Christmas and New Year December 2005.
Over the past few months we have had visits from Nicci and her two children, Christian (2) and Aaron 18mts. Christian is starting to talk and Aaron is just full of action. They spent about a month with us before going to Cape Town where they met up with Stefan. At this stage Stefan is very busy at work and struggled to take the time off to come from London. It seems that, if all works out according to plan, that they will move back to RSA next year. During the time that Nicci spent with us she took Christian to Doctors and therapists who have diagnosed him with low muscle tone. He walks awkwardly but has excellent coordination, which indicates that he has learnt to cope with the muscle tone problem. We also discovered that he has flat feet, which adds to his discomfort. Nicci will have to work with therapists in London when she returns.
Nicci is expecting her third child in February 2006. We understand that it is a girl and that she is to be named Zara. (Ironically the South African Rand is know as the ZAR). Nicci was able to visit Ena in Plett with the two boys. Ena gave then T-shirts with animal motifs. Ena sees very poorly at this stage and this helped her to identify the children. We spent some time on the beach with them.
Shortly after Nicci left for Cape Town, Jacqui spent a few weeks visiting us from her home in London. Her husband Michael was also visiting his home in Israel at the time. Jacqui is also expecting her first child in March 2006 and has had a very difficult pregnancy with being sick constantly. We were worried that she would be too thin but she seems to have maintained her weight. Jacqui’s child to be is also a girl and her planned name is Emily. Barbara plans to visit London during April of 2006 while Ally & I will be on the Orange River. During Jacqui’s stay with us Barbara and her drove through to Cape Town where they met up with Nicci and had their baby party at the Stoneys. She also managed a trip to Plett to visit Ena who turns 90 in 2006.
Then Jacqui had hardly left when Cathy, who is presently staying in CT came to visit us for the Christmas weekend. That was quite and interesting event as she was due to come through with an ex boy friend but this chap let her down again and so she came through by bus. Cathy has spent the past three months working in a travel agency called Flight Center. It seems that she is making a success of this.
During December we attended the “opening of the season” which is something that we have been doing for many years since Nicci was a baby. We would walk down Happy Valley with 4 children in one push car pram with our eats and beers slung onto the back. This year we went to the Boardwalk at about 18.00 and sat down at the Dulce Café (as we had done last year) where we ordered a light meal. And, Just like last year Malcolm and Jasmine came past and we sat with them for a while. We also greeted Wayne, Sonja, Jean and Boston as they too were on their way to enjoy the festivities. Malcolm has just completed his Ph.D. And Wayne has a successful career at Fruit and Veg City where he is presently the manager at the Uitenhage branch.
After our meal and chatting we walked down to Hobie beach where we played games on the sand with Michael and his family joining us. Michael has also started a new career at Furn City (a division of Ellerines) where he is an assistant manager. Michael seems to be making a success of this new position and works very hard at what he does. He has been employed off and on by the Ten Pin for some years but now hardly visits that institution. Lene ends her maternity leave and will be back at work from early January. It seems that Barbara will continue to assist with looking after their children as she starts her Play School for in the middle of January 2006. Suzanne will be a partner in this venture.
The firework display started late as it always does but was magnificent as we lay on the beach that perfect evening and enjoyed the spectacle. There was a stage and band that was a bit intrusive but they certainly catered for many of the people there. We left immediately afterwards to get back to the car as soon as possible. Michael was a little slower and suffered the consequences. We managed to leave the parking area within about 30 minutes but Mike was still parked there an hour later when we got home. The traffic was backed up in all directions.
Christmas Eve was a fairly low-key affair with the small family of Cathy, Michael and family and the three of us. But we had a lovely meal together and made the best of what we had. While we were enjoying a balmy South African summer, Nicci and Jacqui had taken their famil9ies to the South of England to Devon and Cornwall where they were spending their Christmas this year. On Christmas morning Ally and Cathy had compared Christmas Stockings. Ally gloated, as her stocking was a very long and full stocking. Cathy was not able to find her own stocking and so had used Jacqui’s. We attended the 9am service where I had been asked to read a passage from Matthew. As we got to church early we were approached by Robin: the plan had changed and I had to read a complicated passage from Romans. Barbara & I lit the 5th advent candle.
After that it was back home to the traditional opening of presents which Barbara had piled up under the tree. Again it was our small group and the two younger ones, Ally and Jessica, received the lions share of attention. They were both the recipients of roller skating toy dolls. Barbara gave me a set of folding camp chairs. Cathy & I had bought her a Cranium game set. We managed to give both Cathy and Michael a few useful gifts.
At work I had had a very good sales Month for December and was number one region for that month. Our January month was by now also well under way and we seemed to be having an equally good month. At JDG we have what is called the 100-day period November to January. This is a crucial time of year because if we make it over this time we should be able to carry through to the end of the financial year in September. The company is quite generous and there is a possibility that I could earn a substantial bonus. This is, however dependant on the chain making the set target.
On Boxing Day morning Cathy left for CT and we drove thorough to Plett where my two brothers, Ian & Jenny plus Ian’s children, Julia (17) and Laura (15) were holidaying. Patrick and Patti with Dominic 17 and doing his Matric year in 2006, then Isabel who is now about 15 and lastly St John who is a really sturdy looking young man at 8 years old. I think that Ally is a week or two his senior. The younger set seemed to have a great time bonding after the Tsitsikamma hike where they had got to know each other well.
Ena had put us in the back flat for the night but this room had cockroaches and we could not sleep there. So instead Dominic gave us his room and he slept on the couch. Ena insisted on sleeping on the stoep on the couch. This evening we played cranium with all the family. We had half planned for a long walk the next day but is was not easy to get everyone going so ended up with an early morning walk on the beach where we met up with Peter and Anna Spence with their two children. Alexander is a two-year-old shy chap; the baby is a lovely child of about 8 months. After breakfast we did some shopping for cleansing stuff and did a bit of a roach spray in the kitchen and spare room. We decided to have a second spell of beaching before we headed home. Ian loves to play with Ally in particular on the body board. He had purchased one that morning after a bit of drama of firstly not having enough money and then trying to pay in Swiss Francs. The water was perfect for swimming at the Lookout beach.
Barbara and I managed to fit in a visit to the Spence's where Nicci, Mark and their three boys Chester, Daniel and Reggie were staying for the holiday. Alice spent some time with Barbara catching up with family news, which in our case is very difficult with the size of the family and the way it is spread out. On Boxing Day evening in Plett there was a concert at the Craggs (Kurland Polo). This show was reported by everyone who was there, to be a stunning evening. I am sure that we should make the trip next year if it is again on show. It was a classical evening which all age groups enjoyed and very reasonably priced at R100 per car plus a bag of goodies given to each visitor. Tim and his family were also there.
While we were in Plett we heard the tragic news that Barbara’s former boss from Blasting & Excavating; Basil Bartlett had drowned while swimming at Haga Haga on the East Coast. The funeral was held the following Friday in Port Elizabeth.
The next week was for me very busy at work. Barbara and I seemed to have caught ourselves a cold and were feeling in poor spirits. I tried to continue with running but felt low. Tim had been working in Stutterheim and had a bike accident where he buckled the front wheel. On the morning of the 31st I was running to the beacon and back when I heard my name being called. Suzanne had gone to the beach for a walk and an all night reveler had backed into her stationary car. It seems that the Gendalls were not going to have a lucky end to the year. On the run I also met up with a friend of Jacqui and Michael called Nicole. She had been at their wedding and I had seen her a number of time running but knew that she had moved to Ireland. It seems that Nicole was on holiday in PE and was still practising psychology in Ireland. I asked her to let me have her contact details so that I can forward them to Jacqui.
We had planned a New Year’s eve braai at our house and so on Saturday evening we fixed up a few things and got ready for the evening. Barbara made her traditional and delicious potato bake. I went shopping and without really telling Barbara what I had planned & bought a whole lot of goodies. That evening we went to a 18.00 church service, which was sparsely attended, but for us just set the tone for the evening. The weather had been a bit of a worry but it turned out to be a stunning evening and we were all able to sit outside.
Once we were back home we put the fire (Weber) on in the front on the stoep and settled down to wait for our visitors. Tim, Suzanne and Emma, Ron and Lynne and Stuart and Rianna. Michael & Family was also due to be there but was not able to make it. This evening I did something that could well become a pattern for the following years. I singled out each person, starting with Little Jessica and gave them awards for the person that they are as well as for any achievements that I was aware of. This seemed to go down well with everyone. Once I had had a little say then I opened up for others to say something positive. Barbara & I had noticed how easily tensions run high at this time of year as expectations from each other can be over estimated and so saying and hearing something positive seemed to have a great effect on the success of the evening.
Later we again played our new Cranium game. Even Ally and Jessica were there to welcome the New Year at Midnight. I was up early this morning and did some cleaning up and getting ready for church at 09.00. I was sorry to read Nicci’s email that their evening had not been that much fun as little Aaron was not well with Conjunctivitis. Patrick phoned me from Plett to say that they had spent the evening on the beach in Plett watching the Fireworks. Ian and Family had left for the US on Sunday morning. Peter Spence had driven to Cape Town and then realised that he had forgotten his tickets and passports. So Patrick had to drive to George to hand them to the courier company which had to drive them down to CT.
Barbara took full advantage of the holiday and slept till well after 9am on the first day of the new year. So we took a drive down to the beach at 10 where we spent an hour swimming. I was proud of Ally as she and I swam to the outer buoys twice. She was nervous but overcame the fear and did the swim. Later in the day Michael came to collect Jessica and for a visit and again we played our Cranium game.
The following morning was a Monday and also a public holiday so we started our run a little later at 05.30. We decided to run to Sunridge park for a change and time joined us but as he was not feeling well cut short. The rest of the day was spent relaxing at home. Barbara met Suzanne for coffee and purchased a new set of garden clippers. We have recently employed a new gardener Makulu which means big. He is a particularly tall man. Barbara had him cutting and cleaning the yard. Later in the day I met Tim and we all went down to Summerstrand where we had a good long surf swim. Ally again swam past the breakers just to where she reached a level of discomfort. She is gaining in confidence on the water every time we go out. On our way home Tim spoke about the Summerstrand Spar and this has stimulated Barbara to do some investigation into going into business for ourselves.
The next day (Tuesday 3 Jan2006) it was back to work for me. It was also back to disciplined running routine. In the evening I again took Ally to the beach where we did our swim past the buoys, she was nervous but hung in and did the whole swim. Later in the evening we went to Kerry & Rhoda to celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary.
Peter Giddy
4 January 2006.
Ps. The word Practise is used in South Africa to describe the activity of a professional person such as a Doctor or Lawyer. That is why I spell the word this way even though my spell check tells me I have it wrong.
Peter Giddy
2 January 2006.
Monday, January 2, 2006
Sunday, January 1, 2006
NIPPERS 2006
Nippers Carnival. Hosted by Sardinia Bay at Kings Beach. Sunday 29.10.2006.
The Under Ten Nippers had basically two training sessions leading up to the Sardinia Bay Carnival. The Coaches I tried to record some times and positions in practice sessions prior to the Carnival. We had little information to go on but decided to do the best we could with what we had. Once Hannes & I had selected the teams I emailed our selections to the various parents. As Sunday dawned I think that there were a number of concerned parents. The sea had been quite choppy on the Saturday due to an Easterly that had been blowing. The West wind was blowing and the morning started off overcast. Barbara & I even packed jackets for the day. But this was to be the most amazing morning.
Warren & Keith had brought the tent and all the boards and we soon set up for a day on the beach. This Sunday morning we had a full house of Nippers at Kings Beach for the Under Ten team. Hannes was not able to be there due to a Christian commitment. The Under Ten coaches and safety officers consisted of Roger Fraser, Donald Mc Gillivray, Peter Wilson, Alex Odendal, Gavin Rogers, Clint Meintjies, Patrick Billson, Craig van Greunen and a variety of other people doing all kinds of tasks from recording results, catching the finishers and aiding the Nippers in the sea. They had a busy morning with a Long Run; Beach Sprints, a Surf Swim; Run/Swim/Run; Body Boards; Malibu Boards; Flags and ended off with the Taplin Relay. Our Under Ten team had been Awesome in how they competed.
The Coaches were particularly impressed with the Nippers who competed out of their Comfort Zone. Nadia is by no means a front runner or swimmer but she was prepared to take part over her fears. The Burrell twins: Amber and Astrid competed in the full spirit of the Nippers Under Ten Team and will be competitive as soon as they have developed confidence and ability. Even Maurice who has a tough time with the Huge Waves that sometimes appear on the beaches was prepared to swim out and around the Buoys. I recall one time when Donald & I were waiting for the Nippers to swim out to us; we saw a wave that was breaking beyond the Yellow Buoys and must have been about 2 meters high. Matthew Hepburn and Kei were willing competitors and added to the team effort. It was a first for Marie and she did very well. Connor is now a real contender for points in the under tens. “Flags” is an event which really builds character. Every Nipper knows that elimination means having to sit out. Yet they still line up and risk the anguish of missing a flag. And those who do reach the final ten have to run up and down over and over in an attempt to grab the flag. This in itself is very tiring.
Of course we have a number of Nippers who excel. This is due to a combination of dedicated training and God given talent. I think that the spirit of the Under Tens came out when it came to the Taplin Relay. Christian was prepared to be in two teams, first on a Body Board and then on a Malibu. Everyone was quite exhausted by this time. The Nippers had been out in the water four times already. There were a number of big sets of waves coming through. The idea of another swim or board event was quite unattractive to many of the nippers.
Run Swim Body Board Malibu
Marie Maurice Matthew Hepburn Christian
Jamie Lee Caitlin Matthew Wilson Kim
Amber Ally Lara Connor
Tristan Christy Christian Matthew Mc Gillivray
These four teams did so well and surpassed all expectations from a first carnival. I think that all the parents and the coaches join me in congratulating the under ten Nippers in the spirit in which they took part in the Sardinia Bay Carnival. As it turned out this was to be the only team event of the day as time caught up with us and the Carnival was called to a close at 14.00 after the Taplin Relay. But by then everyone was sunburned and exhausted. I had brought water and constantly tried to stay hydrated but at the end of the day felt like a sandblasted fried chip.
Sardinia Bay can be congratulated for hosting and excellent Carnival. The day went off very well. I was happy when Anthony informed the parents of the Under Tens that they were expected to be in the water during the sea events and that they should assist where the Nipper was experiencing difficulty. It is a huge boost to the confidence of the Under Tens to know that there are lost of Dads and Safety Officers in the water to help them through the surf. Although this was an official carnival, Anthony controlled the event more like a practice session for future events. Barbara and I left before the announcement of the results. We all felt particularly proud of the Under Tens and how well they had played the game.
Peter Giddy
31.10.2006.
Nippers Plett Carnival 25 & 26 November 2006.
Under 10’s
The Build up
There had been a great deal of excitement and planning for this carnival. We had worked hard to train the Nippers at some of the more important and difficult of skills such as the Baton Hand over, The Malibu and the Body Board events as well as the team spirit. The coaches had tried to maintain some kind of record of the previous Carnival results as well as the results from the practice sessions. We met during the week to try to set out team for the four team events. It appeared that we would have sixteen u10 competitors if everyone was able to make it to the carnival. Everybody loves the Plett carnival. It is close enough for an easy drive and yet it is a mini holiday for us all.
Friday
On Friday afternoon Barbara, Ally and I took the afternoon off and drove through to Knysna where our son, Michael had recently moved. He showed us around the shop that he was managing and we had a look at the flat that he was renting. His family is still located in PE and will be moving there in a few weeks. It had not been a pleasant drive as the rain had fallen continuously and this made for tough driving conditions. There was a strong wind blowing and we were concerned for the conditions the next day.
My Mother, Ena lives in Plett and we stayed there for the night. Ena is 90 years old, struggles with eyesight and yet lives a full life on her own in a large flat in the main road of Plett. She tells me how she gets to Woolworths in the Market Square. She walks there and then when she has completed her shopping she stands at the traffic light and hitch hikes a lift up the hill. While she is doing her shopping she cannot really see what she is buying and the prices. But she tells us that everyone seems to know her and the local shopkeepers and staff are always most helpful in assisting her shopping trips. When she has to go any distance she seems to be offered lifts by her friends and so she makes a very good life for herself in Plett.
Saturday
On Saturday morning Ena made us a breakfast of Bacon & Eggs and we were early on our way to the beach. We found our tent and soon had ourselves installed for the morning. The coaches tried to do some kind of a roll call to see who was there and were delighted to find we had a full team of 16 u10 nippers. The day was due to start with a managers meeting at 11.00am sharp but somehow the time was blunted to some degree and we must have started something like a half hour late.
The Carnival
The first event for the day was the Taplin Relay. This is an event which encourages participation and binds teams together. The event has a run, swim, body board and malibu (long) board section. There are four to a team so everyone participates. We had four full teams and soon established ourselves as a force to be reckoned with, as our teams came first, third, fourth and tenth.
There was an Easterly wind blowing and while not strong, it was enough to make the surf quite rough and the Plett Central beach is known for the large beach breaks. These waves loom above the Nippers as they try to manouver their craft through the surf. Fortunately Anthony Cox “allows” us to assist this age group through the waves. Once they are through the breakers they are on their own and have to go around two buoys and then back to shore. Often their return trip is just as scary as they have these huge waves threaten to swamp them from behind.
The second event of the day was the Flags. This is an extemely tiring event as the nippers have to run up and down trying to retrieve the flag. The sand was hot and soft and hardly ideal conditions for a sprint. If a Nipper does not retreive a flag they are eliminated. If you think that being eliminated from the “Weakest Link” is tough, then just watch the dissapointment on the faces of these youngsters. And yet knowing that they have a huge probability of being eliminated they still persist and take part in the game. This takes guts and builds character.
The Coaches
One of the toughest tasks of the coach is to round up the Nippers for the next event. Understandably the Nipper must use the toilet, go for a cooling off swim, buy hamburgers, ice cream and other delectables and generally make themselves as difficult as possible to locate. Then having found them the coach has to persuade the Nipper that they should take part in the next event. There is often reluctance to participate where the event is tough and they are not likely to end up a top finisher. We hear that they are “saving their energy” for some future event. Or that they have asthma, sunburn, breathing problems etc etc. The coach must then explain that participation is everything and that often even a 20th position wins points for the team.
The coaches know that winning events requires numbers of participants. Merely having the top three does not guarantee a win in the event. We need as many participants as possible in the event to secure a win. Barbara was given the task of recording results for the u10s. She coped exceptionally well except for the Flags finals where she somehow missed the event and so we only recorded who was in the finals. We do know however that Lara won the girls event and that Tristan was placed third.
Another duty of coaches and of adults in general is that they must provide safety for the U10’s. This means that they must do a huge amount of swimming back and forth from the nippers going out through the surf to returning back with the breakers. In particular I saw Charles and Clint doing their fair share of the work. They must have been exhausted after two days of swimming.
Terry asked me how it was that I became a coach. Well if the truth be known; I am a self appointed coach with little or no experience as a lifesaver. But I love seeing both my own and other children having such incredible fun in a beach sport. Personally I enjoy being part of this group of people and am steadily getting to know which parents belong to which child as well as the names of the variety of people who I see each weekend. This weekend I was able to get to know Tristan’s mom, Tanya. I remembered that Terry’s wife is Caryn. I am now able to distinguish between Hannelie, Dianne and Charlene and know that they are married to Johnny, Chris and Craig respectively. I think that Clint finally knows my name and can now stop calling me “there”. As in: “Hello There”.
The Plett carnival is held at the same time as the Matric Plett Rave. As the Matrics of South Africa complete their exams at this time they think that they have now qualified to legally drink, smoke, Party, enter Miss Wet T-shirt competitions and that the word is at their feet. The coaches have to be vigilant as this bevy of beautiful bodies try to disrupt the carnival generally.
Courage
During the day we witnessed a number of feats of courage. Matthew H was about to start the Malibu event when he asked Hannes “Sir: what are we supposed to do with this board”. Then there was Maurice who, last year had hardly ventured into the surf past his waist and this year was taking part in every possible event. Natalie had a tough experience as she tried to get past the breaking waves but fortunately had Patrick there to assist her and she agreed that this was something that she would work on for the next carnival. Caitlin and Connor battled though the events but there was nothing that they was not keen and eager to complete.
Both Matthew W and Kim were wiped out on Malibus while trying to push through surf but persisted and finished strongly. This year Ally has improved in leaps and bounds as she was well placed in a number of events. Then there was a little girl from Mossel Bay. She had never had to go so deep into the sea. She was very scared of sharks. And yet when I swam around the buoys with her on the body board, she managed to complete the event and has set herself up for a further six years of Nippers participation.
It is wonderful for the coaches to see the way that the Nippers support their team mates. It is not all about me and my own results but just as much about cheering on and supporting the teams and club. The Nipper learns to accept defeat while striving to be part of a winning team. There was only one u10 Bluewater bay Nipper. This young chap continued to participate in the events on his own.
Should the Nipper take part in all the events of the day then they would have done seven tough events on the first day of this carnival. Taplin, Flags, Body Board Individual, Surf Swim, Beach Sprints, Malibu Relays and Body Board Relays. By the time that the last event had ben run it was about 17.00.
Saturday evening
Nippers and adults alike were all completely exhausted. On this particular afternoon the Springbok rugby team was playing in the third of a series of three games in the UK. We had lost to Ireland and then to England and today had the opportunity to redeem ourselves against the English. Barbara, Ally & I went up to Ena’s flat for tea and a shower.
We had booked for supper at the Moby Dick Restaurant at 6.00pm. By the time we got to the restaurant, the Springboks had beaten the English. Everyone seemed in a positive mood after our strong showing at Nippers as well as the good rugby results. At the Moby Dick restaurant they had a special set menu which we had. We sat with Charles, Ingrid, Hannes, Jacqui, Lynne and Alex. The adults ordered a few beverages to wash away some of the sun and sand of the day. This seemed to ease the way for some quite enthusiatic and animated discussions around a variety of unimportant subjects.
There was a little group of girls who seemed to have a ball as they discussed the days events and other important stuff. At another table there was a group of Nipper Boys. They looked like a mini street gang in the way that they related to each other. It was great to see them enjoying themselves so much. The waitress did a wonderful job with all these families and youngsters running around. We were all extemely tired and by 9.00pm headed off home to bed.
Sunday
On Sunday morning we were first at the beach and were soon setting up the tent and organising the boards which Plett had allowed us to store in their club house overnight. Again this morning the sharp time slot was a little blunted but by 9.00am the first event was under way. We started the morning with a long run. The under tens showed that we meant business at this carnival. The sun was hot overhead today. I think that a number of people must have been sunburnt.
There were six events for the under tens on Sunday. Long Run, Run-Swim-Run; Beach Relay finals; Malibu Board individual; Beach Sprint Finals and Flags Finals. If you were in an older group there was also the Iron/Diamond Nipper event where the individual has to swim, run, body board and then malibu board. We were pleased to see that there was a great deal of courage in the under 12’s in particular as some of them such as Ian and others had only recently joined Nippers and yet took part in this grueling event. Peter Wilson had been worried that there may not be sufficient activity to warrant the trip to Plett. I am certain that after a Carnival like this, there is no doubt that there is nothing but continuous activity from Start to Finish.
The u10’s had a bit of bad luck as one of our Body Board Relay teams was disqualified when we failed to touch hands at the change over point. However I was particularly proud of the beach relay teams when not one baton was dropped. Hannes noticed that we had not had a perfect change over as we had stood too far back for the relay change over.
Fortunately was had a brief photo session first thing that morning as the last event was the Flags finals. Those nippers who were not in the finals or who were eliminated packed up and left. If we are to keep interest high to the last then we need to have an event where everyone participates such as the long run as the very last event. By the time the Flags Finals was in progress we had managed to locate most of the craft and had secured the trailer so Barbara, Ally & I decided to call it a day. Our under tens had aquitted themselves above expectations. We had experienced courage, character and stamina that a sergeant major in the army would have enjoyed.
On our drive home Ally quickly passed out on the back seat while I drank a Red Bull to try to stay sharp. The drive was quick and uneventful as Barbara & I munched away at the sandwiches that Ena had prepared for us. As much as we love going to the Plett Carnival, just so much do we love getting home.
I have recorded the weekend as I saw it. If I have left out stuff that you think is important or if I have made mistakes in results etc, then just let me know please. I know that Wendy and others have a good photographic record of the weekend and look forward to seeing what they have to show us.
Below are the results. The under tens can be particularly proud of their performance. The u14s beat Plett by 50points, the u12s beat Plett by 7 Points and the u10’s beat Plett by 144 Points. At the same Carnival last year the U10’s were the only SS team that did not beat the Sardinia Bay team.
Peter
082 550 3174
pgiddy@hinet.co.za
Hi All
Well done SSLC! Thanks to the effort that so many families made to get to Plett, we won thew carnival. In fact, for the first time in my time at nippers, we won all three age groups!!!! That is fantastic! We only managed to that thanks to the support of a large away team of 48 nippers. We saw some amazing performances, not only from our awesome top nippers, but also from the hardworking group of nippers!
Before I give the complete results, please take note of the next important point. We cannot have the end-of-year party on Thursday, as originally planned. There is a clash at the club. We therefore have to move the party to Friday, 01 Dec. All the other arrangements will remain i.e. 100 club, snacks, party packs and boerie rolls for nippers and so on. I apologise for the inconvenience, but hope you can all still join us to celebrate the season so far!
Herewith the complete results:
Overall
6 Seagull
5 BWB 108
4 Mossel Bay 117
3 Sards 826
2 Plett 867,5
1 SSLC 1102,5
Age Groups
U10 U12 U14
3 Plett 227,5 Sards 326 Sards 229
2 Sards 271 Plett 357 Plett 283
1 SSLC 415 SSLC 364 SSLC 323
Victor: Matthew Mcgillivray(SSLC) CJ Velleman(SSLC)_ Cameron Neubert (SSLC)
Victrix: Christie Vaughn(SSLC) Lauren Billson (SSLC) Jessica Roux (Sards)
We will have our last practice before the holidays on Sunday 03 Dec. Hope to see you all on Friday!
Regards
Lee
Hi Peter – thank you for documenting our thoughts on the Plett Nipper Carnival – A post mortem carried out immediately after the event while everyting is still fresh in our minds is always good.
I agree with all of the points made below and will get a forum together possibly with Sards and Blue Water Bay to discuss these points and agree on the implementation of them at our next Summies Carnival.
Plett and Ant Cox have already requested that our Summerstrand carnival runs over two days like the Plett carnival. We will need to think very carefully about the beach setup if we host our carnival at Pollok – we had the most successful carnival running at Pollok 2 years ago and had two arenas running together and things went like clockwork (we were also blessed with beautiful weather – which does help considerably with the water events)
We will talk on Thursday evening at our end of year function and put in an official letter to East Cape regarding our suggestions.
Thanks a million – have a great day.
Best regards
Don
From: Peter Giddy [mailto:pgiddy@hinet.co.za] Sent: 27 November 2006 06:03 AMTo: DONALD MCGILLIVRAYSubject: A FEW NIPPERS THOUGHTS 27.11.2006.
Morning Donald
Apologies for our sudden departure on Sunday but when the u10s had completed the final event it was as if a Tsunami of exhaustion hit our family.
Our Carnival 21 January 2007.
A couple of thoughts that we had:
Scorers
The official scorers should be given triplicate A4 books in which they write the events and results. Perhaps the result sheets should be signed by the scorer and one other before being handed into the administration office.
We should have a computer set up in the Clubhouse where we have the administration and where we can enter results into a Spreadsheet for immediate access to points totals.
We could then give provisional results at stages during the day.
We should give the beach scorers chairs and a TV table at which they sit.
Numbering
The Plett officials had squares with numbers 1 to 20 to hand to the children as they completed an event. I think that we should have a number of these sets but that the numbering should continue to 30 or 40. This would mean that the slower child is not shoved aside as a non finisher. They also have the dignity of being recorded and acknowledged as having taken part.
Starting on Saturday
For our own Carnival in January; I think that it would be great if we could start on the Saturday. We could offer the Plett and other away teams “home hosting”. Realistically if we are able to start on a Sunday at 08.00am and we must finish at 14.00pm the most events we can complete is about 8. If we are only able to have our carnival on Sunday then we should set out the schedule of events that allows for a limited number of events and not one which includes the list that Plett was able to fit into the two days. Even holding three or four events on Saturday afternoon would help.
Final Event:
As we discussed on Sunday; If the final event has limited numbers then we will see a dispersing of Nippers and Parents as we did on Sunday. We should try to make the last one or two events ones where all the Nippers have the opportunity to participate. The Long Run is probably the most suitable as it does not depend on the surf conditions.
Opening Event.
The Taplin was an excellent opening event as every child was able to take part and this set the tone for the carnival and helped build the teams.
Rope and tape
We will need rope and tape to mark out the exact start and finish lines and the Flags start and finish. It was not clear at Plett where the change over line was for the Beach Relay. Perhaps this was due to our having “borrowed” the rope from Plett. We should also have a few extra lengths for our own tent in case the weather is as good as it was for Plett.
Clearing the arena
We should have some Candy Tape. During an event such as the Taplin where there are a number of people going in and out of the water; we give a length to a Person standing in the water and lead it across to another person standing near to the start or finish. This would help in controlling traffic of passers by.
See you Thursday
Peter
27.11.2006.
Hi Peter
I am impressed with your report and how soon we received it!
We had a lovely week-end, and I was pleased to have met you.
The Nipper experience is an exceptional one. So many things stand out. The parents and competitors give amazing support not only to those who achieve, but also to the last competitor that crosses the finishing line. The hugs and words of encouragement from coaches, parents and fellow competitors. The obvious love for children, the patience and support the Nipper coaches have.
I am so pleased that we joined!
Regards
Tania
The Under Ten Nippers had basically two training sessions leading up to the Sardinia Bay Carnival. The Coaches I tried to record some times and positions in practice sessions prior to the Carnival. We had little information to go on but decided to do the best we could with what we had. Once Hannes & I had selected the teams I emailed our selections to the various parents. As Sunday dawned I think that there were a number of concerned parents. The sea had been quite choppy on the Saturday due to an Easterly that had been blowing. The West wind was blowing and the morning started off overcast. Barbara & I even packed jackets for the day. But this was to be the most amazing morning.
Warren & Keith had brought the tent and all the boards and we soon set up for a day on the beach. This Sunday morning we had a full house of Nippers at Kings Beach for the Under Ten team. Hannes was not able to be there due to a Christian commitment. The Under Ten coaches and safety officers consisted of Roger Fraser, Donald Mc Gillivray, Peter Wilson, Alex Odendal, Gavin Rogers, Clint Meintjies, Patrick Billson, Craig van Greunen and a variety of other people doing all kinds of tasks from recording results, catching the finishers and aiding the Nippers in the sea. They had a busy morning with a Long Run; Beach Sprints, a Surf Swim; Run/Swim/Run; Body Boards; Malibu Boards; Flags and ended off with the Taplin Relay. Our Under Ten team had been Awesome in how they competed.
The Coaches were particularly impressed with the Nippers who competed out of their Comfort Zone. Nadia is by no means a front runner or swimmer but she was prepared to take part over her fears. The Burrell twins: Amber and Astrid competed in the full spirit of the Nippers Under Ten Team and will be competitive as soon as they have developed confidence and ability. Even Maurice who has a tough time with the Huge Waves that sometimes appear on the beaches was prepared to swim out and around the Buoys. I recall one time when Donald & I were waiting for the Nippers to swim out to us; we saw a wave that was breaking beyond the Yellow Buoys and must have been about 2 meters high. Matthew Hepburn and Kei were willing competitors and added to the team effort. It was a first for Marie and she did very well. Connor is now a real contender for points in the under tens. “Flags” is an event which really builds character. Every Nipper knows that elimination means having to sit out. Yet they still line up and risk the anguish of missing a flag. And those who do reach the final ten have to run up and down over and over in an attempt to grab the flag. This in itself is very tiring.
Of course we have a number of Nippers who excel. This is due to a combination of dedicated training and God given talent. I think that the spirit of the Under Tens came out when it came to the Taplin Relay. Christian was prepared to be in two teams, first on a Body Board and then on a Malibu. Everyone was quite exhausted by this time. The Nippers had been out in the water four times already. There were a number of big sets of waves coming through. The idea of another swim or board event was quite unattractive to many of the nippers.
Run Swim Body Board Malibu
Marie Maurice Matthew Hepburn Christian
Jamie Lee Caitlin Matthew Wilson Kim
Amber Ally Lara Connor
Tristan Christy Christian Matthew Mc Gillivray
These four teams did so well and surpassed all expectations from a first carnival. I think that all the parents and the coaches join me in congratulating the under ten Nippers in the spirit in which they took part in the Sardinia Bay Carnival. As it turned out this was to be the only team event of the day as time caught up with us and the Carnival was called to a close at 14.00 after the Taplin Relay. But by then everyone was sunburned and exhausted. I had brought water and constantly tried to stay hydrated but at the end of the day felt like a sandblasted fried chip.
Sardinia Bay can be congratulated for hosting and excellent Carnival. The day went off very well. I was happy when Anthony informed the parents of the Under Tens that they were expected to be in the water during the sea events and that they should assist where the Nipper was experiencing difficulty. It is a huge boost to the confidence of the Under Tens to know that there are lost of Dads and Safety Officers in the water to help them through the surf. Although this was an official carnival, Anthony controlled the event more like a practice session for future events. Barbara and I left before the announcement of the results. We all felt particularly proud of the Under Tens and how well they had played the game.
Peter Giddy
31.10.2006.
Nippers Plett Carnival 25 & 26 November 2006.
Under 10’s
The Build up
There had been a great deal of excitement and planning for this carnival. We had worked hard to train the Nippers at some of the more important and difficult of skills such as the Baton Hand over, The Malibu and the Body Board events as well as the team spirit. The coaches had tried to maintain some kind of record of the previous Carnival results as well as the results from the practice sessions. We met during the week to try to set out team for the four team events. It appeared that we would have sixteen u10 competitors if everyone was able to make it to the carnival. Everybody loves the Plett carnival. It is close enough for an easy drive and yet it is a mini holiday for us all.
Friday
On Friday afternoon Barbara, Ally and I took the afternoon off and drove through to Knysna where our son, Michael had recently moved. He showed us around the shop that he was managing and we had a look at the flat that he was renting. His family is still located in PE and will be moving there in a few weeks. It had not been a pleasant drive as the rain had fallen continuously and this made for tough driving conditions. There was a strong wind blowing and we were concerned for the conditions the next day.
My Mother, Ena lives in Plett and we stayed there for the night. Ena is 90 years old, struggles with eyesight and yet lives a full life on her own in a large flat in the main road of Plett. She tells me how she gets to Woolworths in the Market Square. She walks there and then when she has completed her shopping she stands at the traffic light and hitch hikes a lift up the hill. While she is doing her shopping she cannot really see what she is buying and the prices. But she tells us that everyone seems to know her and the local shopkeepers and staff are always most helpful in assisting her shopping trips. When she has to go any distance she seems to be offered lifts by her friends and so she makes a very good life for herself in Plett.
Saturday
On Saturday morning Ena made us a breakfast of Bacon & Eggs and we were early on our way to the beach. We found our tent and soon had ourselves installed for the morning. The coaches tried to do some kind of a roll call to see who was there and were delighted to find we had a full team of 16 u10 nippers. The day was due to start with a managers meeting at 11.00am sharp but somehow the time was blunted to some degree and we must have started something like a half hour late.
The Carnival
The first event for the day was the Taplin Relay. This is an event which encourages participation and binds teams together. The event has a run, swim, body board and malibu (long) board section. There are four to a team so everyone participates. We had four full teams and soon established ourselves as a force to be reckoned with, as our teams came first, third, fourth and tenth.
There was an Easterly wind blowing and while not strong, it was enough to make the surf quite rough and the Plett Central beach is known for the large beach breaks. These waves loom above the Nippers as they try to manouver their craft through the surf. Fortunately Anthony Cox “allows” us to assist this age group through the waves. Once they are through the breakers they are on their own and have to go around two buoys and then back to shore. Often their return trip is just as scary as they have these huge waves threaten to swamp them from behind.
The second event of the day was the Flags. This is an extemely tiring event as the nippers have to run up and down trying to retrieve the flag. The sand was hot and soft and hardly ideal conditions for a sprint. If a Nipper does not retreive a flag they are eliminated. If you think that being eliminated from the “Weakest Link” is tough, then just watch the dissapointment on the faces of these youngsters. And yet knowing that they have a huge probability of being eliminated they still persist and take part in the game. This takes guts and builds character.
The Coaches
One of the toughest tasks of the coach is to round up the Nippers for the next event. Understandably the Nipper must use the toilet, go for a cooling off swim, buy hamburgers, ice cream and other delectables and generally make themselves as difficult as possible to locate. Then having found them the coach has to persuade the Nipper that they should take part in the next event. There is often reluctance to participate where the event is tough and they are not likely to end up a top finisher. We hear that they are “saving their energy” for some future event. Or that they have asthma, sunburn, breathing problems etc etc. The coach must then explain that participation is everything and that often even a 20th position wins points for the team.
The coaches know that winning events requires numbers of participants. Merely having the top three does not guarantee a win in the event. We need as many participants as possible in the event to secure a win. Barbara was given the task of recording results for the u10s. She coped exceptionally well except for the Flags finals where she somehow missed the event and so we only recorded who was in the finals. We do know however that Lara won the girls event and that Tristan was placed third.
Another duty of coaches and of adults in general is that they must provide safety for the U10’s. This means that they must do a huge amount of swimming back and forth from the nippers going out through the surf to returning back with the breakers. In particular I saw Charles and Clint doing their fair share of the work. They must have been exhausted after two days of swimming.
Terry asked me how it was that I became a coach. Well if the truth be known; I am a self appointed coach with little or no experience as a lifesaver. But I love seeing both my own and other children having such incredible fun in a beach sport. Personally I enjoy being part of this group of people and am steadily getting to know which parents belong to which child as well as the names of the variety of people who I see each weekend. This weekend I was able to get to know Tristan’s mom, Tanya. I remembered that Terry’s wife is Caryn. I am now able to distinguish between Hannelie, Dianne and Charlene and know that they are married to Johnny, Chris and Craig respectively. I think that Clint finally knows my name and can now stop calling me “there”. As in: “Hello There”.
The Plett carnival is held at the same time as the Matric Plett Rave. As the Matrics of South Africa complete their exams at this time they think that they have now qualified to legally drink, smoke, Party, enter Miss Wet T-shirt competitions and that the word is at their feet. The coaches have to be vigilant as this bevy of beautiful bodies try to disrupt the carnival generally.
Courage
During the day we witnessed a number of feats of courage. Matthew H was about to start the Malibu event when he asked Hannes “Sir: what are we supposed to do with this board”. Then there was Maurice who, last year had hardly ventured into the surf past his waist and this year was taking part in every possible event. Natalie had a tough experience as she tried to get past the breaking waves but fortunately had Patrick there to assist her and she agreed that this was something that she would work on for the next carnival. Caitlin and Connor battled though the events but there was nothing that they was not keen and eager to complete.
Both Matthew W and Kim were wiped out on Malibus while trying to push through surf but persisted and finished strongly. This year Ally has improved in leaps and bounds as she was well placed in a number of events. Then there was a little girl from Mossel Bay. She had never had to go so deep into the sea. She was very scared of sharks. And yet when I swam around the buoys with her on the body board, she managed to complete the event and has set herself up for a further six years of Nippers participation.
It is wonderful for the coaches to see the way that the Nippers support their team mates. It is not all about me and my own results but just as much about cheering on and supporting the teams and club. The Nipper learns to accept defeat while striving to be part of a winning team. There was only one u10 Bluewater bay Nipper. This young chap continued to participate in the events on his own.
Should the Nipper take part in all the events of the day then they would have done seven tough events on the first day of this carnival. Taplin, Flags, Body Board Individual, Surf Swim, Beach Sprints, Malibu Relays and Body Board Relays. By the time that the last event had ben run it was about 17.00.
Saturday evening
Nippers and adults alike were all completely exhausted. On this particular afternoon the Springbok rugby team was playing in the third of a series of three games in the UK. We had lost to Ireland and then to England and today had the opportunity to redeem ourselves against the English. Barbara, Ally & I went up to Ena’s flat for tea and a shower.
We had booked for supper at the Moby Dick Restaurant at 6.00pm. By the time we got to the restaurant, the Springboks had beaten the English. Everyone seemed in a positive mood after our strong showing at Nippers as well as the good rugby results. At the Moby Dick restaurant they had a special set menu which we had. We sat with Charles, Ingrid, Hannes, Jacqui, Lynne and Alex. The adults ordered a few beverages to wash away some of the sun and sand of the day. This seemed to ease the way for some quite enthusiatic and animated discussions around a variety of unimportant subjects.
There was a little group of girls who seemed to have a ball as they discussed the days events and other important stuff. At another table there was a group of Nipper Boys. They looked like a mini street gang in the way that they related to each other. It was great to see them enjoying themselves so much. The waitress did a wonderful job with all these families and youngsters running around. We were all extemely tired and by 9.00pm headed off home to bed.
Sunday
On Sunday morning we were first at the beach and were soon setting up the tent and organising the boards which Plett had allowed us to store in their club house overnight. Again this morning the sharp time slot was a little blunted but by 9.00am the first event was under way. We started the morning with a long run. The under tens showed that we meant business at this carnival. The sun was hot overhead today. I think that a number of people must have been sunburnt.
There were six events for the under tens on Sunday. Long Run, Run-Swim-Run; Beach Relay finals; Malibu Board individual; Beach Sprint Finals and Flags Finals. If you were in an older group there was also the Iron/Diamond Nipper event where the individual has to swim, run, body board and then malibu board. We were pleased to see that there was a great deal of courage in the under 12’s in particular as some of them such as Ian and others had only recently joined Nippers and yet took part in this grueling event. Peter Wilson had been worried that there may not be sufficient activity to warrant the trip to Plett. I am certain that after a Carnival like this, there is no doubt that there is nothing but continuous activity from Start to Finish.
The u10’s had a bit of bad luck as one of our Body Board Relay teams was disqualified when we failed to touch hands at the change over point. However I was particularly proud of the beach relay teams when not one baton was dropped. Hannes noticed that we had not had a perfect change over as we had stood too far back for the relay change over.
Fortunately was had a brief photo session first thing that morning as the last event was the Flags finals. Those nippers who were not in the finals or who were eliminated packed up and left. If we are to keep interest high to the last then we need to have an event where everyone participates such as the long run as the very last event. By the time the Flags Finals was in progress we had managed to locate most of the craft and had secured the trailer so Barbara, Ally & I decided to call it a day. Our under tens had aquitted themselves above expectations. We had experienced courage, character and stamina that a sergeant major in the army would have enjoyed.
On our drive home Ally quickly passed out on the back seat while I drank a Red Bull to try to stay sharp. The drive was quick and uneventful as Barbara & I munched away at the sandwiches that Ena had prepared for us. As much as we love going to the Plett Carnival, just so much do we love getting home.
I have recorded the weekend as I saw it. If I have left out stuff that you think is important or if I have made mistakes in results etc, then just let me know please. I know that Wendy and others have a good photographic record of the weekend and look forward to seeing what they have to show us.
Below are the results. The under tens can be particularly proud of their performance. The u14s beat Plett by 50points, the u12s beat Plett by 7 Points and the u10’s beat Plett by 144 Points. At the same Carnival last year the U10’s were the only SS team that did not beat the Sardinia Bay team.
Peter
082 550 3174
pgiddy@hinet.co.za
Hi All
Well done SSLC! Thanks to the effort that so many families made to get to Plett, we won thew carnival. In fact, for the first time in my time at nippers, we won all three age groups!!!! That is fantastic! We only managed to that thanks to the support of a large away team of 48 nippers. We saw some amazing performances, not only from our awesome top nippers, but also from the hardworking group of nippers!
Before I give the complete results, please take note of the next important point. We cannot have the end-of-year party on Thursday, as originally planned. There is a clash at the club. We therefore have to move the party to Friday, 01 Dec. All the other arrangements will remain i.e. 100 club, snacks, party packs and boerie rolls for nippers and so on. I apologise for the inconvenience, but hope you can all still join us to celebrate the season so far!
Herewith the complete results:
Overall
6 Seagull
5 BWB 108
4 Mossel Bay 117
3 Sards 826
2 Plett 867,5
1 SSLC 1102,5
Age Groups
U10 U12 U14
3 Plett 227,5 Sards 326 Sards 229
2 Sards 271 Plett 357 Plett 283
1 SSLC 415 SSLC 364 SSLC 323
Victor: Matthew Mcgillivray(SSLC) CJ Velleman(SSLC)_ Cameron Neubert (SSLC)
Victrix: Christie Vaughn(SSLC) Lauren Billson (SSLC) Jessica Roux (Sards)
We will have our last practice before the holidays on Sunday 03 Dec. Hope to see you all on Friday!
Regards
Lee
Hi Peter – thank you for documenting our thoughts on the Plett Nipper Carnival – A post mortem carried out immediately after the event while everyting is still fresh in our minds is always good.
I agree with all of the points made below and will get a forum together possibly with Sards and Blue Water Bay to discuss these points and agree on the implementation of them at our next Summies Carnival.
Plett and Ant Cox have already requested that our Summerstrand carnival runs over two days like the Plett carnival. We will need to think very carefully about the beach setup if we host our carnival at Pollok – we had the most successful carnival running at Pollok 2 years ago and had two arenas running together and things went like clockwork (we were also blessed with beautiful weather – which does help considerably with the water events)
We will talk on Thursday evening at our end of year function and put in an official letter to East Cape regarding our suggestions.
Thanks a million – have a great day.
Best regards
Don
From: Peter Giddy [mailto:pgiddy@hinet.co.za] Sent: 27 November 2006 06:03 AMTo: DONALD MCGILLIVRAYSubject: A FEW NIPPERS THOUGHTS 27.11.2006.
Morning Donald
Apologies for our sudden departure on Sunday but when the u10s had completed the final event it was as if a Tsunami of exhaustion hit our family.
Our Carnival 21 January 2007.
A couple of thoughts that we had:
Scorers
The official scorers should be given triplicate A4 books in which they write the events and results. Perhaps the result sheets should be signed by the scorer and one other before being handed into the administration office.
We should have a computer set up in the Clubhouse where we have the administration and where we can enter results into a Spreadsheet for immediate access to points totals.
We could then give provisional results at stages during the day.
We should give the beach scorers chairs and a TV table at which they sit.
Numbering
The Plett officials had squares with numbers 1 to 20 to hand to the children as they completed an event. I think that we should have a number of these sets but that the numbering should continue to 30 or 40. This would mean that the slower child is not shoved aside as a non finisher. They also have the dignity of being recorded and acknowledged as having taken part.
Starting on Saturday
For our own Carnival in January; I think that it would be great if we could start on the Saturday. We could offer the Plett and other away teams “home hosting”. Realistically if we are able to start on a Sunday at 08.00am and we must finish at 14.00pm the most events we can complete is about 8. If we are only able to have our carnival on Sunday then we should set out the schedule of events that allows for a limited number of events and not one which includes the list that Plett was able to fit into the two days. Even holding three or four events on Saturday afternoon would help.
Final Event:
As we discussed on Sunday; If the final event has limited numbers then we will see a dispersing of Nippers and Parents as we did on Sunday. We should try to make the last one or two events ones where all the Nippers have the opportunity to participate. The Long Run is probably the most suitable as it does not depend on the surf conditions.
Opening Event.
The Taplin was an excellent opening event as every child was able to take part and this set the tone for the carnival and helped build the teams.
Rope and tape
We will need rope and tape to mark out the exact start and finish lines and the Flags start and finish. It was not clear at Plett where the change over line was for the Beach Relay. Perhaps this was due to our having “borrowed” the rope from Plett. We should also have a few extra lengths for our own tent in case the weather is as good as it was for Plett.
Clearing the arena
We should have some Candy Tape. During an event such as the Taplin where there are a number of people going in and out of the water; we give a length to a Person standing in the water and lead it across to another person standing near to the start or finish. This would help in controlling traffic of passers by.
See you Thursday
Peter
27.11.2006.
Hi Peter
I am impressed with your report and how soon we received it!
We had a lovely week-end, and I was pleased to have met you.
The Nipper experience is an exceptional one. So many things stand out. The parents and competitors give amazing support not only to those who achieve, but also to the last competitor that crosses the finishing line. The hugs and words of encouragement from coaches, parents and fellow competitors. The obvious love for children, the patience and support the Nipper coaches have.
I am so pleased that we joined!
Regards
Tania
Friday, December 16, 2005
SUMMER SERIES TRIATHLON DECEMBER 2005.
TRIATHLON ----Summer series ---
FRIDAY 16TH DECEMBER 2005.
The 16th December is a Public Holiday in South Africa. It used to be called Dingaans Day and is now known as “the Day Of Reconciliation”. This triathlon started at Happy Valley. It was designed to meet the needs of those who did not feel like a long event as well as those who were prepared to be out there for a little longer. The shorter event (sprint distance) was a swim out on the Humewood beach to buoys past the pylons and back (About 500m), then there were three circuits of up La Roche drive and left at Strandfontein road, down second avenue and then back to the transition (each lap is about 6kays). The final part of the triathlon was a run to Summerstrand lifesaving club and back (5kays).
The longer distance (Three-Quarter) consisted of two laps of the swim (1000m), five laps of the cycle (30kays) and a run that went out to the Summerstrand Inn and back (7.5kays).
At the start I saw Achilleans: Davera & Michael; Greg, Bradley, Shane, Lizelle and Pat. I think that they are all entered for next years Ironman. The conditions were perfect this morning. A number of my fellow Achilleans had not started the last Triathlon because of poor conditions. Also at the start were Rob and Jenny Connacher, Warren Collier, Hannes Zeelie and his sons were doing the event as a relay, David (Chokka) Enslin, Rod the pro triathlete now turned pastor from America, Ian (Ultra Ironman) Ross, Rob Ermes, Colin McAll, Paul Wolf and many others. Triathlon in PE seems to have grown in popularity recently. Probably as a result of the Ironman event of 2005.
For myself I really enjoyed the swim. There was a light West wind that flattened the surf and I was able to swim Crawl the whole time. My main problem is that I am so very slow compared to the others. I came out of the water the first time with two or three swimmers behind me but they were doing the sprint distance so I ended up being the very last out of the water. Also I seem to get lost out there and have to adjust every now and then to head back in the right direction. My right arm is stronger than my left so I tend to be heading towards my left-hand side. I am not sure why, but I felt like the water was noisy today. I was aware of every splash of my swim strokes. It was a really great swim. There was a lot of red seaweed on the shore but that did not bother us at all. Most of the athletes use wet suites but the water was warm and unless speed was a concern, there was no real need for a wetsuit. I find that Goggles really help and I think that it is compulsory to wear a swim-cap. By the time I finished the swim there was a lone spectator; Barbara had faithfully waited for me on the beach.
Then there was the cycle. Going up La Roche Drive is a bit of a slog but it is a reasonably short hill and although it was into the wind, the route was fairly sheltered. Strandfontein and Second Avenue were great with the wind mainly behind. The last section along Marine Drive was into the wind. Each time I passed over the Happy Valley Bridge I would glance over to the left and see how the bike area was filling up until the last lap when there was hardly another bike on the road. I knew that I had been last out of the water (Mainly because there was only one bike left in the transition area) and so when I was on my fifth lap I was able to tell the Marshals that they could pack up and go home.
The run started off under the Marine Drive Bridge and up on to Katie’s Walk. There was a whole lot of activity along the walkway including the preparations for the opening of the season festivities on the Saturday Night. At the section near to the Summerstrand Beach a new walkway is in the process of being built and this looks like it is going to be a really popular walkway for those who enjoy the beach walks and runs. At the lifesaving Club we turned right towards Marine Drive and then headed out to the Summerstrand Inn. I had been passing a whole lot of runners (going in the opposite direction) who I know, and envied them on their way home. As I approached the turn I was able to overtake two ladies and realised that with a bit of effort I would be able to catch Brian Saunders (Also a long time Achillean) who has won (if I am correct) the Achilles Marathon when it was still being held at the Big Tree. Brian had heart surgery some years ago and has to watch his heart rate very carefully.
I ended the race with a time of around 2hrs 20. I was quite happy to have been there and completed this event. Triathlons of this distance are like half marathons. A couple of hours of exercise and I was able to be at work a little later. They may be a little fussy because of the preparation and the bicycle but add something different to just running.
Peter Giddy
16 December 2005.
FRIDAY 16TH DECEMBER 2005.
The 16th December is a Public Holiday in South Africa. It used to be called Dingaans Day and is now known as “the Day Of Reconciliation”. This triathlon started at Happy Valley. It was designed to meet the needs of those who did not feel like a long event as well as those who were prepared to be out there for a little longer. The shorter event (sprint distance) was a swim out on the Humewood beach to buoys past the pylons and back (About 500m), then there were three circuits of up La Roche drive and left at Strandfontein road, down second avenue and then back to the transition (each lap is about 6kays). The final part of the triathlon was a run to Summerstrand lifesaving club and back (5kays).
The longer distance (Three-Quarter) consisted of two laps of the swim (1000m), five laps of the cycle (30kays) and a run that went out to the Summerstrand Inn and back (7.5kays).
At the start I saw Achilleans: Davera & Michael; Greg, Bradley, Shane, Lizelle and Pat. I think that they are all entered for next years Ironman. The conditions were perfect this morning. A number of my fellow Achilleans had not started the last Triathlon because of poor conditions. Also at the start were Rob and Jenny Connacher, Warren Collier, Hannes Zeelie and his sons were doing the event as a relay, David (Chokka) Enslin, Rod the pro triathlete now turned pastor from America, Ian (Ultra Ironman) Ross, Rob Ermes, Colin McAll, Paul Wolf and many others. Triathlon in PE seems to have grown in popularity recently. Probably as a result of the Ironman event of 2005.
For myself I really enjoyed the swim. There was a light West wind that flattened the surf and I was able to swim Crawl the whole time. My main problem is that I am so very slow compared to the others. I came out of the water the first time with two or three swimmers behind me but they were doing the sprint distance so I ended up being the very last out of the water. Also I seem to get lost out there and have to adjust every now and then to head back in the right direction. My right arm is stronger than my left so I tend to be heading towards my left-hand side. I am not sure why, but I felt like the water was noisy today. I was aware of every splash of my swim strokes. It was a really great swim. There was a lot of red seaweed on the shore but that did not bother us at all. Most of the athletes use wet suites but the water was warm and unless speed was a concern, there was no real need for a wetsuit. I find that Goggles really help and I think that it is compulsory to wear a swim-cap. By the time I finished the swim there was a lone spectator; Barbara had faithfully waited for me on the beach.
Then there was the cycle. Going up La Roche Drive is a bit of a slog but it is a reasonably short hill and although it was into the wind, the route was fairly sheltered. Strandfontein and Second Avenue were great with the wind mainly behind. The last section along Marine Drive was into the wind. Each time I passed over the Happy Valley Bridge I would glance over to the left and see how the bike area was filling up until the last lap when there was hardly another bike on the road. I knew that I had been last out of the water (Mainly because there was only one bike left in the transition area) and so when I was on my fifth lap I was able to tell the Marshals that they could pack up and go home.
The run started off under the Marine Drive Bridge and up on to Katie’s Walk. There was a whole lot of activity along the walkway including the preparations for the opening of the season festivities on the Saturday Night. At the section near to the Summerstrand Beach a new walkway is in the process of being built and this looks like it is going to be a really popular walkway for those who enjoy the beach walks and runs. At the lifesaving Club we turned right towards Marine Drive and then headed out to the Summerstrand Inn. I had been passing a whole lot of runners (going in the opposite direction) who I know, and envied them on their way home. As I approached the turn I was able to overtake two ladies and realised that with a bit of effort I would be able to catch Brian Saunders (Also a long time Achillean) who has won (if I am correct) the Achilles Marathon when it was still being held at the Big Tree. Brian had heart surgery some years ago and has to watch his heart rate very carefully.
I ended the race with a time of around 2hrs 20. I was quite happy to have been there and completed this event. Triathlons of this distance are like half marathons. A couple of hours of exercise and I was able to be at work a little later. They may be a little fussy because of the preparation and the bicycle but add something different to just running.
Peter Giddy
16 December 2005.
Sunday, December 11, 2005
BLUEWATERBAY 15KAY AND SUMMER SERIES TRIATHLON DECEMBER 2005.
Weekend 10 & 11 December 2005.
Bluewaterbay 15kay and first of the Summer Series Triathlon.
On Friday evening we were due to have a get together at the church to “rehearse” our Nativity Play. The Perks group had asked our group to be part of the play but as it turned out it was only Charles and ourselves who could help. The rehearsal turned out to be a costume selection evening as we assured Robin that we knew our lines and what we were to do. Mike and Barbie were away and we actually had absolutely no idea of what we had to do. It will be interesting to see how the scene progresses next week.
On Saturday morning Tim & I drove to Bluewaterbay and were incredibly lucky with our parking as we so often are. We registered for the run and then did our short warm up run. I was very pleased to have had the time for warming up as my left knee was giving me a bit of trouble. It hurts on the outside especially as I bend the foot inwards and when running downhill. The race started on time at 07.00 and the first section takes us down the Tippers creek hill and I felt the knee. But then got chatting to Rob from East London, Colin Mc Call and others and soon was in a good stride.
I picked up the pace after about 5 or 6 kays as the knee warmed up and after that I did not feel it again. I ran with a variety of people from then and began the second half feeling quite good. The route is first past the old Bluewaterbay suburb next to the Zwartkops River and then wanders through the newer part of the suburb where I had never been before. I was really impressed with the size of the houses. This has become an upmarket area to live it seems. Then we ran back past the Bluewaterbay lifesaving club and then the last kay took us up the Tippers Creek hill and back to the Primary School.
Tim did the race in 1:18 and I finished in 1:22. I was quite satisfied. As usual we had a coke and left. I had to be at work as it was our sales month end and Tim was due to go do stuff with Suzanne.
At work we completed the documentation and finalised the sales month end and I was able to be home by 15.00. Our region had done well and I was keen to see how we fared against the other regions on Monday morning. At Ally’s request we had ourselves a Macaroni Cheese supper. I like to make this dish with grilled porkers as well as vegetables. In this was I am able to get Ally to eat the Veggies.
Tim and I had arranged to meet at Hobie beach for the Triathlon at about 07.00 and despite the fact that the West wind was blowing quite strongly we entered the race. We saw Pat and Ian Thomson there as well as Davera and Mike Magson. It seemed that neither of them was keen to enter the race. The weather had put them off. The swim was a two lap event out past the pier. Right turn, past the Buoys and back to the beach. It was my ambition to not be lapped by the front swimmers and I managed to get out the first time before they had rounded the buoy. As I was swimming the second lap I was convinced that I was last in the water. But I was wrong. I think that there were about 2 or three swimmers behind me. Then it was out on the bike.
Barbara had timed my two laps of swimming. I think that she said that I took about 7mins for the first and 9 mins for the second lap. Plus I took about 3 mins for the transition. The wind was great at first as it pushed us to the “University Turn”. But then it was like riding up Brikkies. I was in the easiest gear and hardly moving forward. Rob Ermes passed me as did the Summies Triathlon lady and one other man. I was able to pass a young lady and so had two ladies behind me when I turned at Noordhoek. Whew! What a relief. The wind was now behind us and we flew back to Flat Rock where we again had the wind in our faces but not to the same extent. In the last Kay I had seen David (Chokka) Emslie pushing his bike. He had a flat tyre and pushed back to the transition.
We ran out towards the Summerstrand Lifesaving club but as the path was under construction, had to cut short. At this stage I saw that Tim was way ahead of me as were Warren Collier and Colin Mc Call. Then we turned back in to the wind again, past the transition and out towards McArthur Baths. I passed Rob and so now had Rob, David and the two ladies behind me. We turned for the last time and ran home. Tim met me for the final stretch and we managed to out sprint David in the final few meters. I think he let me beat him. My time for the 20 kay cycle had been about 53 mins and for the 5 kay run about 25 mins.
I had not seen the last lady on the run so she could not have passed the transition. I decided to go look for her and to help her with the last few kays of running. As I met up with her she said how thirsty she was. I knew that there had been no water left on the run so I fetched my bike water bottle and was able to give her some water as we ran. Another man also joined us. He had a 2 lit Coke and a cup. So between the two of us we made sure that she was well hydrated and that she finished the run with company. As we finished I saw the people gathering together to cheer her on so we allowed her to enjoy the moment.
At the end of an event I normally pack up and go almost immediately, but as I had assisted the last finisher I was still packing the bike away when the lucky Dips were being called and I was the winner of a R100 Guidos meal voucher. Just shows you how when you least expect it, you get rewarded for being nice! So Barbara, Ally and I went home, had a wash and then had lunch at Guidos in Lorraine. What a pleasure as I was starved and we did not have to cook our lunch.
And that was about our weekend. The wind continued to blow for the rest of Sunday and we stayed indoors for most of the afternoon.
Peter Giddy
11. December 2005.
Bluewaterbay 15kay and first of the Summer Series Triathlon.
On Friday evening we were due to have a get together at the church to “rehearse” our Nativity Play. The Perks group had asked our group to be part of the play but as it turned out it was only Charles and ourselves who could help. The rehearsal turned out to be a costume selection evening as we assured Robin that we knew our lines and what we were to do. Mike and Barbie were away and we actually had absolutely no idea of what we had to do. It will be interesting to see how the scene progresses next week.
On Saturday morning Tim & I drove to Bluewaterbay and were incredibly lucky with our parking as we so often are. We registered for the run and then did our short warm up run. I was very pleased to have had the time for warming up as my left knee was giving me a bit of trouble. It hurts on the outside especially as I bend the foot inwards and when running downhill. The race started on time at 07.00 and the first section takes us down the Tippers creek hill and I felt the knee. But then got chatting to Rob from East London, Colin Mc Call and others and soon was in a good stride.
I picked up the pace after about 5 or 6 kays as the knee warmed up and after that I did not feel it again. I ran with a variety of people from then and began the second half feeling quite good. The route is first past the old Bluewaterbay suburb next to the Zwartkops River and then wanders through the newer part of the suburb where I had never been before. I was really impressed with the size of the houses. This has become an upmarket area to live it seems. Then we ran back past the Bluewaterbay lifesaving club and then the last kay took us up the Tippers Creek hill and back to the Primary School.
Tim did the race in 1:18 and I finished in 1:22. I was quite satisfied. As usual we had a coke and left. I had to be at work as it was our sales month end and Tim was due to go do stuff with Suzanne.
At work we completed the documentation and finalised the sales month end and I was able to be home by 15.00. Our region had done well and I was keen to see how we fared against the other regions on Monday morning. At Ally’s request we had ourselves a Macaroni Cheese supper. I like to make this dish with grilled porkers as well as vegetables. In this was I am able to get Ally to eat the Veggies.
Tim and I had arranged to meet at Hobie beach for the Triathlon at about 07.00 and despite the fact that the West wind was blowing quite strongly we entered the race. We saw Pat and Ian Thomson there as well as Davera and Mike Magson. It seemed that neither of them was keen to enter the race. The weather had put them off. The swim was a two lap event out past the pier. Right turn, past the Buoys and back to the beach. It was my ambition to not be lapped by the front swimmers and I managed to get out the first time before they had rounded the buoy. As I was swimming the second lap I was convinced that I was last in the water. But I was wrong. I think that there were about 2 or three swimmers behind me. Then it was out on the bike.
Barbara had timed my two laps of swimming. I think that she said that I took about 7mins for the first and 9 mins for the second lap. Plus I took about 3 mins for the transition. The wind was great at first as it pushed us to the “University Turn”. But then it was like riding up Brikkies. I was in the easiest gear and hardly moving forward. Rob Ermes passed me as did the Summies Triathlon lady and one other man. I was able to pass a young lady and so had two ladies behind me when I turned at Noordhoek. Whew! What a relief. The wind was now behind us and we flew back to Flat Rock where we again had the wind in our faces but not to the same extent. In the last Kay I had seen David (Chokka) Emslie pushing his bike. He had a flat tyre and pushed back to the transition.
We ran out towards the Summerstrand Lifesaving club but as the path was under construction, had to cut short. At this stage I saw that Tim was way ahead of me as were Warren Collier and Colin Mc Call. Then we turned back in to the wind again, past the transition and out towards McArthur Baths. I passed Rob and so now had Rob, David and the two ladies behind me. We turned for the last time and ran home. Tim met me for the final stretch and we managed to out sprint David in the final few meters. I think he let me beat him. My time for the 20 kay cycle had been about 53 mins and for the 5 kay run about 25 mins.
I had not seen the last lady on the run so she could not have passed the transition. I decided to go look for her and to help her with the last few kays of running. As I met up with her she said how thirsty she was. I knew that there had been no water left on the run so I fetched my bike water bottle and was able to give her some water as we ran. Another man also joined us. He had a 2 lit Coke and a cup. So between the two of us we made sure that she was well hydrated and that she finished the run with company. As we finished I saw the people gathering together to cheer her on so we allowed her to enjoy the moment.
At the end of an event I normally pack up and go almost immediately, but as I had assisted the last finisher I was still packing the bike away when the lucky Dips were being called and I was the winner of a R100 Guidos meal voucher. Just shows you how when you least expect it, you get rewarded for being nice! So Barbara, Ally and I went home, had a wash and then had lunch at Guidos in Lorraine. What a pleasure as I was starved and we did not have to cook our lunch.
And that was about our weekend. The wind continued to blow for the rest of Sunday and we stayed indoors for most of the afternoon.
Peter Giddy
11. December 2005.
Sunday, December 4, 2005
SUNDAY 4TH DECEMBER 2005 GIDDY FAMILY
Sunday 4th December 2005.
Last evening we had the Achilles annual Year-end supper and Dance at the Old Cash Store in the Sardinia Bay road. Ally had gone off to Mike & Lene earlier and we collected Tim, Suzanne and Jessica. We dropped Jessica off at a friend with whom she was planning to go to movies later. Then it was off to our party.
We ordered a few drinks including a sherry with Peppers. I said to the bar-lady that we would try it. Big mistake! It was disgusting and so I had to order a second sherry for Barbara. We found ourselves a table that could accommodate ten people and were soon joined by Duane and his wife. But when I asked them to join us they said they were waiting for Casey. So it was the four of us for the evening. We had been told that there were some starters of Pate, soup and salads so as soon as we had waited a polite period we made our way to the eats table. Our table just happened to be the closest to the eats. The starters were excellent. A delicious soup as well as Rooster Brood and Pate.
Shortly after that Geoff made his very short speech. Heidi was back after a nasty encounter with a Boerbul dog that attacked her while jogging and had left her arm and leg scarred. Heidi told us that the left hand had no feeling but that she was now able to move her fingers and joints. Martin had also recently had an accident while cycling.
As soon as the speech was over we again lead the team of hungry Achilleans to the eats table for the main course. There was a huge amount of food on display and the problem was choosing just the right amount of each dish so as to not over fill the plate but also to be able to get a taste of all these delicious looking treats. Back to the table and settled down to devour as much as possible. The band had by now started to play. This was a great pity as up to this stage we had been able to chat but the volume of the band drowned any possibility of conversation. I am sure that this suites some people but not me. I saw a few of the braver Achilleans do some jiving on the dance floor but decided that it was now Pudding time. So again we led the procession of people to the pudding table. There were some delicious tarts, Ice cream and jelly. My favourites! By now we were all quite stuffed but still we managed to drink the compulsory cup of coffee while cracking the Christmas crackers. I saved ours for Ally.
At about this stage I think that the band was becoming quite irritated with us as no one really responded to their efforts to get us to get onto the dance floor en masse. So they turned the volume up a few more decibels. For me that was the signal to look in the direction of the door. I glanced across to Tim, Barbara and Suzanne and saw total agreement. We said our good-byes to Keith who was the main organiser and headed home. Just as we got into the car Jessica phoned us to say the movie was finished and would we fetch her. Talk about perfect timing! So that was the end of the evening for us. We collected Ally and then Jessica, Dropped Tim & Family home and did not last long before we were in dreamland.
I had arranged to meet Tim and Ron for a cycle on Sunday morning so was up at 04.30. I always try to have the bike and kit ready the previous evening. So was ready at 04.45 and met them at 7th avenue at 5.00. We decided to take the Buffelsfontein road, over Mount Pleasant and left at Heron road. The Sardinia Bay road past the restaurant where we had spent the previous evening and the down to Schoenies for the Marine Drive section. We had a short Jube Jube break at Willows and then it was our next little adventure as we passed the university a man in an old Mercedes hooted behind us as we were riding three abreast. Tim saw fit to get into an argument with this man and so there was quite a bit of “Argy Bargy”, no actual hitting with fists but plenty of word wars. After that little incident we headed home. The ride this morning took us about 2.30hours including the interruptions.
Barbara was due to sing in the music group at church and Ally did not feel like church so I stayed at home. When Barbara got back we packed up for Nippers and headed down to the beach. It was a perfect PE day. Not extremely hot, little wind and flat seas. We decided to give the U10’s a real lesson in water sports. We started off with the Malibu Boards. A few of the Nippers were confident in the Malibu Boards but many of them had hardly used one before and it was really great to see them quickly develop confidence as we sent them out in small groups. There were enough coaches to give them individual attention as soon as they looked nervous or as a big wave loomed ahead.
It was the first time this season, apart from the Plett Carnival, that the conditions allowed us to give them this training. The next item was the boogey boards. Again we sent the Nippers out in small groups and they were soon able to surf back to the beach on waves that would have scared them earlier. And they were actually asking to be allowed to go out a second, third and fourth time. Finally we swam out and around the buoy before packing it up for the morning. The Nippers seemed quite surprised that Nippers was over but they had been at it from 11.00 to 13.00 and those two hours had flown. We could see that they were becoming quite exhausted. Each one of the Nippers was rewarded with a Chocolate or Chips.
Donald had made a Disc of the photos that he had taken at the Plett weekend. We had seen these at the Awards evening the previous Thursday where Ally was awarded with her Certificate. We all agreed that this was one of the best Nippers sessions that we had had this season. Chris is a very good coach for these youngsters as he gives them a bit of technical training on the beach and then confidently sends them into the water.
We washed and packed away the boards and headed off home. Ally got stuck into watching the photo disk and I washed the car. A little later we went over to the Gendalls for tea. They were polite enough to watch the disc of the Plett Carnival while we bragged about Ally.
On Monday morning Ally starts a Soccer week. It sounds like it should be fun and she is looking forward to the activity. Especially seeing as how she has never played soccer before.
And that just about sums up Sunday the 4th December 2005.
Peter Giddy
4.12.2005.
Last evening we had the Achilles annual Year-end supper and Dance at the Old Cash Store in the Sardinia Bay road. Ally had gone off to Mike & Lene earlier and we collected Tim, Suzanne and Jessica. We dropped Jessica off at a friend with whom she was planning to go to movies later. Then it was off to our party.
We ordered a few drinks including a sherry with Peppers. I said to the bar-lady that we would try it. Big mistake! It was disgusting and so I had to order a second sherry for Barbara. We found ourselves a table that could accommodate ten people and were soon joined by Duane and his wife. But when I asked them to join us they said they were waiting for Casey. So it was the four of us for the evening. We had been told that there were some starters of Pate, soup and salads so as soon as we had waited a polite period we made our way to the eats table. Our table just happened to be the closest to the eats. The starters were excellent. A delicious soup as well as Rooster Brood and Pate.
Shortly after that Geoff made his very short speech. Heidi was back after a nasty encounter with a Boerbul dog that attacked her while jogging and had left her arm and leg scarred. Heidi told us that the left hand had no feeling but that she was now able to move her fingers and joints. Martin had also recently had an accident while cycling.
As soon as the speech was over we again lead the team of hungry Achilleans to the eats table for the main course. There was a huge amount of food on display and the problem was choosing just the right amount of each dish so as to not over fill the plate but also to be able to get a taste of all these delicious looking treats. Back to the table and settled down to devour as much as possible. The band had by now started to play. This was a great pity as up to this stage we had been able to chat but the volume of the band drowned any possibility of conversation. I am sure that this suites some people but not me. I saw a few of the braver Achilleans do some jiving on the dance floor but decided that it was now Pudding time. So again we led the procession of people to the pudding table. There were some delicious tarts, Ice cream and jelly. My favourites! By now we were all quite stuffed but still we managed to drink the compulsory cup of coffee while cracking the Christmas crackers. I saved ours for Ally.
At about this stage I think that the band was becoming quite irritated with us as no one really responded to their efforts to get us to get onto the dance floor en masse. So they turned the volume up a few more decibels. For me that was the signal to look in the direction of the door. I glanced across to Tim, Barbara and Suzanne and saw total agreement. We said our good-byes to Keith who was the main organiser and headed home. Just as we got into the car Jessica phoned us to say the movie was finished and would we fetch her. Talk about perfect timing! So that was the end of the evening for us. We collected Ally and then Jessica, Dropped Tim & Family home and did not last long before we were in dreamland.
I had arranged to meet Tim and Ron for a cycle on Sunday morning so was up at 04.30. I always try to have the bike and kit ready the previous evening. So was ready at 04.45 and met them at 7th avenue at 5.00. We decided to take the Buffelsfontein road, over Mount Pleasant and left at Heron road. The Sardinia Bay road past the restaurant where we had spent the previous evening and the down to Schoenies for the Marine Drive section. We had a short Jube Jube break at Willows and then it was our next little adventure as we passed the university a man in an old Mercedes hooted behind us as we were riding three abreast. Tim saw fit to get into an argument with this man and so there was quite a bit of “Argy Bargy”, no actual hitting with fists but plenty of word wars. After that little incident we headed home. The ride this morning took us about 2.30hours including the interruptions.
Barbara was due to sing in the music group at church and Ally did not feel like church so I stayed at home. When Barbara got back we packed up for Nippers and headed down to the beach. It was a perfect PE day. Not extremely hot, little wind and flat seas. We decided to give the U10’s a real lesson in water sports. We started off with the Malibu Boards. A few of the Nippers were confident in the Malibu Boards but many of them had hardly used one before and it was really great to see them quickly develop confidence as we sent them out in small groups. There were enough coaches to give them individual attention as soon as they looked nervous or as a big wave loomed ahead.
It was the first time this season, apart from the Plett Carnival, that the conditions allowed us to give them this training. The next item was the boogey boards. Again we sent the Nippers out in small groups and they were soon able to surf back to the beach on waves that would have scared them earlier. And they were actually asking to be allowed to go out a second, third and fourth time. Finally we swam out and around the buoy before packing it up for the morning. The Nippers seemed quite surprised that Nippers was over but they had been at it from 11.00 to 13.00 and those two hours had flown. We could see that they were becoming quite exhausted. Each one of the Nippers was rewarded with a Chocolate or Chips.
Donald had made a Disc of the photos that he had taken at the Plett weekend. We had seen these at the Awards evening the previous Thursday where Ally was awarded with her Certificate. We all agreed that this was one of the best Nippers sessions that we had had this season. Chris is a very good coach for these youngsters as he gives them a bit of technical training on the beach and then confidently sends them into the water.
We washed and packed away the boards and headed off home. Ally got stuck into watching the photo disk and I washed the car. A little later we went over to the Gendalls for tea. They were polite enough to watch the disc of the Plett Carnival while we bragged about Ally.
On Monday morning Ally starts a Soccer week. It sounds like it should be fun and she is looking forward to the activity. Especially seeing as how she has never played soccer before.
And that just about sums up Sunday the 4th December 2005.
Peter Giddy
4.12.2005.
PARMALAT 42KAY MARATHON DECEMBER 2005.
PARMALAT 42kay MARATHON
SATURDAY 3 DECEMBER 2005.
I am not quite sure why I decided to run this race. I know that I have not been able to do the required preparation, such as longer runs in the weekend nor the extra that I should have been doing during the week.
I had run a few 10kay events recently and had been able to run them in marginally less than 5mins a kay. Maybe that gave me confidence. I should have known better. There is a huge difference between a ten kay and the Marathon event. I had seen Liz Austin at the 10kay evening run and had observed how well she was running. Also I had finished the 2005 Achilles marathon in January with her, Roger and Tim. So I had confidence in her ability to be a team captain. So when I saw Liz on the morning of the event I asked her if I could try to stick with her. Liz knew what she was doing and had a specific time in mind. For her to achieve two points for the club participation league she had to do less that 4.18. The fact that she knew this target plus the fact that she had her permanent number for the Crusaders Parmalat Marathon added to my confidence in her ability to lead me to a finish today.
So off we walked, to the start of the run. I said 10kays and hour and Liz replied 10kays in 55mins. She was definitely in charge! It was good to see all the Achillean participation at this Crusaders event. And soon after the normal pre-race banter, the gun went off (05.00am) and we trotted along. Just in front of us for quite a long way was the MPRG consisting of Andy, Kobus, his son, Kurt doing his first 42, John also a maiden in the marathon, Cathy, Stuart & Susan. Gerald and Pat were on Bicycles.
I thought that both the MPRG and ourselves, were going too fast as we got the Butterfield turn off (10Kay) in well under 60mins. Liz said that she had a planned walk so as soon as we reached the top of the Butterfield Hill we rewarded ourselves with a brief walk. Liz had a whole lot of theory as to why this was a good idea. For me it was a relief to be able to walk. Then off we plodded again. Over the freeway and past the fire station to the 15kay mark. Here we were greeted with great enthusiasm by the Achilles watering table. Steve, Kosima, Graham, Bill, Milka and others gave us renewed energy as they cheered us on.
From there it is a right turn to the old Cape Road where we turned left for a short while before another left turn down the Draafontiein road. This is a long stretch of gradual uphill to the bridge under the N2 freeway. We turned left now heading back home again but we were only at 21kays and had 6 to go before we would meet up with the Achilles people again. At the 22 kay we treated ourselves to another walk. It was here that Bradley, Warren and their group passed us. Susan had fallen off the MPRG bus and we caught up with her briefly. I was able to introduce Liz to Sue. Susan Burri is the third lady in the world to have achieved 20 X 2 Oceans Marathons. I always feel privileged to be able to introduce this famous athlete.
At the 27kay we were again given a royal welcome at the Achilles table. It really is good to have that kind of encouragement but I was starting to tire. So when we got to the bridge over the N2 I asked for another short walk. Liz agreed and we were to lose Susan. Then it was onto the Butterfield road again and past the 30kay mark. Liz pointed out how well we were doing as we were under the 3-hour mark a that stage (2.53 I think). We saw Earl here and he gave us the encouraging news that the MPRG was not far ahead. But it was here that I really began to tire. I again asked for a walk. I think that Liz may have been getting a little agitated as she still had that 4.18 in sight while I was thinking that if I was to finish in one day I would be quite happy. Also this is where we began to be passed by other athletes in numbers.
So it was a left turn back onto the Kragga Kamma road and we had 10 kay to go. I think that it was beginning to get hot. Heat has an incredible draining effect on runners. On the Kragga Kamma Road it is necessary to run in single file as there is quite a bit of traffic. I let Liz go ahead hoping that she would leave me to my own misery but, being the captain, she insisted on staying with me and ran on the side of the road. This was up to the 8kay to go mark where I took another walk and she finally pressed on. A little further on, I saw that she had caught up to Paulette and then she turned round to see where I was. I put on a burst of real running hoping to catch them but Paulette stayed behind and Liz ran on.
So then, as Paulette was walking, I caught her and we chatted for a little while as she explained that she had an injury and had a planned bail ahead. So off I went again with 6 kays to go. Here it is a right turn into Welcome Avenue and I heard Liz’s voice from behind as she came out of the bushes. Now! Thought I. If I can just keep up the miserable shuffle that I had going, then I could again stick with Liz. No way! Liz soon caught me and passed me as if I was going backwards. As did the Keith and Sue Bayliss steam train a few minutes later.
I determined that I would run from here on. And so I did, until I got to the three kay to go. Around here I met up with Cathy from MPRG. She was almost as stuffed as I was. There was a Crusaders watering station (I overheard one of them comment “Peter seems to have lost his good Humour”) and I took coke and water and walked and walked and walked until I got to the 2kay mark. Okay thought I, I can shuffle in from here. The walking had the effect of cramping my calf muscles up and breaking into that miserable shuffle was harder than I thought but eventually I got to one kay to go. At this stage I thought that I may be able to catch Cathy but it was only with superhuman effort that I maintained a jog to the finish.
In the end I think that I had achieved the 4.18 that Liz had set for us but she had done way better than that with a 4.09 which was about a minute or two better than the Achilles Marathon that we had done in January. I was shattered. But thanks to Liz and the encouragement from other friends and Achilleans, I finished. At the end Paulette handed out “The Achillean” and I read later about Kosima’s thoughts on the Chatterbox on the run. I cannot think when she has run with me but I was certain that it could well be that she was referring to. I think that I do talk-a-lot on the run. Perhaps that is why Liz was so happy to leave me. I also looked up what I should have run for this elusive two points. And while it was 4.18 for Liz it was about 4.09 for me who is 10 years older than Liz. Unfair! I thought.
Peter Giddy
4 December 2005.
SATURDAY 3 DECEMBER 2005.
I am not quite sure why I decided to run this race. I know that I have not been able to do the required preparation, such as longer runs in the weekend nor the extra that I should have been doing during the week.
I had run a few 10kay events recently and had been able to run them in marginally less than 5mins a kay. Maybe that gave me confidence. I should have known better. There is a huge difference between a ten kay and the Marathon event. I had seen Liz Austin at the 10kay evening run and had observed how well she was running. Also I had finished the 2005 Achilles marathon in January with her, Roger and Tim. So I had confidence in her ability to be a team captain. So when I saw Liz on the morning of the event I asked her if I could try to stick with her. Liz knew what she was doing and had a specific time in mind. For her to achieve two points for the club participation league she had to do less that 4.18. The fact that she knew this target plus the fact that she had her permanent number for the Crusaders Parmalat Marathon added to my confidence in her ability to lead me to a finish today.
So off we walked, to the start of the run. I said 10kays and hour and Liz replied 10kays in 55mins. She was definitely in charge! It was good to see all the Achillean participation at this Crusaders event. And soon after the normal pre-race banter, the gun went off (05.00am) and we trotted along. Just in front of us for quite a long way was the MPRG consisting of Andy, Kobus, his son, Kurt doing his first 42, John also a maiden in the marathon, Cathy, Stuart & Susan. Gerald and Pat were on Bicycles.
I thought that both the MPRG and ourselves, were going too fast as we got the Butterfield turn off (10Kay) in well under 60mins. Liz said that she had a planned walk so as soon as we reached the top of the Butterfield Hill we rewarded ourselves with a brief walk. Liz had a whole lot of theory as to why this was a good idea. For me it was a relief to be able to walk. Then off we plodded again. Over the freeway and past the fire station to the 15kay mark. Here we were greeted with great enthusiasm by the Achilles watering table. Steve, Kosima, Graham, Bill, Milka and others gave us renewed energy as they cheered us on.
From there it is a right turn to the old Cape Road where we turned left for a short while before another left turn down the Draafontiein road. This is a long stretch of gradual uphill to the bridge under the N2 freeway. We turned left now heading back home again but we were only at 21kays and had 6 to go before we would meet up with the Achilles people again. At the 22 kay we treated ourselves to another walk. It was here that Bradley, Warren and their group passed us. Susan had fallen off the MPRG bus and we caught up with her briefly. I was able to introduce Liz to Sue. Susan Burri is the third lady in the world to have achieved 20 X 2 Oceans Marathons. I always feel privileged to be able to introduce this famous athlete.
At the 27kay we were again given a royal welcome at the Achilles table. It really is good to have that kind of encouragement but I was starting to tire. So when we got to the bridge over the N2 I asked for another short walk. Liz agreed and we were to lose Susan. Then it was onto the Butterfield road again and past the 30kay mark. Liz pointed out how well we were doing as we were under the 3-hour mark a that stage (2.53 I think). We saw Earl here and he gave us the encouraging news that the MPRG was not far ahead. But it was here that I really began to tire. I again asked for a walk. I think that Liz may have been getting a little agitated as she still had that 4.18 in sight while I was thinking that if I was to finish in one day I would be quite happy. Also this is where we began to be passed by other athletes in numbers.
So it was a left turn back onto the Kragga Kamma road and we had 10 kay to go. I think that it was beginning to get hot. Heat has an incredible draining effect on runners. On the Kragga Kamma Road it is necessary to run in single file as there is quite a bit of traffic. I let Liz go ahead hoping that she would leave me to my own misery but, being the captain, she insisted on staying with me and ran on the side of the road. This was up to the 8kay to go mark where I took another walk and she finally pressed on. A little further on, I saw that she had caught up to Paulette and then she turned round to see where I was. I put on a burst of real running hoping to catch them but Paulette stayed behind and Liz ran on.
So then, as Paulette was walking, I caught her and we chatted for a little while as she explained that she had an injury and had a planned bail ahead. So off I went again with 6 kays to go. Here it is a right turn into Welcome Avenue and I heard Liz’s voice from behind as she came out of the bushes. Now! Thought I. If I can just keep up the miserable shuffle that I had going, then I could again stick with Liz. No way! Liz soon caught me and passed me as if I was going backwards. As did the Keith and Sue Bayliss steam train a few minutes later.
I determined that I would run from here on. And so I did, until I got to the three kay to go. Around here I met up with Cathy from MPRG. She was almost as stuffed as I was. There was a Crusaders watering station (I overheard one of them comment “Peter seems to have lost his good Humour”) and I took coke and water and walked and walked and walked until I got to the 2kay mark. Okay thought I, I can shuffle in from here. The walking had the effect of cramping my calf muscles up and breaking into that miserable shuffle was harder than I thought but eventually I got to one kay to go. At this stage I thought that I may be able to catch Cathy but it was only with superhuman effort that I maintained a jog to the finish.
In the end I think that I had achieved the 4.18 that Liz had set for us but she had done way better than that with a 4.09 which was about a minute or two better than the Achilles Marathon that we had done in January. I was shattered. But thanks to Liz and the encouragement from other friends and Achilleans, I finished. At the end Paulette handed out “The Achillean” and I read later about Kosima’s thoughts on the Chatterbox on the run. I cannot think when she has run with me but I was certain that it could well be that she was referring to. I think that I do talk-a-lot on the run. Perhaps that is why Liz was so happy to leave me. I also looked up what I should have run for this elusive two points. And while it was 4.18 for Liz it was about 4.09 for me who is 10 years older than Liz. Unfair! I thought.
Peter Giddy
4 December 2005.
Sunday, November 27, 2005
NIPPERS CARNIVAL PLETTENBERGBAY NOVEMBER 2005.
NIPPERS CARNIVAL ---- PLETTENBERGBAY 26 & 27TH NOVEMBER 2005.
The Nippers carnival is a provincial tournament with the clubs competing in a variety of events. “Nippers” is a junior version of lifesaving. Although no actual lifesaving is taught, the youngsters are instructed in beach activities and are able to grow in confidence in the surf.
Barbara, Ally & I had been looking forward to this Carnival for over a year as Ally had joined Nippers while she was still seven years old and was therefor unable to be an official competitor in the carnivals in our first year. Ally had had to undergo a competency test called the “Level Test”. I was away that weekend and was not able to watch her but I heard that she had passed with flying colours. Something that really impressed me this weekend was the fact that Ally had received an invitation to attend the annual Finestone Birthday Party from Emma. And although Ally was very keen to attend this important social function, she upheld her commitment to the Nippers weekend.
After that Ally was able to compete in a local Carnival at Kings Beach. That particular carnival was not entirely satisfactory as the surf had been particularly big as a result of the East Winds that Port Elizabeth had experienced. And by the time the events were underway the West Wind was blowing so hard that the conditions had become unpleasant. A number of the events were either scrapped or cut short.
As we left for Plett on the Saturday morning there was a fairly stiff West wind and as we approached the Tsitsikamma area the rain began to fall and we were apprehensive of the conditions for first day. We had Jacqui with us as she was visiting from the UK. Jacqui was pregnant and feeling the effects of morning sickness. We half hoped that the fresh air might make her feel a little better.
As soon as we arrived in Plett we unpacked and got ourselves ready for an afternoon on the beach. Ena (My mother) was able to come down with us. Ena does not see too well but Ally was thrilled that her Granny would be there to watch her compete. We got down to the beach at about 11.30am and registered Ally as a competitor. Anthony Cocks called a “Team Managers” meeting where he announced the order of events. The first event for the U10s was to be the Taplin, which is a team event of Run, Swim, Body Board and Malibu (a long body board). We had 12 children in our U10 team, 6 Boys (Matthew, Matthew, Christian, Connor, Luke and Philip) and 6 girls (Ally, Tanielle, Kim, Tayla, Natalie and Katlin). Varren had the unenviable task of making up the teams for the U10’s. Firstly he had to decide who was in which team and then had to readjust for each event as the youngsters’ availability for the particular event changed and also which of the Nippers had been able to come to Plett.
During the afternoon each one of these brave children took part in a variety of events including beach sprints, beach relay, Flags, Swim, Body Board and Malibu. The waves were by no means small and the children took quite a dumping on many occasions. Fortunately we had a number of parents and others who were safety officers and who helped the children through the surf. There was a strong rip current from West to East and the organisers wisely made the route of the swims in the direction of the rip.
The competition in the U10s was fierce and although we often managed to pass through to the finals, we could see at an early stage that we were being out run and out swum in many of the events. However we also knew that each individual competing was doing it as a personal challenge and that every time we had a finisher we potentially had points for Summerstrand. The afternoon was overcast and it appeared that some of the children were becoming chilled as the afternoon wore on. They were also extremely tired after all the exercise of the afternoon. The final event was a “March Past”. I did not realise that there were potentially 30 points to be won so I happily suggested that our group go and take part which they did with enthusiasm instead of style and precision. Ah well… Live and learn! Today had been overcast but I still found that I had burnt the top of my head. At the end of the day Chris called a team meeting and told us that there were a mere 12 points separating ourselves from the next team, which I think was Sardinia Bay. He urged that children to have a solid sleep and be fresh for a morning which would certainly be full of exercise.
I know that a number of our group were staying at the Castleton and were meeting for supper but our family agreed that we were only too happy to be able to get into bed as early as possible. And most of us were lights out just after dark. The SA Rugby team were playing France at 22.00 and as Ena does not have Mnet I decided that they would be playing with one less supporter this time. I heard later that we lost something like 21 to 26.
I had planned a short run at 06.00am and met Margie and Warren outside of their accommodation. We ran about 8kays and by the time we were finished the sun was already starting to get hot. During the run Warren & I realised that we had common friends going back years. My cousins, the Spence family, were friends of his from his early years of coming to Plett. Today I anticipated a really warm day and we took out the suntan lotion and hats to try to avoid being too burnt at the end of the day. It is actually not possible to avoid the sun as even if you are sitting in the shade as Jacqui did for most of the day; you will still burn from the reflection of the sun off the sand.
Today was going to be a lot of swimming for me as I assured the Nippers, Ally in particular, that I would always be in the water when they were. I had located a pair of flippers and was happy to use them to assist myself to stay with the youngsters as they ploughed through the surf. It seemed that the wind was coming from a South-Westerly direction and this made the water a little choppier than the previous day. Again Anthony insisted that there should be considerable assistance to the U10s whenever they were in the surf. I think that this helped the Nippers’ confidence and I was surprised and proud of our group each time they had to swim and paddle into the pounding waves that seemed to me to rise up to 5 and 6 feet high. The waves at the Central (Old B.I. beach) do not fold gently onto the beach but rather have a nasty way of dumping the swimmer with quite considerable force.
I saw Donald taking photos and videos of most of the tournament and am keen to see the results of his efforts. The U10 Coaches comprise of Varren (head coach) and his assistants, Roger and myself. We spent considerable time in the water and had the ongoing assistance of Tanielle’s Dad, Chris as well as Matthew’s dad Donald, Katlin's dad, Natalie’s dad Patrick and Tayla's dad Andrew. Without the assistance of the dad’s we could never have had as many competitors from our group. I think that this may be a sign of how future coaching should go. Chris made the point, as we finished, that we should not be scared, on a Sunday, to swim past the waves. Nor to use the body boards in big surf, as we would have to do so at the tournaments and that there was never a guarantee of calm seas on the day of the carnival.
The Sunday started with Run swim Run and ended with a long run (U10s 800meters). In between there were the Beach sprint relays where we had two U10 teams, the Flags finals where Luke was our sole U10 survivor to the finals and he finished a credible 5th place There was also Body boards, Malibu boards, swimming and running to keep us all very busy. One of the most amazing things on a beach like this with hundreds of parents, Nippers, and coaches is the communication. We all had to stay focussed on what was going on to know what we should be ready for and then the gathering of the Nippers was no easy task for us Coaches.
After the final event we had a short photo session, a team-talk and Anthony announced the results of the Carnival. Summerstrand had come first in the U14, U12 and third in the U10 events. The overall Carnival winner was also Summerstrand. This is potentially a warning to Summerstrand: The U10 of today is the U12 and U14 of tomorrow and unless we are not concentrating on the coaching of these young nippers we will find the club coming second to Sardinia Bay and Plett in future years.
We assisted with the carrying and packing of boards and packed up and left. Unfortunately Jacqui’s health had not improved and we decided to make our way home as soon as we could. Next Thursday is a Nippers evening at the Summerstrand Clubhouse and I am sure that there will be a great deal of analysis of the weekend success and failures. I personally cannot think of any individual failure. Perhaps there are lessons to be learned. For example the finals of the flags events could be held at one time for all three age-categories as this is a time consuming event. Overall the Plett Nippers Club can be thanked and complimented for the way that the event was held and the spirit of fun that permeated the two days.
]
At the year-end function for the nippers on Thursday 1 December 2005, Donald, Lee and Brian had an awards ceremony for the Nippers who had taken part in the Plett Carnival. We had Jessica’s Nativity Play to attend at Jacqui’s Children’s world pre-school so were a little late. But when we got to the Summerstrand lifesavers club, Donald made a point of calling Ally up to the front to receive her certificate. She had achieved the following places in the events:
Surf Swim 8th
Body Board 9th
Run Swim Run 7th
Body Board Relay 6th
Taplin Relay 3rd
Beach Relay 7th
These were the recognised times but in addition to this she had also taken part in the Beach Sprints & Flags. To put the positions into perspective: there were 6 teams participating: Bluewater Bay, Sardinia Bay, Plettenberg Bay, Mossel Bay and Seagulls and Summerstrand. We had 12 nippers in our U10 team and while some of the teams may have has fewer members, there were others with even more than ourselves. SO these were really impressive results. The other point to note is while some of the events separated the boys from the girls many of them were mixed events.
After the awards, Donald ran through a series of photos that he had taken on the beach. Amoung them were many of Ally where the size of the surf could be seen as well as the effort that she put into the events. He has promised that he will let us have a copy of the disc to forward to the London family. Ally had her friend Laura O with her. The two of them had a Boerewors roll and then spent the rest of the evening on the beach. The spotlights were shining onto the beach and there was this wonderful vibe as the youngsters played on the sand. The adults had steaks and salad as we got to know each a little better. Barbara had been knitting madly to try to get some presents ready for the London family before Jacqui left on the Wednesday and so had not slept well and was feeling tired and sore from dry lips. So at 21.30 we were on our way home.
Peter Giddy
27th November 2005.
The Nippers carnival is a provincial tournament with the clubs competing in a variety of events. “Nippers” is a junior version of lifesaving. Although no actual lifesaving is taught, the youngsters are instructed in beach activities and are able to grow in confidence in the surf.
Barbara, Ally & I had been looking forward to this Carnival for over a year as Ally had joined Nippers while she was still seven years old and was therefor unable to be an official competitor in the carnivals in our first year. Ally had had to undergo a competency test called the “Level Test”. I was away that weekend and was not able to watch her but I heard that she had passed with flying colours. Something that really impressed me this weekend was the fact that Ally had received an invitation to attend the annual Finestone Birthday Party from Emma. And although Ally was very keen to attend this important social function, she upheld her commitment to the Nippers weekend.
After that Ally was able to compete in a local Carnival at Kings Beach. That particular carnival was not entirely satisfactory as the surf had been particularly big as a result of the East Winds that Port Elizabeth had experienced. And by the time the events were underway the West Wind was blowing so hard that the conditions had become unpleasant. A number of the events were either scrapped or cut short.
As we left for Plett on the Saturday morning there was a fairly stiff West wind and as we approached the Tsitsikamma area the rain began to fall and we were apprehensive of the conditions for first day. We had Jacqui with us as she was visiting from the UK. Jacqui was pregnant and feeling the effects of morning sickness. We half hoped that the fresh air might make her feel a little better.
As soon as we arrived in Plett we unpacked and got ourselves ready for an afternoon on the beach. Ena (My mother) was able to come down with us. Ena does not see too well but Ally was thrilled that her Granny would be there to watch her compete. We got down to the beach at about 11.30am and registered Ally as a competitor. Anthony Cocks called a “Team Managers” meeting where he announced the order of events. The first event for the U10s was to be the Taplin, which is a team event of Run, Swim, Body Board and Malibu (a long body board). We had 12 children in our U10 team, 6 Boys (Matthew, Matthew, Christian, Connor, Luke and Philip) and 6 girls (Ally, Tanielle, Kim, Tayla, Natalie and Katlin). Varren had the unenviable task of making up the teams for the U10’s. Firstly he had to decide who was in which team and then had to readjust for each event as the youngsters’ availability for the particular event changed and also which of the Nippers had been able to come to Plett.
During the afternoon each one of these brave children took part in a variety of events including beach sprints, beach relay, Flags, Swim, Body Board and Malibu. The waves were by no means small and the children took quite a dumping on many occasions. Fortunately we had a number of parents and others who were safety officers and who helped the children through the surf. There was a strong rip current from West to East and the organisers wisely made the route of the swims in the direction of the rip.
The competition in the U10s was fierce and although we often managed to pass through to the finals, we could see at an early stage that we were being out run and out swum in many of the events. However we also knew that each individual competing was doing it as a personal challenge and that every time we had a finisher we potentially had points for Summerstrand. The afternoon was overcast and it appeared that some of the children were becoming chilled as the afternoon wore on. They were also extremely tired after all the exercise of the afternoon. The final event was a “March Past”. I did not realise that there were potentially 30 points to be won so I happily suggested that our group go and take part which they did with enthusiasm instead of style and precision. Ah well… Live and learn! Today had been overcast but I still found that I had burnt the top of my head. At the end of the day Chris called a team meeting and told us that there were a mere 12 points separating ourselves from the next team, which I think was Sardinia Bay. He urged that children to have a solid sleep and be fresh for a morning which would certainly be full of exercise.
I know that a number of our group were staying at the Castleton and were meeting for supper but our family agreed that we were only too happy to be able to get into bed as early as possible. And most of us were lights out just after dark. The SA Rugby team were playing France at 22.00 and as Ena does not have Mnet I decided that they would be playing with one less supporter this time. I heard later that we lost something like 21 to 26.
I had planned a short run at 06.00am and met Margie and Warren outside of their accommodation. We ran about 8kays and by the time we were finished the sun was already starting to get hot. During the run Warren & I realised that we had common friends going back years. My cousins, the Spence family, were friends of his from his early years of coming to Plett. Today I anticipated a really warm day and we took out the suntan lotion and hats to try to avoid being too burnt at the end of the day. It is actually not possible to avoid the sun as even if you are sitting in the shade as Jacqui did for most of the day; you will still burn from the reflection of the sun off the sand.
Today was going to be a lot of swimming for me as I assured the Nippers, Ally in particular, that I would always be in the water when they were. I had located a pair of flippers and was happy to use them to assist myself to stay with the youngsters as they ploughed through the surf. It seemed that the wind was coming from a South-Westerly direction and this made the water a little choppier than the previous day. Again Anthony insisted that there should be considerable assistance to the U10s whenever they were in the surf. I think that this helped the Nippers’ confidence and I was surprised and proud of our group each time they had to swim and paddle into the pounding waves that seemed to me to rise up to 5 and 6 feet high. The waves at the Central (Old B.I. beach) do not fold gently onto the beach but rather have a nasty way of dumping the swimmer with quite considerable force.
I saw Donald taking photos and videos of most of the tournament and am keen to see the results of his efforts. The U10 Coaches comprise of Varren (head coach) and his assistants, Roger and myself. We spent considerable time in the water and had the ongoing assistance of Tanielle’s Dad, Chris as well as Matthew’s dad Donald, Katlin's dad, Natalie’s dad Patrick and Tayla's dad Andrew. Without the assistance of the dad’s we could never have had as many competitors from our group. I think that this may be a sign of how future coaching should go. Chris made the point, as we finished, that we should not be scared, on a Sunday, to swim past the waves. Nor to use the body boards in big surf, as we would have to do so at the tournaments and that there was never a guarantee of calm seas on the day of the carnival.
The Sunday started with Run swim Run and ended with a long run (U10s 800meters). In between there were the Beach sprint relays where we had two U10 teams, the Flags finals where Luke was our sole U10 survivor to the finals and he finished a credible 5th place There was also Body boards, Malibu boards, swimming and running to keep us all very busy. One of the most amazing things on a beach like this with hundreds of parents, Nippers, and coaches is the communication. We all had to stay focussed on what was going on to know what we should be ready for and then the gathering of the Nippers was no easy task for us Coaches.
After the final event we had a short photo session, a team-talk and Anthony announced the results of the Carnival. Summerstrand had come first in the U14, U12 and third in the U10 events. The overall Carnival winner was also Summerstrand. This is potentially a warning to Summerstrand: The U10 of today is the U12 and U14 of tomorrow and unless we are not concentrating on the coaching of these young nippers we will find the club coming second to Sardinia Bay and Plett in future years.
We assisted with the carrying and packing of boards and packed up and left. Unfortunately Jacqui’s health had not improved and we decided to make our way home as soon as we could. Next Thursday is a Nippers evening at the Summerstrand Clubhouse and I am sure that there will be a great deal of analysis of the weekend success and failures. I personally cannot think of any individual failure. Perhaps there are lessons to be learned. For example the finals of the flags events could be held at one time for all three age-categories as this is a time consuming event. Overall the Plett Nippers Club can be thanked and complimented for the way that the event was held and the spirit of fun that permeated the two days.
]
At the year-end function for the nippers on Thursday 1 December 2005, Donald, Lee and Brian had an awards ceremony for the Nippers who had taken part in the Plett Carnival. We had Jessica’s Nativity Play to attend at Jacqui’s Children’s world pre-school so were a little late. But when we got to the Summerstrand lifesavers club, Donald made a point of calling Ally up to the front to receive her certificate. She had achieved the following places in the events:
Surf Swim 8th
Body Board 9th
Run Swim Run 7th
Body Board Relay 6th
Taplin Relay 3rd
Beach Relay 7th
These were the recognised times but in addition to this she had also taken part in the Beach Sprints & Flags. To put the positions into perspective: there were 6 teams participating: Bluewater Bay, Sardinia Bay, Plettenberg Bay, Mossel Bay and Seagulls and Summerstrand. We had 12 nippers in our U10 team and while some of the teams may have has fewer members, there were others with even more than ourselves. SO these were really impressive results. The other point to note is while some of the events separated the boys from the girls many of them were mixed events.
After the awards, Donald ran through a series of photos that he had taken on the beach. Amoung them were many of Ally where the size of the surf could be seen as well as the effort that she put into the events. He has promised that he will let us have a copy of the disc to forward to the London family. Ally had her friend Laura O with her. The two of them had a Boerewors roll and then spent the rest of the evening on the beach. The spotlights were shining onto the beach and there was this wonderful vibe as the youngsters played on the sand. The adults had steaks and salad as we got to know each a little better. Barbara had been knitting madly to try to get some presents ready for the London family before Jacqui left on the Wednesday and so had not slept well and was feeling tired and sore from dry lips. So at 21.30 we were on our way home.
Peter Giddy
27th November 2005.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)