Travelling is sometime stressful, always tiring and not as glamorous as it comes across. I tell my mates often that sometimes it would be great to just stay home a settle a little.

On the other hand there are moments or experiences that pop up out of nowhere that surprise me and leave me wanting to never stop living a dream. 

The second day of racing consisted of a round robin knock out sprint event just like a lifesaving carnival. Nelo supplied all the spec skis for the 600m shootout.

Had a real mare today. Finished 6^th. So tempted not to blog the bad stuff but how real is that. Don’t want to be that dood that moans ether. 

Warming up - Pic - Jasper Mocke

When planning this year I said to myself that I would cut down the travelling with shorter trip and to new places. I did the first of these in Spain for the Sella and the PLAN was to hit the Nelo Summer Challenge in Portugal for another short trip.

Why I have changed the plans? I don’t know.

Over the last couple months I have been involved in a small way in the design process of a new boat out my dad Mark’s factory Custom Kayaks. Check out this short clip on the boat and some words from the designer himself.

The most fun event of the year for me has to be SA K4 champs at Shongweni Dam. The family vibe and the awesome location give it something special, not to mention how much fun racing K4 really is.

This year was a little disjointed with just getting back from Spain and a number of my club mates at Kingfisher just having got home from the Avon Decent (Ausi). We have quite a strong club and have 3 teams so picking the A, B and C boat would be hard with s...

Just before I left for Spain I got a cool page in the post. Rudy Project who are my sunglass supplier and LONG time suppers had sent me some new glasses.

Just some background. I love the innovation that Rudy strive for, always on the forefront of technology. Every year they send me something new, they are constantly lifting their game and this year is no different.

Crashing through the two foot chop in the K4 with teams swimming in the backround!

The Hungerian K4 sinking!

Photos thanks to Oscar Chalupsky

300 m after the start exiting the harbour in about 6th

First lap, getting a gap

Lap 2, starting to open up, really helped having two really light paddlers up front so w...

Was a little disappointing sitting on the bank yesterday. I couldn’t find a partner for the K2 race at Busto’s club. Trekking over the mountain to take photos is not my style.

The trek today was with more purpose to race the Candas International K4. The K4 race is traditionally in Ribadesella but this year it was the 50th anniversary of the local club in Candas so they moved it there.

The trick with this all is there is no fresh water in Candas. There is a small craft harbour and the sea. Well we race sprint K4’s in the sea today. Haha. It m...

I was told that the start would be crazy. I believed them after watching you-tube clips of the race. The masses of competitor and spectators is something I have been to see and be a part of for some time.

Well every story can’t live up to being there in real life.

The morning started with a very quiet and nervous breakfast in the hotel. We could hear the people in the streets going mad. They hadn’t stopped since the night before w...

The last two days have been for me very chilled. My boat is ready and there is only so much I can paddle down the river. Rest up for the big and enjoy the surroundings.

Yesterday got started late. Not much happens in Spain early. Sun stays up till 10pm so people only eat at 11pm. So really no need to get going early. I went down to breakfast, wondered around town and then went back to bed in true siesta style. Sounds like the high life.

Been trying to find video’s of the Sella Decent on YouTube. This is the only one I can find with English commentary. Bit old from 1990 but worth a watch!

There are a couple saffa's in Spain but the ring leader tour guide is Ant Stott. He will also be blogging on the Sella experience at http://antstott.wordpress.com. Check out his cool blog, I am tipping him for a win!

Background

I have been amazed at the reaction to the article I wrote for Multisport Magazine (www.sportsguide.co.za) last month here.

I have had requests from all over to republish the article on various websites and emails from people asking questions. I am stoked with the feedback.

The article was picked up but surfski website www.surfski.info (http://www.surfski.info/g...