Write something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview.
Devizes to Westminster
2018/2019
Write something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview.
With Christmas looming, some of you might be asking Father Christmas for some kayaking gear!
Icon Sports, (http://iconsports.eu/) is a local company based in North Devon. Their range of base layers are fantastic and good value for money. Another popular choice for baselayers are Craft Sportswear (http://www.wiggle.co.uk/craft/base-layers-thermals/), a Scandinavian brand that supply many kit to many international athletes for winter sports, and are very popular with lots of marathon kayakers. The link I've used is for Wiggle, a triathlon order shop, that's got lots of discounted kit that can be perfect for DW. For legs, I tend to use running leggings, and if it's very cold, some neoprene shorts over the top. Brand isn't too important, but please avoid cycling shorts or leggings. The padded area does seem like a good comfy idea, but makes running on the portages very awkward and can lead to some quite painful chafing! Hands can get quite cold during some conditions too. Pogies are a sort of gauntlet that attaches around the paddle that the hand fits into comfortably, and whilst these are great for training, they can be fiddly when under high-pressured situations like portaging mid-race. Icon Sports (previously mentioned) make a super warm one from Aquatherm material - top notch! Another option are open-palm mitts. Some of our crews are already using these, and are a piece of kit that I use during the night time on DW. These are neoprene and keep the wind off your hands whilst still giving you the grip you need on the paddle shaft. Available from http://www.aswatersports.co.uk/shop/product_info.php?cPath=36_64&products_id=652&osCsid=39429923cc54bd9742289fcbd5d0b374 Also attached is a link to the Marsport website (http://marsport.co.uk/). This is the shop that was based at the National Schools Championships site in Reading. They've got lots of good racing kit on there so have a browse. You also need to start thinking about drink systems. "Hydrate or Die" sounds like quite an extreme mantra, however without taking on vital electrolytes and water, as the distance increases for training and racing you will find your performance faltering due to dehydration. Two main options would be Camelbak, which holds more water with a tube on your back, or small bottle with a straw around your neck. I have used both, and will continue to use both at different times. For long, unsupported sections, a Camelbak is perfect, but during the Watersides, a small 500ml straw bottle is better as these can easily be changed at speed. Having several of these that you can replaced every time you see support can be a real edge - it also allows you to change your drinks if you find you get bored of the same one easily. Please ask any questions you have, to ensure that what you have is fit for purpose! See you all on Sunday for training - Mr G
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Mrs Reade
This blog is a record of Launceston College DW training and gives useful information out to the students and support crews. Archives
November 2018
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