Novice to CPC in 1 year. Can it be done?

My question is simply this: Is it possible for a complete novice (approximately 3 months of off/on paddling in total) to develop the skills and fitness required to complete the Cape point Challenge - in approximately 12 to 16 months? Has it been done before?

To build on the initial questions, what level of commitment in terms of time and training is required in order to finish the CPC? Is there a road-map for being able to do it - in other words are there specific milestones that should be achieved on the CPC journey:

First: Ride waves
Second: Long ocean paddling
Third: Downwinds (Millers etc)
...
...
etc?

I accept that CPC on its own is a really big ask, even for an experienced paddler and perhaps I'm way out of my depth even considering it, but I would appreciate some input on the subject from the forum.

Jumping in blind here but....

anything is possible, time is the only limiting factor

1) how much training are you willing to do?
2) are you physically fit enough or willing to work on that fitness over the 12 -16 months (which is a lot of time)
3) have you got access to a coach to get your training right from the start (paddle technique, paddle choice, boat choice)

There are many ironman competitors that have asked this question and been able to complete one using a programme and taking advice from seasoned veterans have been able to train for one in 6-9 months with little or no fitness prior.

Go for it! Life is short!

Yes, definitely.

For my first CPC, a group of us were coached by Dawid Mocke.

The single most important thing was building up a base to do long paddles. Generally we'd be doing interval training and cross-training (running, swimming, gym) during the week, with a long paddle on the weekend. The "long" paddle started at about 15km and slowly built up to about 40km.

Built into the schedule too were a couple of other long distance races in Durban - we did Scottburgh to Brighton (where I was smacked SO hard by the surf) and Dolphin Coast (which I missed having injured my shoulder at S-.

We did a 60km paddle at Sandvlei one day - and we tripped the entire route on unforgettable day when Dawid's Dad was seen getting into the escort boat on a chilly 5am morning in nothing but a speedo and tackies!

There's plenty of help available - Dawid & Nikki usually run a training group, Pete Cole runs a group that trains every morning on the vlei before work.

So yep - as long as you can commit to the time, the guys are there to paddle with and to help you! Go for it! (And keep a diary, it's a really cool thing to work towards and to achieve.)

Hey Rob and AR_Convert,

Thanks for the input. Rob, I've been in contact with Nikki and Dawid and they're on board to help me out (Legends!).

As you say - now it comes down to putting in the hard yards. And finding balance - in AND out of the boat!

I'll keep that diary - should be good for a few laughs afterwards

Adios

Gareth

Good Luck - it's absolutely doable.

You have to commit to at least 4 sessions on the water a week with a mix of flatwater and rough / downwind stuff. DON'T ignore flatwater where you must focus on technique and later speed / power. Try to borrow / buy a K1 to work on your technique as ski's don't encourage a good stroke and if you only paddle in a ski you can develop bad habits that are difficult to change when you want to progress.

Cross training is good but especially at the beginning TIME ON THE WATER is by far the most crucial thing.

Enjoy it!

Thanks Andrew,

You mention that I should get a K1, do you mean to say that an S1 on flat water will still create bad habits? Or is it just the differeence between flat water paddling and open ocean paddling that builds incorrect technique?

Thanks

Gareth

My 2c worth is that it's being on the flat that is important to stroke correction/development, not being on a K1.

The best thing that ever happened to my paddling was when I was recovering from an injury and was told to paddle gently on the vlei for a couple of weeks. I did (could do) nothing but gentle technique.

I used to have a K1 but absolutely loathed it. Uncomfortable, uncontrollable, horrible thing. Made paddling an irritation instead of a pleasure.

I bought a low profile rudder from Orka paddles and used my ski on the vlei.

I hardly ever paddle on the vlei now (love the open ocean too much) but should do some technique on flat water... Hout Bay harbour perhaps!