No Kayaks!!
So why was it a Triathlon - we paddled, walked and with poetic licence - cycled!!
Triathlon - an athletic contest consisting of three different events.
Paddling gives the opportunity of a whole body work out - (once you know what you are doing); gentle exercise of the arms and shoulders, the core/lower back by moving your boat through the water (your core anchors you as your abdominals and obliques move your trunk from side to side) and your hips & legs. Whilst it is not cycling your legs and hips work to help your body stabilize with each paddling stroke, by pressing down on each foot pedal alternately - almost like cycling. Did you know that just one hour of kayaking may burn up to 500 calories?
The Event
It was a glorious day with the promise of sunshine and little wind. All participants ready by 10:00am, we headed off up the Thomson River. The water level had dropped since our most recent forary in February and the signs of golden autumn leaves appearing in many of the magnificent deciduous Elms indicated the closing of our long summer . One tree had recently parted company with the bank causing us to detour around.
The reduced water level posed a dilemma for our less experienced paddlers in the form of the rapids. They were shallower and there was concern about "getting stuck". With the paddle leader "showing the way" and instructing "follow me" each participant was mentored up through each section of the rapids, being able to stop in sheltered water after each stage to "regroup", enabling all to reach the top of the easily navigable section of the Thomson above Cowwarr Weir. We had now completed our first leg - paddling with "cycling" activity.
It was such a beautiful day, the paddle leader was keen to show participants what may be in store "around the corner", should they venture further up the river. Kayaks secured, we set off up the river - following stony pathways through the bush, wading through the water exploring the rapids and pools further upstream, providing an opportunity for swimming in the crystal clear water. Our second leg - walking/swimming activity.
With great reluctance we returned to our boats and commenced the last leg - down stream kayaking through the rapids - one at a time, and a lesiurely paddle back to the Weir for lunch in the sun.
Thank you all for a thoroughly enjoyable and fun day on the water. Your smiles coming down the rapids made all the hard work of going up them x 5 worth every moment.
Participants - Pat, Patrina, Michelle, Gail, Chris, Richard and Avenel
