“the big test” results

A summary of the results from the world’s biggest ever test of conducted on the Barwon River, Geelong (Victoria, Australia), 28-30 July, 2006

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340;4A;8BC)FFF!GD2><340;4A0DB7C<;5D;;A0=64)FFF!GD2>< table of contents section 1.0 “the big kayak test” co-ordinators 5 section 2.0 additional credits 7 section 3.0 introduction 8 section 4.0 meet the testers 10 section 5.0 test results section 5.1 double (8 craft) test results 17 section 5.10 k2 18 section 5.11 supersonic 20 section 5.12 vulcan 680 22 section 5.13 tk2 24 section 5.14 double shock 6.55 26 section 5.15 prijon excursion 28 section 5.16 cabo xt 30 section 5.17 bicsport tobago 32 section 5.2 k1 (5 craft) test results 35 section 5.20 nelo vanquish 36 section 5.21 quantum gt80 38 section 5.22 spectrum 40 section 5.23 quantum tornado 42 section 5.24 rampage tk1 44 section 5.3 multisport (5 craft) test results 47 section 5.30 time bandit 48 section 5.31 ruahine firebolt 50 section 5.32 the flash 52 section 5.33 cobra viper 54 section 5.34 finn multisport 56 section 5.4 (9 craft) test results 59 section 5.40 marauder 550 60 section 5.41 q kayaks maximus 62 section 5.42 point 65n xp 64 section 5.43 greenlander pro 66 section 5.44 prijon millenium 68 section 5.45 dagger cortez 16.5 70 section 5.46 meridian cygnet 72 section 5.47 perception ecobezhig 74 section 5.48 prijon seayak 76 section 5.5 sit on top (6 craft) test results 79 section 5.50 cobra eliminator 80 section 5.51 sprinter 82 section 5.52 cobra expedition 84 section 5.53 bicsport scapa 86 section 5.54 q kayaks swift 88 section 5.55 rtm disco 90 

5.)6%23)49 /& !)3 #!."%22! table of contents

section 5.6 surf ski (8 craft) 93 section 5.10 fenn mako 6 94 section 5.11 epic v10 96 section 5.12 fenn xt 98 section 5.13 unfair advantage 100 section 5.14 spirit racing ski 102 section 5.15 dorado 104 section 5.16 finn endorfinn 106 section 5.17 cobra surf ski 108 section 6.0 general information for beginners 110 section 7.0 speed analysis 113 section 8.0 notes on hydrostatic data 126 section 9.0 clothing 128 section 10.0 form used for subjective scoring 131



5.)6%23)49 /& !)3 #!."%22! 1.0 “the big kayak test” co-ordinators

Brendon Grail, Test co-ordinator Brendon moved to Melbourne from Brisbane in 1999 and took up in order to participate in the legendary Mt Buller to Melbourne Challenge. Coming from a triathlon background, he initially struggled to “stay upright” but now counts kayaking as his favourite discipline. Brendon has competed in two Avon Descents (the iconic 2-day 131km white- water kayak race in WA), placing 1st in the Novice long plastic category at his first attempt. Brendon is also Director Marketing with Rapid Ascent, an adventure event management company who run the Anaconda Adventure Race National Series.

Margi Bohm, Scientific testing and analysis Margi took up paddling in South Africa in 1973 and by 1977 was one of the top paddlers in the country in both sprint and marathon. Margi retired from competitive kayaking in 1980 to take up a career in academia - BSc in Mathematics and Geography, HSc in Mathematical Modelling of the Atmosphere; MSc in Atmospheric Chemistry and to top it all off, PhD in Atmospheric Physics, specialising in the fluid dynamics of turbulence. Margi is currently Course Convenor and Head of Discipline for the Environmental Sciences as well as Director of the Science Resource Centre at University of Canberra. Margi has recently returned to competitive kayaking. She is a Level II kayaking coach and is deeply committed to developing the depth of club level paddling in this country.

Adam Hunter, Scientific testing and analysis Adam is currently in the middle of completing a Doctor of Philosophy in which he is investigating the relative role of physics and biomechanics on the performance of elite slalom and flatwater sprint paddlers. Adam’s passion for kayaking goes back a long way, in 1996 he was Junior Australian marathon K2 champion. Adam now works at the Australian Institute of Sport in the Biomechanics Department and has helped Australian Olympic athletes in /kayaking, soccer, volleyball, boxing, netball, football and gymnastics. In his spare time Adam is an adventure racer and placed 1st with Team AROC in the 700km XPD race at Broken Hill in 2004.

Craig Elliott, Hydrostatic measurements Craig’s parents, both former Australian Kayak Champions, introduced Craig Elliott to kayaking in 1991. He started out on a hand-me down Interceptor wave ski. He quickly gained white water skills but as his parents lived around Lake Macquaire & the Hunter Valley, lacked any white water to train on. In 1995 & 1996 Craig represented Australia in Junior Slalom, he then competed in the Junior World Championships in the Czech Republic on the famous Lipno course. He has tried all forms of the sport from single to single sea kayak. Craig now lives in Sydney and is currently undertaking Tertiary studies in Naval Architecture & working  in a Naval design office. His father has a passion for designing extreme kayaks, which is something Craig is taking a closer interest in as he loves the technical aspect of the sport. In 2006 Craig completed the 111km Hawkesbury Classic in a respectable time of 9 hours and 12 minutes. ENERVIT.ACTIVE NUTRITION

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Find a retailer near you: www.enervit.com.au Queries Email: [email protected] about Enervit? Visit our website: www.enervit.com.au 2.0 additional credits

Acknowledgement and thanks must also go to:

•Photography: Andrew Connolly

•Boat handling and weigh-ins: Roger Aspinall

•Timing start /finish: Stuart Tripp, Ian Dewey

•Timing turns: Ulrike Berg, Ron Elliott

•GPS and Technical data: AIS

•Report proofing and full usability review: Del Lloyd

•Layout and graphic design: Catriona McGregor, Nathan Lorkin (Relish Communications) - [email protected]



5.)6%23)49 /& !)3 #!."%22! 3.0 introduction

Summary of boats to a manageable number. The “Big Kayak Test” held in July 2006 on the Barwon River Testers in Victoria was the most wide-ranging test of kayak craft ever undertaken. The following resources were involved in the test: The test plan required 8 “speed” testers and 8 “comfort” testers. The objective of the speed testers was to each craft at a specified •41 kayaks across 6 categories level of effort (between 65-75% of maximum heart rate), thereby - K1 (5 craft) - Multisport (5 craft) enabling calculation of speed comparisons between craft. Paddlers replenished with food and fluid intakes at regular intervals. The - Sea Kayak (9 craft) - Surf Ski (8 craft) objective of the comfort testers was to assess all of the subjective issues that are so important to paddlers when choosing a craft. - Sit-on-top (6 craft) - Double (8 craft) The speed testers needed to be experienced kayakers with sufficient •8 speed testers •8 comfort testers fitness to paddle up to 36 kayaks for 1.3km each (without fatiguing) •4 timers •4 boat handlers/assistants over one weekend. •8 Magellan GPS units •8 Heart-rate monitors Testers came from Queensland, NSW, ACT and Victoria. Amongst the 16 testers were a multiple world marathon kayak champion •2 Accelerometer/gyroscope/magnetometers (John Jacoby), Avon Descent winner (Eric Ward), K1 sprint specialist •1 Paddle force measuring system (Mark Halpin), slalom champion (Craig Elliott) as well as white- water kayakers, sea kayakers, surf ski paddlers, multisporters and •1 Hydrostatic measuring station recreational paddlers. 11 testers were male and 5 female, including •1 Weather station • 1 Electronic scales wheelchair paddler Heather Hadley-Powell, an experienced sea kayaker who also undertook testing of a Kokotat dry suit during the Test Objective & Scope test weekend. The primary objective of the test was to provide kayak Scientific Testing enthusiasts (especially beginners) with comprehensive and understandable information about the various kayaks available The AIS and University of Canberra conducted a range of on the market today, with a view to helping them make an comprehensive scientific tests during the test weekend, and the informed choice when purchasing a kayak. results of some of these tests are included in this report. Issues such as weather, paddler effort/fatigue and acceleration/deceleration The scope of the test includes the 6 categories listed above. were measured and analysed. Whilst surf skis have traditionally never been categorised as a “kayak”, there is an increasing trend towards kayakers using sit- In addition, some basic hydrostatic measurements for a selection of on-top or surf ski craft for ocean paddling and even down-river the test craft were taken. paddling. This test however specifically excluded the category of Thanks go to Margi Bohm (University of Canberra), Adam Hunter special purpose down-river (white water) kayaks. (AIS) and Craig Elliott who managed and supervised the scientific Given the wide range of kayaks tested, it is impossible to choose testing and compiled the results. an environment that is ideally suited to all craft because each category of craft is designed for a very different purpose. It is Orientation to this report important to recognise that all of the testing for this test was This report is broken into the following key sections: conducted on the calm and slow-moving waters of the Barwon River in Geelong, Victoria, an environment that is not ideally • Meet the testers. This section will give you some insight into each suited to many of the craft tested. The time and cost involved of the testers’ kayak experience and personal kayaking preferences. in setting up the testing infrastructure in other environments (including surf or moving water) would have been prohibitive. • Individual kayak test results. Under each category, the boats are listed in order of fastest to slowest. In order to provide a benchmark There are however many features of a craft that can be tested to compare speed between boats, the fastest single kayak (the on any body of water. Very important user considerations such Nelo Vanquish) was benchmarked to 1 hour using the speed data as comfort, stability, responsiveness and design features can all from the test. All other kayaks’ speed data was extrapolated to the be more than adequately assessed. The “warts and all” views of time that would be required to paddle the distance that the Nelo our testers in relation to these test criteria for all 41 kayaks are would cover in 1 hour (12.63km). So for instance, the Marauder presented within the pages of this report. The comments are a 550 sea kayak will take 1 hour 6 minutes and 51 seconds to cover compilation of all paddlers so they are occasionally contradictory the same distance that a Nelo Vanquish can be paddled in 1 hour. given difference in opinions. Straight-line speed has also been Expressed in a different way, the Marauder 550 sea kayak will travel measured and reported. only 11.34km in one hour, compared to the Nelo’s 12.63km. To understand the speed calculation methodology, it is necessary to Choice of craft for test first read “Speed Analysis” at Section 7.0.

All kayak manufacturers and distributors in Australia (and some For each of the 41 kayaks tested, comments from all 16 testers have in New Zealand and elsewhere) were invited to nominate been summarised and presented in tabular format. If you have any craft for this test. The number one objective was to obtain a detailed questions about specific craft, please feel free to contact representative sample of boats within each category that would the manufacturer/distributor direct, contact details are listed for all be suited to beginner, intermediate and advanced level paddlers. craft. We believe that we successfully achieved this aim. For example,

 in the surf ski category, beginner craft such as the Endorfinn Given his vast experience in a range of kayaking disciplines over were pitted against intermediate level craft such as the Spirit and the last 25 years (including 4 world marathon kayak titles), John high end racing skis such as the Fenn Mako 6. Jacoby was selected to provide some opening commentary A minor culling process then took place to keep the total number for the introduction to each of the 6 categories of craft tested. Interestingly, it was John’s feat of paddling a K1 down the raging Waimakariri River in NZ over 20 years ago that was the impetus for the creation of “multisport” kayaks.

• Speed analysis. This section written by Margi Bohm at the University of Canberra and Adam Hunter from the Australian Institute of Sport, provides a detailed description of how speed was calculated for each of the test kayaks.

• Hydrostatic testing. This section written by Craig Elliott describes the methodology for the basic hydrostatic testing conducted during the test, and draws some conclusions about how hydrostatic characteristics influence the speed of various craft.

• Paddling clothing including review of Kokotat dry suit. This section written by Del Lloyd and Heather Hadley-Powell assesses the various kayak clothing options, including a detailed review of the Kokotat dry suit.

• General information for beginners. Written by Brendon Grail, this section of the report is intended to provide some information that may be helpful to beginners who are considering buying a kayak.

• Form used for subjective scoring. Prior to reading the test results, it is highly recommended that you read this information to gain an insight into the subjective scoring methodology used by the 16 testers. Refer to Section 10.0. Improvements for the next test Like any large field based experiment, the Big Kayak Test has yielded an excellent database together with some issues that need to be addressed in the 2008 round of testing. Firstly, we need to choose a time and venue with more consistent weather so that we can avoid some of the wind issues that affected us this year. Secondly, we need to ensure that our speed testers cover a wider range of abilities and that they wear recording heart rate monitors so that we can more effectively measure fatigue. And thirdly, we need to think about moving away from classic random sampling theory towards all paddlers paddling all boats so that we can develop a more complete dataset compared with this year. If you have any particular question or subject that you’d like to see examined in the next round of testing, please forward your suggestions to Brendon Grail at [email protected] Enquiries If you have any enquiries or comments on the report, please e-mail Brendon Grail at [email protected]



5.)6%23)49 /& !)3 #!."%22! 4.0 meet the testers

Name /residence John Jacoby /Jan Jac, Vic Speed or comfort tester Speed tester Age 41 Weight 86 kg Sports background Kayaker Years since started kayaking 25 Number of boats currently owned 7 (I think) How many “swims” did you take in the first month Plenty Can you do an eskimo roll Yes, I think so - but try not to get in a situation where I have to Greatest kayaking achievement 4 x World Marathon Kayak Champion Longest kayak trip or race 95km in a sea kayak in a day plus a 250km paddle in a Canadian canoe down the Yukon River in 20hrs non-stop Most fun ever in a kayak Paddling SW coast of Tassie in sea kayaks Biggest drama ever in a kayak Doing a full 180 degree nose stand in my sea kayak after being forced to catch an 8 ft wave on a reef 1500m from shore and then having to swim to shore while avoiding being spotted by a shark spotter plane! Kayaking dream trip Lots, but some include sea kayaking Alaska or SW New Zealand How many times per month I go for a paddle 2-3 times per week Tips for beginners Persevere with the balance thing and get in a good boat early on so you enjoy going fast Favourite kayak K1 - you can’t beat speed

Name /residence Eric Ward /Melbourne, Vic Speed or comfort tester Comfort tester Age 52 Weight 78 kg Sports background Kayak, Multsiport, Triathlon,hockey Years since started kayaking 30 Number of boats currently owned 2 How many “swims” did you take in the first month Dozens in white water Can you do an eskimo roll Probably not now avoid the situations Greatest kayaking achievement K1 outright win Avon Descent 1976 Longest kayak trip or race 134km over 2 days (Avon Descent) Most fun ever in a kayak High Water trips - Mitchell, Mitta Mitta Rivers. 7 day camping trip on the Snowy River Biggest drama ever in a kayak Broke my foot on the foot bar after hitting a rock at full speed in race Kayaking dream trip Sea kayak in the tropics How many times per month I go for a paddle Once every month if lucky Tips for beginners Start in a stable boat and learn brace and support strokes first Favourite kayak My surf ski because it’s so versatile

Name /residence Luke Haines /Geelong, Vic Speed or comfort tester Speed tester Age 30 Weight 78 kg Sports background Multisport for last 4 years Years since started kayaking 4 Number of boats currently owned 2 How many “swims” did you take in the first month 0 Can you do an eskimo roll Yes Greatest kayaking achievement Murray marathon - 4th K1 Open Longest kayak trip or race 404km (over 5 days, 92km longest day) Most fun ever in a kayak K1 Racing Biggest drama ever in a kayak Surviving on a double ski on a wild and woolly day at Bay of Islands near Port Campbell How many times per month I go for a paddle 20-25 Tips for beginners Get in the boat as much as you can Favourite kayak K1

5.)6%23)49 /& !)3 #!."%22! Name /residence Jarad Kohlar /Melbourne, Vic Speed or comfort tester Speed tester Age 23 Weight 70 kg Sports background Multisport, kayaking, running Years since started kayaking 8 Number of boats currently owned 7 How many “swims” did you take in the first month Dozens, it helped me improve my swimming Can you do an eskimo roll Yes and even without a paddle :) Greatest kayaking achievement Paddling a 3:49 for 1000m Longest kayak trip or race 404km Solo K1 murray marathon or 95km in a sea kayak from Blanket Bay to King Island. Most fun ever in a kayak Learning how to paddle out of Frankston in Port Phillip Bay and Kananook Creek. Biggest drama ever in a kayak Sinking my old K1 500m off shore of Frankston beach and swimming to shore, borrowing a fishing boat and diving down 10m to retrieve the sunken K1. Kayaking dream trip Kayaking around Australia unassisted and paddling a number of big rivers throughout the world. How many times per month I go for a paddle 12 to 25 times a month depending on training Tips for beginners Join a kayaking club and get out there and paddle - life is too short to be making excuses Favourite kayak KI (Advantage Kayak) I love speed and the feeling of good boat run…...

Name /residence Craig Elliott /Sydney, NSW Speed or comfort tester Speed tester Age 28 Weight 80 kg Sports background Kayaker Years since started kayaking 16 Number of boats currently owned 7 How many “swims” did you take in the first month Quite a few (kept leaning upstream) Can you do an eskimo roll Yes (I use to be able hand role with one hand) Greatest kayaking achievement Australian Junior Team member to Junior Worlds 1995/1996 (Slalom) Longest kayak trip or race 42km Dungog to Clarence Town. I am doing the Hawkesbury Classic/Murray this year. Most fun ever in a kayak Paddling the Upper Alan River in flood while it was still raining, good grade 4, just great fun rapids (near the Barrington Tops) Biggest drama ever in a kayak I thought I would go paddling at Nobby’s beach when it was closed (dangerous beach condition signs out, red flags). I thought it would be good big wave training, looked like 6ft, when I got out there more like 10ft+, came back with a kayak in 10 bits. Kayaking dream trip Would love to go to South Africa & race the Dusi (marathon type event done in K1’s down rapids/flat water) How many times per month I go for a paddle 2-3 times a week Tips for beginners Never let go of your paddle, choose a light comfortable craft that suits your needs. Get some advice from a canoe club/experienced paddlers. Favourite kayak Rush Multisporter - as fast as a K1

Name /residence Bruce Dunlop /Torquay, Vic Speed or comfort tester Speed tester Age 47 Weight 89 kg Sports background Mainly racing surf skis Years since started kayaking 30 Number of boats currently owned 2 How many “swims” did you take in the first month A few Can you do an eskimo roll I’ve got half of the roll down pat just need to get the up half right Greatest kayaking achievement To still be racing Longest kayak trip or race State Long Distance titles Most fun ever in a kayak Not so much kayaking but paddling down wind in the ocean in a surf ski in a howling gale or catching big waves. Biggest drama ever in a kayak A really big wave broke on top of me once and broke the ski in half. Kayaking dream trip To do the Molokai race (open ocean between 11 the Hawaiian islands). How many times per month I go for a paddle At least 12. Tips for beginners Relax and get your balance right first before worrying too much about style or technique Favourite kayak The Fenn Millenium Name /residence Gill Hilton /Melbourne, Vic Speed or comfort tester Speed tester Age 32 Weight 72 kg Sports background Kayaker Years since started kayaking 16 Number of boats currently owned 4 How many “swims” did you take in the first month 7 swims the very first time I sat in a K1 Can you do an eskimo roll Depends how high the adrenaline is running Greatest kayaking achievement Paddling across Bass Strait Longest kayak trip or race Four times Murray Marathon full distance Most fun ever in a kayak Paddling the Liffey Descent in Ireland Biggest drama ever in a kayak Paddling the Banks Strait in the last section to Tassie. Cross current (3 knots) plus 1 metre swell dragging us into a pile of rocks. Kayaking dream trip Paddling the ‘descent’ races of the world, properly and without falling out… the Liffey, the Dusi and the Avon. How many times per month I go for a paddle About 12 Tips for beginners Relax, don’t fight the boat and enjoy!! Favourite kayak K2 with a strong paddler sharing the load!

Name /residence Matt Blundell /Sydney, NSW Speed or comfort tester Speed tester Age 35 Weight 73 kg Sports background Rockclimbing, Multisports, Kayaking Years since started kayaking 20 Number of boats currently owned 6.5 How many “swims” did you take in the first month Plenty Can you do an eskimo roll Yes Greatest kayaking achievement Finishing the 2006 Avon lowest water level ever Longest kayak trip or race Avon Descent (134), Hawkesbury Classic (111) Most fun ever in a kayak Every time I go to Penrith White Water Centre Biggest drama ever in a kayak Busting Rudder 1km into 2005 Avon Descent long way with no rudder in a K1 Kayaking dream trip Kayaking round the Islands of Croatia How many times per month I go for a paddle 20+ Tips for beginners Get a K1 as soon as possible and keep trying till you get it. Favourite kayak Viper K1

Name /residence Nic Davies /Melbourne, Vic Speed or comfort tester Comfort tester Age 32 Weight 67 kg Sports background Multisport Years since started kayaking 1 Number of boats currently owned 1 How many “swims” did you take in the first month 1 on the river and countless in the surf Can you do an eskimo roll No Greatest kayaking achievement 15 mins in a k1 Longest kayak trip or race 13km, Lorne Anaconda Adventure Race Most fun ever in a kayak Saturday morning training on the Yarra… drills, sprints, few thousand bats, a tortoise on a lucky day, a capsize or two on an unlucky day… followed by a Boatman’s breakfast! Biggest drama ever in a kayak Hit in the head with a plastic ski in the surf. Purchased a helmet the next day. Kayaking dream trip Multi-day trip in a sea kayak - South Pacific. How many times per month I go for a paddle 1-2 times per week Tips for beginners Summer Tip - If you are nervous about falling in, have a swim first. Winter Tip - Beanie, thermals and booties. Favourite kayak Time Bandit

5.)6%23)49 /& !)3 #!."%22! Name /residence Heather Hadley-Powell /Traralgon, Vic Speed or comfort tester Comfort tester Age 45 Weight 72 kg Sports background Prior to illness: A grade hockey for 30 years, masters athletics - shot put, hammer and heavyweight thrower, scuba diver divemaster, parachutist, bushwalker, aerobics, weightlifter, and powerlifter. After illness: Sailing, sea kayaking, and swimming. Years since started kayaking 2 years Number of boats currently owned 2 How many “swims” did you take in the first month None that were not intentional. I purposely capsized to learn different techniques to re- enter the kayak. Can you do an eskimo roll Yes. Self taught using a solid foam , and then reducing the amount of foam to end up with no assistance other than the paddle. Greatest kayaking achievement 1) Paddling my first 1,000 kilometres in 5 months 2) 16th female out of 39 in the paddle leg of Anaconda adventure race Lorne 2005 Longest kayak trip or race Trip: 45km across Lake Wellington and along part of the Latrobe River. Race: 14km in Anaconda adventure race Lorne 2005. Most fun ever in a kayak The first time water crashed over the bow of my sea kayak and splashed me in the chest and face. This was the first time I had spontaneously laughed out loud in 3½ years since becoming ill. The next was when I had reached my 2000km paddling milestone and was immediately met by a pod of 10 dolphins, at the entrance to McLellan Strait. Biggest drama ever in a kayak My first ever unintentional capsize. This was in the middle of Westernport Bay in 2 foot waves, after paddling from Bass River to Newhaven and returning to Bass River. I had twisted my body around to the right to check on the fishing rod and a rogue beam wave hit me on the starboard side and over I went. Kayaking dream trip Generally - paddle the arctic and antarctic regions. Specifically - circumnavigate Antartica, paddle from Newfoundland northwards between Canada and Greenland, circumnavigate Iceland, circumnavigate New Zealand, circumnavigate Tasmania, paddle non-stop Victoria to Tasmania, paddle Glacier Bay Alaska. How many times per month I go for a paddle When I am feeling well 12 to 16 times per month Tips for beginners 1) Start in a red boat, as they of course go faster. 2) Paddle in a safe location without hidden rocks, rips, currents, dumping surf, etc. 3) Keep paddling as much as possible to get as much practice in, even if it is only a few km each session. 4) Paddle in all sorts of conditions - as paddling in a 15 knot head wind and 2 foot waves can be of more benefit than just paddling on flat water for a much longer distance or time period. It will build up your stamina, endurance, and skills for paddling in choppy conditions, wind, and waves. Favourite kayak Sea kayak

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5.)6%23)49 /& !)3 #!."%22! Name /residence Mark Mex /Melbourne, Vic Speed or comfort tester Comfort tester Age 42 Weight 79 kg Sports background Cycling Years since started kayaking 8 Number of boats currently owned 4 How many “swims” did you take in the first month A few Can you do an eskimo roll Yes, only when mucking about Greatest kayaking achievement Enjoying the kayaking leg in multisport races Longest kayak trip or race An adventure race in the Virgin Islands with so much paddling that we had blister on blister Most fun ever in a kayak Kayak training with mates - paddling from INCC down through the city out into the bay, paddling Homestead to Jumping creek, early morning sessions when it’s 2 degrees Biggest drama ever in a kayak Not being able to eskimo roll in a play boat in the surf. Kayaking dream trip Having a family kayaking trip with the boys old enough to paddle their own boats. How many times per month I go for a paddle Up to 3 times per week (only live 3kms from the kayak club) Tips for beginners Join a club, paddle with friends, and expect to swim a few times. Favourite kayak Time Machine/ Time Bandit

Name /residence Del Lloyd /Melbourne, Vic Speed or comfort tester Comfort tester Age 26 Weight 54 kg Sports background Adventure racing; formerly modern pentathlon & triathlon Years since started kayaking 3 Number of boats currently owned 1 How many “swims” did you take in the first month 0 Can you do an eskimo roll Nope. I tried to learn once. Greatest kayaking achievement Not much to boast about! Longest kayak trip or race Coast to Coast - 67km Most fun ever in a kayak 6am winter mornings on the Yarra. Nah, only kidding! I really enjoyed surf-skiing 2 days down the Mitchell River last year, weather was grim but the rapids, company, and fireside marshmallows were good. Biggest drama ever in a kayak No dramas to report sorry. Kayaking dream trip I want to paddle to Tasmania just because I want to do it, but dream trip would need to involve rainforest and tropical wildlife. How many times per month I go for a paddle 3 days /wk Tips for beginners Get some instruction on good technique from the start. Find some regular paddling buddies and get on the water as often as you can. Don’t dither around feeling like a beginner for too long - enter a competition or choose a challenge that scares you and train like you mean it. I also found that learning to paddle in winter time was the best incentive to stay upright! Favourite kayak Time Machine - it’s not afraid of waves and is a nice compromise between speed and stability (good for chasing the guys without falling out in their wash!) Name /residence Michael Young /Melbourne, Vic Speed or comfort tester Comfort tester Age 52 Weight 69 kg Sports background Age Group triathlon and sea kayaking Years since started kayaking 13 Number of boats currently owned 3 How many “swims” did you take in the first month 0 Can you do an eskimo roll Yes Greatest kayaking achievement Breaking a paddle off Broome and paddling back to base with one blade Longest kayak trip or race Bridge to Brighton - 25km plus 50km kayak, 50km run and 50km ride on Michaels 50th birthday Most fun ever in a kayak Getting reverse back flippled in the surf in a sea kayak Biggest drama ever in a kayak Paddling at night time thru Winter in freezing conditions in sea kayaks Kayaking dream trip Paddling east coast of Australia How many times per month I go for a paddle 12 Tips for beginners Be prepared to be taught rather than learn by yourself Favourite kayak V10 Epic ski Name /residence Shian Lim /Brisbane, Qld Speed or comfort tester Comfort tester Age 26 Weight 65 kg Sports background Kayaker, touch footy player & ref Years since started kayaking 9 Number of boats currently owned 2 How many “swims” did you take in the first month 0 Can you do an eskimo roll No Greatest kayaking achievement Out-paddling rowers. Not really interested in races/competitions Longest kayak trip or race Paddling around the Whitsundays for a week Most fun ever in a kayak I love paddling in the rain with water everywhere - and then a nice warm shower at the end of it Biggest drama ever in a kayak Stuck in a bay for 4 days because we kept being turned back by 3m breaking waves. There was no way to communicate with the outside world & not a single other person visited the entire time. Kayaking dream trip Sea kayaking in crystal blue waters, sunny skies, some waves would be nice, with excellent snorkelling and absolutely NO sandflies How many times per month I go for a paddle 4 - more if I have time Tips for beginners Just fall in - don’t worry about it. And enjoy the scenery too! Favourite kayak Dagger sea kayaks - despite being heavy & slow!

Name /residence Ross Stevens /Geelong, Vic Speed or comfort tester Comfort tester Age 42 Weight 82 kg Sports background , Squash, Basketball, Running Years since started kayaking 27 Number of boats currently owned 6 How many “swims” did you take in the first month A few, but I don’t like to admit it! I have been known to hit the odd tree over the years and I’ve gone under a log in a very flooded Acheron River. Can you do an eskimo roll Yes, but when I’ve practiced. I’d prefer not to tip out in the first place! Greatest kayaking achievement So far I’d say the Murray Marathon, after having a ride in an ambulance after the first day. Never give up. Longest kayak trip or race Murray Marathon Most fun ever in a kayak Taking my whitewater beginner mates on the Big River, floating down backwards laughing my head off. Especially the guys who couldn’t steer a raft!! Hi there luke. Biggest drama ever in a kayak Nearly drowning and smashing my boat in the Acheron River when I went under a log. The boat hit the bottom of the river up the right way thank god, massive damage. Mate reckons it was nearly 100 metres before I surfaced. Lucky, won’t do that again. Kayaking dream trip Several. Sea Kayaking to Tassie and around the Barrier Reef islands. Also Alaska for fun and the big Canadian race in whitewater over a couple of days. How many times per month I go for a paddle I paddle a fair bit, between 16 and 25 times a month, depending on training. Tips for beginners Never give up. Keep at it and go for faster boats early on. You will get wet, but the enjoyment far outweighs getting wet early on. The cameraderie in the sport/social/touring sides is amazing. Favourite kayak Hard Question. K1 because it’s fast. My Reflex for whitewater, and the Epic V10 surf ski, it’s versatile and it goes.

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5.)6%23)49 /& !)3 #!."%22! Name /residence Mark Halpin /Canberra, ACT Speed or comfort tester Speed tester Age 21 Weight 87 kg Sports background Elite rowing background, K1 sprint specialist Years since started kayaking 3.5yrs Number of boats currently owned 2 How many “swims” did you take in the first month A lot since I started paddling in a K1 Can you do an eskimo roll Yes, I can eskimo roll Greatest kayaking achievement 5th in U23 K1 500m 2006 1st in OTK1 Aus marathon 2006 Longest kayak trip or race 28km NSW Marathon since I am a sprinter Most fun ever in a kayak Racing in sprint regattas while traveling around Australia Biggest drama ever in a kayak Biggest drama in kayak is with the rowers and the water police washing us off Kayaking dream trip Dream would be to go overseas and race for a couple of months How many times per month I go for a paddle 5-6 times a week on the water Tips for beginners Enjoy your paddling and do not worry about going fast Favourite kayak Nelo K1 because of the speed and craftsmanship

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