Dan Jones (Daniel.Jones@norfolk.gov), is the Event Water Safety Coordinator for various area triathlons, etc, on both sides of Hampton Roads, and he again is asking for strong experienced kayaking volunteers to help with the swimming part of the Buckroe Beach Triathlon, July 21.
In the past Sandy Baylor and I signed up more than once as kayak safety volunteers, not only for the Buckroe Beach but also the Jamestown triathlons. The events start early but were fun and rewarding for us and comforting for the swimmers. From my experience the swimmers who only trained in a pool were the ones who needed to temporally hold on to a kayak for a little break from currents they’d never experienced before in a long swim.
Although Sandy can’t this year, I do plan to volunteer again for the July 21 Buckroe triathlon, and thought perhaps some of the more experienced stronger TG kayakers also might be interested in volunteering as requested and outlined in the attached flyer.
The kayak safety volunteers for July 21 are to arrive at Buckroe Beach between 5:30 and 6 am and meet between the pavilion and the fishing pier on the grass.
If July 21 is nice for paddling and enough Tuesday Grouper’s volunteer, my thought is after the triathlon’s swimming portion is over, we’d be free to do a fun sightseeing paddle along the shorelines of Buckroe Beach and Fort Monroe, although kayak volunteers need to know this would be an open water paddle in the Chesapeake Bay.
Thank you, sac
BTW, Dan also will be sponsoring the yearly “PADDLE THE JAMES 2018 EVENT” on Saturday, October 6, 2018. Paddlers start from Huntington Beach (the beach next to the Crab Shack), Newport News, Virginia. This too is a neat paddle. Not sure of this year’s route but the paddle used to cross the James River beside the James River Bridge and return. More recently, however, the route has been from Huntington Beach to the Mariners Museum’s Lions Bridge and return. Exact details will be forthcoming after a July 14 planning meeting.
TRIATHLON –Buckroe Beach, VA
(Swim-Bike-Run) In Hampton, VA July 21, 2018
Saturday 6:00am – 8:00am
Please arrive between 5:30 – 6:00am.
Mandatory safety briefing at 6:30am after set up.
Water safety staff in position by 6:45am
The swim event starts at 7am.
Volunteers needed: Experienced Kayakers
· Please bring your personnel kayak for the event.
· If you have any safety or rescue equipment please bring as well.
· Equipment includes: whistles, PFD, hat, shoes, VHF marine radio (if available), and extra paddle.
Land Staff – helping with logistics and safety operations
Paid Certified Lifeguards Needed ($50 for that morning):
· Please bring your rescue tube, whistle, sunglasses and hip pack for the event.
· If you have any safety or rescue equipment please bring as well – rescue tubes, rescue cans, whistles,
· Kayak equipment includes: whistles, Type 3 PFD, hat, shoes, throw rope, VHF marine radio, and extra paddle.
For more info contact: Dan Jones daniel.jones@norfolk.gov
Please contact me as soon as you confirm your availability to work this event and indicate what equipment you plan to bring.
It is always rewarding as we help many swimmers each year and we need qualified and motivated personnel.
Dan Jones
Event Water Safety Coordinator