Issue 2, July 2003
Pounders Roll On
While many Perth club members drift into winter hibernation in footie and netball colosseums, a hardcore group of Pounder fanatics continue to brave the elements. Two big events have dominated the Pounders calendar - the Bridge to Bridge (Fremantle to Narrows) and the Garret Bridge to Sandalford race. These were both organised by Canoe WA who have been a great supporter of Pounders by providing skis on Saturday through the summer.
The Pounders culture continues to evolve. The enjoyment of a paddle and appreciation of the environs has been supplemented with a drive by some Pounders toward fitness and competitiveness. There are rumours (not confirmed) that Pounders pounds are being shed. Most importantly, Pounders has offered an outlet for involvement, friendship and fun in the club for Mums and Dads of nippers and cadets in the club who have previously thrown their energies exclusively into their children and volunteer activities. It is also a training nursery for all club members looking to get exposure to surf skis.
In the autumn and winter months the Pounder stage has been the Swan River. Paddling has been great in the pristine waters. Rosie, Mike, Anthony, Ken, Sue, Annie and Kevin have also ventured to East Perth to the training grounds of the clubs elite - Ashley Nisbett and the "boys" who are preparing for the Avon descent. Their technique tips have been great, but their conditioning borders on the sadistic.
The Bridge to Bridge was a 12km event with Kevin Cropper and Paul O'Dwyer distinguishing themselves with a 2nd and 3rd respectively in the Novice section. In the 18km Garret Bridge to Sandalford the clubs elite (non Pounder) team took out second in the Corporate relay but the individual times for Pounders continue to improve at a frightening rate (articles to follow).
Assault On Secret Harbour
Secret H, and no expense was spared to mount a successful campaign.
Pounder 1st Lieutenant Kevin Cropper had conducted a S.A.S. (Surf And Sand) reconaissance and reported: "Long banks and smooth rides"
The Pounder Gang
Brilliant surf conditions greeted the Pounders at Secret Harbour, but a shrapnel of boards and boogies littered the ocean.
A carefully designed game plan was executed as Ken barked the order: "Let's hit it!"
Carnage erupted. The elite - Jim, Ken and Jane - took up a strategic post on their fibreglass skis 50 metres beyond the break, entering the fray with precision raids.
John, Ken and Mike conducted cluster bombing raids with skis smashing into sandbanks and indiscriminately cleaning up anyone in their path.
Firefight spats broke out between skis and boards as the skis won territory.
Kevin tried an advanced Pounders technique of waiting for the biggest waves to break before turning to catch them and was belted!
Then disaster - Paul was smashed by a "king wave" onto a shallow sandbank - a victim of friendly fire. Combatants trying their best to prop up weary bodies, but a great morning. Thanks to Ken and Kevin for their brilliantly conducted battle plan.
Bridge to Bridge (4th May 2003)
The hardy winter Pounders participated in the Canoe Association Bridge to Bridge from Freo to the narrows. True to form the wind swung to a steady North Easterly smack in the face of the paddlers. This was no deterrent to our paddlers as they shed their tea-shirts to reveal their once six-pack torsos had transformed into crates.
Starters instructions and most Pounders were first away in the novice group. Kevin (I'm the man) Cropper was off to a flier leading the field to the Point Walter sand bar but on arriving showed some concern stating "I was hoping someone would catch me to show me the way home."
Paul Dwyer on a plastic ski showed consistent form to be in the lead pack.
Rosie started well but was "blown away" by the wind, and difficulty in finding "some nice guys her own age to talk to."
Ken missed the start badly, taking a long time to find turbo in his "Ferrari" of surf skis, then blasted his way through the field with dubious "sledging" tactics (such as "get going you grey haired old b--------")
Mike spent the race watching a passing parade of skis hammer past and figuring out excuses for a lack luster perfomance - wind and water conditions, old ski, hangover, sledgers etc.
Anthony was strong throughout the race and John looked to have strong karma as he crossed the line with ease.
The story of the day belonged to Liam and Mike who flew through the field on a double ski only to break their rudder cable. With true grit they steered the ski with their hands only to find the vessel sinking in the middle of the Swan. With the aid of some colourful metaphors, they made it back but did not figure in the placings
In the final analysis the event again shows the tremendous improvement in Pounders paddling abilities. Kevin Cropper was second, and Paul Dwyer third in the Novice section and all Pounders completed the 13km course in between 1 hour 20 minutes and 1 hour 35 minutes.
Garrett Bridge to Sandalford (25th May 2003)
Thirteen pounders assembled for the 18km Garrett Bridge to Sandalford race - relay teams in the men's and women's Corporate event and 5 competitors in the individual event. This was a remarkable turnout on the cusp of autumn/winter and shows a dedication and enthusiasm of many in a newly adopted sport.
The Corporate teams were away first. As the starter barked instructions Hoppy (elite City) gave plenty of advice to rookie Rosie Langdale (girls team) on exactly where the start line was situated as she looked for a "flier." Starter gun and a flurry of paddles got them away. The elite City team (Ash, Hoppy, Donkey, and Travis) quickly blasted out of the frame and fought battle royal all day with Scarborough to finish a close second overall - their time 1hour 19minutes!
Rod King in the men's team worked beautifully to team instructions to finish "at least 1 minute behind Rosie so skis could be swapped at the next leg." As the pack sorted out team duels developed the City Pounders girls team with Triggs girls and the men's Pounder team with hangovers and winter love handles. The girls team with 2 Under 16's and 2 +40's combined for a strong paddle.
The next to start were individuals on long plastic and fibre skis. Pounders jockied for position on different parts of starting line primitively guarding their space. The once social and friendly Pounders atmosphere of "taking care of your mates" was now superceded with a steely eyed resolve to compete hard and not give any sucker an even chance.
Ken Richards finished fourth and Mike Langdale fifth in +45's skis. Ken demonstrated the benefit of hard work and investment in new ski and home gym was also the fastest Pounder to finish. Anthony Langdon was strong for 3/4's of the race but 'hit the wall' to fade in the last six kms.
In the long plastics Paul O'Dwyer maintained his outstanding form during the winter season with a top ten finish overall in the class. John Sydenham found the going tough but typically "guts it out" to finish well.
A strong Pounders performance with all teams and individuals finishing in under 2 hours. At the start of the season a paddle of 18kms would be drowned by a half dozen beers - now it's a reality the question is how much can we improve??
Pounder Results
- Individuals
- Ken Richards 1:40:35
- Mike Langdale 1:43:55
- Anthony Langdon 1:45:59
- Paul O'Dwyer 1:46:38
- John Sydenham 1:55:19
- Relay
- City of Perth (Rosie, Annie, Janelle, Sue) 1:50:29
- City Red (Matt, Jim, Rod, Brian) 1:58:52
Mike Langdale - Editor
