LiveLighter Master Women’s Sprint Training Squad

The LiveLighter Master Women’s Sprint Squad coached by Ramon Andersson and Jesse Phillips wrapped up this week, with all athletes fired up for the Paddle WA LiveLighter Canoe Sprint Championships this coming weekend at Champion Lakes.
(Article by Lawrence Greed)

The LiveLighter Masters Womens Training Squad. Photo: Lawrence Greed

26 athletes started the three-week program after Ramon and Sue McDougall (AKC) saw an opportunity to increase female masters participation in the sprint discipline, and was facilitated by the Paddle WA Sprint Technical Committee. This is a terrific initiative for promoting Women in paddling. The committee was anticipating ~10 athletes sign up for the program, but were surprised to see the training squad fully booked out in less than 24 hours!

Week 1 started out with some basic video analysis off-water, followed by one-on-one technique analysis on the water. As this squad is preparing athletes for the upcoming sprint state championships, athletes spent much time learning the theory of power transmission in a kayak so that they can maximise their performance.

Ramon providing video feedback during the session (left), the squad training at their first session (right). Photos: Lawrence Greed

In Week 2, the squad was shown how to create an effective individualised race plan based on their own performance, and were then introduced to team boat paddling in K2’s. Many of the squad members have raced together in marathon and ocean racing events before, however there are many other skills required to effectively paddle team boats in a Sprint Regatta, being at such high pace and intensity.

Ramon explaining how to create a race plan (left), the squad trying out different K2 combinations (right). Photos: Lawrence Greed

Week 3 covered the all-important starts and getting the boat up to race pace. This final session included video analysis so that athletes could visually compare their progress since the first week. It is remarkable how much can be improved in a few short weeks under the skills of Ramon and Jesse with the group soaking up every comment.

Jesse Phillips showing the squad some detailed race data and how it can help structure personalised race plans. Photo: Lawrence Greed

Anne, Sharon, Evelyn, Nicole, and Nishani (left), Rosalie and Kate (right). Photos: Lawrence Greed

The program as a whole focussed on good technique, and minimising any actions that may cause a loss of power. This was put into practice with the increased training by the women ready for racing this weekend. For many, this was the first opportunity to race team boats – K2 and double ski – and most have entered team boat races as pairing up with the men to contest the Mixed K2 200m sprint.

Paddle WA LiveLighter Canoe Sprint Championships

The championships have seen a record 147 entries with a large Masters contingent and a grid of OC1s. The Regatta has athletes with ages from 10 to 70 showing WA Sprint is for all athletes. With the athletes, coaches, supporters and volunteers we expect over 250 people on site. The first race at Champion Lakes is 8:30am both Saturday and Sunday, and with the large number of entries, as well as K4 racing, lasts until 3:30pm. It’s a full weekend for all, and many thanks to the terrific team of volunteers – all paddlers and paddling-family themselves – who make this happen. If you want to come and help out even for a short while come and see the team at the Regatta.

Be sure to come down to Champion Lakes Regatta Centre this Saturday & Sunday to see some awesome racing in action!

8am – 3pm | Saturday 30th & Sunday 31st January 2021 | Henly Drive, Champion Lakes 6111