Last day spent at Deutshes Museum and lunch at food market. Returned cars then got boats on with no extra charges which is always a relief!!! We had 11 boats, 14 pieces of luggage and 7 paddle bags. Long flight but we left Munich at 10pm after a one hour delay,so no problems sleeping and most woke at breakfast about 2 hours before Bangkok. Been to tailors and you wont recognize the kiwi lads in their new suits when they get to NZ. Lots of fun as we got coke and beers and the Thai guys all over us like a rash as we um'd and aah'd over what we were going to get made. Just had Thai buffet and kids watching movies before bed. Up at 6.30am for brekkie and being collected at 7.30am for Thai floating market and cycling tour.
Going to wear them out and make the most of our short stay here.
Hope the last of the rain is over before we get home as it sounds shocking.
CSNZ Junior & U23 Teams
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Last few days
The finals are over and the kiwis partied in true NZ style. There was no official party so the NZers organised the teams to meet back at the river and then headed to a bar. All had a great time and swopped stories of the dramas of racing and email addresses. Monday morning Kidda and Nikki left at about 8.30am to face a 9 hour drive to Calais and the ferry to Dover. Nikki has an extra 10 days visiting relations in England.
The packing up went smoothly and we hit the road by about 10.15, purchased Czech motorway tax stickers as not prepared to risk a run in the with law.
Had a short stp at the boat house Troja ( Prague) as we had some Sandiline paddling gear to collect and drop Mike's boat and bag . A straight 4 hours to Munich with Lou and I driving a car each while everyone slept.
Mike D hitched a ride to Bratislava to collect a car to come back to Prague and train before heading to Switzerland for some racing prior to Uni Worlds.
Checked into the hotel, ( same one as the first night) and caught a trian to Munich centre. Quite a good deal with a concession of 11 Euro for 5 so not worth the hassle of driving and finding a park. Everyone starving so got a Radler (Shandy) and Wurst (German sausage) in the open air food market Virkutlnmarkt (sp??) near the Ratskeller. A wander around admiring some of the old buildings, amazing cars... Mercs for taxis and then found a big table at the famous Hofbrahaus. The Om Pa Pa band played and lots of groups having a good time. Had a large beer to finish off the trip in Bavarian style. I spotted a couple of cute frauleins and asked if they would have a photo with the boys. A little shy but soon were chatting and ended up going to Hard Rock Cafe with them. More email swopping then back on the train.
Today a little sight seeing while we fill in time until our 9pm flight to Bangkok. Without rubbing it in we are heading for another plus 30 day.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Semi finals
Semis is a whole new step up, with a tougher course and increased pressure as everyone is going hard for a top 10 place in the finals. Dramas unfold as paddling is pushed to the limit and we saw lots of mistakes and even top paddlers taking a swim.
Our NZ/ Cook Islands team have so far made us very proud and today was no exception.
Shaun up first and he had a few touches and dropped a bit low in a couple of gates. A good effort for him to finish 30th in his first year concentrating on C1.
Nikki next and had problems on the move that caught out alot of people. Up 11, surf a wave across to up 12 and then a tricky down 13 above the big drop. Unfortunately she caught an edge and rolled. She battled to paddle back up loosing valuable time and managed to pull the rest of the run together well. A great effort as she had been so sick all week. Her final place was 32nd.
Ella nailed the top of the course but had a recirc at the same tricky gate as Nikki had trouble with, loosing at lest 7 seconds. She put together the rest of her run really well to end up 24th.
In the K1 semis Callum Gibb had a brilliant clean run only 10 seconds separating 1st and his final placing of 26th.
With only 10 through in each class to the finals, the kiwis could only watch and enjoy the action and there was plenty as they pushed hard for the meadsl. It was an amazing atmosphere and something to really inspire all our paddlers.
The results were dominated by Czechs, Slovenians and Germans .
Our NZ/ Cook Islands team have so far made us very proud and today was no exception.
Shaun up first and he had a few touches and dropped a bit low in a couple of gates. A good effort for him to finish 30th in his first year concentrating on C1.
Nikki next and had problems on the move that caught out alot of people. Up 11, surf a wave across to up 12 and then a tricky down 13 above the big drop. Unfortunately she caught an edge and rolled. She battled to paddle back up loosing valuable time and managed to pull the rest of the run together well. A great effort as she had been so sick all week. Her final place was 32nd.
Ella nailed the top of the course but had a recirc at the same tricky gate as Nikki had trouble with, loosing at lest 7 seconds. She put together the rest of her run really well to end up 24th.
In the K1 semis Callum Gibb had a brilliant clean run only 10 seconds separating 1st and his final placing of 26th.
With only 10 through in each class to the finals, the kiwis could only watch and enjoy the action and there was plenty as they pushed hard for the meadsl. It was an amazing atmosphere and something to really inspire all our paddlers.
The results were dominated by Czechs, Slovenians and Germans .
Semis and finals
Another stinking hot day ahead, but we have to make the most of it as will soon be home.
Team all in good spirits and the semi finalists prepared and reasonably relaxed. We have laptops set up in competitors tent and they are watching funny film clips as I type this.
Teams were fun yesterday, unfortunatley the K1M got a 50 on the same gate as the C2 boys. We got the big ups from the Czech commentary team who said ' the kiwis may not be the best but they are always smiling and are so friendly ' .....
Team all in good spirits and the semi finalists prepared and reasonably relaxed. We have laptops set up in competitors tent and they are watching funny film clips as I type this.
Teams were fun yesterday, unfortunatley the K1M got a 50 on the same gate as the C2 boys. We got the big ups from the Czech commentary team who said ' the kiwis may not be the best but they are always smiling and are so friendly ' .....
K1 Men and C2 Qualifications
First up were Ben Gibb and Bradyn in the C2. Unfortunately they didnt paddle their first run as well as they could, incurring 4 touches and a dubious 50 second penalty..... it was a shame that all 3 judges saw it differently to the whole kiwi camp and video, but the Chief Judge was adamant it had to stick. Finishing first runs in 25th place they knew they had to produce something special, and they did. A clean run in 121.30, 11th fastest for 2nd runs, but not enough to make the cut. We all felt gutted for them, but they seem positive finishing with a great run and will be back again next year in juniors as they are still young.
The fastest C2's were from Poland, followed by the Germans and Czechs.
Next up we had the 3 kiwi, K1 men . Malcolm Gibson, who had been having issues with an infected knee, didnt go as well as we know he can. His first run a little off the pace witha recirc. His 2nd run he nailed the top half of the course but had a small problem at the bottom.
Calum Gibb next and he had 2 touches in his first run and was left on 44th. He showed some real maturity ( for a just 15 year old) to improve his time and penalty count to finish on 38th ensuring he is racing again tommorrow.
Calum Brash made a couple of small costly errors in his first run, and then produced a second faster run but in this classy, K1 mens field of 80 paddlers, error free, fast runs were needed to make semis. Unfortunately for the 2 Mainlanders they wont be racing semis tommorrow.
K1 mens teams this arvo so they can have another 2 runs on the course.
37 degrees as I write this and about to go back to the course for teams for K1 men. We hear news of storms and hope everyone is OK in NZ.
Sue
The fastest C2's were from Poland, followed by the Germans and Czechs.
Next up we had the 3 kiwi, K1 men . Malcolm Gibson, who had been having issues with an infected knee, didnt go as well as we know he can. His first run a little off the pace witha recirc. His 2nd run he nailed the top half of the course but had a small problem at the bottom.
Calum Gibb next and he had 2 touches in his first run and was left on 44th. He showed some real maturity ( for a just 15 year old) to improve his time and penalty count to finish on 38th ensuring he is racing again tommorrow.
Calum Brash made a couple of small costly errors in his first run, and then produced a second faster run but in this classy, K1 mens field of 80 paddlers, error free, fast runs were needed to make semis. Unfortunately for the 2 Mainlanders they wont be racing semis tommorrow.
K1 mens teams this arvo so they can have another 2 runs on the course.
37 degrees as I write this and about to go back to the course for teams for K1 men. We hear news of storms and hope everyone is OK in NZ.
Sue
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Qualifications
All the team who paddled today really did themselves and their friends and families at home proud!
Shaun, in his first year specialising in C1, was up first and he was 5th off so was hard for him. He didnt start well and hit too many gates and rolled once. After a nervous wait we realised he was 39th, so if he went cleaner then he would make it. His second run was much better and only 1 touch so he made it through to semis, in 36th.
Ella ( team Cook Islands) was the next of our group and as Cooks hadnt been at JWC before she weas ranked near the beginning. She had a solid first run, dropping a bit low in a couple of ups, but with only 1 penalty she was 23rd after first runs. Knowing that she had to do the same again for a semi spot she delivered and finished 16th.
Bridey was next and she had a good solid first run, nailing some of the big moves with a minor mistake causing a recirc at gate 17. After first runs she was in with a semi chance sitting at 38th.
Unfortunately one big mistake, losing an edge after gate 7, caused her to slip into hitting gate 9 before negotiating 8 so getting a 50. We were all proud of her gaining her composure and finishing her run well, but unfortunately missing the cut for semis.
Nikki was the last of the group and she was feeling really ill with some sort of virus. Being the strong, determined character that she is she pulled it togther for a very respectable 29th after first runs. After video analysis, we made her a bed on a plastic bag, like the hommies, in the competitors tent and she got a 20 minute catnap before her second run. She was awesome and had an almost clean run to end up qualifying in 23rd. The top qualifying positions were dominated by Germans, and Slovenians in C1 and Germans and Czechs in K1W.
The afternoon was stinking hot but very exciting with C1 and K1W teams events. the Slovenians won the C1 teams, while the Czech girls dominated the women's event.
Tommorrow the C2 and K1 men have their qualifications and the weather is supposed to be REALLY hot.
Shaun, in his first year specialising in C1, was up first and he was 5th off so was hard for him. He didnt start well and hit too many gates and rolled once. After a nervous wait we realised he was 39th, so if he went cleaner then he would make it. His second run was much better and only 1 touch so he made it through to semis, in 36th.
Ella ( team Cook Islands) was the next of our group and as Cooks hadnt been at JWC before she weas ranked near the beginning. She had a solid first run, dropping a bit low in a couple of ups, but with only 1 penalty she was 23rd after first runs. Knowing that she had to do the same again for a semi spot she delivered and finished 16th.
Bridey was next and she had a good solid first run, nailing some of the big moves with a minor mistake causing a recirc at gate 17. After first runs she was in with a semi chance sitting at 38th.
Unfortunately one big mistake, losing an edge after gate 7, caused her to slip into hitting gate 9 before negotiating 8 so getting a 50. We were all proud of her gaining her composure and finishing her run well, but unfortunately missing the cut for semis.
Nikki was the last of the group and she was feeling really ill with some sort of virus. Being the strong, determined character that she is she pulled it togther for a very respectable 29th after first runs. After video analysis, we made her a bed on a plastic bag, like the hommies, in the competitors tent and she got a 20 minute catnap before her second run. She was awesome and had an almost clean run to end up qualifying in 23rd. The top qualifying positions were dominated by Germans, and Slovenians in C1 and Germans and Czechs in K1W.
The afternoon was stinking hot but very exciting with C1 and K1W teams events. the Slovenians won the C1 teams, while the Czech girls dominated the women's event.
Tommorrow the C2 and K1 men have their qualifications and the weather is supposed to be REALLY hot.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Racing
The sun is shining and it looks to be a great day for the first day of the 2008 Junior World Champs.
Follow links on the right for race results.
Shaun Higgins number 5 1st run 9.04 (7.04pm NZ), Ella Nicholas (Cook Islands) number 78 1st runs 10.14am (8.14pm) Bridey Woudberg 82 1st run 10.18am (8.18pm) and Nikki Whitehead 10.25am ( 8.25pm NZ)
Second runs will be approx 2 hours after first runs.
The rest of the kiwi team races on Saturday.
Follow links on the right for race results.
Shaun Higgins number 5 1st run 9.04 (7.04pm NZ), Ella Nicholas (Cook Islands) number 78 1st runs 10.14am (8.14pm) Bridey Woudberg 82 1st run 10.18am (8.18pm) and Nikki Whitehead 10.25am ( 8.25pm NZ)
Second runs will be approx 2 hours after first runs.
The rest of the kiwi team races on Saturday.
Thursday
Final training for the girls and C1. Accreditation and everyone has a photo ID to wear. I had to check out they had the correct flag and listen to the national anthem- would be great one day to hear that, with a kiwi on the podium. Boat control and a flurry of activity with sticking in weights, esp in new boats. Demos were at 4pm and most thought the course is OK. The heavens opened up for the opening ceremony so as you can see we all got soaked. All countries marched in and lined up behind their nations name. The ICF flag was raised, the Czech flag and a few speeches were made.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Managers Meeting
Just back from the managers meeting and reality is setting in for the team as they are all eager to see the start list.
Great fields, with 37 countries represented. On the initial start lists are 61 C1, 62 K1W, 30 C2 and 90 K1M meaning 40 in semis for all classes except C2 where there will be 20 progressing to semis. The K1 boys will race teams but the combined team of NZ & Cook Islands was not allowed so the girls will miss out.
Great fields, with 37 countries represented. On the initial start lists are 61 C1, 62 K1W, 30 C2 and 90 K1M meaning 40 in semis for all classes except C2 where there will be 20 progressing to semis. The K1 boys will race teams but the combined team of NZ & Cook Islands was not allowed so the girls will miss out.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Tuesday
The final touches to the race venue are happening with tents being erected, signage going up and the electronic timing system being installed. The girls and Shaun did an early morning aerobic session on the flat, before we caught the train to Prague for a spot of sightseeing as a group. the It took some convincing to get everyone to go but it is such a gorgeous city and they had really only been for a short wander one night.
Trying to limit the time was difficult and sightseeing as a group even harder, so we split up and arranged to meet back at Charles Bridge at 1.15pm. Lou, Bridey, Nikki and I spotted a 40 minute tour in a vintage car which was a fantastic idea and even though I had been to Prague many times, it was still worthwhile. Driving near the castle we spotted the Gibb seniors walking the road beside us... amazing in the throngs of tourists!!
Back in Roudnice for the afternoon session for the girls ( boys rest day!) and caught up with Kay Dawson who is judging at the event, before heading to Beijing as a judge.
Dinner with the only South African girl and her dad who had taken some photos of the girls in the afternoon.
Trying to limit the time was difficult and sightseeing as a group even harder, so we split up and arranged to meet back at Charles Bridge at 1.15pm. Lou, Bridey, Nikki and I spotted a 40 minute tour in a vintage car which was a fantastic idea and even though I had been to Prague many times, it was still worthwhile. Driving near the castle we spotted the Gibb seniors walking the road beside us... amazing in the throngs of tourists!!
Back in Roudnice for the afternoon session for the girls ( boys rest day!) and caught up with Kay Dawson who is judging at the event, before heading to Beijing as a judge.
Dinner with the only South African girl and her dad who had taken some photos of the girls in the afternoon.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Monday
For the girls it was a rest day and the boys paddled at 5pm. This left the day to relax and head into the big shopping centre by Tesco, on the way into Prague. The team who had bought new boats needed to buy weights, we got some essentials and a few new T shirts etc were purchased. Although the Czech crown is stronger against our dollar than last year there are still some things that are quite a good price and besides it will be different to their NZ friends.
After the session another dinner at the Pizzeria and this time the USA team wandered in so they joined our table and the team made some more new friends. There are always funny little incidents.... this time Shaun was MIA and we thought he was having an extra long shower and just chilling , as he does, until we decided to send someone to look for him. He was locked in the room, and once let out joined us for dinner. The boys were being extra diligent and finally locking their room after an earlier incident.... they had gone into a complete spin, even trying to find the German team to ask if they had seen their stuff. Lou and I had hid some of their precious goods. We walked past their room after they had all left for training and seeing their door wide open, the temptation to play some tricks on them, was too great.
Maybe now they might lock up.
After the session another dinner at the Pizzeria and this time the USA team wandered in so they joined our table and the team made some more new friends. There are always funny little incidents.... this time Shaun was MIA and we thought he was having an extra long shower and just chilling , as he does, until we decided to send someone to look for him. He was locked in the room, and once let out joined us for dinner. The boys were being extra diligent and finally locking their room after an earlier incident.... they had gone into a complete spin, even trying to find the German team to ask if they had seen their stuff. Lou and I had hid some of their precious goods. We walked past their room after they had all left for training and seeing their door wide open, the temptation to play some tricks on them, was too great.
Maybe now they might lock up.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Roudnice
The team has settled well into the pre race routine. Both Saturday and Sunday were booked sessions and we have had two, one hour sessions per day. They have been a bit crazy with at least 25-30 boats and everyone trying to get the maximum from the limited time left before the main event. It is a wonder that there hasn’t been more carnage. The team are pleased that we had the earlier training block to ensure they are all familiar with the course.
From tomorrow we have a one hour training slot per day and some of the team are having a rest day and we will head into Tesco, this side of Prague, for weights and last minute things we need pre race eg peanut butter which is not anywhere to be found in Roudnice. The Gibb family and relations from Scotland and NZ will catch up with us either tomorrow or Tuesday so will enhance the kiwi presence, even if some of them have a Scottish accent.
Took a photo of the dog at the course- he looks like he is the first with accreditation. We all had photos yesterday and we will all get a similar pass to get us into the venue.Just back from the afternoon session and we paddled with the Germans and Italians. The Germans have a full team of 15 people ( 12 boats) and look pretty impressive, We managed two collisions with them and they came off worse. They are all staying on our floor at the hotel so I imagine there will be some more interaction before the end of the week. Had dinner with the Swiss team and mixed up the two teams so that everyone had to speak to someone from a different country. Was fun for them and we caught up with their coach Nathalie who came to NZ over summer
From tomorrow we have a one hour training slot per day and some of the team are having a rest day and we will head into Tesco, this side of Prague, for weights and last minute things we need pre race eg peanut butter which is not anywhere to be found in Roudnice. The Gibb family and relations from Scotland and NZ will catch up with us either tomorrow or Tuesday so will enhance the kiwi presence, even if some of them have a Scottish accent.
Took a photo of the dog at the course- he looks like he is the first with accreditation. We all had photos yesterday and we will all get a similar pass to get us into the venue.Just back from the afternoon session and we paddled with the Germans and Italians. The Germans have a full team of 15 people ( 12 boats) and look pretty impressive, We managed two collisions with them and they came off worse. They are all staying on our floor at the hotel so I imagine there will be some more interaction before the end of the week. Had dinner with the Swiss team and mixed up the two teams so that everyone had to speak to someone from a different country. Was fun for them and we caught up with their coach Nathalie who came to NZ over summer
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Roudnice
Yesterday was boat hospital day and nearly all the team had running repairs to make on their gear. It took most of the day and as we waited for resin to dry everyone looked at the 3 kayak shops at the course. Most bought something and enjoyed having the selection of several different brands and being able to try gear on , something we dont have in NZ. Other teams were milling about the boathouse and as the Czech juniors were loading their gear into vans we struck up conversation with them. Their first comment "are you staying for the after party?... they dont speak great English but knew how to say 'party'. I keep telling the kids to chat and make friends with people from other nations as it is such a wonderful opportunity for them. The seniors this year all stayed with German families in Augsburg, contacts made, for some of them, at Junior Worlds in 2006.
Once the gear was re loaded we headed to Roudnice and it has become so familiar, that it all feels very comfortable. Welcomed by our friends at the pizzeria for dinner, we met up straight away with Nathalie and the Swiss team, 5 of them who some of us new from last year. Also having dinner were the NZ U23 flatwater team , with Tom Yule from Mt Maunganui. he was also here last year when we were. they are training nearby and racing in Hungary next week.
Our USA friends arrived and Caroline had on a NZ top that I had swopped last year. It had been to Beijing with her so she obviously loves it!!!
Over dinner there was a noticeable level of anticpation and excitement as the kids eyed each other and chatted about who was who. Post dinner we had a team meeting with the theme of race prep and keeping focussed while also having fun. Today we have organised to race the Swiss team in our training slot at 12.30pm. Bridey and Mike have driven back to Prague (35 mins) for some physio and strapping on Bridey's arm. The sun is shining and looks to be a great day.
Cheers for now
Sue
Once the gear was re loaded we headed to Roudnice and it has become so familiar, that it all feels very comfortable. Welcomed by our friends at the pizzeria for dinner, we met up straight away with Nathalie and the Swiss team, 5 of them who some of us new from last year. Also having dinner were the NZ U23 flatwater team , with Tom Yule from Mt Maunganui. he was also here last year when we were. they are training nearby and racing in Hungary next week.
Our USA friends arrived and Caroline had on a NZ top that I had swopped last year. It had been to Beijing with her so she obviously loves it!!!
Over dinner there was a noticeable level of anticpation and excitement as the kids eyed each other and chatted about who was who. Post dinner we had a team meeting with the theme of race prep and keeping focussed while also having fun. Today we have organised to race the Swiss team in our training slot at 12.30pm. Bridey and Mike have driven back to Prague (35 mins) for some physio and strapping on Bridey's arm. The sun is shining and looks to be a great day.
Cheers for now
Sue
Friday, July 18, 2008
Bratislava, Vienna & Prague all within 24 hours
After two very physical sessions on the course at Bratislava we raced back to choc cake that the girls had whipped up for Lou's birthday. I think it took longer to buy the ingredients and work out what was baking powder and baking soda than to actually cook the cake. After a birthday celebration we caught the tram, then train, then tram then metro to arrive in the centre of Vienna. The train part was 9 euro return and took 58 minutes, the rest of it was gratis as we couldnt find the appropriate ticket machine. It was a buzz going to another country for dinner and Vienna is a gorgeous city. It was a really mild evening and there were thousands out and about, with music, artists and street theatre complimenting the gorgeous old buildings. It was quite a mission to get back, but we made it and arrived back around 11.30pm. Another 8am session this morning with 1/3's then fulls to finish off our training in Bratislava. It was quite exciting for the team as the Slovak Olympic team was there when we were and Martikan and Hochshorners were on the course straight after us. the C2 boys had the Hochshorners coming down the course straight after them which looked a bit intimidating.
We did have one last thing to do before we left Brats and that was to get the police around to our apartment as somehow Ben's laptop and Mikes wallet had been stolen from the boys room. Mikes wallet turned up sans cash . Found at the hosptial and luckily he had a slovak friends phone number in it so it was returned. The police took Ben and Mike to the Police station and about 2 hours later they were back with the police report for insurance and 2 A4 pages posted on the doors of the apartment building, which we can only presume meant, scene of a crime under investigation.
We really have been saying " security is our greatest asset ' as well as " hygiene is our greatest asset' but neither have really made a difference.
Had a great drive back to Prague and arrived for most of the team to paddle at Troja ( Prague) before a dinner of traditional goulash and dumplings at the boathouse.
Back at A1 apartments for 1 night before boat repairs tommorrow and a look a kayak shops at the course. We will head up to Roudnice for the business end of the trip sometime in the afternoon. the excitement is mounting as we start to connect with teams from around the world. The Spanish team were at the boathouse for dinner tonight and they are staying at outr hotel also. An exciting time for our team as they will meet so many people from differnt countries.
Anyway a long day, having a cuppa and off to bed.
Cheers
sue
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