31st December 2002
Welcome!
Welcome to the first ever Pounders newsletter. I am not sure how often or how regularly they will appear, but its foul outside, some rain and I'm watching the cricket as I write. Who said men can't do two things at once?
The name of the newsletter is open to debate and any suggestions from our very lateral thinking pounders will be well received. I have chosen to name this issue the "Doghouse" but whether that sticks is problematical.
As I wrote in the club newsletter the City Beach Pounders are flourishing. Not that we had any objectives when we started other than learning some new tricks and having fun, but the successful launched of the Pounders has exceeded all expectations.
Since our "birth" in excess of 40 members have come and had a paddle, with probably 20 or so very keen participants. The club has also been very supportive and we have had guest coaching appearances from paddling legends Ken Tomczak, Mark Stewart (with Jack) and Kate Forgione. Jane Scott has also been fantastic sharing her extensive paddling knowledge with everyone.
One of the huge successes we have had is the range of ages to which the Pounders appeal has spread. We start at 14 (although we regularly have younger kids down with their parents) to over 50 (no names mentioned here).
The other success we have had is the progression of the pounders through the skis from cross trainer, to the plastic Spirit and then on to fibreglass. Conditions have varied greatly with great paddling conditions up to Boxing Day and then tough conditions on the weekend (28th/29th). These tough conditions tested some of the Pounders that fronted on Saturday morning weekend but for others it was a challenge. Hard nuts like Anthony Langdon were back for more on the Sunday.
Armstrong walked on the moon but will he Pound?
Club luminaries are flocking to be counted amongst the Pounders. Apart from Jane Scott, the Club Administrator, who is a regular Pounder, we have had club President Paul Andrew make an appearance to show off his paddling skills. Life member John "Garbo" Leivers has also paddled after making speeches to our club team and helping out the girls boat crew. Garbo was happy to see that the 70's style paddle was still available.
I also had a chat with Dave Armstrong (not Neil), Surf Lifesaving WA General Manager and Club Newsletter Editor at the beach the other day and he indicated that after reading about the Pounders, he was keen to come and have a pound one morning. After Presidents, Life members and the hierarchy of surf in WA pounding who will be next? Come on down Guy Leach.
Bunbury Masters Carnival
The Masters Bunbury, Saturday the 4th January 2003 will be the first Pounder appearance in a surf carnival. It looks like we will have several entrants in the men's, ladies and mixed double ski event with great rivalry already emerging in the mixed event. Rumour has it that a bottle of wine is at stake in the great Pounders shoot out between Cropper/Wynne and Richards/Stock.
The Kevin Cropper/ Annie Wynne combination paddled the double down to Cottesloe on Saturday as a training run with Annie having $10 for coffee firmly placed in her bathers somewhere appropriate. Rick Turner thought the training approach novel but doubted if the younger squad will take it up.
Also on the Saturday is a 8 km ocean paddle so the could be some very tired Pounders Saturday night enjoying a very quiet beer.
Men's Health Fremantle to Sorrento paddle
The teams are starting to take shape for the 24 Km Men's Health Fremantle to Sorrento paddle on February 1st 2003. At this stage it looks like we will have 3 possibly 4 teams in the event with possibly two singles and a double paddling the full distance. Any one keen on paddling should contact Ken as soon as possible. There are some logistic issues with skis given the shortage of Spirits.
Check out the details on www.menshealthoceanracing.com.au.
Equipment
We are very grateful to the support of the WA Canoe Association for the loan of their trailer of cross trainers every Saturday morning. Club gear is extremely limited but the club is hoping to acquire another Spirit Plastic ski for general use from Coka a Cola sponsorship.
We have also obtained 4 Hayden skis two of which are shorter leg length and two of which are longer leg length. To help pay for these we looking for 4 people to donate $500 to the club which is tax deductible. These skis will then be available for general club use and your donation will help provide skis for our up and coming paddler to practice on. Obviously they will also be available for Ponder use.
Storage at Club
Sometime in January the ski storage shed will be upgraded and ski storage doubled. This is great news and thanks to Donkey and the Ski group for making the upgrade possible. Once this is completed ski storage will be available to pounders at a nominal yearly charge. Club gear and paddles should be more easily available so you can paddle at a time that suits you.
Given the much higher than expected numbers Pounding it may be necessary to become a registered pounder to have access to the locked ski shed and that may involve a small charge. Let me know your thoughts.
Pounders Gear
The number of new Pounders Tee shirts on the beach Christmas day shows how well the concept has accepted by the Club. Peta England and Jenni Sydenham both proclaimed the Pounders shirt as the biggest seller in the shop (and that's nothing to do with the number of XXXL shirts sold).
There has been a number of suggestions for other gear. Apart from the cup and stubby holder (almost mandatory) there is a suggestion for a paddling vest/rashie and a car sticker - "While you were sleeping I was pounding".
Anyone with a good concept for a cap design, all ideas are welcome.
Injury report
John Sydenham was the first to draw blood for the Pounders after a minor mishap on a wave. There is a school of though he was trying to better his wife's paddling injury, bruised inner thighs!
Yours truly got well and truly wiped going out and ended up kissing the sand bank with his soon to be blackish eye. A timely reminder to tuck the paddle parallel with the Ski and curl up small when trying to go through a wave.
William Dwyer was very strong after his fathers ski got out of control and gave him a good hit on the noggin. Brave William was very stoic and was up and running around in quick time.
Are you in "The Doghouse"?
If you want your name in print send me any photos or articles and I will publish them in the next newsletter. Send to ken@richardslyon.com. Photos should also be sent to Jeff Scott for inclusion in the Pounders section of the club website.
Future Events
None planned at this stage but any thoughts gratefully appreciated. Maybe a river paddle some time?
Paddling Times
- Saturday morning 7.00 am to 9.00 am
- Tuesday morning 6.00 am
- Thursday morning 6.00 am
- Friday afternoon 4.45 pm
Editor for now - Ken Richards 0403 385 051
