How about a forum for people wanting more details on entry, rules, technicalities, and how to befriend Scrutineers in time of need ... ahem ... hints Fiasco?

Let's build a list of the 'must do' things for an Avon preparation.

I'll start by suggesting that we break the list down into time periods.

Please either email or post your suggestions & I'll add them to the main list.

6 months prior
Get your race boat sorted out (fix from last year or buy). Make sure that it is sound & comfortable.
Set your goals
Base fitness training
Do the odd race to help get you into the swing of things
Start a training log
Get your training group together

2 months prior
Intensity in training
Paddle the day 2 flat water stages.

No attempts at humorous write ups after the paddle challenge - a bloke was rushed off to hospital after suffering a apparent heart attack just after finishing. CPR was performed, and he was taken to hospital. We await further news, hoping and praying for him and his loved ones.

I finished about 10 minutes after him, and tried to do my bit steering finishers away from the zone where an expert group of doctors/nurses/surf lifesavers were doing their best for the casualty. Left me and I presume many others a bit shaken and 'sober'.

There are paddlers of every shape and size across a huge range of categories for this Sunday's John Simms race. It's a 12km run up the river from Ascot Kayak Club to Barkers Bridge and back again. And that river will be jam packed full of paddlers for an hour or two, ranging from K4s in a new club competition who will fly through the course (except when turning around under the bridge) to 8 year olds in guppies having a fun time paddling a course close to the club.