Well done to everyone for an outstanding effort at the Henley Winter Series!   This was the first time we've attempted anything even close to this.

Typhoon Tigers,

Well done to everyone for an outstanding effort at the Henley Winter Series!   This was the first time we've attempted anything even close to this.  Before then, the most we've paddled competitively was for 5 mins over 1km at the Nationals.   And yesterday we paddled 7km taking just under 40 mins!

The Race

There were 13 boats setting off at 45s intervals, we were the first boat to set out to kick off this year's Henley Winter Series!   From a 10-10-10 rolling start, our strategy was to paddle at 75% power with an occasional increase to maintain our lead or to catch other boats.  We managed to hold off Colenorton Dragons for a very long time as we stepped up our power in increments of 5% but we were overtaken around the 4km mark.  Determined not to be left behind, we kept on their tail and eventually drew level.   It was only in the last km that they started to pull away.  We made a last ditched effort and we began to close the gap with a phenomenal 200m+ finish!  But that wasn't to be enough as we came in at 2nd and overall 11th with a time of 39m20s.  Not bad at all for our first attempt.

See, That Wasn't So Bad!

The thought of paddling 7km was daunting to many but the feedback from the team was that everyone found it so much easier than they first thought and it certainly didn't seem like we were paddling for almost 40 mins.  In fact, our training sessions are heck of a lot tougher!

On the Boat Analysis

The stroke rate was spot on (nice one Andrew!) and everyone paced themselves well for the long paddle ahead.   But we probably saved ourselves a bit too much - as it didn't feel like we been on the water for long, we were all expecting to do a 2nd lap around the course!   Although we were supposed to be paddling at 75%, we fell short of that as we lost power and length.  However, the team responded well to calls for reach and power and the boat really picked up.  Also, I was impressed that everyone kept their cool and didn't panic when Colenorton Dragons caught us and when we caught them.   You can really see everyone becoming stronger mentally with experience.

A Learning Experience

This has been a great experience for the team to see just what we are capable of.   Who would have thought we would survive the race let alone have enough for very powerful finish at the end of a 7km!  This has shown that we all have what it takes to go the distance and the only thing that was stopping us before were ourselves mentally.  Now knowing what to expect, we know exactly how to pace ourselves for the next race.   This time we went there for the learning experience, next time we will go there to be competitive!

500m is Gonna Seem So Easy!

Remember that the purpose of winter training and racing is to give us a competitive edge at the start of next season when racing 500m.  We are normally struggle with 500m but the race yesterday was equivalent to 14x 500m back-to-back!   If we can continue to train and race the way we are doing now, 2007 will be the year of the Tiger!

Ping

P.S.   We were so close to racing without both our pacers and drummer as they were all sharing the same car which set off very late!  Whilst we were not so bright eyed nor cheery and looking like cr@p at 9am in Henley, our pacers and drummer were still in bed… not with each other… well, not all of them!  =P  Had they arrived a few minutes later, we would have had to paddle with a crew of only 15… that's if we didn't get disqualified first for not having a drummer!  Alan H, you have to stick with the timetable mate otherwise the rest of the team could found ourselves knee deep in doo-doo!

P.S.   I would like to say a huge thanks to the following people (apologies if I have missed anyone out):

Alan H            -  For sorting out transport.

Tammy           -  For agreeing to be our replacement drummer.  I hope you were tired after 7km worth of drumming!   =P

Webby            -  For helming - you gave us a lot of encouragement and you can really feel the team respond.

Chi                 -  Despite not having trained, Chi signed up to paddle at last minute when Phil I fell ill.  Thanks for being there when the team really needed you.

Hurri-phoons    -  (Ed, Dhana, Yong-Sum, Helen, Nilesh)  Thank you for being honorary Typhoons for the day - we couldn't have done it without you.   But don't forget to miss Ed out on your Hurri-phoons huddles otherwise he might throw another strop!  =P

Thames           -  For lending us buoyancy aids.

 

P.S.   We did have a few last minute drop outs but don't feel bad as we understand it was for reasons out of your control and we know you would have been there for the team otherwise:

 

John L             -  I hope you managed to sort out your car window and I hope your insurance covers the loss of your sat nav.

Phil I               -  I hope you are feeling better.  Even though you weren't there on the day you helped us by persuading Chi to paddle instead!   Thanks mate.