Eddie (BRC50 comp no. 133) knew he was a little oversized for the Spirit CTR, however its’ comfortable turning arc made it the craft of choice for his first BRC50. At 1.77m at Mareeba, the Barron gives you 4 choices 1/3 of the way down Oak. 1. Portage river left- a sensible option for all novices at 1.77 and a compulsory option at levels of 1.88 and above for all novices who have not paddled the rapid.
2. River left on a technical line throughout with tight boney turns as it empties at the bottom.
3. Middle channel. Large rock to avoid at bottom at 2012 levels. Fastest line for experts.
4. The Tindale chute: River left with a last minute dogleg left. Practiced by Rod Tindale in the inaugural BRC50 and perfected in race with minor damage to glass kayak.
Eddie chose option 2. Rod T was on River rescue duty to retrieve wedged paddle. Eddie is in awe of the white water skills used by Rod to collect his blade intact.
When the releases begin again next month you are sure to see Eddie practising his lines on the Oak.
Eddie(133) as the action begins at bottom of river left path down Oak Forest rapid.
Thumbs up from Eddie at bottom of Oak with bomb proof CTR Spirit Kayak.
Rod Tindale and Joshua sizing up the challenge.
Rod collects paddle
