Concrete Canoe

Concrete Canoe Paddling Practice with DiSCovery II

We took last year’s (2014) concrete canoe, DiSCovery II, out for a spin this weekend as we finalize our training for the canoe races at PSWC 2015. While this year’s canoe (Jurassic) is slightly different, we chose to keep the design very similar so that we could explore improvements to our paddling technique rather than making drastic changes.

The day started out a bit rough when we realized that we ordered the wrong sized UHaul to take the canoe to the beach. Note for the future: concrete canoes typically require at least a 22′ UHaul; don’t try fitting a 19′ canoe into a 20′ UHaul (bed length ~17′).

Once we made it, we set up buoys and practiced in DiSCovery II alongside the regular (plastic) practice canoes that we borrow from Newport Aquatic Center. All of our race teams practiced together, trying new techniques and making adjustments as needed to get comfortable with paddling in a concrete canoe.

DiSCovery II, back on the water.
DiSCovery II, back on the water.
The men's endurance team heads out to practice their turns.
The men’s endurance team heads out to practice their turns.
Canoe Captain Erin give the women's sprint team feedback on their turning technique.
Canoe Captain Erin give the women’s sprint team feedback on their turning technique.
Hanging out on the beach while we rest between practices.
Hanging out on the beach while we rest between practices.
Women's sprint team practicing.
Women’s sprint team practicing.
Getting ready to head back.
Getting ready to head back.

We were surprised to realize that our concrete canoe is capable of being paddled much more quickly than the real canes we usually practice with. Overall we had a great practice and are looking forward to PSWC in less than two weeks!