Following on from an enjoyable Typhoon team dinner at Efe's Restaurant, Widnes, where Ping and Alan showcased their belly dancing talents, it's off to the Queens Docks, Liverpool, for our second BDA of the season. We arrived at 8.00am, the weather was dry but very cold. We split up into groups to help with the Batchworth boats and setting up the marquee.

We were then joined by our old pal, Aaron Thompson, and fresh face, Ben Callaghan, both from GB Juniors, who would be paddling with us for the day. Our first race of the day was not for another hour and so what better way to pass time than with a game of "who's in the bag" courtesy of Fi.

Before the first race, the mood within the camp was mixed, some were fired up, some were just waking up and some had butterflies. This was the first BDA Premier league race for some of us and my first outside of home territory, so we did not know what to expect. We just knew we had to keep our "eyes" in the boat and race our own race.

First 200m race

After loading up, we could definitely feel the right side was heavy but Captain decided to see how we would do in this race. Paddling up to the start line, there was not much time to get those muscles used to the paddling motion. With wind speed picking up, races are bound to have a quick turnaround and it showed with the "Attention, go" taking many by surprise. This may have contributed to a relatively weak start and we were playing catchup all the way. We fought our way across the finish line coming in 2nd.

Race Analysis

• The rate felt fast and perhaps good for a 200m race yet boat was still heavy
• Weight issue caused the boat to rock; the right side was heavy and couldn’t lift.
• Some people stopped paddling before crossing the line due to confusion. Keep focused and don't stop paddling until you've crossed the line.

200 metres rep

Our first race time meant that we were in the reps. We managed to get a Typhoon senior, Dan Chin, back on our boat... as our helm. Seeing our opponents in the corner of our eyes, we knew we needed a strong race to make it through. This race also felt right heavy and we came in 3rd.

Race analysis

• Slightly better than previous.
• No surges in the boat. Make sure you make each stroke count. Reach far, bury that paddle and accelerate through.

Losing meant we didn't make it to the finals and will be in the tail race to finish off the 200s. In preparations for the 500m races, the captain decided to make a controversial change. The rate is going to be dropped a further notch to go back to basics and concentrate on technique and applying power. The unconventional slower 500m rate for a 200m may have contributed to yet another defeat but it meant we were ready for the next race. BRING ON THE 500s!

200m Tail

We were in a tail race to finish off the 200s. Phan and the Captain decided to make a change: the rate was going to be dropped right down to get back to basics and concentrate on technique and applying power. We were clearly racing our own race and felt smoother.

After the 200m races, the sun finally decided to show. It was time to warm up and catch some rays. However, the temperature was still low and I was hungry so time to go off to the canteen for an hour’s lunch with a nice cuppa soup. BRING ON THE 500s!

First 500m race

After lunch, the team had time to focus and prepare mentally for the 500m. Up stepped Alan to switch over from the right to the left side in order to balance the weight issue. We were not sure if this gamble would pay off, so there were no real expectations going into this race, which helped nerves to settle and paddlers to relax. We managed to keep the power up, without the expected power drop half way through the race. The race ended with a close finish.

Race analysis

• Consistent but not enough surges.
• Pete noted crews were starting to pull away at the 200m to 300m mark. We need to keep up with them and fight for it all the way.

500m Rep

Failing to clock a fast enough time meant we had to pull something out of the bag to keep our hopes of making it to the finals a reality. However, defeat was starting to take it's toll and heads were starting to drop. Something had to be done to lift our spirits again.

At the “go”, Typhoon had a strong start, also a good start from Notts. We were neck and neck for much of the race, and at the 300m mark, the boat began to surge further and further. We responded to the calls, staying right on Nott's tail and were practically level coming to the last 100m. The captain called for a finish and once again, Typhoon responded but Notts somehow found an extra gear and just pipped us to the finish. Could this be the turning point? Good effort Typhoon.

Race analysis

• Weight was more balanced
• Boat starting to surge
• Great calls from Scott, our helm, spurring on the ‘Jet Pack’ at the back of the boat
• Fighting spirit all the way from Typhoon

Plate Major Semi-finals

Despite just missing out on the cup category, the team was still on a high from a much stronger performance in the previous race. Spurring on from Captain Andy's speech, Typhoon responded. Yet another strong performance and again just pipped to the finish by the Crusader's.

Race analysis

• Built from the success of the last race
• Good start and power maintained throughout the race bar a few strokes here and there

Plate Major Final

Lined up with Notts and Crusaders, this was bound to be a close race. Typhoon had grown stronger and it was time to “empty those tanks”.  We kept neck and neck with the other two teams.  Throughout the race, it seemed the teams fought hard to take the lead, only for the next team to power up and edge in front, and then to claw back the lead again.  In the last 100m the other teams powered up for a finish, but this time Typhoon responded and fought for every inch.  We finished with a hard won 2nd place.

Race analysis

• Locked in technique, power and rate.
• Fought for every inch of the way.

Summary

In a mixed and eventful day at Liverpool, we brought home our first silverware of the season: 2nd in Major Plate. Apart from learning how Alan’s ambi skills can be used to balance out the boat, we also learnt from him that 500 meters is longer than a 200 meters (classic Alan).

From the very first stroke to the last, if everyone on the boat puts that little bit more effort in every stroke how much more the boat flies. If the rate is slower, we need to use it to get the reach and power in. This showed as we grew stronger throughout the day. We just need to get it right from the start.

Final thoughts...

Although we had lost a number of strong paddlers in the past, a new generation have stepped up and gained vital experience. There is one thing that runs through every single Typhoon's blood which can never be lost and that is FIGHTING SPIRIT. No matter how dire the situation, through good times and bad times, this family will keep fighting until the very end.

BE PROUD TO BE A TYPHOON.

Well done guys and bring on Nottingham.

 

Special Thanks

• Aaron and Ben for paddling with us.
• Kim for looking for and booking accommodation
• Yin-Ting for organising dinner
• Ping and Alan for getting jiggy wid it
• Ladies for finding that last once of energy to form Ty-conda (with Notts Anaconda) for the all womens race.

BDA 1 - Royal Albert Docks | BDA 3 - Nottingham