2011 Lifestart Kayak for Kids - not quite as sunny as last year
This year Team Fat Paddler managed to hand over $8,000 to the Lifestart charity (due in large part to the amazing efforts of a certain Ned Stephenson) before we even arrived. Which was a good thing, since the day was dark, wet and ominous. We set-up in the rain, we launched in the rain, and for a fair while we paddled in the rain. When the weather cleared a little we then were hit with chaotic conditions at Middle Head where 1.5-2m swell was bouncing off the head. The mix of rebound, swell, wind waves and boat wake combined to create a very difficult passage for all paddlers, with two members (lets just call them Alan and Nat) coming off and out of their boats for a bit of a swim.
But easy conditions are boring conditions, and the lads all relished the stories of near misses (or actual dunkings) once we’d finished and had a hot sausage sandwich in hand. Despite the exhaustion, near-drowning, and some serious blisters, everyone was stoked to have had a good paddle with friends for such a great cause. And just to give everyone a taste, we put together a short video of the event for you.
We also initiated a new tradition for Team Fat Paddler at the end of the event – the Passing Out Parade, where teamsters were awarded a rank based on the number of times they’ve represented TFP. Badges of Rank were awarded to each member, and a register of officers was created on this site HERE to record it. All just a bit of fun really, but then that’s the TFP way!
Rank of Commander - need at least 7 events in the bag for this bad boy!
Lastly, we wanted to thank a few people: the organisers – Lifestart, BLAST Paddlers and AROC – for putting on such a great event, and especially to all the people that supported the work of Lifestart with their kind and generous donations. Cheers – FP
Great work Commander. I swear that wave at 3:16 was twice that size! Everything looks so much larger when you’re in a kayak. Great day, thanks Team Fat Paddler.
It’s the GoPro, the wide angle seriously flattens it all out, especially when mounted high. That wave was high and nearly vertical, it was crazy!!
It looks rougher than expected out there… a job well done and three cheers for the free kebabs!
TFP-nice job shrugging off the weather and having a great event!ann@
I may have to buy you a telephoto lens so you can keep me in shot for a bit when the gun goes net time.
OK, I must reluctantly admit: looks like you and Ned copped bigger boat wake than I did, and you didn’t go in like I did. Perhaps I could have slowed down a bit and tried taking some of them bow-on…
It was a great day, and it’s the blokes in the team that make it such good fun.
Thanks for the motivation, the custom tees, the rank, the insignia and the good times, mate!
Actually the video didn’t do it justice, it was a very “exciting” near vertical wall of water! All good fun though.
Glad you had fun, there’ll be many more such events I can assure you!