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GB Raft Training Update When not looking after British super stars such as Jo Brand, the GB Mens Raft team can be found training hard on the river, at squad training weekends such as the one hosted in Nottingham just little over a week ago.
In our mission towards European and World glory, the importance of nailing the Endurance section of the events has been our focus. A very high scoring element of Rafting Championships has traditionally been the team's weakest event. The Endurance event of Rafting Championships has seen in the past teams racing down adrenaline filled grade 4-5 whitewater over a period of just under an hour. So it seemed appropriate to our coach, G-Man, that we undertake downriver endurance training from Beeston weir to the National Water Sports White Water course.
These training weekends usually involve an early start and this one was no different. 7:30 am meet in the cold car park at the WW course, for loading of Blue's motorhome- kit, paddles, raft and squad members loaded (legally of course!) Jump on at Beeston and get going- just over an hour later we find ourselves at the finish, ready to do it all again the following morning.
As you might be able to gather from the photos below, we are still to experience the constant white water challenges that will be awaiting us in Czech Rep in August, but it was certainly a fantastic physical challenge for all involved.
A technical session in the afternoon draws further information into mastering the dark art of the perfect rafting paddling strokes. Fantastic progress. Sunday afternoon is wrapped up with a very enjoyable slalom session on the WW.
Our eyes now move to the next weekend of hard training, and the eternal search for a WW run good enough for undertaking a downriver session. Any suggestions, answers on a postcard please!
A big thanks has to go to our coach Gaz Wilson, his continued support and input is invaluable.
Until next time.
(Posted on the 1st May 2012 by pete) |
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