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Written by Shawn Alladio - K38
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Friday, 28 August 2009 23:27 |
BOATING OUT-REACH Sounds boring huh? Sure, until you have a mishap education is like a foreign language for most personal watercraft boaters. Don't you think its time to 'Get on Board'. What one AWA member is doing to 'outreach' within their community.Kay Sykes is a passionate boater. When the word 'boater' comes up rarely do folks think of a Personal Watercraft. Kay has competed at IJSBA and APBA events as a PWC racer, and promotes the prestigious IJSBA World Finals "Parade of Nations". Here is a glimpse into one AWA Members quest to broader her personal best in outreaching to the future of our 'boating community', our youth. "I live along the best place on earth, Lake Havasu City, Arizona. The summer temperatures are hot. The best place to cool down is to head down to the lake in the Rhino towing some sort of personal watercraft. Hundreds of people do the same thing here, because Havasu is the place where it is all happening for the boater's lifestyle. Along with increased numbers of the boating public, comes the risk of accidents" Kay says.Kay tells a story about beginnings, let's listen: "I sat down and had lunch one day with the First Lady of Havasu, Eileen Nexsen. The purpose of the luncheon was just to get to know her more on a personal level, rather than just “the Mayor’s wife”. Eileen was not the only one there. Rachel MacClugage, a professional PWC racer and wife of Chris, a legend in our sport also attended. Together we began an amazing journey into drafting a conceptual draft for potential programs here in our City. In the latest issue of RIDE Magazine, you may have read the story about this gathering?''One of the topics was bout PWC water safety. This turned into an hour long group discussion about WHOM would be the target audience for such a program? It was decided upon, that facilitation would benefit our local middle school children. The reason for this is quite simple. Arizona boating laws state that a child who is 12 years old can operate a personal watercraft, and for that matter, any watercraft over 8hp without an adult. Would you let your child get behind the wheel of your car and let them speed down the highway at 100mph? Regardless what the state law says, mommy’s law over rides that, but that doesn't guarantee that parents take responsibility for the welfare of their children operating a motorized vessel.' States Kay.Kay adds, 'Eileen said she would contact the superintendant of schools and see what type of course curriculum we could put into motion. Another question arose from the concept, who was going to teach this course? And what credentials are needed if any? I made the decision that I would like to become involved with this type of education. I have several years of experience with boats and personal watercraft. Easy as pie, at least, that is what I thought. All I have to do is get some visual aids and get some materials, and head to the schools. Or is it that easy?''Well, after sending one email to one of my closest friends and head of K38 Water Safety, Shawn Alladio telling her what I was going to do, I found out there was more to the task than just driving to schools and talking to the kids. She asked me “What are your credentials?” “What is your curriculum?”. For a brief moment I thought I had hit a brick wall. Shawn's motto is 'The Life You Save May Be Your Own'. One thing I have learned about the energy behind K38's training, is the philosophy of going the distance, something I have observed and applied in my own network. I made my decision. I was going to go the distance,' says Kay.'Immediately my fingers hit the keyboard of my computer and Google brought me to the end of my search after a long trackline of websites. From hours of searching to figure out where to get training to become an instructor, I found the answer. I contacted the National Association of Safe Boating Laws Administration (NASBLA), and they immediately put me in contact with the Arizona Game and Fish Department. My search had ended and I found the answers that I was looking for!''Following my instincts, I knew what was best for me, I was committed. I found an application to become a volunteer boating safety instructor for the State of Arizona. I have a strong desire to reach out to children and educate them on safe boating practices. In reviewing my original decision, I believe that my motivation was not clearly defined to me until I attended my first class today.''Through my own education I have found that there is more to learning than just presenting. My own process will serve to remind myself and others that what we teach and how we present the information creates a lasting impression. If the content is current, relevant and inspirational, I will be a force multiplier. Students have to want to learn, or the message can be lost. It will take team work,' says Kay.'The goal of this program is to reduce injuries and accidents through boating education. Better to train and learn proper behavioral skills before a mishap occurs! The after effect can last a lifetime. Personal tragedy affects each one of us in different capacities. My goal is to help guide one person, one child, one parent, along with others who share a similar passion. If a student comes away from this program with a better understanding of the proper use of a personal watercraft (boat), and how to navigate the waterways within our state, and what they have learned makes them an aware boater, then I have been a part of that person or child's safety.' There is no measure for this kind of success.'I have successfully completed the first phase of my Arizona Boating Education Course. I have several additional courses to aid me in this goal. That means I am just two more classes closer to helping guide our youth and their families on boating safety and education!' Boat Smart From The Start!Arizona Recreational Boating http://www.azgfd.gov/outdoor_recreation/boating.shtmlCity of Lake Havasu http://www.lhcaz.gov/Parade of Nations http://paradeofnations-ijsba.blogspot.com/River Rat Racing http://www.riverratracing.org/main.htmmaccrMacc Racing http://www.riverratracing.org/main.htmK38 Water Safety http://www.K38WaterSafety.com
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Written by Shawn Alladio - K38
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Monday, 17 August 2009 23:09 |
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DAY OF BEGINNINGS
K38 Water Safety
Folks, here is a brief update of our weekend activities with our close friends and supporters. We at K38 hope that you feel inspired, motivated and humble by the courage of the people we mention below, AWA H2O Responder Members united!
Semper Spero-
K38
Kiss after the ride
8-16-09
Jennifer Mccallson used to ride her brothers stand up jet ski before her accident a decade earlier.
This was the first time she was back on the water, I took her along with Ryan Levinson 1 mile offshore into a very busy Pacific Ocean. Brave woman, beautiful spirit. Touching.
This day did not happen alone. It came about because of trust and passion of many folks. Lou Freta another student and a (the following are former Marines) who suffered an IED blast resulting in a traumatic brain injury along with former Drill Instructor Mike Arnold, and Infantry Office Mark Gerner were there lending their dedicated and selfless support as they do on so many other occassions.
Our beloved Pirate, PWC offshore racer-Ryan Levinson who has Muscular Dystrophy and is the reason the Challenged athlete PWC offshore race training began: www.RyanLevinson.com Due to Ryan's passion for connecting people to bring awareness to challenged athletes, all these days are dedicated in his honor.
We also enjoyed the pleasure of training Erica Davis, a parapalegic who we are setting on a 55 mile
A lot of thought, preparation and safety considerations were implemented in these outings. We are honored to be serving such noble and courageous people.
I cannot speak for Jennifer, Erica or others, but I do believe it was a very good experience and moving for all of us to have this tremendous opportunity. The day skated along at it's own pace and we took the time to enjoy a quality experience. I am very thankful. Praises
Shawn Alladio
Mike picking up Jennifer, its lift off time! Here we go! Pirate always in the 'ready'.
1 Mile offshore: Jennifer and Ryan
Now we have created a monster....LOL
Jenn broke her neck 10 years ago in a gymanstics accident. This was a very emotional
moment for both of us, her first time underway. These small boats can be extremely
intimidating to the able bodied, I cannot imagine how wonderful and difficult this was at the
same time for Jennifer.
This is the first time to start the Jet Ski, you can see the uncertainty on her face! :)
Mike Arnold is the strength who picks up the ladies, from wheelchair to Jet Ski, Mike
is always there. Today we had Mike, Mark, Pirate and myself helping Jennifer.
Jennifer, Erica and Ryan, taking a break between rides.
Ryan adjusts Jennifer's body positioning before we head out of the harbor.
Erica, Warren, and Jennifer. I simply love this shot, it speaks of so many "POSSIBILITIES" to me
Sudo is Jennifer's support dog, he is a lovely soul and enjoyed the water!
Well, here we all go! Jet Skis heading out!
Jenn's Support Dog SUDO
Big Iron Mike on Starboard, he's our mainstay
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Written by Shawn Alladio - K38
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Wednesday, 05 August 2009 12:16 |
2009 Nationals-USA Spearfishing ChampionshipsK38 Water Safety is proud to support the 2009 US National Spearfishing Championships on July 6th, 2009 at Leo Carrillo State Beach in Malibu, California. K38 will be working on the water in concert with staff and volunteers supporting the USA Spearfishing Championship event. K38 will be using Kawasaki Jet Skis and rescue boards as working platforms for water extrication or management needs for equipment support. K38 is honored to be a part of this event and to serve those who are passionate about their sport. Please visit their associate websites and support their conservation efforts and responsible spearfishing. Website www.nationals09.com Contact Email:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
http://www.glacd.org/ The Greater Los Angeles Council of Diving homepage http://www.underwater-society.org/ The USOA homepage About the Nationals:
Schedule of EventsMonday, August 3, 2009 Competitors’ Mandatory Briefing21150 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu California 90265Thursday, August 6, 2009 National Championships Leo Carrillo State Beach, Malibu California 7:30 a.m. Roll call, assembly and mandatory sign in8:00 a.m. Competitors briefing 8:30 a.m. Tournament starts (1/2 hour of travel time)
9:00 a.m. Divers can enter water
3:00 p.m. Divers are done hunting. Travel time begins
3:30 p.m. Divers must be through staging buoys
4:00 p.m. Divers must be on beach
4:30 p.m. Weigh-in begins
Friday, August 7, 2009 Banquet of Champions Dinner at DUKES in Malibu
5:00 pm Drinks and appetizers
6:00 pm Entertainment Dinner and Awards
K38 Event Link: http://k38watersafety.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2263
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Written by Shawn Alladio - K38
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Saturday, 01 August 2009 00:15 |
AHMED HAMADE-2009 LB2CAT Post Race Interview
Ahmed is a friend to all and a passionate AWA Socal Watercraft Club member. He and his family enjoy many club outings, and Ahmed encourages others, his family and enjoys PWC racing himself. He has one of the most affable spirits you could meet in our community and he is highly respected for his positive attitude' on and off the track'.
Name - Ahmed Hamade
Age - 32
Race Boat Make/# - Seadoo RXT iS / 242
Class - Stock
Time for the race: - 86m 01s
Placing for the Race - 25
Why did you choose the class you raced in and what does it mean to you?
I chose the Stock class because I was racing my brand new RXT iS. I wanted to see how the ski would perform in race conditions.
Racing in this class is fantastic because it helps level the playing field, it becomes more about the racer then the ski
Your position as best you could determine on the start?
I was midpack at the start of the race. I started towards the left side by Mark Gerner and Carlos Thomas.
What did you do the day before, any preparation?
I spent the day down in Long Beach with my fellow SoCal Watercraft Club family & the PWCOFFSHORE.COM racing team. I BBQ'd for everyone and then spent the rest of the day discussing the race with everyone there. After that I just relaxed.
What were you thinking of the night before?
I could not sleep, I had never done the LB2Cat race before and was very anxious about the race. I did not know how well my ski would hold up due to the last time I took it to Catalina during a training ride it broke down.
Why did you choose the boat you raced?
I wanted to see how well my new Seadoo would hold up during the race. Also I wanted to race in the stock class and my other Seadoo is setup as an Open boat.
What time did you wake up!
I was up at 6:00 AM, I slept at the boat ramp!
Ahmed with friends and family
2 Hours out of the race, what were you doing?
I was putting some new stickers on my ski and going through all my safety gear to make sure I had everything and to make sure it was packed in my front storage compartment correctly.
1 Hour out of the race what were you doing?
I was putting my wetsuit on, applying anti fog to my goggles, and checking over my Seadoo to make sure it was ready.
What was your first thought when you picked your position in the lineup for the start? What were you looking for?
I wanted to be in a direct line with plenty of space around me for the start. I did not want to run the risk of other racers cutting me off or doing the same to them.
As the start went off, and you passed the Angels Gate (harbor mouth) What was going through your mind?
I was like 'wow I am really doing this!' My heart was pounding and I was telling myself to pace myself and stay focused.
Half Way back did you hit a psychological or physical wall? How did you overcome it?
I was in serious pain from my blisters. I could feel they had burst open and it was very difficult to just hold onto the handle bars much less apply the throttle.
I ended up using my middle finger for applying throttle, this allowed my to use my index finger and thumb to hold onto the throttle... the only place I did not have any blisters on my hand.
Any mechanicals failures? How did you deal with it?
None, the ski held up perfectly. Though at the beginning of the race I had a difficult time lowering the suspension on the iS. Seems if your running over a certain speed it does not allow the suspension to be taken out of Auto mode.
Did you have any 'Battles' during the race with other competitors you especially enjoyed?
I battled with Russell Libby for awhile and it was great motivation to push harder, though eventually my blisters were hurting to much and I could not keep the speed up.
Ahmed and Shawn Alladio @ another fun BBQ!
Sponsors:
Liquid Militia.com
www.liquidmilitia.com
SoCal Watercraft Club
www.socalwatercraftclub.com
www.K38WaterSafety.com
What advice would you give to recruit other racers to this event?
I would tell them this race is incredibly fun and the sportsmanship is 2nd to none. It does not take much to be competitive in this race and anyone that wants it bad enough has a chance to win this race!
on?
I want to thank RPM and Ross for putting this race together. If not for him we would not have this race and that would be a shame since its by far the most amazing offshore race in the USA!
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