NEWSLETTER THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE

FEBRUARY 2016

In this Issue

Message from the Outgoing President ............................................................................................. 2

Message from the New President ..................................................................................................... 2

TCKRA News ..................................................................................................................................... 3

2016 Race Calendar .......................................................................................................................... 3

2016 TCKRA Board and Officers ...................................................................................................... 3

“The Overwhelming Project Management Task – A Shuttle” by Erin Magee ................................. 4

Race Reports ..................................................................................................................................... 5

Upcoming Races ............................................................................................................................... 8

About the TCKRA .............................................................................................................................. 11

TCKRA Membership Application ..................................................................................................... 12

Message from the Outgoing President Wade Binion

Welcome to the start of another great year. The new calendar represents a chance to re-set goals and objectives for the upcoming year. Many new and exciting changes are taking place within the paddling community and I look forward to the energy and organization that this dedicated group of enthusiasts is bringing to the racing scene. As long as we continue to provide the opportunity for paddlers of all disciplines to get together I will consider it a success.

Unseasonably warm temperatures, strong weather patterns, and a predicted wet winter will greatly influence the conditions we experience. I encourage everyone to practice safety first, and be aware of your surroundings. It also makes for exciting adventures and fast times that remind some of the old days. I thank everyone involved for their continued support of paddle sports in Texas and trust the incoming board members will "keep it in the current."

Your outgoing president,

Wade Binion

Message from the New President Chris Stevenson

I am pleased to serve as the TCKRA board president in 2016 and I am committed to doing my part to promote the goals and activities of the TCKRA this year. The club also welcomed in a new board with four first-time members. We have a really strong and committed group and I look forward to working with them to make this a great year.

Right out of the gate I want to address a question I have heard many times: “What is the purpose of the TCKRA?” As the incoming president, I think I should have an answer to that question. Here goes.

Simply put, the primary purpose of the TCKRA is to promote paddle sport racing in Texas. But what does that really mean? It means that the club annually puts on eight State Championship races and the Martindale Triathlon. We also put out a newsletter, organize bi-annual river cleanups and maintain a website where a race calendar and race results are hosted. These are the things that I consider to be the minimum that the TCKRA should achieve every year.

The purpose of a club – any club – is to achieve more as a group than unconnected individuals could do on their own. I truly believe that the TCKRA as a group can do not just what it has always done, but do those things better and do even more. My primary goal for 2016 is to raise the bar for the TCKRA. We have already gotten off to a really good start – the new website is up and the membership list is being updated, we have published our first newsletter, we have race directors in place and the spring cleanup is being organized. Things are happening!

I am very optimistic about the TCKRA in 2016. Please do your part by joining the club and attending our events throughout the year. Here’s to a happy, healthy and productive 2016!

-Chris Stevenson

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TCKRA News

The 2016 board has authorized the funds for design of a new logo. The proposed designs will be available before the next TCKRA meeting. At the meeting there will be a vote to adopt the new logo.

The next TCKRA meeting will be immediately after the Town Lake Series 4 race on February 28th in Austin. All TCKRA members are invited to attend.

The bi-annual river cleanup is right around the corner to be held March 5th. This cleanup is shaping up to be one of the best organized ever thanks to the efforts of TCKRA board member Mike Dey. (There’s swag!) Please consider helping to protect our great resource by participating this year.

The new TCKRA website has launched. The improved website will have an up-to-date race calendar, race results and tons of content for Texas paddlers.

The TCKRA will once again organize the Paddler of Year points program. Rules and details about the points program will be on the website www.tckra.org.

2016 Race Calendar Feb. 20 – Safari Seminar, San Marcos Feb. 21 – Town Lake Series Race 3, Austin Feb. 28 –Town Lake Series Race 4, Austin March 5 – Spring River Cleanup March 12 – Buffalo Bayou Regatta/TCKRA ICF Downriver State Championship, Houston April 16 – TCKRA USCA State Championship, TBD May 7 – Texas River Marathon/The Prelim, Cuero May 14 – TCKRA ICF Flatwater State Championship, TBD June 10 – Texas Water Safari Check-In, San Marcos June 11-15 – Texas Water Safari, San Marcos July 19-22 – MR340, St. Louis, MO July 26-31 – Au Sable River Canoe Marathon, Grayling, MI Aug. 6 – Neches Wilderness Race, TCKRA Aluminum State Championship, Palestine, TX Aug. 11 – USCA Nationals, Northfield, MA Aug. 20 – La Grange Kanoe Klasika, La Grange, TX Sept. 3 – CR100, Bastrop, TX Sept. 17 – Jr. TWS, San Marcos Oct. 1 – Come and Take It Race, Gonzales, TX Oct. 29 – Martindale Triathlon, Martindale Nov. 5 – Kanu Rennen, New Braunfels, TX Nov. 12 – TCKRA Fall River Cleanup Dec. 3 – December Solo Race, San Marcos

2016 TCKRA Officers and Board of Directors

Officers Chris Stevenson (President) Brian Jones (Vice President)

Grady Hicks (Treasurer)

Board Members Amy Boyd Jay Daniel Mike Dey

Grady Hicks Brian Jones Mike Smith

Chris Stevenson Nathan Tart

Tommy Yonley Sandy Yonley

Alternates Andrew Condie

Brandon Stafford

Special Assistants Patty Geisinger (Secretary)

Shannon Issendorf

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The Overwhelming Project Management Task – A Shuttle Erin Magee

Goals Increasing your paddlesport contacts/network/information source Not taxing family/friends and adding to the “honey do” list

Arranging the Shuttle

Step 1: Announce on social media on ALL the appropriate sites and media that you’d like to paddle X section of river (i.e., Gonzo to Hochheim) on Y day/date, beginning on the water at Z time. Would anyone like to run a shuttle?

Step 2: From the first responder, get the following details: 1. How many boats will your rack carry? How many solos, how many tandems, how many

aluminums? 2. Are you running tandem or solo or multiman?3. What do you think your split will be in the proposed section?

Once you’ve established that between the two vehicles and two teams (solo is a team) you’ve got the means to drop all gear/boats/partners not driving at the put in, drive both vehicles to the take out, and leave a vehicle at the take out that will carry all boats left at the put in…..YOU HAVE ORGANIZED A SHUTTLE!

Step 3: Remove from all sites the offer/request to run a shuttle.

Do you Want to Include Others? Aka….Offering a Ride

Now that you have a confirmed shuttle to run your preferred section at the stated time/date…..

Publish in social media, etc. the following information:

Location of Run Time/Date of Run

….inviting others to join in the run and pony into your shuttle, or create their own shuttle with those that are now thinking your run location/date/time is a good idea. If you can take a paddler or two back to the put in at the conclusion of the run, they can come back and retrieve their boat.

Do not agree to take anyone back to the put in that you cannot accommodate. Make it clear that you will not shuttle people back up to the put in unannounced.

It is socially and politically incorrect to hit the river in a section where this is an arranged shuttle, not being included in the shuttle or guaranteed a ride out. That how you wind up under a bridge with no vehicle, cell phone, clothes or food – hoping tomorrow’s paddling community uses your stranded island bridge as a put in or take out. Everything is posted for eternity, don’t be that fast starting slow finishing goober!

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Race Reports

December Solo Erin Magee

The traditional venue of the December Solo, held the first Saturday in December each year, is San Marcos City Park to Staples Bridge. It’s a good time to see where you’re at in the solo boat of your choice against the competitors you’ll be competing against in the upcoming season, or paddlers you might want to partner with.

It’s not news….2015 was a great year for water in Texas. Two historic floods in six months, resulting in some tragedy and loss, along with clearing some portions of the river, obstructing others, and remapping the course – so that everything you thought you knew…..now, not so much!

To facilitate the whim of Mother Nature, the race administrator of the December Solo, Jay Daniel, got creative. On Dec 5th, we started at Staples Lake and headed upstream for 2.5 miles of flat water and 1.5 miles of sweepers and moving water, some impromptu portages, etc. This was the opportunity to do what many do not do or even consider doing – paddling upstream. It is skill and strength gain, it’s a confidence booster, it’s a chance to do what we all do – somewhat differently.

Cowboy Hats off to the December Solo Race Administration for not cancelling the race. Thank you for finding a creative solution, posting the information, securing the start/finish line, as well as photographers and volunteers.

The format of the race remained the same. The start time of each competitor is based on their best previous finish on the course. This format is founded in the training practices of world and Olympic level teams, who start the slowest first in order to create a competitive format for all levels of athlete. Whether the rabbit or the hound, you’re inspired to race as fast and intelligently as possible.

The results of the December Solo are published here. The times are the total time in race for the entire 8 mile course.

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Texas Winter 100k

Barbara Edington The 6th annual Texas Winter 100k (TWO) was scheduled January 23, 2016 to accommodate winter canoe and kayak training in Texas. The weather was slated to be perfect paddling weather in the afternoon with a chilly morning in keeping with the tradition of the TWO, hence the Texas Winter 100. With 50+ paddlers registered, we were eager to get the race started. We had the most first-time TWO paddlers registered this year. While most paddlers registered were in the Adventure Class, we had a great competitive group set up for our Competition Class. The Adventure Class began at 5:00 a.m. Boats started arriving at 4:00 a.m. to get their boats geared up “just right.” Paddlers checked in, grabbed a hot cup of coffee, and started warming up after getting their boats ready. At 5:00 a.m., they began paddling furiously in order to get ahead of the pack. One solo boat, caught up in the midst of other boats, held its own when thrown sideways, narrowly escaping throwing its paddler into the water. The Adventure Class made it to the first portage at Longhorn Dam in short order. Team members and officials were there to assist in getting boats out of the water and across the ¼mile portage, then back in the water as fast, but safely, as possible. The teams of McLaurin/Thorp and Smith/Thorp were the first boats out and back in the water. They obviously had a goal in mind to paddle more effectively and quickly than the rest of the field. The Competitor Class registrants started arriving at the starting point within an hour of the Adventure Class starting. These paddlers are serious about ensuring their boats are set up to optimize the fastest speed possible. It’s all about “the race” to these competitors. At 7:00 a.m., the Competitor Class began and arrived at Longhorn Dam within minutes. In this instance, officials and team members stand back and only assist with the portage when asked. The paddlers move fast and furious across the ¼ mile portage and scramble back down the bank to get back in the water and on their way. As expected, the top teams of Condie/Condie and Mynar/Jiral and McHardy/Short arrived first with solo boats Geoff Waters and Sandy Yonley caught up in the mix. By the time paddlers arrived at the 1st official checkpoint, Little Webberville, some Competitor Class paddlers were within an hour of the Adventure Class leaders. The field was led by McLaurin/Thorp (Adventure Tandem “AT”) and Smith/Thorp (AT). Taylor Houston (Adventure Solo “AS”) was the first solo boat to arrive followed by Matt Bonura (AS). Condie/Condie (Competitive Tandem “CT”) were the 1st Competitors to arrive followed by Geoff Waters (Competitive Solo “CS”). The team of Mynar/Jiral had pulled out of the race at the FM 979 bridge for unknown reasons which freed up the competition for Condie/Condie. McHardy/Short (CT) rounded out the top three competitors in at Little Webberville. As paddlers passed Big Webberville, bystanders and team members/family cheered their teams on. This is a great stopping point for refueling as well as team support although it’s not officially a checkpoint. Our last checkpoint before the finish at Fisherman’s Park in Bastrop is typically a game changer as far as different classes are concerned. The checkpoint is under the FM969 bridge at Utley. The team of McLaurin/Thorp (AT) arrived 1st, closely followed by Condie/Condie (CT). Bear in mind, the competitor class began two hours after the adventure class. Within a minute behind Condie/Condie was the Smith/Thorp (AT) team, Linden/Schatz (AT) and Taylor Houston (AS). In addition to the 969/Utley Bridge being the last checkpoint, it is the starting line for our StandUp Paddle class. Our SUP field consisted of 6 paddlers including Linda McCoy, our first female SUPer. The weather was absolutely perfect for our SUP’s although by all accounts, the water was a little low downriver. As the first SUP, Jim Mooney, crossed the finish line, he was offering a narrative to the fact that he was challenged for a while by Don Holley but then, Mooney, didn’t look back and came out the winner. Holley arrived 2nd and McCoy pulled in 3rd.

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As far as our Adventure and Competitor classes, McLaurin/Thorp (AT) crossed the finish line first but Condie/Condie (CT) was the actual winner with the shortest time. All results can be viewed on www.raceowl.com. At the end of the race, all paddlers that finished the race were awarded a pair of boat straps in addition to a hot meal prepared by Jeannette Burris and Mike Dey. Jeannette and Mike offered a delicious meal, but the best part is their ability to make everyone feel special by encouraging them to warm up with the hot food and socialize with other paddlers.

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Upcoming Races

Town Lake Series #3

The 3rd of the Town Lake race series is Sunday, February 21st at 10am. These races are administrated by John Baltzell, but we will try to answer any questions we can. They are a very fun, free way to start the 2016 training season. Location: Festival Beach Boat Ramp Registration begins at 8:30 am for all races. Please arrive early enough to register before the races. These are free races, but you'll still have to sign a waiver and get a number. There are handicapped start times determined by boat type and ability. SUP's are welcome, but will most likely start promptly at 9am. The course route changes each week, but in general the races are all about 6-8 miles long. Town Lake Handicaps (10km) Stand Up Paddle boards/Rec. Solo (anything plastic) 10:00am Rec. Tandem/Aluminum (First time paddler's/ Racers) at 2 min. Female C-1/OC1 at 4min. Female C-2 at 5min. Female Solo Unlimited (Safari style hull) /PRS SKI short/Cobra at 6min. Male C-1/Pro Aluminum/Beaver at 9min. Male OC1/Fast Sea Kayak/PRS Ski at 10min. New to C2 Male/Mixed C2/ at 11min Female K1 (ICF) at 12 min. Male Solo Unlimited (Safari Style Hull) at 16 min. Fast Male C2 at 18 min. OC-2/Tandem Unlimited at 20 min. Male Surfski/ Male K1 (ICF) at 22 min. Fast Male K1 (ICF) / K2 (ICF) / Multi-man (Safari Style Hull 3-6 man) at 24 min.

Town Lake Series #4

The 4th and final race of the Town Lake race series is Sunday, February 28th at 10am. These races are administrated by John Baltzell, but we will try to answer any questions we can. They are a very fun, free way to start the 2016 training season. Location: Festival Beach Boat Ramp, Austin, TX Registration begins at 8:30 am for all races. Please arrive early enough to register before the races. These are free races, but you'll still have to sign a waiver and get a number. There are handicapped start times determined by boat type and ability. SUP's are welcome, but will most likely start promptly at 9am. The course route changes each week, but in general the races are all about 6-8 miles long. Town Lake Handicaps (10km) Stand Up Paddle boards/Rec. Solo (anything plastic) 10:00am

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Rec. Tandem/Aluminum (First time paddler's/ Racers) at 2 min. Female C-1/OC1 at 4min. Female C-2 at 5min. Female Solo Unlimited (Safari style hull) /PRS SKI short/Cobra at 6min. Male C-1/Pro Aluminum/Beaver at 9min. Male OC1/Fast Sea Kayak/PRS Ski at 10min. New to C2 Male/Mixed C2/ at 11min Female K1 (ICF) at 12 min. Male Solo Unlimited (Safari Style Hull) at 16 min. Fast Male C2 at 18 min. OC-2/Tandem Unlimited at 20 min. Male Surfski/ Male K1 (ICF) at 22 min. Fast Male K1 (ICF) / K2 (ICF) / Multi-man (Safari Style Hull 3-6 man) at 24 min.

San Marcos River Cleanup

Join us for the 31st Annual Great Texas River Cleanup. Because of the hazards, remoteness, and distance between access points, the lower river has always been cleaned by canoe racing enthusiasts. Be honest about your abilities when deciding whether or not this is the right section for you. Volunteers are needed up river as well.

There are four options this year.

1: Staples to Fentress - 10 miles (one log jam) 2: Fentress to Luling 90 - 13 miles 3: Zedler Dam to Palmetto - 14 miles 4: Chainsaws are needed at both SMRR and Shady Grove. Contact them directly if you would like to do this instead of cleaning the river.

CAMPOUT AND GET-TO-GETHER Free camping is available for volunteers on Friday and Saturday nights at San Marcos River Retreat or Shady Grove Campground. Let them know you are volunteering for the river cleanup when you call to reserve your site.

San Marcos River Retreat Address: 444 Pecan Park Dr, San Marcos, TX 78666 Phone:(512) 392-6171

Spencer Canoes & Shady Grove Campground Address: 9515 Farm to Market Road 1979, Martindale, TX 78655 Phone:(512) 357-6113

Starting at 6 p.m. on Saturday evening there will be a meal provided at Shady Grove/Spencer Canoes, by the San Marcos River Foundation. Sign up for their weekly newsletter on their website: www.sanmarcosriver.org/our-river/.

WHAT TO BRING:

Trash bags will be provided by SMRF. Other than that, plan on being self-sufficient. Food, drink, shuttling boats, etc. is up to you. Suggested gear includes gloves, saw, small shovel, rope, poison ivy prevention.

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NEW FOR 2016 - THIS CLEANUP HAS SWAG!!!

Huge thanks to Paddle With Style, Texas Winter 100k Hansen family http://www.texaswinter100k.com and REI Austin for donating some really nice swag. Ice neck packs, boat straps, T-shirts, and stickers will be randomly given away at check in.

Contact Mike Dey with any questions.

Buffalo Bayou Regatta

Join the Buffalo Bayou Partnership for Texas’ largest canoe and kayak race – the 44th Annual Buffalo Bayou Partnership Regatta! Paddlers (ages 12 and up) are encouraged to participate in the 15-mile American Canoe Association sanctioned race along the scenic Buffalo Bayou. Whether you are entering competitively or paddling for pleasure, you won’t want to miss out on this longstanding Houston tradition!

Registration and Starting Line: 7700 San Felipe (1/4 mile west of Voss) Race Day Registration: 7:30 - 8:45 am Start Time: 9:00 am Finish Line and Awards Ceremony: Sesquicentennial Park (500 block of Preston) Awards Ceremony: 1:00 pm

TCKRA’s ICF Downriver Championship will be held in conjunction with the Buffalo Bayou Regatta this year. If you wish to compete in this class, be sure to register in the ICF k1 category. There are underwater obstacles, so be aware that an understern rudder or very lightweight layup k1 may not be ideal unless you are willing to risk boat damage (or have a very shallow running understern rudder and have seen the course). River layup and overstern rudders on k1's are recommended (especially for those who may not have seen the course).

Registering online (early) is highly recommended. Be sure to get to the race start early, as unloading and parking are sometimes tricky. There is a free shuttle bus for racers to take you back to your vehicle after the finish of the race.

This is one of the most unique and fun races in Texas--hope to see you there!

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About the TCKRA

The Texas Canoe and Kayak Racing Association is a statewide club for persons interested in paddle sport racing. The primary focus of the club is USCA and ICF class marathon racing, but other disciplines of paddle sports are promoted through TCKRA’s Race Calendar and Points Program.* In 1971 a group of canoe paddlers with an interest in canoe and kayak racing joined together and formed the TCRA (which later evolved into the TCKRA). During the past years the organization has grown to one of the largest canoe and kayak clubs in the state. The club is now recognized as the voice for canoe racing in Texas and its members have gained national recognition. Each year the TCKRA participates in approximately 20 canoe races and the TCKRA also organizes and sponsors the Texas State Canoe and Kayak Racing Championship Series. These championship level race events compliment the other annual racing events by recognizing the top competitors in a variety of paddle sport disciplines and classes. Additionally, the TCKRA culminates the season by awarding the top overall paddlers of the year. This recognition is determined through the accumulation of TCKRA Points.* Whether you are a novice paddler, intermediate or seasoned racer, TCKRA is a great way to meet new people, improve your skills and get out on the river. Our membership spans the state and varies widely by age, gender, skill-level and boat type; even our working careers and professions. We also share a great deal in common - the competitive spirit and an enduring love of the water. Your annual dues help fund events and activities throughout the year and around the state. By joining the TCKRA you enjoy the following benefits:

4 championship races, (Unlimited, Aluminum, USCA and ICF)

The Martindale Triathlon

Race discounts for TCKRA members

Spring and fall river cleanups

Bi-Monthly newsletter

Texas paddler directory

Annual banquet

Paddling clinics – free to TCKRA members

2 TCKRA decals for every member

Paddler of the Year points competition*

A TCKRA membership will give you a voice in the racing community and allow us to continue to promote canoe and kayak racing in Texas.

Our members paddle kayaks and canoes crafted from wood, plastic, aluminum, carbon and Kevlar.

*The points program for 2012 has been suspended by the TCKRA Board, pending review of the points system.

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TCKRA2016 Membership Application

Name:

Address:

Email: Phone:

Exclude your contact information from the membership directory? Yes No

Type of Membership: Youth $5 Individual $15 Family $20 Business $25

INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP is available to any person age 18 as of January 1 of the membership year.

FAMILY MEMBERSHIP shall consist of the members of a household. The household dependents other than the parents or guardians must be less than 18 years of age as of January 1 of the membership year. Dependents age 18 as of January 1 of the membership year must obtain their own membership.

YOUTH MEMBERSHIP is available to any person under 18 years of age as of January 1 of the membership year.

BUSINESS MEMBERSHIP is available to any organization.

If a Family membership, please list family members below:

Name Age (as of Jan 1, 2016)

Make checks payable to: TCKRA

Send to: TCKRA Membership 4918 Pine Cliff Dr.Houston, TX 77084

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