More Jurong Lake pictures

Took a bunch of Primary 5 kids for an orientation programme at Jurong Lake that stretched over a period of 5 weeks and decided to take some pictures on the last session.

Uncle Lau, my partner for the sessions

The usual pagoda shot

Kids posing for a pic

Trying to recreate the scene from Titanic

Obligatory standing up shot

Chaco Z/1 Unaweep Review

Last April, my Teva sandals broke after 2 years of abuse. Shortly after, they were replaced by a pair of Chaco Z/1 Unaweep sandals. They were my first ever Chaco sandals and having used them for 10 months, I've decided to give them a quick review.



I've used this sandals in muddy and sandal conditions. They have been used while cycling, kayaking and just walking around town. They've even followed me to the Philippines and the Maldives.

Things I liked:

• Good grip
• Arch support is awesome
• Sole is thick, feels like a shoe
• Simple buckle
  

Things I didnt like:

• Abrasion on big and last toe, even without the toe loops. Only slightly better than the toe loop version.
• Straps are harder to adjust compared to my previous Teva
• Straps are not as soft and comfy as my previous Teva
• The portion of the strap that rubs against my big toe are fraying
• Takes longer to dry than my Teva
• Fairly heavy

Bottom line:

I'll probably get another pair if this one is worn out. The simple buckle reduces the point of failures on the sandals and the arch support provided by these Chacos are just wonderful.
However, I cant believe that the strap is fraying! Personally, I find it weird that its the part of the strap which rubs against my toe that is fraying. Is my skin really that abrasive?

Water-Venture early closure

The PA Water-Venture outlets will be closed earlier at 4pm on the eve of Chinese New Year, Wednesday, 2 February 2011. Last rental would be at 1pm.

All Water-Venture Outlets will be closed during the Chinese New Year Holidays on 3 and 4 February 2011, and reopen on Saturday, 5 February 2011.

Water-Venture Opening Hours

Water-Venture Opening Hours

• Monday: Closed
• Tuesday - Sunday: 0930 - 1800hrs
• Open on all public holidays
  (Except Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Hari Raya Puasa, Christmas and National Day)

Directions and contact numbers for the various clubs can be found at: www.water-venture.org.sg

X-Current

I helped to conduct a 1 star course for X-Current for the first time last week. X-Current is part of Exponent Asia and they are based in Kallang Watersports Center where they store their own equipment.

They use a mix of Dag, RTM and Eskimo boats with Feelfree and TNP paddles.

As usual, I find having to launch and recovery from a small pontoon very inconvenient especially when you are dealing with a big group. Its such a waste of time.
I wouldnt mind taking a class there if the participants are older and the group size is limited to 20. However, I find that I have to work harder for the pay here and lunch breaks are only 30min long.

Oh well, its just another option.

Level 1 Coaching Course

Level 1 Coach Training Course (Recreational)
The Singapore Canoe Federation will be conducting a Level 1 Coach Training Course (Recreational) on 15th,16th,29th,30th JAN 2011

Venue : Kallang Water Sports Centre
Time : 9am to 4pm
Applicant(s) applying for the course, must have a 2 star personal skill qualification and able to demonstrate strong paddling skills.
Applicant(s) must be at least 18 yrs of age and have good health with no current medical condition.
For enquries,please email :hawthro@singnet.com.sg , Lim Jun Ping.

Its the process, not the result

Heading to Pasir Panjang Terminal

I helped "lead" an overnight kayak expedition from West Coast Park to Pulau Hantu over the weekend. The teacher of the group was Yong Hui, who wanted his students to execute the expedition plan. Being new, there were cock ups and delays which meant we only got into the water at 4pm.
Long story short, we never made it to the island and were still paddling past sunset. Most of the students had to be put onto the powerboats and driven to the island. We only arrived at 8.30pm.

The next day we encountered a freaking storm 45min after setting off while we were crossing Sinki Fairway. With almost no visibility and ridiculously strong drift, we tied ourselves to the South Cardinal mark around Cyrene reef where we waited for about 3hrs.

The teachers

Losing sight of land

We never made it to the destination on both days, but it was one hell of an experience. I also took home a few lessons from this trip. It was nice and refreshin that the focus for this trip was the journey, rather than the destination.

1. Always study the plan beforehand
I was in Kota Tinggi when the route was released and only managed to see it the night before the expedition. I could not lead effectively because I was unsure of the route and was not familiar with the conditions.

2. Always have lights and a compass handy
My light was tucked away in my aft hatch, I could not access it when it got dark. I also didnt bring my compass. Being able to keep a bearing would have helped if we needed to continue paddling in the low viz during the thunderstorm.

3. Too many indian chiefs causes confusion
Having more than 1 person yelling instructions when there is chaos just makes things worse. Just let the 1st instructor who gives instructions take control. Having an arguement admist the chaos is not a good idea.
4. I still cant stand working with chihuahuas
People who try to have street cred, try too hard, have the sun shining out their ass or move around with some self inflicted sense of urgency like a chihuahua really bug me. The annoyance of this chihuahua effect doubles, when on the water.

Rest of the photos here