Lindsay's paddling Sydney Harbour II

[QF WP]

Following on from my re-launch into TR's last year, I am again paddling Sydney Harbour with my cousins, cousin-in-law and a couple of ring-ins this Sunday, 25th March.

For those of you that don't know me as well as others, or weren't around last year (or don't want to click on the link above to see what it's all about); I can almost hear you ask "what is it all about" and "why is he doing that?". Superb questions, ones that deserve an answer...

My cousin Andrew was the CEO of the organisation Lifestart. His daughter Grace, has Downs Syndrome and I thought last year it would be a great idea to do a couple of things at once - help Lifestart's funding, see my cousins in Sydney (as we are all getting together after the paddle for a picnic lunch) and spend some time with my cousins and cousin-in-law doing some physical exercise around the beautiful Harbour.

To quote their website and initial emails to me, here's the sell:

Kayak for Kids is a unique paddling challenge on beautiful Sydney Harbour for everyone from beginner to serious kayaker. It is also a great opportunity for kayakers to raise money for kids with disability whilst paddling past the city's icons including Luna Park, the Opera House and Fort Denison before heading into middle harbour and on to leafy Clontarf for the Lifestart family picnic. So get your family, friends and workmates together and come out for a fantastic day on the water." Guy Leech, former World Ironman Champion and Kayak for Kids ambassador.

An event for all Sydneysiders… Lifestart Kayak for Kids is Sydney’s own one-of-a-kind paddling event that attracts competitors and spectators from all over the state to benefit children with a disability or developmental delay. Set to take place on Sunday 25 March 2012, competitors will face the challenge of paddling in a variety of paddle craft in an exciting 17.5km race from Blues Point to Clontarf.Get in the race… The race has been running for the past four years and 2012 will again expose participants to what kayak racing is all about with the inspiring backdrop of the harbour. Serious kayakers are welcome to participate in this exhilarating time trial as it hugs the northern shores in solo or double craft. And, for the novice kayaker, the course runs in four stages of approximately 4.5km for competitors to form relay teams of 3 to 12 people. Join in the Corporate Challenge Cup… The race in 2012 will see participants extend their paddling accomplishments while promoting a friendly rivalry amongst competitors in the quest to win the Corporate Challenge Cup, an extra category for businesses that are entering teams to compete against one another in the paddle. To win the Corporate Challenge Cup, teams compete in both the time they take to complete the course and the amount of fundraising income they raise.

And after the paddle, please stay around for presentations and then join us at the annual Lifestart family picnic with lots of fun, food and entertainment for the whole family.

I am especially proud of supporting my cousin and his daughter, Grace; so hopefully the lack of training that I have done for this year won't hold me back (or more likely, have me in agony over my desk on Tuesday next week when my triceps, quads and lower back are likely to be complaining about what I forced them to endure) .

The course is shown here and the course bio is:
START: Lavender Bay. Event registration will take place at Blues Point Reserve.
Stage 1: Lavender Bay to Little Sirius Cove, Mosman Bay (TA1) = 4.2km
Stage 2: Little Sirius Cove to Clifton Gardens, Chowder Bay (TA2) = 4.7km
Stage 3: Clifton Gardens to Balmoral Beach, southern end (TA3) = 4.6km
Stage 4: Balmoral Beach to Clontarf Beach = 4.0km
FINISH: Clontarf Beach. Award presentation will take place at Clontarf Reserve.


For those at any of these places in Sydney or crossing the Harbour Bridge around the 9.00am start time on Sunday, look out for the flotilla of yellow craft (kayaks) and think of me flogging myself mercilessly for charity (my thoughts are likely to be on the lunch at the end ).

 

[QF WP]

Re: Lindsay's paddling

So now that I have set the scene, back to the TR. On Sunday, 9th October 2011; I was initially reminded that the Kayak for Kids was on again and given the date. It didn't clash with anything I had on, so I subtly reminded my team mates that I was in the next day and set in motion another trip to Sydney (will assist in VA re-qualification) and staying with my cousin (who has an excellent wine collection - we may spend some time looking at them wistfully the night before).

Registration opened on 22nd December and I rallied the troups by email. Made sure that I included the late ring in from last year, Kath; who is an outrigger paddler and I really enjoyed paddling with somebody who understood rythym, teamwork and had enough breath to keep a commentary going :mrgreen:.

So, after confirming with my wife that I was able to come down, I booked my flights on 7 February. Given that I am now in the middle of re-qualifying my VA Gold and I am again taking my family overseas later this year, I needed to find a cheap alternative, so ended up booking two Saver fares ($243 all in). Alas, it was also to be a quick up and back:

Sat 24 Mar DJ950 BNE/SYD Depart: 1.00pm Arrive: 3.35pm
Sun 25 Mar DJ989 SYD/BNE Depart: 8.00pm Arrive: 8.30pm

Nice to have the Baggage Allowance on 32kgs, but going to try and get away with hand luggage given it's only an overnight.

Gave them all a razz by email a week later:

GraceTeam,

My flights are booked, so I'm committed

My cousin graciously offered for me to stay at his place, being the closest to the starting line (plus he and I will be two of the 3 person team starting the paddle, no doubt).

Should any of you feel you'd like to donate to the cause...tax deductible donations can be done by CC to the following website and you can "credit" the donation against my name and there is a really unique kicker this year:

We have a double matched giving which gives Lifestart particularly good value from your donation. My cousin Andrew has pledged to match donations dollar for dollar, up to $25,000. One of our team paddlers is with Macquarie and has applied to have Macquarie Foundation match all money raised on our boat up to $50,000. Thus tax deductibility and gearing

Now, I'd love to see my cousin have to front up with double all our donations (up to his cap of $25K), then have Macquarie Foundation double it. Am I excited, hell yes! A $100 donation by somebody is a $50 to $70 out-of-pocket expense (after the tax deduction). This becomes a $200 donation (after hte doubling by my cousin) and a $400 donation (after doubling by Macquarie Foundation). Not too shabby - it does show that sometimes it's who you know ;You can also leave some comments against your donation - no profanity please but some AFF or FF-centric comments would certainly be a cause for discussion on the paddle or later at the lunch

 

[anat0l]

Re: Lindsay's paddling

<The Simpsons>

Readin' Lindsay Wilson's trip report, that's a paddlin'. :mrgreen:

 

[drron]

Re: Lindsay's paddling

If you are getting the rain we are getting up here on the coast you may need that kayak to get to BNE.

 

[Nigelinoz]

Re: Lindsay's paddling

This probably belongs in humour but I'll post it here anyway-

Two Eskimos sitting in a kayak were chilly, so they lit a fire in the craft. Unsurprisingly it sank, proving once again that you can’t have your kayak and heat it too.

Cheers
N'oz

 

[Nigelinoz]

Re: Lindsay's paddling

I've made the first donation to your cause Mr Wilson,Good Luck!
Cheers
N'oz
BTW If you are

in agony over my desk on Tuesday next week

I'm sure some chocolate and red wine will fix you up:mrgreen:

 

[QF WP]

Re: Lindsay's paddling

You are very kind, Nigelinoz and I appreciate your confidence in my abilities. I'll do your donation proud. Photo's will be posted - I won't be able to take them, but hopefully my cousins wife will be the official photographer again this year.

Chocolate and red wine should be available both in The Lounge on Sunday night and again in my home on Monday and Tuesday nights, just to make sure I recover correctly.

 

[QF WP]

Re: Lindsay's paddling

<The Simpsons>

Readin' Lindsay Wilson's trip report, that's a paddlin'. :mrgreen:

Sorry, anat0l, that quote is lost on me, but I see two other members that get it

 

[Nigelinoz]

Re: Lindsay's paddling

So how did it go Mr Wilson ?
Cheers
N'oz

 

[QF WP]

Re: Lindsay's paddling

Sorry everybody, my iPhone is playing up, can't get emails or AFF on it at the moment (amongst other things) and I need some sleep tonight, but I hope to send through update with pictures tomorrow night.

 

[QF WP]

Re: Lindsay's paddling

Ready to go on finishing the TR, so I need to bump this so I can bring it up on my iPhone. Unfortunately, my iPhone isn't working properly, so no photos

 

[QF WP]

I drove to the airport fresh from attending my kids normal Saturday morning swimming lessons, stopping to do my part in voting out the State Labour government on the way. I found a car spot on Level 4 with 35 minutes before take-off, cutting it as fine as I would ever want. Thankfully I had already checked-in and printed out my boarding pass, plus only had carry-on. I walked quickly through the new multi-storey facility and bypassed the downstairs check-in, heading instead to the Premium queue for Security which I sailed through, only to be randomly chosen for the ion scan. After wiping every surface of my bag, belt and shoes, the reading was unsurprisingly negative so up the escalator I went and along to The Lounge.

Sadly the BNE Lounge Goddess Annette wasn't on duty, so after I traded my paper print out BP for my preferred card BP (as I'm a collector), I made my way to the F&B counter to survey the offering. Being 12.40pm and not having had the chance to have lunch yet, I partook of some spicy meat balls, with some hand rolled ham, cheese and hommus "cigars". Not wanting to be paged whilst still in The Lounge, I decided to head around to Gate 45 earlier than Final Call. I thanked the staff at the Service Desk and commenced the walk around to Gate 45.

I needn't have rushed because I arrived to find the scrum of pax still surrounding the Gate Lounge. I noticed one of the airport maintenance crew swipe his security card through the reader on the inside of the aerobridge. Forebodingly, he talked to the two VA staff manning the desk & card reader so within a minute, there was an announcement that there would be a 15 minute delay due to a technical issue with the plane - they needed to change a tire. A ripple of nervous laughter went through the waiting pax and I decided to hang around for 5 mins to see whether they were going to be able to limit it to that minor delay. I messaged my cousin who was going to pick me up, telling him to take time over his putts and have a drink at the 19th hole.

When the nearby screen changed to a 20 min delay and before they announced it, I stood up and went back to The Lounge to the surprised of the Service Desk girls - they knew the plane was delayed but didn't appear to know the full extent - they had merely been told it was a technical delay. I filled up again with food, adding some of the re-filled boiled eggs to my "cigars" and when it increased to a 30 minute delay, I decided that I would go back to the Gate to ensure that I was there for the Priority Boarding announcement.

Back to the Gate I trudged at the original departure time of 1pm and it looked like boarding was imminent - I though that 10 mins to change, 10 mins to find the Engineer and 10 mins to certify airworthiness felt right. Sure enough the same maintenance guy came up the aerobridge and an announcement was made for pax who needed special assistance to board first. Knowing that boarding for Business Class, Plat & Gold was next, I had edged over in front of the signage and was rewarded by being the first scanned. Down the aerobridge I went, then down a set of stairs to the tarmac and across to the plane, where I noticed that there was still somebody working on the outside LHS tyre. I chuckled as I muttered under my breath "make sure you tighten the bolts" before walking up the stairs to be greeted by the Cabin Supervisor and another FA.

Finding my seat was easy and with no offending carry-on in my compartment. I must have had a Gold shadow as nobody turned up to sit in 3EF, however just as the doors closed a girl from Row 6 (B or C) jumped across me to snag the window seat, resplendent with fancy camera. It didn't take long to realise she was German, given the instructions on her camera screen.

What was memorable about this flight was FO Louise Fry - she acquitted herself well on the announcements, coming across very confidently. The cabin crew who served me (Troy and Julie? IIRC) were friendly and I shook my head at all their requests for F&B and stuck my head in my Business Traveller Asia Pacific magazine that had turned up during the week. I only spoke to my seat mate when we had landed as she was busy taking hundreds of shots during the flight - I surprised her with my greeting and questions in my basic German.

Deplaning was simple as there were only 2 J pax but we did have to wait until they were on the aerobridge before we were granted exit rights. Some of the pax were a bit disgruntled by the delay, but I held them back waiting for the FA to move from her position in front of me.

I walked straight to the exit, rang my cousin and he was just in a side bay just up from the pickup zone. Off I went to his house, spending a good 30 mins in his 700 bottle cellar checking out his vintages, then sampled an excellent home cooked meal on their Webber:

Entree - Chili prawns and green salad with homemade garlic, lime & mayo dressing; washed down with an excellent white wine (forgot to get the brand)
Main - Lamb Sirloin, medium rare with rough cut potatoes and a 2002 Penfolds Bin 389 (that I had brought for the occasion)
Dessert -Some decadent chocolate ice cream with banana and wafers, washed down with a couple of glasses of an excellent Noble One 2002 - pity I had to go to bed so early and get up even earlier. We watched the Super XV game on Foxtel whilst we polished off the bottle and made our way to bed by 10.30pm, given we had an early start and a lot of physical exertion the next day.

 

[rainbowgirl]

Hi Lindsay, I have been busy lately and only just caught up with your travel story. I look forward to reading more soon.

 

[QF WP]

Looking forward to finishing it tomorrow, my cousin has sent photos through by email over Easter. Been having a very family intensive Easter, looking forward to getting back to work tomorrow

 

[QF WP]

Thanks from the organisers:

With fabulous paddling conditions race records were also broken. ProKayaks in a double surf ski broke the race record by 9 minutes to finish in a time of 1 hour and 8 minutes. iPaddle are now the fastest Team of 3 on the water with a time of 1 hour and 50 minutes and Jonah and the Whales also broke the record for the Relay Teams of 4-12 to finish in a time of 2 hours and 7 minutes.

The Corporate Cup which is determined 50% on race result and 50% on fundraising was won by GraceTeam who came in 20th in a time of 2 hours and 31 minutes and raised a whopping $27,900 as at the event day. They have continued their efforts and are now up to $31,500.

So far our biggest fundraisers are:

Best team fundraisers:
Grace's Team - $31,500
Westfield Community - $18,985
Mumble & Maddox - $15,450
The Trust Busters - $6,516


[Note: Our fundraising total is now $33,020 – before the Macquarie Foundation donation has been received – so the $50,000 total will be reached]

From our Team (GraceTeam2012):

Thank you everyone. It all went very well, and we did a very respectable race time of 151minutes, 12 seconds.

The Graceteam2012 boat took off from Blues Point, North Sydney at 9am when Premier Barry O'Farrell fired the starter's gun. Bruce, Lindsay and Simon set the pace in our 3 man unsinkable 'plank'. Some serious grunt from the team and good navigating by Simon to avoid a ferry delay (catching one 5 days a week probably gives him some insight). First transition area at Little Sirius Cove, Mosman without stopping. Second transition area at Clifton Gardens just past the zoo, with Bruce and Lindsay shedding some skin on the oar. A change of paddlers: Andrew, Deeahn and Tom into the boat, the tide was up, wind down and the chop in front of the Heads was much lighter than last year and over to Balmoral. Deeahn out and Kath in the boat at Balmoral and on for the last leg to Clontarf, arriving 11.31am. See photos below.

Thanks also to Micci, Holly, Kate and Mark for the car shuffle logistics service, which is not easy with too many people and inadequate parking, plus keen young ones to quickly get out of the cars but very slowly get back into them.

A combination of this very respectable race time and strong fundraising gave us the first prize in the "Corporate Challenge Cup", a combination of speed and fundraising. I think we also got some bonus points for being a mixed sex team. In summary a good result on paddle speed and fundraising for Graceteam2012.

Photos to follow.

 

[QF WP]

Photo 1: Changeover after the first 2 leg paddled; Tom, Lindsay (in the red rashie), Bruce, Andrew



Photo 2: Tim and Grace encouraging their Dad (Andrew) to paddle faster



Photo 3: The remaining paddlers at the finish having collected the Corporate Cup -Andrew, Deeahn, Tom, Lindsay and Kath (plus all the kids)



Photo 4: The Corporate Cup 2012 &ndash; winner GraceTeam