On Sunday 4th Aug some of the Tring AquaPaddle crew (Phillip, Dave, Zoe, Coco, Hettie and Ziggy) went to try out the 5K Hampton Molesey AquaPaddle on the river Thames.
Zoe assisted the Timekeeper whilst Dave and Phillip were going for their personal bests, Coco Hettie and Ziggy just went for the day out and a knap.
One of the crew members was also on the PSRC course from the Friday previous although she did not have to use any of her new skills, she was ready and reassured to know she can carry out a safe and effective rescue if called upon.
It was yet another beautiful day and we all entered the water after Bretts safety brief and made our way to the start line.
It was an upstream paddle for about 1-1/4 Kms then downstream for 2-1/2 then back upstream for another 1-1/4 in a figure of 8 loop.
The flow was gentle, and the water was warm.
Off they went with Phillip gaining distance on Dave with almost every paddle stroke, soon he was 100mtrs plus ahead and passed Dave (still on his way up), on his way back.
Dave had settled into a nice rhythm enjoying the paddle and views albeit a steady faster pace than usual due to being a timed event.
Phillip had left Dave for dust but the paddlers ahead of Phillip had left Phillip for dust.
It came over the radio that “the Chiwawa’s had stopped” and Dave commented “Is their owner still with them?” but it was ok, He was.
Everyone was wondering why Phillip had suddenly stopped at the point of the river where we got on the water, it was a mystery, Phillip seemed to have a smile on his face although a bit puffed out.
It turned out as Dave passed him that Phillip had mis heard the safety brief and thought he had finished, He had gunned it and tired himself out.
Dave completed the paddle in a little under 50 Mins, Phillip never got a time as he did not complete the course. We think Phillip was waiting for a moment when a marshal wouldn’t have had eyes on him, and he could have swiftly turned around and been the 1st finisher. In other words, Cheat, but expertly run by Brett, every marshal had eyes on every paddler and Phillips plan failed.
After the event we returned to Daves house for a Birthday BBQ and drinks, it was a great day and evening.
Some pics below.
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