News Flash
The new timekeeper's roster is now posted. If you are scheduled on the roster but
can't make it, you should arrange a replacement and let Tom Holloway know on 0415901555
You can access Wednesday night results in the menu at the top
MORE NEWS
14-12-2011 Lane Cove River Kayakers had its 8th win in 9 years in the contest for
champion club in the 2011 Hawkesbury Classic. Read the comments about the race from
all the LCRK competitors in the December 2011 issue of Kayak Kapers.
Also in the December issue:
• Matt Blundell was all class in winning the 40-44 year kayak marathon world championship
in Singapore.
• The sheer rugged sandstone cliffs in Katherine Gorge are a stunning
sight for kayakers.
• Richard Barnes is preparing for his third Bass Strait kayak
crossing, accompanied by Mardi Barnes, Dave Fisher and Gary Roberts.
You can download the December and earlier issues of Kayak Kapers free to your own
computer.
07-12-2011 Australia has an abundance of wonderful places to paddle, but few as isolated
and magical as Katherine Gorge. Wade Rowston has just been there and tells you what
a breathtaking experience it is, how much it will cost you and a few tips on how
to go about doing it. Click here for the full article
23-11-2011 What’s the ideal preparation for the Hawkesbury Classic? First paddle
in a kayak three nights before the race after practising on a 4.2m plastic fantastic?
Well, it can be done and Craig Ryan can tell you how. Click here for the full article
17-11-2011 Doing the Hawkesbury Classic is always an adventure, and even more so
if it’s for the first time. Go with Lisa Healey as she and Neville Bradshaw tackle
the big race, fighting a moonless night, incoming tides, huge jelly fish, tiredness
and mud, mud, mud! Click here for the full article
12-10-2011 It’s Hawkesbury Classic time again, and Lane Cove River Kayakers are fielding
a strong team to defend the Commonwealth Bank Cup. Details of who is in the team,
and what they are paddling, are in the October 2011 issue of Kayak Kapers.
Also in this issue:
• Four-time Murray Marathon winner Tom Simmat insists that any national ultra marathon
kayaking series must promote Australian kayak design.
• Tony Carr examines a Canadian model which suggests that commercially-based clubs
with shareholders rather than members could make kayaking more popular.
• Marg Cook leads a recreational paddle on Lake Macquarie.
• Kayaking yachtsman Craig Ellis steers his yacht Future Shock to a handicap victory
in the Sydney to Gold Coast race.
You can download the June issue, and earlier issues, of Kayak Kapers free to your
own computer.
12-10-2011 Click here to see the two Lane Cove River Kayakers club trophies which
will be competed for in the 2011 Hawkesbury Classic. On the left is the Line Honours
Trophy, currently held by Matt Blundell, for the fastest LCRK boat in the race. On
the right is the new Handicap Trophy, for the fastest entry on handicap.
12-10-2011 For some time Lane Cove River Kayakers has been thinking about getting
a K4. And now it’s happened. There was a lot more involved than just buying a boat
and putting it in the water. Click here to read the full story in Part 1 of the K4
Odyssey by Jeremy Spear.
10-10-2011 A new ultramarathon kayaking series is being planned, to include the Hawkesbury
Classic, Murray Marathon and Murray 200. But how do you decide who is the series
champion? You can read all about it in the August issue of Kayak Kapers.
Also in this issue:
• Tom Simmat, four times winner of the Murray Marathon, is threatened with legal
action while paddling in the Murray 200.
• Threatening weather and emergency services vehicles getting bogged cut Geoquest
short.
• Lane Cove’s Hawkesbury training paddles have provided some tough training for
the Hawkesbury Classic.
You can download the June issue, and earlier issues, of Kayak Kapers free to your
own computer.
10-6-2011 Everybody has heard of Clancy of the Overflow. How about James, Bert and
John of the Overflow? These three Lane Cove River Kayakers earned themselves a spot
in Australian history when they became the first to paddle kayaks up the Paroo River
in April, a feat achieved on one of those extremely rare occasions following heavy
rain when the Paroo overflows into the Darling River. It’s the same “overflow” Banjo
Paterson wrote about. It occurred during a paddle down the Darling, and you can read
about it in the June 2011 issue of Kayak Kapers:.
Also in this issue:
• Tony Hystek takes you along on an adventure race from Marysville to Melbourne.
• A big swell make conditions tricky in this year’s Bridge to Beach.
• The “Woman in Black”, having paddled right around Australia, now plans to paddle
around South America.
You can download the June issue, and earlier issues, of Kayak Kapers free to your
own computer.
10-6-2011 Come paddling down the Darling River in western NSW with James Mumme and
Bert Lloyd. They have just finished a trip covering the full 1600km length of the
river. Click here to go to their illustrated articles.
15-4-2011 Reading the current in a river, from a paddling point of view, is a skill
you can learn. It’s particularly valuable in races like the Murray Marathon and Hawkesbury
Classic, where making the most of the conditions can save you valuable time. Tom
Simmat, 4-times winner of the Murray Marathon, tells you how to do it in the April
2011 issue of Kayak Kapers.
Also in this issue:
• At this stage it is unlikely that there will be any of the popular Hawkesbury
Classic familiarisation paddles this year.
• Racing smarter and race tactics were the main lessons in a recent marathon training
camp.
• An April Fool’s Day prank caught out plenty of paddlers.
• Tom Simmat has been honoured with the Andrew McAuley Trophy for undertaking an
extraordinary kayaking task – winning the world’s longest canoe race – and being
an ambassador to the sport.
You can download the February issue, and earlier issues, of Kayak Kapers free to
your own computer.
14-03-2011 As usual there's a wide variety of interesting events on the Recreational
Paddle program run by the LCRK's Tony Carr for Paddle NSW. Towra Point internationally
significant Wetlands on Friday April 22, Hawkesbury Magic! On Sunday May 1st and
Westward Ho! From Akuna Bay to Bobbin Head on Sunday June 5th. For more details see
the Recreational Paddling flier.
26-01-2011 Tom Simmat capped a stellar year by winning the Murray Marathon in late
December. Earlier in 2010 he won the longest canoe race in the world, the Yukon 1000
in Canada/Alaska (1650km) and smashed his class record in the Hawkesbury Classic.
You can read about his achievement, plus reports from all the other Lane Cove paddlers
in the Murray, in the February issue of Kayak Kapers.
Also in the February issue of Kayak Kapers:
• There was predictable chaos on the water as Lane Cove River Kayakers celebrated
their annual Christmas Paddle and BBQ.
• Two more veterans offer their suggestions on how the ailing PNSW marathon series
can be improved. The debate continues.
• Find all the important racing dates for 2011 in one spot – no need to go searching.
You can download the February issue, and earlier issues, of Kayak Kapers free to
your own computer.
19-01-2011 Tom Simmat, winner of the Murray Marathon in December for the fourth time,
has written a detailed and informative account of his preparations for the race,
including modifications to his new boat, plus a day-by-day report on the race itself.
Click here to see this article.
15-01-2011 LCRK gave the whole of its takings for the first BBQ of the year, plus
the time trial fees – $250 – to the Queensland flood appeal.
15-12-2010 Are you happy with the present format and presentation of the NSW Marathon
Series? Would you like to see some changes? Does the series need a makeover? Two
of Lane Cove’s leading marathon racers, Tom Simmat and Richard Barnes, think the
series is losing its appeal, and in the December issue of Kayak Kapers they outline
what they think must be done to reverse the declining number of competitors. NSW
President Tony Hystek responds to their comments.
Also in the December issue of Kayak Kapers:
• A new club vigour helps Lane Cove River Kayakers win the Commonwealth Bank Cup
as the best performing club in the Hawkesbury Classic.
• How do you flatten and widen a kayak to make it fit race specifications?
• Join Tim Hookins in racing the exciting fish River Marathon in South Africa –
and see his spectacular race pictures.
You can download the December issue, and earlier issues, of Kayak Kapers free to
your own computer.
12-12-2010 Lots of paddling friends and family joined Marg McDonald in early December
as she scattered the ashes of her late husband, popular kayaker Frank McDonald, into
the sea at South West Rocks. You can see pictures of the Hawaiian-style ceremony
and the BBQ which followed in our Photo Gallery.
03-12-2010 The final and deciding Crudslime Cup race for the year was held on December
1. You can see pictures of the paddlers in action in our Photo Gallery.
01-12-2010 Click here to read Tim Hookins’ full report on his participation in the
South African white water classic, the Fish River Marathon, and see lots of amazing
pictures of his exhilarating ride down this great river.
13-11-2010 Go to our Photo Gallery to see pictures from the final Marathon Series
race of 2010, on the Nepean at Penrith.
01-11-2010 As usual there's a wide variety of interesting events on the Recreational
Paddle program run by the LCRK's Tony Carr for Paddle NSW. Cruisin’ the Royal National
Park on Sunday November 7, Lake Illawarra Expedition on Sunday December 5 and Colo
River Adventure Paddle on Saturday January 22. For more details see the Recreational
Paddling flier.
07-10-2010 Lane Cove River Kayakers lost one of its favourite sons on Sept 5 when
Frank McDonald passed away after a 17-month battle with lung cancer. Frank was well
known in the paddling community. His life, one full of adventure, was celebrated
at his funeral service with family and mates recalling special times with him. You
can read about it in the October issue of Kayak Kapers.
Also in this issue:
• Tom Simmat tells what you have to do to win the longest kayak race in the world,
the Yukon 1000, over a distance equal to Sydney to Alice Springs.
• Lane Cove is entering a strong team in the Hawkesbury Marathon with the aim of
winning back the Commonwealth Bank Cup.
• Andrew Mathers gives a stroke-by-stroke account of the Murray 200.
• After about the hundredth time, portages in this year’s Avon Descent became something
of an irritation.
You can download this and earlier issues of Kayak Kapers free to your own computer.
22-09-2010 Lane Cove River Kayakers is in mourning for the loss of one of its favourite
members, Frank McDonald, who died on Sept 5. Frank was well known and respected throughout
the paddling community. A Tribute Page has been established on this website and you
can access it by clicking here. If you would like to add your tribute, email it to
webmaster@lcrk.org.au marked “Tribute to Frank McDonald”.
13-09-2010 As usual there's a wide variety of interesting events on the Recreational
Paddle program run by the LCRK's Tony Carr for Paddle NSW. Upper Colo River Adventure
Paddle on Sat September 25, Cruisin’ the Royal Nation Park on Sun November 7 and
Lake Illawarra Expedition on Sun December 5. For more details see the Recreational
Paddling flier.
07-09-2010 There will be a celebration of Frank’s life on Monday, 13 September at
2.00pm at Macquarie Park Crematorium in the Magnolia Chapel. The Crematorium is
on the corner of Delhi Road and Plassey Road, North Ryde and afterwards for light
refreshments in the Banksia Room of the Function Centre which is a short walk from
the Chapel.
05-09-2010 Popular LCRK paddler, Frank McDonald, passed away early this morning After
a year and a half's battle with mesothelioma. Frank was a loyal club member, enthusiastic
marathon paddler and veteran of Hawkesbury and Myall Classics.
His jovial company will be sadly missed on Wednesday nights and at races.
His wife, Marg, is also a club member and keen recreational paddler and all our thoughts
are with her at this sad time.
20-08-2010 Do you enjoy reading the first-hand accounts of adventure racing which
appear regularly in Kayak Kapers? There’s another one in the August 2010 issue. This
time Matt Shields tells how stinging trees and heat stroke failed to stop him and
his team finishing the 700km Cairns XPD race.
Also in this issue:
• Matt Swann is elected the new President of Lane Cove River
Kayakers
• Tom Simmat and Steve Pizzey triumph in grizzly bear country near the Arctic
Circle to win the 1600km Yukon 1000 – there’ll be a personal account by Tom in the
next issue of KK
• Cycling aficionados should read Derek Simmonds’ account of tackling
three iconic races in the challenging mountains of New Zealand.
You can download this and earlier issues of Kayak Kapers free to your own computer.
16-08-2010 If you’re partial to a little saddle polishing, Derek Simmonds recommends
three iconic cycle races in the South Island of New Zealand. Click here to read his
unedited account of how he fared in these races.
11-08-2010 Matt Shields survived stinging tree attacks and severe heat stroke to
complete the torturous 700km Cairns XPD race. Click here to read his unedited story.
Click here to see more pictures from the XPD race, this time the Goldfish team which
included Richard Barnes and James Terpening.
09-08-2010 LCRK member Tom Simmat and paddling partner Steve Pizzey have won the
world’s longest and toughest paddling race - the Yukon 1000.- which runs 1000 miles
down the Yukon River from Whitehorse in Canada into Alaska where it ends at the trans
Alaska oil pipeline. Tom and Steve finished in 7 days, 1 hour and 27 minutes, paddling
18 hour days. They paddled in single kayaks which is highly unusual in this race
given that competitors are required to be in teams of at least two. The race is considered
too dangerous for solo competitors given the hazards on the river (including bears)
and the fact that paddlers have no choice but to be self-supporting in this lonely
and hostile environment. Tom and Steve also had to take their passports. The race
finished on July 26.
Tom and Steve have previously paddled the Yukon River Quest, a 700km race which makes
up nearly the first half of the Yukon 1000 course. Tom's done it three times and
Steve once.
To learn more, including the funny and scary moments, go to Tom’s blog http://tomsimmat.blogspot.com.
The race website is yukon1000.com
02-07-2010 As usual there's a wide variety of interesting events on the Recreational
Paddle program run by the LCRK's Tony Carr for Paddle NSW. Beyond the Roseville Bridge/Garigal
National Park on Sat July 17, Chipping Norton Lakes Discovery Paddle on Sat August
28 and Upper Colo River Adventure Paddle on Sun September 26. For more details see
the Recreational Paddling flier.
22-06-2010 On the 27th from 9.00 till 11.00ish Tony Hystek will be running a paddle
technique workshop. There will be 1 hour of technique workshop followed by an hour
of on the water workshop filmed and provided for you to evaluate your own technique.
This is unbelievable value at $20. Places are limited to 11
Might be worth bringing a memory stick down to take away the video footage on the
day.
09-06-2010 Get the June 2010 issue of Kayak Kapers and read about the adventures
of James Mumme and Bert Lloyd as they paddled 800 kilometres down the Darling River.
Also in this issue:
• The new Lane Cove River Kayakers pontoon is baptised with champagne.
•
Tom Simmat’s revolutionary subfoiler kayak undergoes sea trials, and needs some
modifications.
• How do you finish a 10-day, 700km cross country adventure race in
style? You gatecrash the post-race dinner party, of course.
You can download this and earlier issues of Kayak Kapers free to your own computer.
01-06-2010 From today, 1st June 2010 you can renew your membership of Paddle NSW
and then LCRK. Both membership renewals are due by 31st July 2010.
The lights at Magdala Park have been refocussed. this should make it possible for
us to see where we are going from the 9.5 to 11km part of our Wed night paddle.
26-05-2010 As usual there's a wide variety of interesting events on the Recreational
Paddle program run by the LCRK's Tony Carr for Paddle NSW. Beyond the Roseville Bridge/Garigal
National Park on Sat July 17, Chipping Norton Lakes Discovery Paddle on Sat August
28 and an Upper Colo River Adventure Paddle on a date to be avised. For more details
see the Recreational Paddling flier.
20-05-2010 Are you doing the Hawkesburry Clasisic this year? Lane Cove River Kayakers
is holding an Early Preparation session in conjunction with our monthly BBQ on Wednsday,
June 9. Speakers will discuss boat selection and training. The session is free.
Visitors are welcometo attend the session and also the BBQ, starting at 8pm.
Visitors are also invited to join us for our weekly 12km or 6km time trials, starting
at 6:25pm, which will preced the BBQ and Classic session. Venue: Chatswood Athletic
Field, Mowbray Road near Epping Road. UBD 194L12
21-04-2010 Can you imagine yourself running 80 kilometres along a rough track in
a race through Tasmania’s mountain country, then backing up by paddling across Bass
Strait? That’s what some Sydney kayakers, eager for a challenge, have just done.
You can read what they had to say about their adventures in the April issue of Kayak
Kapers. Also in this issue:
• Two Lane Cove paddlers are preparing for a 1650km kayak race through desolate
areas of northern Canada and Alaska, where they are more likely to encounter hungry
bears than people. They’ll be covering the equivalent of two Hawkesbury Classics
a day, every day.
• Kayakers are enjoying the challenges of adventure racing.
• Lane Cove River Kayakers’ new enlarged pontoon is in place – come down for a Wednesday
night club outing and try it out. Visitors welcome.
• LCRK has celebrated 20 years of regular Wednesday night time trials.
You can download this issue and earlier issues of Kayak Kapers free to your own computer.
Kayak Kapers is searchable.
20-04-2010 Well you all might remember saying it was the last time taking those wooden
steps down. Well its now true.
The lower half of the pontoon has been installed and
is ready for use. It’s a little lower than before which is perfect for us.
So if you
want to be one of the first to give it a try I will see you there on Wednesday!!
Safe paddling
13-03-2010 As usual there's a wide variety of interesting events on the Recreational
Paddle program run by the LCRK's Tony Carr for Paddle NSW. Nepean River on March
21, Lifestart's Kayak for Kids on Sydney Harbour on March 82, a three day Lismore
to Ballina "Paddle for Life" on April 17-19, and the Central Coast on May 15. For
more details see the Recreational Paddling flier.
17-02-2010 Word has come through via Phil Newman that Richard Barnes and friends
have made landfall near Cape Otway in Victoria after paddling Bass Strait the hard
way. They took the western route via King Island and the last leg of 100km from there
to the mainland was a 20 hour epic - all night and most of the next day. Richard's
team included LCRK members Andrew Mathers and Len Garvey, Steve Pizzey who is well
know to us, and others who paddled with us in training for the big crossing. Congratulations
to all and no doubt we will soon hear more from them in person. Meanwhile check out
their website here.
12-02-2010 Did you know that while Justin Jones and James Castrission were paddling
from Australia to New Zealand, four other young Australians were rowing across the
Tasman in the other direction from New Zealand to Australia? You can read a first-hand
account of their trip by rower-turned-kayaker Kerry Tozer, a member of Lane Cove
River Kayakers, in the February 2010 issue of Kayak Kapers. Also in this issue:
• Tony Hystek gives a day-by-day, blow by blow account of his victory in the Murray
Marathon.
• Leaders are invited for a new Lane Cove program covering not only paddling but
a range of other sports.
• A 4-page pictorial coverage of Lane Cove River Kayakers Christmas BBQ.
• Important dates in the 2010 race calendar.
You can download this issue and earlier issues of Kayak Kapers free to your own computer.
Kayak Kapers is searchable.
26-01-2010 Paddlers are already making plans for this year's Hawkesbury Classic on
October 23 and, in response to requests, we are reposting the LCRK guide to paddling
a successful Hawkesbury which has been revised for 2010. Read here for our advice
on proper preparation and race night strategy. Whether you are a first-timer or a
seasoned Hawkesbury paddler we invite you to join our club, train with us in the
dark at our Wednesday night time trial and benefit from the club's experience and
support facilities on race night.
12-02-2010 Click here to ride down the Murray with Tony Hystek on a 404km, 5-day
endurance epic that resulted in a handicap victory in the Murray Marathon, one of
Australias great kayak races.
2009-12-08 The December 2009 issue of Kayak Kapers contains an extended pictorial
coverage of both the Hawkesbury Canoe Classic and the World Masters Games, plus full
details of how Lane Cove River Kayakers members performed in both these events. Also
in this issue:
• Vicki McAuley and son Finlay make the initial presentation of the Andrew McAuley
Trophy for an outstanding contribution to the spirit of kayaking awarded to around-Tasmania
paddlers Richard Barnes and Phil Newman.
• Lane Cove paddlers are among those preparing for a group crossing of Bass Strait.
You can download this issue and earlier issues of Kayak Kapers free to your own computer.
Kayak Kapers is searchable.
2009-11-24 Six Lane Cove paddlers answered a last-minute call to be kayak marshalls
in one of Sydney's classic swim races, the Dawny Challenge, which starts from the
Dawn Fraser pool in Balmain and follows a 2.4km course around Cockatoo Island and
back. A few days before the November 22 race organisers were short of kayaks to escort
the 430 swimmers. Ian Wilson, Jeremy Spear, Don Rowston, Matt Swann, Justin Paine
and Tim Dodd took their sea kayaks down to help out. No sharks were sighted but several
penguins seemed happy to share the water with race competitors.
2009-10-20 The Myall Classic is a favourite of many marathon paddlers, but in the
last few years it has been plagued or cancelled by high winds. This years race was
held in gale-force winds which forced the event to be shortened, but at least it
was held. Derek Simmonds provided an article and pictures of the event. (See Photo
Gallery for all pics.)
2009-10-20 Lane Cove paddlers are busy preparing for this years Hawkesbury Classic.
It looks like we will have a smaller team than usual, but it will include cross-Tasman
kayaker Justin Jones. The names of those expected to make the Windsor-Brooklyn run
on October 24/25 are in the October 2009 issue of Kayak Kapers.
Also in this issue:
• Roger Aspinall and Julie Stanton from Blue Earth kayak shop have moved to Queensland
but the shop will remain open.
• Jeremy Spear explains why kayaks are sucked down and slow down in shallow water.
• Paddle NSWs new sprint series is an adrenalin rush.
• Just looking at details of the exhaustive course for Geoquest makes you feel tired.
• Terrain dominates the Akuna Bay Multisport race you always seem to be going up
a steep hill or down a steep hill.
You can download this issue and earlier issues of Kayak Kapers free to your own computer.
Kayak Kapers is searchable.
2009-08-18 Steve Russell is the new President of Lane Cove River Kayakers, heading
up a Committee which is determined to continue the major advances the club has made
in the past year. He was elected at the AGM on July 29, when Mark Sier and Roger
Deane were honoured for their dedicated service with Life Membership. At the AGM
Ian Wilson was re-elected as Secretary and Roger Aspinall was elected as Treasurer.
Other committee members for 2009-10 are Matt Swann, Justin Paine, Liz Winn and Tim
Dodd. You can read about the AGM and see pictures of the Annual Dinner in the August
issue of Kayak Kapers. Also in this issue youll find articles on:
• What Hawkesbury Classic veterans think about cutting corners during the big race.
• Well known kayaker boosts the spirits of kids at the Westmead Childrens Hospital
by making them origami animals.
• Expats in Queensland have a day out paddling on the Hinze Dam.
You can download this issue and earlier issues of Kayak Kapers free to your own computer.
Kayak Kapers is searchable.
2009-06-23 Four of Lane Coves finest were among a contingent of 50 Aussies who tackled
the famous Molokai world surf ski championship this year. You can read their first-hand
accounts of the race in the June issue of Kayak Kapers.
Also in this issue youll find:
• The seldom-used stretch of Middle Harbour above Roseville bridge was not only
a great course but also provided spectators with a tremendous view of the marathon
race there on May 31.
• Its a bit embarrassing when you capsize in front of the crowd as you are about
to cross the finishing line, and even more so when its captured on camera.
• Want to know what its like going to the nationals? Its not all plain sailing,
as our yachtie friends might say.
You can download this issue and earlier issues of Kayak Kapers free to your own computer.
Kayak Kapers is searchable.
2009-05-05 Four Lane Cove paddlers have been training hard for the past 18 months
for the Molokai world surf ski championships in Hawaii. You can read about how they
plan to tackle this great ocean challenge in the April issue of Kayak Kapers.
Also in this issue youll find:
• The State marathon and 10,000m championships were extremely well organised and
run, but there werent many boats on the water to appreciate it.
• The annual Bridge-to-Beach race attracted a record crowd, and there are plans
for a second race inside Sydney Harbour.
• Want to go kayaking in Papua New Guinea? Take your own boat and arrange for an
army to guard your car while youre away.
2009-03-07 Our special Wednesday night paddle to benefit those who suffered in the
Victorian bushfires raised over $2,000. Thank you Lane Cove and numerous guest paddlers
who joined us for this event on February 18. All monies have been transferred to
the Red Cross Appeal.
If youre into ocean paddling, then head for the big runs off Cape Town in South
Africa.
You can download this issue and earlier issues of Kayak Kapers free to your own computer.
Kayak Kapers is searchable.
2009-02-12 The 40th and final Red Cross Murray Marathon (next time it will be run
by the YMCA) attracted a big fleet and was held in great style. You can read first-hand
accounts from the 8 Lane Cove crews in the event in the February issue of Kayak Kapers.
Also in this issue:
James Castrission and Justin Jones, the first paddlers to cross the Tasman, gave
an enthralling account of their challenging trip to an evening hosted by Lane Cove
River Kayakers.
Richard Barnes, in yet another daring adventure, spent 3 weeks in Nepal in a white-water
venture that faced water flows 10 to 1000 times bigger than anything in Australia.
The inaugural NSW 5000m Sprint Championships saw K4 crews out in force and theyre
here to stay.
The collier which Japanese minisubs used as a decoy to enter and attack Sydney
Harbour in 1942 was among a number of majestic but little-known wrecks in Homebush
Bay visited by recreational paddlers.
You can download this issue and earlier issues of Kayak Kapers free to your own computer.
Kayak Kapers is searchable.
2009-02-12 First we thrilled to the exploits of The Three Musketeers. Then Disney
gave us The Three Mouseketeers. Now Lane Cove River Kayakers presents The Three Rocketeers!
Read about their adventures in the latest Murray Marathon.
2009-02-11 After a break for technical reasons we are again posting pictures to the
Photo Gallery. Check it out for great new shots of the last Lane Cove Marathon, the
Myall River Classic and our legendary Christmas barbeque.
2009-02-10 Who were the singing minstrels in the K4 who cheered up every paddler
they passed in the long days out on the river in the Murray Marathon in December?
Find out by clicking here.
2008-12-8 Darkness ruled in this years Hawkesbury Canoe Classic, with the moon nowhere
to be seen. The prestigious contest for the Commonwealth Bank Cup, awarded to the
club scoring the most points, turned out to be a cliffhanger, with Lane Cove River
Kayakers scoring their 6th straight victory by a mere 13 points! You can read all
about it in the December issue of Kayak Kapers.
Also in this issue of our club magazine:
Individual interviews with all Lane Cove competitors in this years Classic.
Lane Cove regulars were among the winners when prizes were handed out at the series
trophy presentation night after the Wagga marathon.
The Myall River turned on its magic for the other Classic, complete with dolphins,
sea eagles, pelicans, swans and a competitor who started out as a kayaker and came
home a C1 paddler.
The recreational paddle program is in full swing and has merged with Paddle NSW.
You can download this issue and earlier issues of Kayak Kapers free to your own computer.
Kayak Kapers is searchable.
2008-11-11 Yes there is such a thing as a concrete canoe and civil engineering students
in South Australia design and race these craft for no other reason than to prove
it can be done. Read more.
2008-11-08 Lane Cove River Kayakers set out to win the Commonwealth Bank Cup, the
trophy awarded to the most successful club in the Hawkesbury Canoe Classic, for the
6th successive time when this great annual event was held on November 1-2. You can
read about our preparations and the list of paddlers entering this years Classic
in the October issue of Kayak Kapers. Also in the October issue youll find:
Lane Coves successful recreational paddle program has been expanded into a Statewide
affair in cooperation with Paddle NSW. Some interesting outings are coming up.
Tom Simmat the paddler who has won the Murray Marathon handicap three times out
of three attempts has some radical ideas about kayaking, and none more so than kayak
design.
What is the most suitable material for making kayaks and canoes? Some engineering
students decided to build and race concrete canoes.
You can download this issue and earlier issues of Kayak Kapers free to your own computer.
Kayak Kapers is searchable.
2008-06-24 Favourable tides are promising fast times for this years Hawkesbury Canoe
Classic. You can read about forecast race conditions in the June issue of Kayak Kapers.
Also in the June issue youll find:
Stand-up kayaking is addictive, provides a full physical workout, and is fun.
The new State canoeing body, Paddle NSW, will make a major change to the paddler
registration system.
Lane Coves recreation paddle program is visiting many of Sydneys beautiful waterways.
You can download this issue and earlier issues of Kayak Kapers free to your own computer.
Kayak Kapers is searchable.
2008-04-09 NSW Canoeing has gone out of existence and been replaced by a new body
representing paddlers in this State, appropriately named Paddle NSW. You can read
of Paddle NSWs vision to enhance the sport and the circumstances leading to NSW Canoeings
demise in the April issue of Kayak Kapers. Also in the April issue of Kayak Kapers
youll discover:
• What Melbourne looks like at sunset from a kayak
• Why a boast gone wrong forced some Lane Cove paddlers to wear tu-tus
• How Eskimos build a stealth canoe to hunt whales
2008-03-11 Lane Cove River Kayakers stamped its authority as the premier marathon
racing club in NSW with an emphatic handicap win in the Murray Marathon. Tom Simmat
won the big prize the third time he has won it in three attempts by a whopping 1
hour 22 minutes 45 seconds. You can read first-hand accounts of their races by Tom
and other LCRK competitors in the February issue of Kayak Kapers. Also in this issue
youll find:
• A 2008 calendar which includes all the important race dates, plus a number of recreational
outings.
• A double-page picture spread of the LCRK Christmas barbecue.
• Tom Simmats report on the wild 40km ride from Rottnest Island to Sorrento, on the
WA mainland, in the World Cup ocean racing ski event.
You can download this issue and earlier issues of Kayak Kapers free to your own computer.
Kayak Kapers is searchable.
2008-03-11 For Steve Paget, each day of the 2007 Murray Marathon was an exercise
in Bum Pain management. Despite his seating problems he persevered and finished the
great endurance race 29th on handicap. For an enlightening insight into the challenges
confronting a first-timer in this great endurance race, read Steves race report.
2008-03-11 Justin Paine was launching his Flash from Wharf Road boat ramp, on Parramatta
River, on Monday, February 11, when he noticed a white object protruding from the
muddy water about 30 metres out. It was a boot lid, all that could be seen of a stolen
car which had apparently been dumped the previous night. He called out to a police
van which came past on a routine patrol at that moment and alerted them to the fact
that the incoming tide would soon cover the boot lid, creating a hazard for vessels
using the ramp. The police called in a diver and tow truck, and a couple of hours
later a white Mitsubishi was dragged from the depths. See pictures here.
007-12-11 "The next thing I was zooming down the weir, smooth as silk, only to disappear
in the froth at the bottom." Click here to ride with Tim Hookins down the mighty
Fish River in South Africa in the gruelling two-day Fish River Marathon, one of the
worlds top kayak races.
2007-12-08 Lane Cove River Kayakers have won the trophy for the most successful club
in the Hawkesbury Canoe Classic for the fifth successive year. You can read all about
the 2007 race and interviews with all Lane Cove competitors in the December issue
of Kayak Kapers.
Also in this issue:
• Lane Cove wins the Winter Marathon Series in a nail-biting finish
in Wagga.
• Tim Hookins survives the great Fish River Marathon in South Africa to
tell how he overcame the rapids, plunging weirs and portages in this gruelling white-water
race.
• The latest club recreation paddle was on the Georges River.
You can download this issue and earlier issues of Kayak Kapers free to your own computer.
Kayak Kapers is searchable.
2007-11-03: Lane Cove paddlers turned in some blinders during the 2007 Hawkesbury
Classic. The eagerly awaited double contest between Rob Vallis/Michael Mueller and
Tony Hystek/Tim Hookins in their Supersonics went down to the wire, with Rob and
Michael continuing their great season form by winning the Open UN2 category in 8.52.10.
Tony and Tim knocked almost 4 hours off the 50+ UN2 class record by winning that
in 8.57.00! Tom Simmat made it records in successive years with a fantastic 9.58.35
in the 50+ SRec, while Bob Kenderes won the Open SRec. Urs and Arni Mader claimed
another record in the 50+ XLRec2, and Roger Aspinall (who smashed the 10-hour mark
in breaking the class record), James Mumme and Jeremy Spear made it a trifecta for
Lane Cove in the 40+ MRec. There were many other outstanding performances, including
wins by Steve Paget in the 40+ TK1 and Christie Brown in the Ladies Open UN1.
For race pictures go to our Photo Gallery. If you have any photos of the Classic,
please send them to admin@lcrk.org.au so they can be added to the Photo Gallery.
Congratulations to all who competed and many thanks to the enthusiastic landcrews
and LCRK members who acted as officials.
Detailed Classic results are available at http://www.canoeclassic.asn.au/.
View the News Archive for previous News Flash articles.
