It's sNOw joke

Getting very fed up with the snow, ice and low temperatures stopping us getting out and paddling. Have taken up intervals on the rower instead. As you can see I have a future DW partner in training already!!

I have started studying the portage maps and decided a trip to county and blakes lock might be in order, they look tricky and seeing as how my steering resembles that of the drunken sailor I feel I had better check out the route.  Expecting delivery of our boat before christmas. Very exciting!

No Excuses

Have just managed to purchase a 2nd hand concept 2 indoor rower so I really have no excuses now not to get fit.  That along with the weekly sadist type beasting that I receive at the hands of the british military fitness guys should do the trick.  I defy the snow to stop me!!!!!!!!

British Military Fitness

I went to try out the British Military Fitness group in bushy park last night and even though the name says it all I was quite surprised at how military it was. You have to run in ranks. learn to understand soldier (just a few grunts, you pick it up quite quickly) get yelled at if you stop. But really I actually enjoyed it, everyone was really encouraging and nobody laughed at the fact I was always last or that I have masses more wobbly bits than anyone else. I tell you what though, I will be fit enough for anything by the time I have finished although all of my muscles are protesting today.
I would really reccomend it to anyone especially in the winter when its dark and no one can really see you anyway, let alone recognise you. (I have a big problem about looking silly, I wont go to the gym because I feel to exposed)

Was supposed to paddle tonight but have to call it off as I can't move!

we were not amused!

Well here goes.

We left Walton for a paddle to Chertsey this morning and made it to the Chertsey M4 motorway bridge in good time and good spirits.

after a short break we turned around for the homeward leg and saw a large private motor boat heading towards us. we paddled as close to the side as we could and then aimed the boat head on into the motorboat's wash so that we wouldn't be tipped out, however the motor boat obviously thought we looked experienced enough to ride some rapids and did not slow down but carried on at warp factor 9 so instead of normal boat wash we were met with waves, BIG waves which rode over the bow of the boat and deposited themselves right into Jim's lap behind me. The extra water in the boat was more than it could cope with, so we were dumped in the drink.  Oh my lord it was cold!  I dropped my paddle and had to scrabble for it and we managed to swim the boat to the side and get out.  Jim's language towards the motor boat could only be described as colourful. I won't say all motorboat owners are bad though as another one actually turned around to see if we needed any help. The nice lady on board offered me a towel but after I had emptied a gallon of water out of my cag sleeves I didnt think a towel would make much difference.

Thankfully not all paddles are this eventful but it makes an interesting start to my blog I suppose.

Stay tuned for the next installment.

About us

I have no idea if anyone will ever read this but I have decided to post our progress as a sort of motivational training diary.

We are 2 slightly mad kayakers who are intending to complete the Devizes to Westminster kayak race in April 2011.  This is a non stop race of 125 miles and 77 portages (to those who dont know, this means a place, usually a lock where we have to get the boat out of the water, run with it and then put it back in on the other side)  We have enlisted the help of my brother who has agreed to act as supprt crew for the event.  I don't think he has any idea what he has really let himself in for.

Stay tuned for updates about our progress!