The LBSB Expedition
...life with ~daniel~
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Sunday, January 11, 2009

Pool Session

Another very productive pool session. I'm comfortable doing the 'Pavlata Roll' on both my left and right sides now. Now I'm trying to turn it into a 'Screw Roll' by not extending my paddle, holding it in the neutral paddling position. This drastically reduces the leverage I have on the water and is forcing me to refine my hip movements.

'Balance Bracing' is silly easy now... makes a great party trick though ;O)

I've also started using nothing but a sculling movement to bring myself up to the point where I can do a layback roll onto the rear deck. It starts with a vertical (deep water) sculling motion and as the paddle works it way to the surface in gradual sweeps so do I. Very graceful way to get back up without a splash, barely even a ripple!

Started a game of 'Tag' with a couple of the kids in the pool that were looking bored. Had them chasing me around the pool. Not sure who was having more fun, them or myself. The wobbliest of the two was turning - and paddling - a hellavuh lot faster when he was in hot pursuit. He rammed me a couple of times, when he 'caught' me in a corner... it was soooooo funny...

I've been asked by an instructor and paddler with a life-time of experience to go paddling with him... hell of a compliment... and one that I may just take up!

So yeah... it was a GREAT night at the pool tonight.

Time on water - 2 hours



In OTHER News...










Deluge spills raw sewage onto beaches

Old and crumbling stormwater system designed to overflow at water's edge

By Rob Shaw, Times Colonist - January 8, 2009

Heavy rain and melting snow overwhelmed parts of Greater Victoria's sewage system yesterday, spilling raw waste onto beaches in Saanich, Oak Bay and Victoria.

Although the sewage was diluted with storm water, it presented enough of a public health risk that the Vancouver Island Health Authority posted signs warning people not to swim or wade into the water.

"Our best estimate is there could be a risk and you should be aware of the risk," said Richard Stanwick, VIHA's chief medical health officer.

People who come into contact with the contaminated water are at risk of an E. coli infection, he said.

Beaches stretching from Cadboro Bay in Saanich to Clover Point in Victoria were affected.
Much of the region's sewage and stormwater system is old and crumbling and was designed to overflow onto beaches when it exceeds capacity.

According to monitoring by the CRD, the number of stormwater discharges that rated a public health hazard hit a 13-year high in 2007. Yet despite the high ratings, the CRD cancelled its annual stormwater quality testing program last year, and refocused the money on finding pollution sources.

Stanwick has criticized that decision, as well as plans to build a $1.2-billion sewage treatment system, saying neither addresses the public health hazard of stormwater overflows.

"The real question is, if we're concerned about what tourists think and being upset with tampons on the beach, well folks, that's still going to happen," said Stanwick.

It's the responsibility of the individual municipalities to replace their old and crumbling pipes. Oak Bay, which is considered the worst stormwater and sewage offender, is slated to spend $10 million to fix its antiquated system.

rfshaw@tc.canwest.com
© Copyright (c) The Victoria Times Colonist

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