• 2016 Famil Reports

LCRK Famils

LCRK has always had as part of its preparation for Members, a series of 'Famils' (yes - short for familiarisations!)

Duncan Johnstone agreed to (again) coordinate the Famil activity in 2016. For background each paddle is around 30km (+/-) and is typically paddled at HCC speeds with plenty of advice, support and without stops. The dates are carefully selected to replicate HCC tide conditions, and to avoid conflict with other events such as the Myall and Marathon series (and ski boat racing!). Below are the reports from the 2016 Famil's (thanks Duncan Johnstone!) - still an interesting read as part of your HCC prep on the conditions you might discover..

• See the 2016 Famil Photos on Flickr

LCRK HCC Famil #1 Report

A frosty, foggy, freezing 2 degrees greeted paddlers at Wiseman's for the start of the first LCRK famil from Wiseman's ('Naughty Wiseman's) to Spencer on Sunday 3 July.

Above: Matt searching for his nuts

Above: The Jason & Kim Show

LCRKers included Tony paddling Anjie's Spirit (a training run for the Avon), Alanna (first time on this part of the Hawkesbury), David Veivers and Andrew Kucyper. Also Jason Han and Kim Navera ably assisted by Maya Gibson, Naomi Johnson in her K1 with support crew Frazer (who despite alternator trouble still made it to Spencer), Tom Simmat, and Duncan and Matt who brought up the rear in the only double.
The day actually turned out perfect conditions for everyone - a falling tide, very little wind and minimal boating activity meant we had the river to ourselves to post fast times, or to really get a good idea of this Hawkesbury Classic leg for first timers.

Above: Finishing!!

The next Famil is on Sunday 24th July Sackville to Wiseman's Ferry. See you on the water

LCRK HCC Famil #2 Report - Sunday 24 July 2016

Sackville to Wiseman’s Ferry – Cold to cool, Sunny at times, windless until approach to Wiseman’s

A resolute group of LCRK kayakers met at the Ulinbawn Water Ski Park at 7:00am today. BRIEF: To tackle the all-important Sackville to Wiseman’s leg AGAINST the tide.

The car shuttle complete Rodney, Paul, James, Phil, Kim, Duncan, Susie, Andrew, Matt, Elke, Rozanne and Jason gathered to receive the all-important briefing for what will be the make or break leg for those doing the full Classic in particular.

2 degrees! Even local farm resident and Ulinbawn Ski Park overseer, Ken, commented on the determined looking bunch of paddlers shuffling from one foot to the other to keep warm as Tom, who incidentally, had dragged himself from his sick bed together with his good “current wife” Christine and four-legged kids, delivered his briefing. Such is the importance our guru places on this leg.

His maps and words proved prophetic and gave all who participated the excellent opportunity to test his theories and put into practice his approach to maintaining good speeds against the incoming tide and making most of the eddies on the bends to make up time on this leg instead of losing it. It also gave us an opportunity to see where the floating pontoons and odd old jetty stakes were that might cause your misfortune on the night as you pursue perfection and hug the river bank to escape the tide.

All in all an excellent practice run. Perfect for what our famils are designed to offer you as you prepare for the Classic.

Note: Anybody interested in Tom’s secret maps and to doing this leg on the night of the 29th October please approach him directly at the Shed.

 
Above: LCRK paddlers and support crew at Sackville

LCRK HCC Famil #3 Report - Sunday 9 October 2016

REPORT COMING SOON!

Above: a healthy contingent!

LCRK HCC Famil #4 Report - Sunday 16 October 2016

Mooney Mooney to Spencer and return

Paddlers were greeted with perfect paddling conditions looking out from the Deerubbin Reserve Boat Ramp upstream toward Milsons Passage, which is the final approach to the finish of the Classic.

Above: "Now does anyone need to go before we start?"

But according to BOM and Willy Weather this was just the calm before the storm, with 45kmh winds forecast excluding gusts by 9:00am for what is the most unpredictable part of the Classic course.

Fast flowing tides combined with strong winds, often blowing in the opposite direction, combined with boating activity can often make for very bumpy and unsettling conditions even for the most experienced kayaker.

So the decision was taken to shorten the course and look to extend the return paddle to the finish by paddling up into the upper reaches of the Mooney Mooney Creek.

Tom Simmat gave the last of his absolutely invaluable briefings for the two scenarios paddlers are likely to face early in the morning on Sunday week with respect to the tides. The tide is expected to turn against paddlers at 3:00am on Sunday morning.

The group got a pretty good idea of the benefits of hugging the correct shoreline to avoid the incoming tide and maintain good boat speed and where they should place themselves on the river to save energy, use the big eddies and keep moving forward to the finish.

20 kayaks set off up past Bar point with the tide behind them turning at checkpoint O to navigate the incoming tide back around the notorious Bar Point and up through the narrows that is Milsons Passage to the finish.

The group then paddled under Brooklyn Bridge and up Mooney Mooney Creek against the tide and a strengthening wind. All in all the final famil proved to be a difficult and tiring paddling in unsettling conditions which challenged boat balance, the maintenance of good leg drive and, a relaxed stroke in bumpy conditions.

In true Classic fashion, we were thrown a true curved ball and should the weather intervene again on the night it will be how you approach the challenge that will determine how you get through the night.

Thank you to all those LCRK members who supported our Famils this year. I wish you and all our entrants in this years 40th Hawkesbury Classic all the best!

• Preparation advice and articles

(:if false:)

(:ifend:)

Navigation:

2016 HCC 'Calculator'

LCRK is please to provide this Microsoft Excel based 'calculator' which is preloaded with HCC 2016 Tides all the way up to Windsor and incorporating associated tidal and riverine flows (all other things being equal which they never are!!). To use, download the tool, open up Excel, adjust ONLY the yellow shaded cells ie:-

1. Update your Windsor start time
2. Update your expected base speed (either constant for whole 100km, or you can slow yourself down as your energy flags)
3. Adjust your expected stop time (eg if it's 1/2hr then enter as =0.5/24 to keep excel happy!)
4. The calculator will then derive your ETA at respective checkpoints, including adjustments for current.
5. The course map (separate worksheet) will be automatically updated and can be printed out on a single A4 page for you &/or your landcrew.
6. Print out different versions eg at 9km/h, 10km/h, 11km/h base speed - you'll know by your first stop which one you should be using!
7. How do you work out your base speed? See Tom Holloway's excellent article for more detail but he recommends assuming you paddle at 90% of your time trial speed. Stops are additional as are delays waiting for one or more car ferries. Your average speed overall will probably be around 85% of your time trial speed, all else being equal.

See: http://www.lcrk.org.au/pmwiki/uploads/Main/HowFast_HCC.pdf

1. Note that whilst there's a bit of science behind this tool - there are many other important variables in play including wind, river knowledge, washriding etc - which can make the tool a bit of sideshow. Use the tool in conjunction with ALL your planning.

Download the 2016 calculator

For those wanting more detail. The new calculator identifies tides at Fort Denison (HH, LL, H, L), then adjusts that tide all the way up to Windsor some 5-7 hours later. Current patterns have been modelled for 3 sections of the river (between stops) using data from MHL, DPW etc. Your ETA at a particular checkpoint is adjusted based on your base paddle speed and the anticipated current at the time you are travelling. Short or long stops will affect the tide you catch (or are caught by). Further fine tuning CAN be done - but no point over-engineering it, you might be affected by winds, unplanned swims etc. Good luck!

• Hawkesbury Heroes - LCRK 2016 Paddlers

Lane Cove Hawkesbury Heroes 2016

The following members (the Lane Cove Hawkesbury Heroes) were all committed to the 2016 HCC, contributing to the chances of Lane Cove recovering the coveted Commonwealth (Club) Cup.

Our target was originally to have 40+ paddlers in 40+ boats - and we have easily passed this (in fact it's probably at least 40+, 40yo + paddlers in 40+ boats!). LCRK associated entrants were as shown below.

Brooklyn or Bust 1 - 4:15pm Start

Womens Racing, C2 - 4:30pm Start

Brooklyn or Bust 2, DASH - 4:45pm Start

All Other Racing Classes - 5:00pm Start

2016 Support jobs and volunteers

Thank you Volunteers!

• LCRK Pictures from 2015 HCC on Flickr

HCC veteran Tom Simmat reports that the 2016 HCC promises to be a very fast race, with an early start for BoBbers at 4:15 and the rest by 5pm starting with the tide. There is a low tide at Brooklyn at about 3am so if you can finish in less than 11 hours you will only have one tide against you between Sackville and Wisemans.

The following members (the Lane Cove Hawkesbury Heroes) are all committed to the 2016 HCC, contributing to the chances that Lane Cove might this year recover the coveted Commonwealth (Club) Cup.

Our target was originally to have 40+ paddlers in 40+ boats - and we have easily passed this (in fact it's probably at least 40+, 40yo + paddlers in 40+ boats!). LCRK associated entrants are shown below.

Brooklyn or Bust 1 - 4:15pm Start

Womens Racing, C2 - 4:30pm Start

Brooklyn or Bust 2, DASH - 4:45pm Start

All Other Racing Classes - 5:00pm Start

More about the Hawkesbury Canoe Classic:

• LCRK Pictures from 2015 HCC on Flickr
• Hawkesbury Canoe Classic home page
• HCC Facebook Chat Group
• HCC Flyover Video (6 minute version)
• HCC Flyover Video (12 minute version)

Navigation:

Attach:file.ext(:title LCRKers and the 2016 Hawkesbury Canoe Classic:) Δ

(:if false:)

(CAN YOU HELP IN 2016? EMAIL THE COMMITTEE - WE NEED NAMES!! - WE'VE NOW GOT NAMES THANK YOU)

(:title LCRKers and the 2016 Hawkesbury Canoe Classic:)

(CAN YOU HELP IN 2016? EMAIL THE COMMITTEE - WE NEED NAMES!!)

'The Classic' was Started by NSW Outward Bound Ex Students Association in 1977. It always runs overnight close to the full moon in late October or early November starting at Windsor and finishes at Mooney Mooney. In 1977 the race had 250 paddlers and raised $8,500 for the Arrow Foundation. In 2016 the 40th anniversary of the race, the aim is to approach previous peaks of 600 paddlers and fundraising exceeding $300,000. Those paddlers just wanting to have a fun and social evening can enter the Brooklyn or Bust classes whilst the more competitive paddlers challenge themselves to beat previous records or their own PB's.

The HCC has announced that "With 2016 being the 40th year of this iconic event, an optional “short” course is being offered. A 65km paddle from Windsor to Wiseman’s Ferry will be available. Just the thing for new starters as well as former “Classic” paddlers making a comeback for this paddling event milestone."

So far we have the following members (the Lane Cove Hawkesbury Heroes) committed to the 2016 HCC, improving the chances that Lane Cove this year recovers the coveted Commonwealth Cup. Details will continue to be added as they become available.

HCC - Participation

See: http://www.lcrk.org.au/pmwiki/uploads/Main/HowFast_HCC.pdf:

Women, Canadian, SUP, DASH - 4:30pm Start

Brooklyn or Bust 2 - 4:45pm Start

• Free catering for LCRK land crew and social HCC paddlers

LCRK meeting point 40 metres downriver from main launching ramp (see photos below)
LCRKmarquee
Free catering for LCRK land crew and social HCC paddlers
Informal tracking of LCRK craft passing through
Club support for land crews in landing and re-launching their paddlers
Reminder to paddlers to check out at 2nd Wiseman's checkpoint.

So far we have the following members (the Lane Cove Hawkesbury Heroes) committed to be paddlers to make sure Lane Cove this year recovers the coveted Commonwealth Cup. Details will continue to be added as they become available.

Our target was to have 40+ paddlers in 40+ boats - and we have easily passed this. LCRK associated entrants are shown below.

Duncan Johnstone agreed to (again) coordinate the Famil activity in 2016. For background each paddle is around 30km (+/-) and is typically paddled at HCC speeds with plenty of advice, support and without stops. The dates are carefully selected to replicate HCC tide conditions, and to avoid conflict with other events such as the Myall and Marathon series (and ski boat racing!). Below are the reports from the 2016 Famil's - still an interesting read as part of your HCC prep on the conditions you might discover..

(from Duncan Johnstone)

(from Duncan Johnstone)

• 2016 Famil Photos on Flickr

LCRK HCC Famil #4 Report - Sunday 9 October 2016

(from Duncan Johnstone) COMING SOON!

(from Duncan Johnstone)

• 2016 Famil Photos on Flickr

Duncan Johnstone has agreed to (again) coordinate the Famil activity this year. Each paddle is around 30km (+/-) and will typically be paddled at HCC speeds with plenty of advice, support and without stops. The dates have been carefully selected to replicate HCC tide conditions, and to avoid conflict with other events such as the Myall and Marathon series. These Famils are of course ideal for HCC competitors - but you are most welcome to join in if you still haven't made up your mind - or you want to 'try before you buy' with a view to doing the HCC next year.

The dates for the 2016 Famils are shown below. LCRK Members can register their interest by emailling Duncan Johnstone

NEWSFLASH: Famil #3 Windsor to Sackville has been rescheduled to Sunday 9th October due to an unscheduled clash with a Powerboat activity on the original date. More details to follow...

NOTES

• Shuttle will be by car and participants to car pool as far as possible.
• Come prepared for each leg as if it was the actual night
• BIG opportunity to test out all your Equipment, Clothing, Nutrition and Hydration and comfort with your kayak like seating, hands and injury prevention
• PADDLES GENERALLY FINISH BY 3:00pm depending on your speed and river conditions
• FEATURING: Our very own Tom Simmat - SPECIAL BRIEFING on how to paddle each leg of the classic. HOT TIPS and more on the day

So far we have the following members (the Lane Cove Hawkesbury Heroes) committed to be paddlers to make sure Lane Cove this year recovers the coveted Commonwealth Cup. Details will be added as they become available.

Our target was to have 40+ paddlers in 40+ boats - and having easily passed this, we're not looking to stop now!. There are still some gaps in the field - If your name is NOT on the list - then it should be! Particularly if you've had a shot at the HCC before and/or would like to paddle the shorter course. Please email the club committee (email: committee(AT)lcrk.org.au) and signal your intent.

 
Above: LCRK paddlers and support crew at Wisemans Ferry. Photo Jana Osvald 2015

Not Yet Entered? - 0:00pm Start

Brooklyn or Bust 2 - 4:45pm Start

Women, Canadian, SUP, DASH - 4:30pm Start

All Other Racing Classes - 5:00pm Start

1. How do you work out your base speed? See Tom Holloway's excellent article for more detail but he recommends assuming you paddle at 90% of your time trial speed. Stops are additional as are delays waiting for one or more car ferries. Your average speed overall will probably be around 85% of your time trial speed, all else being equal.

HCC veteran Tom Simmat reports that the 2016 HCC promises to be a very fast race, with an early start for BoBbers at 4:15 and the rest by 5pm 4.15 starting with the tide. there is a low tide at Brooklyn at about 3am so if you can finish in less than 11 hours you will only have one tide against you between Sackville and Wisemans.

Brooklyn or Bust 1 - 4:15pm Start

Brooklyn or Bust 2 - 4:45pm Start

Women, Canadian, SUP, DASH - 4:30pm Start

All Other Racing Classes - 5:00pm Start

Not Yet Entered? - 0:00pm Start