| By Pete James Water sections can provide some of the most exciting and memorable moments in adventure racing, from sea kayaking in the Atlantic Ocean in huge surf to rafting grade IV white-water. Unfortunately it can also provide some of the most mind-numbing and tedious sections. Both scenarios are challenging in their different ways: having the technique, balance and experience to paddle in big surf and white-water, or having the determination and sheer bloody-mindedness to push on when you're paddling an inflatable slug of a boat and struggling to stay awake. As usual good team work, confidence and smart thinking will help you through, but they aren't the complete answer.
It's probably true to say that canoeing and kayaking are easy to do, but hard to do well. For white-water paddling and sea kayaking, the only real solution is to get out there and do it - with some professional instruction. The good news is that this could be a really fun way to spend a weekend with your team mates and friends. If you want to get really good at endurance paddling, then the best solution is to join a canoe club with members who enjoy marathon racing, and get yourself into a racing kayak and/or canoe to train with them and learn the required skills. If you're finding paddling boring, then mastering a racing "K1" is guaranteed to keep your attention!
The Boring Bits
The boring stuff? Most race organisers have the imagination to make paddle stages fun, but if you're suffering from the Sleepmonsters, then paddling can be very soporific. Top tips are: - set your watch count-down, and try to paddle harder/easier for alternate time periods.
- Singing is another favourite (time for all those old sea shanties you learned at your father’s knee).
- Less desirable solutions include arguing with your team mates or falling asleep.
Technical Tips
Try to ensure you miss as few paddle strokes as possible by adopting a hands free drinking system, and by having your food readily to hand - ideally in a pocket of your buoyancy aid. Navigation on the water (and particularly at sea) is a huge subject in itself. As well as the usual considerations for land navigation you may be on a moving surface (ocean current or river), while also being moved around by the wind and waves. The straight line route may not be the fastest!
A few points to consider:- The fastest flow is generally around the outside of a bend in the river
- Shallow water will significantly slow your boat
- If crossing large stretches of open water look for land to shelter you from head winds and cross winds.
- When crossing Upper Lough Erne with it's myriad islands in the dark, make good use of the local charts showing the location of the numbered buoys all over the lake. (Ed. This refers to when Pete’s team lost the lead & the race at Adrenalin 2002. He’s not forgotten it …. and probably never will!)
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