Erik has been doing great. To think that just 3 weeks ago, the guy had never paddled before! Read more…

In the words of the athlete himself:

Erik Training week 2

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So week 2 has come and gone, and we were thrown a little curve ball with some rough conditions as winter slowly approaches.

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Week One is nearly over, and Erik has made some gains. We started the week with some Technique on the ergo, and some fitness testing. He then went on to do his first flatwater time trial (although it was windy and pretty tidal, anything but “flat” water). And last night he got to paddle with one of Plett’s top paddlers, Alexis Lyon, in a double for the weekly surf ski dice. Tomorrow is Erik’s first attempt at a long distance paddle in a single surf ski, the Genius CLK.

Here is Erik’s report on his 1st week of training:

Well what was I thinking taking on a challenge like this. I should have know better than to challenge Michele.

I haven’t attempted to take on a new sport in many years, now I know why.

My first week training started with some technique on Michele’s Ergo. The good thing with starting a new sport with a coach like Michele is I start of with the right technique and don’t have to unlearn bad habits. Paddling is so much technique so it helps to do it right from day dot. I then did some fitness testing and well I was not impressed. After that I kept it simple with a bit of running and cycling as my body retaliated. Tuesday night I did 2 laps of the TT course witch was a good bench mark for me. By Thursday night I was starting to feel better and did a 10km ski dice double with Alexis. He made me work my butt off but it was great to be pushed.

Tomorrow I will be doing a 10km single paddle to see how my progress is coming on.

Well week 1 nearly done……Paddling is not for whoosies

Happy paddling….The Viking

Three weeks until Pennypinchers Easter Surf Ski Challenge supported by PPC cement

With just three weeks left until the 4th edition of the Pennypinchers Easter Surf Ski Challenge (supported by PPC cement) kicks off on 23 and 24 April 2011 in Plettenberg Bay, a number of the area’s top local paddlers are eyeing out the R12 500 prize money in the men’s and women’s Singles divisions.

The three Surf Ski Challenge events form part of the Plett Easter Games 2011, a four day Easter weekend sports festival which also includes a Trail Run (4km & 10km), Golf tournament, MTB Challenge (20km & 40km) and Road Run (10km). Wayne Craig of Offthehook Events, organizers of the Pennypinchers Easter Surf Ski Challenge supported by PPC cement, said that “there was previously no surf ski race in Plett over Easter. We were interested in starting one up, and Pennypinchers and PPC Cement have since been unbelievable in their support”.

Along with the Singles race (1pm on Saturday, 23 April), there will also be a Doubles race (8am on Sunday, 24 April) and Kiddies Guppy Race (10am on Saturday, 23 April). Local legends Michelle Eray and Alexis Lyon have already signaled their intent to challenge for the Singles surf ski race title. Craig said that “the Singles surf ski races are sure to be super competitive. Plett’s beautiful coastline offers many spectacular vantage points for spectators to watch the race so I’m hopeful that our event, as well as the other epic Plett Easter Games, will be well supported”.

Of those who enter the surf ski races before 15 April, two people will be in line to win a three-night weekend in Plettenberg Bay, including breakfast and dinner. The first 100 entrants will also receive an awesome Goodie Bag. The entry forms are available on www.offthehookplett.co.za, and those wanting to see pictures of last year’s event can visit https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=offthehookplett&target=ALBUM&id=5587694667823198769&authkey=Gv1sRgCKDSvJrElLvnpgE&invite=CMHZ3LEP&feat=email

Those who are interested in participating in or attending the event can find additional information by visiting www.offthehookplett.co.za, following @offthehookplett on Twitter, Pennypinchers Easter Surfski Challenge on Facebook or by contacting Wayne Craig at wayne@offthehookplett.co.za or on 044 533 0796. For accommodation, Patty Butterworth is available at admin@plettenbergbayinfo.co.za.