You can't teach an old dog new tricks. Or can you?
The City Beach Pounders, an offshoot of the City of Perth Surf Lifesaving Club, were established in November 2002 to teach beginners how to paddle racing surf skis and although initially aimed at 40+ age group (hence the Pounders slogan "old dogs new tricks") the concept has much gained much wider appeal with some members as young as 15.
In our first year of operations we were able to report that some 25 - 30 regulars went from never having paddled a surf ski to being able to enjoy a great recreation in a great location that provides great exercise. After only 3 months the Pounders had 5 teams of 4 paddlers and 3 individuals paddle in the Fremantle to Sorrento race, a 24 km event.
Our group ranges from 15 year old girls to 50+ grandfathers, to mums just wanting to have a short paddle to some serious paddlers who have progressed rapidly. Some have become involved in the surf club because the children are part of the nipper programme (8 - 14 year olds) and then they decided to learn to paddle after seeing the Club's competitive paddlers in action. Others have joined the club as associates just to be a Pounder.
The Pounders cater for all ages, all sexes and all abilities; so don't be shy as we are keen to help more people learn to paddle for fun and fitness. Our process is simple, you start on a cross trainer (very easy - you will be paddling on day one), progress to a plastic ski (a bit harder), and then to a fibreglass ski (tricky, but worth the effort).
If you haven't worked out why we are called the Pounder's think about where old dogs end up if they don't learn new tricks!
For more details contact Ken Richards.
