By Tim Altman
It's only a few weeks to go until the premier Victorian ocean
race is held. If you haven't started training, it's going to be a
long day for you, so I suggest that you take it easy on the day and
enjoy the spectacular scenery.
For those who have been paddling consistently, there are a few
things that can make a big difference. And now that we are moving
into a quieter or holiday period, a bit of last minute cramming
could be a good idea.
1. Make sure you spend as much time as
possible in the ocean. As many of those who competed in this year's
Anaconda adventure race in Lorne found out, training in the bay or
on the river will simply not suffice. The combination of ground
swell and wind swell, which more often than not move in different
directions, make the ocean a completely different environment
requiring considerable experience to master. The best teacher is
time spent in it.
2. Do at least two paddles that are as long as
you will paddle on race day - preferably on the Graeme Long race
course. If not, then wherever you can, but make sure you are
familiar with the distance.
3. Start training with a life jacket on and
using your drink system. There's nothing worse than using a life
jacket that you are not used to in the race, or having a drink
system that either does not work or you can't get easy access to
(whilst still paddling).
4. Don't consider using a craft on the day of
the race that you are not already comfortable on in rough
conditions. Stay conservative so that you don't spend most of your
time bracing or climbing back into the boat. Both are very energy
draining.
5. Or better still, if your budget allows for
this, bring two craft for different conditions; i.e. a more stable
one if it gets rough on the day or a faster, tippier one if it is
dead flat.
6. Get used to starting fast and maintaining
the pace throughout. One of the hardest things I find in ocean
races is getting used to a fast pace right from the start. In
training you often get more time to warm up and ease your way into
the paddle.
7. Warm up sufficiently prior to the race so
that you are ready to have a crack right from the start.
Have fun on the day. It is a great race on an amazing course
spanning some of the world's most beautiful coastline.
And a fantastic tribute to the man Graeme Long, who perished
whilst doing a paddle back on this course. Graeme gave an enourmous
amount to paddling and surf lifesaving in Victoria and was a ripper
bloke.
Tim Altman www.wepaddle.com.au