The most common question I get asked by people is “Am I fit enough for this trip?”
It is difficult to answer this question but to assist you in your preparation; I have compiled the following information which I hope will help. Read the following and choose which “paddler” category applies to you.
A-rated paddler
• is someone who paddles a K1/K2 at least one hour per week attending the local weekly “dice” which is approximately a seven km race on a dam/off-shore
• enters one day/ multi day canoe races/ off-shore ski races.
A-rated paddlers are more than qualified for this trip.
B-rated paddler
• is someone who paddles socially for approximately one hour per month either down a river or off- shore when the weather is calm
• will enter short (18km) river races and surf-ski races twice a year
B-rated paddlers are suitably prepared for this trip. However, need to do the following starting by 1 September.
• increase their paddling to one hour per week and by October be doing at least two hours per week
C-rated paddler
• is someone who has paddled maybe twice in their lives on flat water
• has sat in the back of a K2 and done one short race of approximately 12 kms
C-rated paddlers need to do the following starting by 1 August.
• get to the local dice preferably in a K1 or in the back of a K2 and attend at least three 1 hour sessions per month increasing to three times a week in October.
D – rated paddler
• has not paddled before
The following suggestions will help you.
• Contact someone who paddles and start paddling as soon as possible. If you cannot find someone, get to the local canoe/surf-ski club and make a friend!
• Do not concern yourself with speed, it is time on the seat that will benefit you.
• Providing you can balance, paddle any craft you can get. Most clubs have old boats lying around
• Try as soon as possible to follow the programme that I have suggested for the C-rated paddlers
Being physically active by jogging or gym work etc will all help if you unable to get to a paddling venue as often as suggested above.
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Before the trip everyone should try and experience at least two long training sessions of at least 4 hours. Allow for three ten minute rest periods. It is important not to get off the boat during the rest periods. DO NOT WORRY ABOUT YOUR SPEED. IT IS MORE ABOUT ENDURANCE THAN SPEED.
NB: Although the distances in Mauritius each day are short and we have the whole day to complete the distance, a “head” wind and choppy swell can turn a simple 17 km paddle into a four hour “slog”. With this in mind always remember, the fitter you are the more you will enjoy this trip.
All the kayaks in Mauritius are “doubles” and so you welcome to choose your paddling partners. There will be times when I might suggest experienced paddlers partner with inexperienced paddlers.
WE ALWAYS PADDLE TOGETHER AS FAST AS THE SLOWEST BOAT. OUR ADVENTURE PADDLING AROUND THE ISLAND IS NOT A RACE. REMEMBER YOU ARE ON HOLIDAY!!
Good luck and feel free to contact me at any time.