Today was our final day on tour,
And for all it was bitter sweet. They had the excitement of racing in the Windemere cup but the sadness of finishing such a great tour.
It was an early start as we headed down to the UW for the regatta. The regatta had a very different feel from anything else the girls have experienced. It is seen as more of an exhibition of rowing and a chance to showcase some top level crews across the USA and internationally then a formal regatta. The whole regatta is used as a curtain raiser to the 4 hour parade of boats and yachts to signify the opening of the boating season in North America. The regatta had a great feel and buzz to it. Everyone was there to have good time from both a spectators point of view and the competitors.
The regatta is structured as a one race final with races leaving every 2 minutes. Our first crew was the quad and they had the worst lane (by a long way) which meant that all the other crews in there race where swept across by the wind in front of them pushing our girls almost off the course. In saying this the girls rowed very well and all the girls said it was the best they had felt the boat move. A special mention to Yvette who was told right before the race at the Cox meeting that "being cox in a bow riding quad in the wind from an outside lane is the hardest place to be in the entire regatta", so she did well just to steer the boat across the line let alone tell the crew what they were doing.
The eight followed 2 minutes later and they drew a far better lane. However a boat malfunction in seat 6 (the seat came off) at the start of the race put our girls about a boat length behind all the other crews. From this point the girls did amazingly well to get back and come 3rd almost taking 2nd. The crew flew past to other crews after there seat malfunction was fixed so they also rowed a very good race. Well done to all.
We are flying out of Vancouver at 11:40 pm Saturday night and will arrive at Sydney at 8:10am. From here the girls have decided to go to the athletics carnival once they arrive. It would be a great help if any parents are at the airport and are willing to transport our girls out to homebush for the carnival.
This tour has been a fantastic opportunity for the girls and also the staff. The girls have had some amazing experiences and have really left there mark at the two regatta's they participated at. They have been excellent ambassadors of Pymble and in many cases Australia as well. You should all be very proud of them on some excellent results in rowing. The girls have formed some great relationships abroad and have strengthened alot of the friendships amongst the team. Personally I found the tour an absolute delight. I have had the chance to view some fantastic schools and sports programs as well as meet some very interesting people and future contacts for the benefit of the College. Both Mark and Gill have been amazed at how much all the girls skill, stamina and team work has improved over the tour.
I would also like to take the opportunity to thank Mrs V. Waters, Mrs J. Shaw and Mr C. Anderson who without there approval and support this tour would not have been such a success. Also a special mention to Kelli Jane Stapp who also helped with the preparation of the tour as well.
As well a big thank you to all the parents for your support.
BUT
Most all to the girls who really made the tour an amazing trip for all involved, Thank you and see you at the airport.
Tom
Saturday, 7 May 2011
Thursday, 5 May 2011
Thursday in Seattle
With two days and counting until the regatta the excitement is building towards Saturday.
We begun the day with a Seattle Duck tour. This was not a tour of the north American migrating birds to Puget sound and lake Washington but rather a fun and lively city tour on a world war two amphibious vehicle commonly known as "ducks". The tour was a unique way to see Seattle from land and see and included a very funny tour guide who kept the girls entertained with on board dancing, singing and games. The name "ducks" came from WWII when the Americans used the vehicles to storm beaches and because the vehicles moved so slowly (like ducks) and you had to sit down in them they called themselves sitting ducks, hence came the name "ducks".
After this we visited the Experience music project a music and science fiction museum which has some incredible history on the music scene in Seattle and across the world. The museum also includes an extensive "hands on" section where the girls got to play all different instruments, make there own song or play in a band. Good fun for all.
Following this we had a 2 hour rowing session. Again out of lake union rowing club and this time finishing at the university of Washington. The session was again very productive and we are focusing on getting the girls mentally prepared for such a big event. This will be the biggest regatta for all the girls in regards to spectators. Boats are already moored and lined all the way down the course. It looks to be a regatta they will never forget. They are rowing very well and Gill is happy with their progress in the sessions and "have applied themselves to the task".
Tomorrow we are taking a tour of the university of Washington (UW) and the girls are meeting the head coach of UW Bob Ernst to show us the $18 million UW boat shed and introduce us to university rowing. The girls will also squeeze in one last row before Saturday.
2 days and counting.
Tom
P.S. If you are intending to see the girls at the airport upon return and are willing to transport them to Homebush for the athletics carnival please let them know on Saturday. It would also be helpful if you are able to take a few other girls in the team.
We begun the day with a Seattle Duck tour. This was not a tour of the north American migrating birds to Puget sound and lake Washington but rather a fun and lively city tour on a world war two amphibious vehicle commonly known as "ducks". The tour was a unique way to see Seattle from land and see and included a very funny tour guide who kept the girls entertained with on board dancing, singing and games. The name "ducks" came from WWII when the Americans used the vehicles to storm beaches and because the vehicles moved so slowly (like ducks) and you had to sit down in them they called themselves sitting ducks, hence came the name "ducks".
After this we visited the Experience music project a music and science fiction museum which has some incredible history on the music scene in Seattle and across the world. The museum also includes an extensive "hands on" section where the girls got to play all different instruments, make there own song or play in a band. Good fun for all.
Following this we had a 2 hour rowing session. Again out of lake union rowing club and this time finishing at the university of Washington. The session was again very productive and we are focusing on getting the girls mentally prepared for such a big event. This will be the biggest regatta for all the girls in regards to spectators. Boats are already moored and lined all the way down the course. It looks to be a regatta they will never forget. They are rowing very well and Gill is happy with their progress in the sessions and "have applied themselves to the task".
Tomorrow we are taking a tour of the university of Washington (UW) and the girls are meeting the head coach of UW Bob Ernst to show us the $18 million UW boat shed and introduce us to university rowing. The girls will also squeeze in one last row before Saturday.
2 days and counting.
Tom
P.S. If you are intending to see the girls at the airport upon return and are willing to transport them to Homebush for the athletics carnival please let them know on Saturday. It would also be helpful if you are able to take a few other girls in the team.
Wednesday in Seattle
Wednesday morning was a jam packed day.
We begun with a tour of the Boeing aeroplane plant. This was a spectacular tour with many ohhhhhh! and Ahhhhhh! moments. The plant is the biggest building by volume in the world. It is where 747, 777, 787 planes are made and it is truly a site to see. The building is 11 million cubic metres, 11 stories tall, there are 30000 employees, 7 restaurants, 72 indoor cranes, 1 million lights, 800 ice rinks can fit inside it, the doors are as big as a football field, it is open 24 hours a day and the employees get around on bikes. It was incredible to see the assembly line of such huge machines and the girls really found it interesting. Uunfortunately you are not a loud to take photos so you will just have to believe me that is was pretty spectacular.
The next stop was Lake union rowing club for training. The day was the clearest and warmest day Seattle has had since the start of the year so rowing was a pleasure for the girls. We took some great photos of Mount Rainier in the back ground (i will load later today).
Following the training session we all had a quick shower and headed out to a Major league baseball game. Again the girls had an absolute ball (excuse the pun), there was singing, dancing, hot dogs, throwing peanuts and so amazing views. Somewhere in between that we watched some baseball as well. The girls loved it and it was a great opportunity to see the American culture in all its star spangle banner glory.
Good fun was had by all.
I will load more photos up this afternoon and will fill you in on all of Thursday's action.
Regards,
Tom
We begun with a tour of the Boeing aeroplane plant. This was a spectacular tour with many ohhhhhh! and Ahhhhhh! moments. The plant is the biggest building by volume in the world. It is where 747, 777, 787 planes are made and it is truly a site to see. The building is 11 million cubic metres, 11 stories tall, there are 30000 employees, 7 restaurants, 72 indoor cranes, 1 million lights, 800 ice rinks can fit inside it, the doors are as big as a football field, it is open 24 hours a day and the employees get around on bikes. It was incredible to see the assembly line of such huge machines and the girls really found it interesting. Uunfortunately you are not a loud to take photos so you will just have to believe me that is was pretty spectacular.
The next stop was Lake union rowing club for training. The day was the clearest and warmest day Seattle has had since the start of the year so rowing was a pleasure for the girls. We took some great photos of Mount Rainier in the back ground (i will load later today).
Following the training session we all had a quick shower and headed out to a Major league baseball game. Again the girls had an absolute ball (excuse the pun), there was singing, dancing, hot dogs, throwing peanuts and so amazing views. Somewhere in between that we watched some baseball as well. The girls loved it and it was a great opportunity to see the American culture in all its star spangle banner glory.
Good fun was had by all.
I will load more photos up this afternoon and will fill you in on all of Thursday's action.
Regards,
Tom
Tuesday, 3 May 2011
First full day in Seattle
Today was our first full day In Seattle. We begun the day with a guided Bus tour of Seattle. The stops included the Seattle space needle, University of Washington and the Pikes Place market area. The weather was fantastic and the girls had a wonderful time learning a lot about the city. The highlight for everyone was the Pike place market. This is wonderfully colourful shopping village with an abundance of lively merchants and unique shops. Men throwing fish fifteen feet, vintage book stores, Rastafarian shops, the original starbucks shop, fresh food merchants, soul singing busking groups are just a few things that we saw. It was also a chance for the girls to get some shopping done. Which as I was assured was "More of need then a want Mr Kindred, It just has to be done at these sorts of prices!" (Freya and Yvette).
Following our tour and visit to Pike place markets we ventured off to our first rowing training at Union Lake rowing club. This was by far one of the most unique and interesting rowing clubs ever seen, even by Mark and Gills standards. The Club is essentially a very large house boat. It has 4 levels, with a fully equipped gym, bar, boys and girls change rooms, Indoor rowing tank, pontoon and a boat shed with around about 60 boats, all this in a club that floats. It was a great session for the girls the 8 and the quad got to row past some fantastic house boat suburbs and then through the Cut past the University of Washington, this is the same course the girls will race on Saturday.
So far Seattle is fantastic and the girls are having a ball. The rowing is looking good as well.
Regards,
Tom
Following our tour and visit to Pike place markets we ventured off to our first rowing training at Union Lake rowing club. This was by far one of the most unique and interesting rowing clubs ever seen, even by Mark and Gills standards. The Club is essentially a very large house boat. It has 4 levels, with a fully equipped gym, bar, boys and girls change rooms, Indoor rowing tank, pontoon and a boat shed with around about 60 boats, all this in a club that floats. It was a great session for the girls the 8 and the quad got to row past some fantastic house boat suburbs and then through the Cut past the University of Washington, this is the same course the girls will race on Saturday.
So far Seattle is fantastic and the girls are having a ball. The rowing is looking good as well.
Regards,
Tom
Sunday, 1 May 2011
Sunday at Brentwood
Today (Sunday) was our final day of racing at Brentwood.
The girls were up and on the bus this morning at 5 am this morning. This was indeed a challenge itself as the girls had the regatta dance the night before and we didn't get back to the hotel till about 10:30 pm. None the less our girls endured the cold weather and tiredness to race in the Junior Varsity 8 at 6:30. This was a very high standard of racing similar to a under 19 8 at nationals to give a comparison. The girls still rowed very well and came away with a respectable 5th.
The next set of races were 4's. Our girls really enjoyed these races and again rowed very well against some very tough competition. Suz, Phoebe, Josie, Gen and Grace raced in the junior varsity A four and came 1st in there heat and 3rd overall. A truly incredible effort, they rowed brilliantly despite a lot of nerves about the event and Josie was quoted saying at the start line "If this is the end, it has been nice rowing with you all".
The 2nd four consisting of Maddie, Georgia, Micha, Jana and Grace also found success rowing in the Junior B four and coming 1st in there heat and overall. A great row and also a fantastic time. The girls looked strong the whole race and led form start to finish. It was great to see the twins get a medal together in the same boat.
A special mention has to go to the 3rd four who were in the same event and although they were an exhibition crew (could not win a medal) they still managed to get the 3rd fastest time overall in that event. So a big congratulations to Yvette, Freya, Laura, Julia, Annabelle.
One of the most gallant efforts of the day had to go to Serena. Serena rowed in the Junior Varsity B double with Annabelle and came 3rd overall, she then backed up straight away not getting out of the boat to row again with Laura in the Junior Varsity A double. Again a very high standard of rowing, several of the girls they were against were the best rowers at their schools, some on scholarship to American universities starting September and most were 19. Serena and Laura did amazingly well to come away with 4th and showed some real determination and skill to row and get that result.
Overall Pymble came 17th our of 41 schools and 9th in the girls standings. This is an amazing result especially as we only have 16 athletes. If the competition points were relative to the size of the school we would have won the entire regatta. Amazing results!
As we left Brentwood today and Canada tomorrow the girls are a bit said leaving all the good times behind. However they have all made some fantastic friends from around the world and have left a real impression and legacy at the regatta which Im sure will be continued in the future.
Tomorrow we head to Seattle to set our sights on the Windemere Cup. We have organised to train with a variety of school and club crews down at Seattle most of which were so impressed with our results at Brentwood that they asked to train with us.
As we are just past the half way mark of the trip the girls are all on cloud nine and looking forward to racing again. Some are a bit tired...to say the least, so over the next few day we will look to recharge the batteries after 3 very big days and enjoy Seattle and all it has to offer.
Stay tuned.
Tom
The girls were up and on the bus this morning at 5 am this morning. This was indeed a challenge itself as the girls had the regatta dance the night before and we didn't get back to the hotel till about 10:30 pm. None the less our girls endured the cold weather and tiredness to race in the Junior Varsity 8 at 6:30. This was a very high standard of racing similar to a under 19 8 at nationals to give a comparison. The girls still rowed very well and came away with a respectable 5th.
The next set of races were 4's. Our girls really enjoyed these races and again rowed very well against some very tough competition. Suz, Phoebe, Josie, Gen and Grace raced in the junior varsity A four and came 1st in there heat and 3rd overall. A truly incredible effort, they rowed brilliantly despite a lot of nerves about the event and Josie was quoted saying at the start line "If this is the end, it has been nice rowing with you all".
The 2nd four consisting of Maddie, Georgia, Micha, Jana and Grace also found success rowing in the Junior B four and coming 1st in there heat and overall. A great row and also a fantastic time. The girls looked strong the whole race and led form start to finish. It was great to see the twins get a medal together in the same boat.
A special mention has to go to the 3rd four who were in the same event and although they were an exhibition crew (could not win a medal) they still managed to get the 3rd fastest time overall in that event. So a big congratulations to Yvette, Freya, Laura, Julia, Annabelle.
One of the most gallant efforts of the day had to go to Serena. Serena rowed in the Junior Varsity B double with Annabelle and came 3rd overall, she then backed up straight away not getting out of the boat to row again with Laura in the Junior Varsity A double. Again a very high standard of rowing, several of the girls they were against were the best rowers at their schools, some on scholarship to American universities starting September and most were 19. Serena and Laura did amazingly well to come away with 4th and showed some real determination and skill to row and get that result.
Overall Pymble came 17th our of 41 schools and 9th in the girls standings. This is an amazing result especially as we only have 16 athletes. If the competition points were relative to the size of the school we would have won the entire regatta. Amazing results!
As we left Brentwood today and Canada tomorrow the girls are a bit said leaving all the good times behind. However they have all made some fantastic friends from around the world and have left a real impression and legacy at the regatta which Im sure will be continued in the future.
Tomorrow we head to Seattle to set our sights on the Windemere Cup. We have organised to train with a variety of school and club crews down at Seattle most of which were so impressed with our results at Brentwood that they asked to train with us.
As we are just past the half way mark of the trip the girls are all on cloud nine and looking forward to racing again. Some are a bit tired...to say the least, so over the next few day we will look to recharge the batteries after 3 very big days and enjoy Seattle and all it has to offer.
Stay tuned.
Tom
Saturday, 30 April 2011
Saturday racing
Today was by far the most exciting day of the tour yet.
The first race that our girls competed in was the junior varsity Quad. A very prestigious race which had some very talented and experienced crews in it and our girls did very well to come 4th. They had a great start and did well to hold off another crew that was coming home very strong, in this race was (Yvette, Jana, Freya, Annabelle and Julia). Just a few races after this the school 8 race was on. This was by far one of the most exciting races I have seen from a Pymble crew. Both Mark C and I went out on a officials boat and videoed the whole race from the starting pontoon to the finish we got some spectacular photos and footage. What was more amazing was at the start line we had a good chance to look at all the other crews. Mark and I commented that our girls did look like there were in the wrong race, some of the members of these crews were the size of open university women crews and looked to have a big size and weight advantage. They looked like the younger sisters of the girls from the other crews. Three members of a Seattle crew were 6 feet tall or higher. At the gun the girls were immediately left behind as the bigger crews edged off first, however as our girls found there rate they left the field for dead. At the 250m mark they were half a boat length ahead and increased that to about a boat length by the end of the race.
The girls were delighted and were presented there medals by a 2008 Canadian Olympic rowing Gold medalist. The rest of the day the girls were on a high and were introduced to all different crews to be invited down to row with them in Seattle. To their credit the girls have been outstanding ambassadors of Pymble, with immaculate manners and very bright and bubbly personalities it has been a pleasure to receive such good praise at my end.
Unfortunately in the afternoon the races got cancelled due to high winds, so the 4's and Doubles's as well as the Junior varsity 8 have been postponed till tomorrow. The girls are bubbling with energy and are having an absolute ball.
Best wishes,
Tom
P.S. if you haven't already please check the Brentwood website album, there is a great photo of our girls.
The first race that our girls competed in was the junior varsity Quad. A very prestigious race which had some very talented and experienced crews in it and our girls did very well to come 4th. They had a great start and did well to hold off another crew that was coming home very strong, in this race was (Yvette, Jana, Freya, Annabelle and Julia). Just a few races after this the school 8 race was on. This was by far one of the most exciting races I have seen from a Pymble crew. Both Mark C and I went out on a officials boat and videoed the whole race from the starting pontoon to the finish we got some spectacular photos and footage. What was more amazing was at the start line we had a good chance to look at all the other crews. Mark and I commented that our girls did look like there were in the wrong race, some of the members of these crews were the size of open university women crews and looked to have a big size and weight advantage. They looked like the younger sisters of the girls from the other crews. Three members of a Seattle crew were 6 feet tall or higher. At the gun the girls were immediately left behind as the bigger crews edged off first, however as our girls found there rate they left the field for dead. At the 250m mark they were half a boat length ahead and increased that to about a boat length by the end of the race.
The girls were delighted and were presented there medals by a 2008 Canadian Olympic rowing Gold medalist. The rest of the day the girls were on a high and were introduced to all different crews to be invited down to row with them in Seattle. To their credit the girls have been outstanding ambassadors of Pymble, with immaculate manners and very bright and bubbly personalities it has been a pleasure to receive such good praise at my end.
Unfortunately in the afternoon the races got cancelled due to high winds, so the 4's and Doubles's as well as the Junior varsity 8 have been postponed till tomorrow. The girls are bubbling with energy and are having an absolute ball.
Best wishes,
Tom
P.S. if you haven't already please check the Brentwood website album, there is a great photo of our girls.
Friday, 29 April 2011
Brentwood Link
Here is the Link to Brentwood regatta photos for 2011. Im sure more will uploaded after tomorrow so a good website to keep your eyes on for results, draws and photos.
The first photo is actually of our girls as well.
The first photo is actually of our girls as well.
Last chance training and first chance racing
Good Evening Parents, staff and friends
On Thursday morning the girls had there last training at Brentwood. Again it proved a success with some beautiful weather and some excellent rowing. Gill and Mark put them through their paces with a longer session and some tough peices of rowing.
On Thursday afternoon the girls had the afternoon off to do some washing, shopping, sleeping and believe it or not they even fit some school work into their schedule.
This morning the girls got to sleep in and at 11:00am we headed out to Brentwood for the first day of the regatta. The girls were buzzing with energy and excitement and were ready for a big day of racing. On the bus trip they managed to sing along to every iconic Australian song they knew, which I can assure you was a aboslute pleasure to the bus drivers ears.
On arrival at Brentwood the excitement only increased as we got to see the size of this regatta with Boats, tents and oars scattered all over every inch of the school. The school provides a vairety of food stores and live music, once the girls found this out they were immediatley requesting songs from Men at Work and ACDC. Everyone is very friendly and very impressed by our attendence at the regatta, our bright and happy young ladies do add a certain international charm to the regatta.
Our first race for the day our quad raced in the 3rd heat varsity quad (similar to a under 19 quad). This was a very high standard of racing and the girls did well to come out with a 5th especially with some very challenging weather conditions (Serena, Laura, Freya, Julia, Yvette). The next race was the 3rd heat of the junior quad race this was a great race the girls who won by a significant amount and again a very big effort in some even tougher conditions (Jana, Annabelle, Freya, Julia, Yvette). A special mention must go to Yvette who coxed both of the races in some very cold conditions with 8 degree water spraying in her face every stroke, she did very well and showed some great determination. Our last race for the day was the 8 and the weather just started to settle as the race begun and the girls had some clamer water to row on. The girls race very well leading after the first 250m by half a boat length and then increasing this lead by about a boat lenght and half by the end of the race. All the girls raced well and rowed well together. (Grace, Suz, Pheobe, Josie, Gen, Maddie, Georgia, Laura, Micha).
Tomrrow the girls will race in 4's, Serena in the single and the 8. The weather should be alot better and the girls are looking forward to some great racing and meeting some great people.
All the best,
Tom
On Thursday morning the girls had there last training at Brentwood. Again it proved a success with some beautiful weather and some excellent rowing. Gill and Mark put them through their paces with a longer session and some tough peices of rowing.
On Thursday afternoon the girls had the afternoon off to do some washing, shopping, sleeping and believe it or not they even fit some school work into their schedule.
This morning the girls got to sleep in and at 11:00am we headed out to Brentwood for the first day of the regatta. The girls were buzzing with energy and excitement and were ready for a big day of racing. On the bus trip they managed to sing along to every iconic Australian song they knew, which I can assure you was a aboslute pleasure to the bus drivers ears.
On arrival at Brentwood the excitement only increased as we got to see the size of this regatta with Boats, tents and oars scattered all over every inch of the school. The school provides a vairety of food stores and live music, once the girls found this out they were immediatley requesting songs from Men at Work and ACDC. Everyone is very friendly and very impressed by our attendence at the regatta, our bright and happy young ladies do add a certain international charm to the regatta.
Our first race for the day our quad raced in the 3rd heat varsity quad (similar to a under 19 quad). This was a very high standard of racing and the girls did well to come out with a 5th especially with some very challenging weather conditions (Serena, Laura, Freya, Julia, Yvette). The next race was the 3rd heat of the junior quad race this was a great race the girls who won by a significant amount and again a very big effort in some even tougher conditions (Jana, Annabelle, Freya, Julia, Yvette). A special mention must go to Yvette who coxed both of the races in some very cold conditions with 8 degree water spraying in her face every stroke, she did very well and showed some great determination. Our last race for the day was the 8 and the weather just started to settle as the race begun and the girls had some clamer water to row on. The girls race very well leading after the first 250m by half a boat length and then increasing this lead by about a boat lenght and half by the end of the race. All the girls raced well and rowed well together. (Grace, Suz, Pheobe, Josie, Gen, Maddie, Georgia, Laura, Micha).
Tomrrow the girls will race in 4's, Serena in the single and the 8. The weather should be alot better and the girls are looking forward to some great racing and meeting some great people.
All the best,
Tom
Wednesday, 27 April 2011
The first few days of our Tour
Dear everyone,
The first few days of out tour have been great. The girls have had some great training and done some amazing activities along the way.
Our First full day on Vancouver Island was jam packed. We arrived for the first time at Brentwood College for their first training session at 8am, the girls where amazed by the facilities and the incredible view from the College out over Mill Bay. The rowing shed and indoor rowing tank were big highlights for the girls. The College has kindly lent us an eight, a quad and a single all of which are in very good condition and appear to suit the girls very well. The biggest buzz for the girls was the fact that the bay in which the college is in is filled harbour seals which is an amazing sight to see.
That afternoon we hoped back on the bus and headed down to Butchadt gardens to walk amongst 50 acres of landscaped gardens. The gardens are based in a old quarry that was landscaped after it was exhasuted of all the stone. It was a very good time of the year as the gardens are almost in full spring bloom and it was great weather. The girls really enjoyed it and it appeared to spark some green thumbs amongst them. Some highlights included the sunken garden which is a perfectly manicured section of the gardens with ponds, ducks, fountains and statues. All the girls also released the inner child within and went for a vintage carousel ride. It was a very funny sight to see 16 Australian teenage girls laughing at the top of their lungs as they went around a carousel (I think the rest of the patrons and staff had no idea what was going on).
That afternoon we went back to brentwood for an afternoon training session. It was again very productive but the wind did start to come up by the end of the session. Following the rowing session the Brentwood College Rowing team made a BBQ for the girls. This was a great oppotunity for the girls to meet the other boys and girls crews at the College and get a feel for what rowing is like at such a College and in Canada in general. A good time was had by all.
Today (Wednesday) we had another morning trianing session. This time it was with the Senior boys crews at brentwood and the girls were able to do some race pace training. This was a very useful session for the girls, especially as the senior brentwood rowing coach took the session. The coach has an outstanding rowing record. You will be happy to know the girls really did hold there own in the training, The boys were a bit shocked by the end of it.
This afternoon we went on a whale watching tour, hoping to find the resident Orca Whales in the area. There are about 5 differnet pods of killer whales in Victoria which have "residence" in the surouding waters of the city. Each pod is around 20- 30 animals. However this is onl the start of the season and unfortunatley we didn't see any. However, we did see many other things including, harbour seals, elephant seals (very rare), Lion seals, Otter's and many varieties of birds. Although there was no whales, it was raining and it was 8 degrees with -8 wind chill the girls, Mark, Gill and I all loved it. The surrouding landscape of the island is enough to marvel at.
Tomororow is our final training session before the regatta on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The girls appear to be rowing very well and Gill is impressed with there progress. The Brentwood womens coach thinks we will be very competitive. The Brentwood regatta is the biggest regatta in Canada. There are expected to be around 1500 competitors and around 8000 spectators. It is a massive event and Im sure the girls will enjoy every moment. It seems the only thing that can stop them at the moment is the fact the rowing in 8-10 degree temperatures can be considered quite normal in Canada.
I will keep you tuned with how we go.
Unfortunatley I have had troubles uploading photos, however I will endevour to get some uploaded soon.
But All is well, everyone is healthy, getting along great, there are rowing well and having a ball.
Please feel free to msg or call me if you have any concerns.
regards,
T. Kindred
The first few days of out tour have been great. The girls have had some great training and done some amazing activities along the way.
Our First full day on Vancouver Island was jam packed. We arrived for the first time at Brentwood College for their first training session at 8am, the girls where amazed by the facilities and the incredible view from the College out over Mill Bay. The rowing shed and indoor rowing tank were big highlights for the girls. The College has kindly lent us an eight, a quad and a single all of which are in very good condition and appear to suit the girls very well. The biggest buzz for the girls was the fact that the bay in which the college is in is filled harbour seals which is an amazing sight to see.
That afternoon we hoped back on the bus and headed down to Butchadt gardens to walk amongst 50 acres of landscaped gardens. The gardens are based in a old quarry that was landscaped after it was exhasuted of all the stone. It was a very good time of the year as the gardens are almost in full spring bloom and it was great weather. The girls really enjoyed it and it appeared to spark some green thumbs amongst them. Some highlights included the sunken garden which is a perfectly manicured section of the gardens with ponds, ducks, fountains and statues. All the girls also released the inner child within and went for a vintage carousel ride. It was a very funny sight to see 16 Australian teenage girls laughing at the top of their lungs as they went around a carousel (I think the rest of the patrons and staff had no idea what was going on).
That afternoon we went back to brentwood for an afternoon training session. It was again very productive but the wind did start to come up by the end of the session. Following the rowing session the Brentwood College Rowing team made a BBQ for the girls. This was a great oppotunity for the girls to meet the other boys and girls crews at the College and get a feel for what rowing is like at such a College and in Canada in general. A good time was had by all.
Today (Wednesday) we had another morning trianing session. This time it was with the Senior boys crews at brentwood and the girls were able to do some race pace training. This was a very useful session for the girls, especially as the senior brentwood rowing coach took the session. The coach has an outstanding rowing record. You will be happy to know the girls really did hold there own in the training, The boys were a bit shocked by the end of it.
This afternoon we went on a whale watching tour, hoping to find the resident Orca Whales in the area. There are about 5 differnet pods of killer whales in Victoria which have "residence" in the surouding waters of the city. Each pod is around 20- 30 animals. However this is onl the start of the season and unfortunatley we didn't see any. However, we did see many other things including, harbour seals, elephant seals (very rare), Lion seals, Otter's and many varieties of birds. Although there was no whales, it was raining and it was 8 degrees with -8 wind chill the girls, Mark, Gill and I all loved it. The surrouding landscape of the island is enough to marvel at.
Tomororow is our final training session before the regatta on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The girls appear to be rowing very well and Gill is impressed with there progress. The Brentwood womens coach thinks we will be very competitive. The Brentwood regatta is the biggest regatta in Canada. There are expected to be around 1500 competitors and around 8000 spectators. It is a massive event and Im sure the girls will enjoy every moment. It seems the only thing that can stop them at the moment is the fact the rowing in 8-10 degree temperatures can be considered quite normal in Canada.
I will keep you tuned with how we go.
Unfortunatley I have had troubles uploading photos, however I will endevour to get some uploaded soon.
But All is well, everyone is healthy, getting along great, there are rowing well and having a ball.
Please feel free to msg or call me if you have any concerns.
regards,
T. Kindred
Monday, 25 April 2011
Have all arrived safely. Despite a very long flight of which most of the girls did not sleep at all the day has been good. Did a 3hour tour of Vancouver and saw alot of the city. It is very over cast and raining and is expected to be like this for most of the week which should make for some interesting training for the girls. We have our first training tomorrow morning followed by a tour of butchardt gardens, so stay tuned for further posts and some great photos.
Thursday, 21 April 2011
Things to Remember
Just a few things to remember before you leave home
Have a Happy easter and Ill see you at the airport at 7:20am.
- Make sure you have some CAD in cash to use when you get off the plane in Vancouver
- Make sure your luggage, jacket, tour polo and rowing Zootie's are named
- Pack some warm clothes in your hand luggage to wear on arrival in Vancouver
- Make sure you DONT have any aerosol cans, liquids over 100mls or sharp objects in your hand luggage
- Make sure you have orgnasied your insurance, money cards, visa
- Make sure you pack any home work or school work that needs to be completed
- Weigh your bag before you leave home so you know how much it ways (<20kgs)
- Wear the right uniform to the airport (Tour Polo, navy tracksuit pants, runners) no ugg boots
- REMEMBER YOUR PASSPORT!
Have a Happy easter and Ill see you at the airport at 7:20am.
Thursday, 14 April 2011
Brentwood Regatta
Dear All
Here is a link to the Brentwood Regatta webpage, you will find all the information regarding the regatta including the draw, entries, results, photos and general information. A very useful site to get a feel for what you will be competing in and against.
Here is a link to the Brentwood Regatta webpage, you will find all the information regarding the regatta including the draw, entries, results, photos and general information. A very useful site to get a feel for what you will be competing in and against.
Wednesday, 13 April 2011
Welcome
Dear all Parents and Students,
This blog page is designed to keep you up to date with all the news, information and happenings on the Pymble Ladies' College 2011 Canada and USA rowing tour. I will aim to update this blog as much as possible and fill you in on details such as training information, results at the regatta's, activities done that day as well as filling you in on the upcoming days details. I will also endevour to add some videos and photos as well.
With only 12 more days before we leave I'm sure the excitement is building for what is going to be an amazing experiance for 16 lucky students at Pymble. To increase the excitement a little bit more, attached is a link to show you some more information regarding our first stop Brentwoood College, Mill Bay, Victoria, Canada.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FT2wBmlf1s
Stay tuned for more posts to come. As well as further details and things to remember for the trip.
This blog page is designed to keep you up to date with all the news, information and happenings on the Pymble Ladies' College 2011 Canada and USA rowing tour. I will aim to update this blog as much as possible and fill you in on details such as training information, results at the regatta's, activities done that day as well as filling you in on the upcoming days details. I will also endevour to add some videos and photos as well.
With only 12 more days before we leave I'm sure the excitement is building for what is going to be an amazing experiance for 16 lucky students at Pymble. To increase the excitement a little bit more, attached is a link to show you some more information regarding our first stop Brentwoood College, Mill Bay, Victoria, Canada.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FT2wBmlf1s
Stay tuned for more posts to come. As well as further details and things to remember for the trip.
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