I’ve finally managed to find my GTD notebook of some of the things I jotted down straight after the Marsport session.

  • Measure from your bum to the footrest, make sure it stays a constant, so when we get to Canada it will be easier to set up a new boat.
  • Try a practice run in Poole harbour, get some experience of open water for when we paddle the Lake.
  • Put some tape on the blade to show where the limit of your hands should be.  When you’re tired it’s easy to lose your grip position.
  • Method for paddling
    - Plant Blade
    - Push down on blade with upper hand on plant.
    - Bring shoulder through
    - Push with legs
    - Keep head up (Pete that includes when you’re working really hard)
    - Relax neck
    - Don’t grind your teeth and relax jaw.
    - Relax hands
    - Hand moves out from the ear and forward
    -Twist shoulders using Lats
  • “Get some lats” as a matter of urgency.
  • If your heart rate is < 140 during training, go home and watch tv as it’ll do you as much good.
  • Pack the boat light, every kilo will be felt over that distance.
  • Make the seat comfortable, supposedly some paddlers use sheepskin rugs on seat.  Most atlantic rowers paddle naked with just a rug underneath them.  I’ve suggested this to Pete and he’s not keen.