Thanks to all that traveled from a far (some even further than North of the River) ... South Africa, USA and beyond! A special thanks to the MOCas that put in hard work organising. I'm a MOCa that helped out a bit, but many more did more than me, so a big thanks to them! I am hearing great feedback from many participants, so it seems that the hard work was appreciated by most, if not all.

What a prize list, I helped giving out the prizes, and there were a lot to give out. Some big prizes for the guns, and some smaller ones for those further down the results. Best of all, two major prizes as spot prizes for those that remained, and some other good spot prizes for others. As I am unlikely to get a podium in my lifetime, it was fantastic to see some very good random prizes to encourage all participants ... though I must have a word to the organisers as I didn't win one!

Water safety was also superb. There were lots of support boats, water police and sea rescue everywhere. They were actively keeping recreational craft at bay, so a big thanks to them too.

I chose to paddle my faster (tippier) Carbonology Atom, rather than my 'comfortable' Epic V10. My race started with a good spot on the line, then in the first 1/2km or so I was cursing my choice of boats (and lack of skill) thinking "if the whole race is like this I'm in trouble". There was the usual wind wave, and bounce back off the heads and reef, coupled with 200 odd craft wash and support boats ... I was struggling a bit but backed off the pace a little to stay upright and struggled on. Swearing at myself did not help, so I headed out to sea a little to get away from chop which kind of worked, but sacrificed a little time with added distance. Sometimes this outside route pays off with better runs, but the SW/WSW wind does not really favour the outside line in my somewhat Rookie opinion.

I settled in to the tippy boat after about 2km, which is fair enough as I had not paddled for two weeks having been a bit crook. My heart rate seemed a bit high (normally high in a race, but a little higher), and my temperature was up. I tried to blame my sickness, but it turns out most people were melting out there with the mild tail wind providing little relief. I got over my excuses and settled into a comfortable race pace, and splashed my head with water every few runs.

The wind seemed to have a little more W in it than normal. Fine for the Northen folk who cut across regularly due to their coastline, but us MOCas get picky, and often paddle in our ideal SSW conditions. Good technical conditions for those who know how to paddle and surf. Though not a total Rookie, I'm no surf legend, so I got some good runs, and missed some good runs, but was overall pretty happy with it.

Then I came to the reef crossing. I was saddened to see that my local knowledge did not give me much advantage as many 'imported paddlers' cut across the reef. I quietly hoped for a lower tide so I could shoot through the small secret passage, while others risked their rudders. Turned out to be high tide so everyone could sail across the reef. I managed to time my reef crossing between any decent waves, so cursed a bit more, just because. I picked up some weed, but thankfully shed it by the end of the reef, others were not so lucky, some taking weed all the way to the finish line.

When passing the MOC club, I was a good 3 min or so slower than what I expected, cursed again, blamed something or other, then found out that most were slower than normal, so it must have been a bit technical out there. Downwind over, I had my eyes glued to the water, looking for weed patches, and meandered through the gaps, kind of good to keep my mind off the head wind waiting for me in the channel.

After turning North up the channel, I hit the lovely head wind, about 1 km that felt like another 10km! I recalled Dawid & Nikki Mocke's book saying to focus on technique when battling. Didn't help, I was spent, my technique was spent and I fell apart! I quietly hoped others were struggling. Turns out I struggled more than others, lost a place there, maybe two, and missed some good wash, but was happy to get through.

Finally the turn around the white markers to see the checkered flag ahead. Some small runs to the finish, gained a little ground but no extra places.

Overall I'm quite happy with my effort, could have been better, could have been worse. I could sit around thinking of excuses as to why I did not get a PB when passing the club, but it was tricky out there, and I have a lot to learn.

When driving home, I reflected on a great day, good companionship, and was proud to be one of the MOCas that helped (a little) to pull off a great event. I also quietly knew that no matter how good this one was, the next one is likely to be even better!

PS: Did a Cut Run today (day after Duel), it was 25-30 knts and pretty big. It's still blowing hard at 9pm while I write this. A bit beyond my comfort zone, but what a blast ... I left the tippy boat at home today, thankfully! Others would have loved today's conditions on race day, but I'm thankful race day was a little more forgiving!

Many thanks have been extended to the MOCas for the Duel in its second consecutive successful year, but thanks are due to the band of regulars from Perth who made the trip down to our shores to have a crack at this fun, friendly event as well as the lead up sessions.

It's great to have a following and the MOCas appreciate it very much and enjoy extending their hospitality to fellow lovers of cool Downwinds.

Come on back before the seabreezes mellow and have a go at what's arguably the ultimate Downwind on these shores, "The Black Dog Run", which gains its name from the Black Dog Cafe, the destination at the end of the run at Golden Bay:-)))
Let's hope the Doctor comes home to visit again for the weekend!
Aloha

It's blowing 30 knots. I want to go out. I am reasonably proficient in the surf but have only done a couple of downwind paddles at around 15 knots. I told my wife I'll be fine and she can pick me up up the coast a bit. She's not so sure. Are my eyes bigger than my stomach or should I go for it? My wife will only pick me up if I (somebody else) can convince her.

Exciting times ... less than 24 hrs to go wooo hooo!

Dunno what the remnants of the cyclone will do, but it's looking SSW 15 knots, so cross fingers it stays that way or blows a bit more.

For those that think they missed out, you can still enter on the day so c'mon down and enjoy!

200+ entrants this is becoming a big event yeee haaa. Some gun seuf afrikans, and aussies, should be a good day ... not that I will see them after the start!

Hope to see some of you there.

http://www.mandurahduel.blogspot.com/p/program.html

Still a little too far out to be placing bets, but Seabreeze predictions are looking good for The Duel.

Current preditions show 15kn SW, 1.2m swell. About perfect for most paddlers. Some may want a little more, others a little less, just right for everyone!

Get your entries quick
www.mandurahduel.blogspot.com

I just hope I get rid of this damn cold by Sunday ... though I'll paddle regardless ... I'm not missing this year!

looks like 22km SSW for the Mandurah duel, better than 22km east. cant wait

The Mandurah Duel online registration is now open!
http://mandurahduel.blogspot.com/p/registration.html

Hey guys,

Fully understand the angst about lack of The Duel registration ... everything has been logged with the registration crew, and I'm sure they will set it up as soon as the are back from their break (within a day or so) ... apologies for the delay, but those that have been doing The Cut Runs recently will know it is worth the wait!

Cheers,
RP

To all the RBP people out there wishing you all a merry christmas and a new year full of great paddling adventures.See you on the water in 2012

all the best

SOS

Move along, nothing to see here....

I heard this race is on the 17th December. Can anyone confirm?

I'm not talking about the fremantle to Mindarie relay race which I believe is a team event and also appears to be on the 17th December too.

In an unfortunate turn of events, the 2012 Mandurah Duel currently coincides with the Claisebrook race of the Marathon Series.

I second Bin's comments made in the Bay 2 Beach Forum here. Many of the Mandurah Ocean Club enjoy the Claisebrook race, as do I. I would really like to paddle both events. Though I am not a high performance paddler, I will choose the opportunity to paddle in a World Series event over a WA event, so this year my choice will be The Duel.

The unfortunate timing of the new Uncle Toby's event was the start of the change of The Duel. When the Ocean Paddling World Series organizers later offered for The Dual to be included in their series, there was only one date that tied in with other World Series events. The Mandurah Ocean Club naturally went with the World Series opportunity.

I believe that this was discussed with the Marathon Committee at the time. I too hoped that the Marathon Committee would consider changing their date, but also understand that they set their dates well in advance, so others can plan around them. I'm sure that they are tired of others asking for them to change.

If the events remain on the same date, then people will have to choose between them. This is unfortunate for the paddling community as a whole, and for event organizers and sponsors, as attendance to each will be reduced.

As for calendar entries, I struggle to keep up with the multiple calendars, as do most. MOC made a CWA entry using "canoe.org.au" as soon as the date was set. I guess in future MOC will have to email CWA too, to make sure it is included in their Excel version ... and of course announce it on Rather Be Paddling, where I'm sure Fiasco, Ski Girl and others will propagate it to the world.

Here's the CWA (canoe.org.au) calendar entry FYI.