Hamo 08
Hamilton Island Powerade 2008 produced some great racing conditions. RiverCity paddlers comprised of seasoned and novice paddlers relished the varying conditions and gave 100% in every event... some comments from Steve and Sheryl.
| Steve I have been paddling for eighteen months now, but it didn't take very long for me to hear about "Hamo". During my first season, I felt I wasn't ready to make the trek to Hamilton Island. Even in my second season, I approached it with some trepidation. The whole event probably started the preceding Sunday, with the loading of the canoes. It was great to see everyone turn up and pitch in with the work. Finally on Hamilton Island, the first full day began, watching the OC1 and OC2 races, and cheering on club members as they came to the shore. In the afternoon, we rigged the canoes, and again there was a real team spirit as everyone helped out. Friday started easily enough watching the 500m sprints, with our team competing in the heats. This was followed by our 16 km race around the island. This would have to be the hardest race I have entered, as every time we came to a headland, I was sure we would be able to see the finish line. But all I could see was another headland! When we finally rounded the last headland, we were overtaken by a kiwi team, and had a good tussle with them, narrowly beating them at the finish. That evening we all met up with paddlers from Papua New Guinea, who would be joining with us for the race on Sunday. Saturday was the 1k races, good to relieve any stiffness from yesterday's race, and prepare us for the big one tomorrow. Sunday morning, I was woken at 3.30 am to the sound of a howling wind. I lay there for two hours, just listening to it. We were informed that the changeover race was to take a new course due to the big seas and blustery weather conditions. I was fortunate to be in the starting crew, excited to be lining up with ninety-plus other canoes. The race itself was a hard slog. During stints on the support boat, gave us the opportunity to watch, support and admire your team mates as they paddled on, or sat with you, readying for the next changeover. The respect that's earned during long races like this one is impossible to quantify. It reinforces the reasons you put in such long hours training... for the people you paddle with. PS I had a ball at the after-party too. |
| Sheryl My first Hammo experience was great, great location, good weather, lots of laughs especially at my driving skills on the buggy, oh yeh and the paddling. It was a fantastic team experience and one in which everyone came back with plenty of war stories, bruises, cuts, sore muscles ……..It was a pleasure to be part of the ROCC Star team, great bunch of people to travel and paddle with, hope to see everyone back again in 2009. Mini (aka Sheryl) |