It was windy but warm out on the harbour. We had seventeen paddlers ready to put power to the paddle. Practising our starts was the name of the game tonight putting in five deep strokes to get the boat going and its nose up, then fifteen fast strokes to get up some speed.
Technique was also on the menu as we worked on putting our weight into the front of the stroke and getting our paddles out before it drove back behind our hips.
As different members of the boat practised, I had the chance to look out on the scene. Two red tugs were sturdily making their way out to two large container type ships to bring them into port.
The 'spider boats' or sculls were out practising too, though it was beginning to get a bit choppy for them. Boys were jumping off the wharf into the sea enjoying the thrill of the dive and impressing their mates with their bravado.
The old overseas terminal looks strange in its shrouds of blue material as it is transformed slowly into its new life as an apartment block. The huge cruise ships with their thousands of passengers now berth along by the stadium amongst the working wharves with their huge quantities of freshly milled logs heaped ready for export.
We drifted close to the marina with its yachts bobbing, and had to do some quick paddling to pull us away from danger. People were wending their way along the waterfront heading for home after their day's work.
The tide had dropped and the ramp was slick with slime as we slid in and unloaded our crew carefully to ensure we had no spills.
Another training over.
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