week as part of my therapy.
- I have had wonderful advice/care from the Atlanta Falcons Physical Therapy Center (Marcus Hutchinson) and as a result I am already getting start messing around in boats again.
Stay Tuned.
Since he has been through the same kind of thing, Larry Castillo was kind enough to call me ahead of time with his thoughts on "watch outs".... and they were spot on. As he and I predicted, the hardest part was getting in and out of the boat!!!! WW K-1's are tough to get in/out of especially if you are trying to avoid putting pressure you your shoulders!
My thoughts are:
- I figure I have to crawl before I walk, and walk before I run. Yep this is a crawl.
- GEE, who made these WW boats so durn tippy? For the first couple of minutes I was happy I wore my life jacket on flatwater if that tells you anything. By the end of the workout I felt pretty good about it.
- Marizio's Esox is way to small for me. If I am going to paddle it, I at least need to rip out the thigh braces.
- I will try C-1 next (because it will be easier to get in/out of). I should probably start with something more stable like a Tip Top.
- I'm going to start off slow/easy and only add 5 minutes per workout
- I'm going to start doing this 2x/week as part of my therapy.
- I have had wonderful advice/care from the Atlanta Falcons Physical Therapy Center (Marcus Hutchinson) and as a result I am already getting start messing around in boats again.
Stay Tuned.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Feeling Stronger
To quote the theme song from “Rocky”, I am really feeling stronger. My appointment with Dr Weil on Oct 22nd went very well. I am now strong enough (thanks to the help of Marcus Hutchinson at the Atlanta Falcons Physical Therapy Center) that I don't need therapy, I just need to to do self workouts.
I am well on my way to being back on flatwater by Thanksgiving!!!!!!
I am well on my way to being back on flatwater by Thanksgiving!!!!!!
Monday, September 7, 2009
Things are Starting to Look Promising !!!!
My six week post surgery check up on Sept 3rd with Dr Weil went very well overall. While I have been working hard at therapy, I have been careful not to injure myself. The 2-3 times where I have overdone it since surgery were apparently just painful reminders to tone it down a notch.
The scary part is that I did see a deep look of concern on Dr. Weil’s face when he was flipping back through my surgery photos. He said “just seeing the pictures reminded him of how bad my shoulder was (before surgery) and gave him the willies”.
As a result, Dr Weil and his head is head nurse really stressed to me just how important it is to continue to be extremely careful at this point in my recovery. I have 3 more weeks of flexibility therapy left before I can start light strengthening. Also they warned me “not to even think about touching any weights” for another 3 weeks.
But I know from talking to other patients and the therapists that I’m doing quite well overall. The good news is that my range of mobility is coming back fast. By the end of the appointment, Dr. Weil used words like “awesome” and “incredible” to describe my progress.
The Atlanta Falcons Physical Therapy Center has taken the great work that Dr Weil did and have really helped me progress. Marcus Hutchinson (at the E. Cobb branch) is world class and I have known him since he helped me rehab a dislocated (right) shoulder after the 2003 World Cups. Of course, everyone on the Falcons staff is incredibly qualified and I am thrilled to have them coaching me through this. www.atlantafalconsptc.com
It looks like I will be able to reach my goal of being back on flatwater by Christmas.
The scary part is that I did see a deep look of concern on Dr. Weil’s face when he was flipping back through my surgery photos. He said “just seeing the pictures reminded him of how bad my shoulder was (before surgery) and gave him the willies”.
As a result, Dr Weil and his head is head nurse really stressed to me just how important it is to continue to be extremely careful at this point in my recovery. I have 3 more weeks of flexibility therapy left before I can start light strengthening. Also they warned me “not to even think about touching any weights” for another 3 weeks.
But I know from talking to other patients and the therapists that I’m doing quite well overall. The good news is that my range of mobility is coming back fast. By the end of the appointment, Dr. Weil used words like “awesome” and “incredible” to describe my progress.
The Atlanta Falcons Physical Therapy Center has taken the great work that Dr Weil did and have really helped me progress. Marcus Hutchinson (at the E. Cobb branch) is world class and I have known him since he helped me rehab a dislocated (right) shoulder after the 2003 World Cups. Of course, everyone on the Falcons staff is incredibly qualified and I am thrilled to have them coaching me through this. www.atlantafalconsptc.com
It looks like I will be able to reach my goal of being back on flatwater by Christmas.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)