Sail Down Under Series- Ashley Stoddart
The last few weeks have been an interesting lead up to the Australian Laser Nationals and OAMPS Youth Nationals, comparable to recent times. I was able to partially compete in Sail Brisbane, Sail Sydney and Sail Melbourne, being restricted due to the rehabilitation of a back injury. I have been under instructions from Donna White; the AST/ASDS physio with regard to my sailing, exercise and rest program. This has meant reassessing and changing my program based on the feedback from my body by a physio’s examination, whilst managing the pain. Also I have been doing a number of set exercises twice daily to aid in my rehabilitation. I have been trusting the instructions given to me and this has meant being mentally flexible to deal with an uncertain sailing program. Before the whole series started I was informed that I would not be sailing the complete series, but to keep the big picture of Nationals and Youth Nationals within clear view.
Being able to stay on the water has been great, and racing has been just as competitive and beneficial without achieving a final result. I have been able to still achieve the same preparation for Nationals while achieving the main goal of getting my back in ready condition.
With Nationals only a week away I feel extremely satisfied with my preparation, I’m feeling physically and mentally ready. After sailing a few races of each regatta, my back has become pain free, both on and off the water.
The Sail Down Under Series definitely deserves some credit, the organisation of the 3 regattas was great, the event is evolving into a circuit worthy for the international scene.
Again, I’d like to thank all the people who are lending a hand to support me in whatever way possible. Also I would like to wish everybody a Merry Christmas and safe wishes with any travel to and from holidays and competition.
The last few weeks have been an interesting lead up to the Australian Laser Nationals and OAMPS Youth Nationals, comparable to recent times. I was able to partially compete in Sail Brisbane, Sail Sydney and Sail Melbourne, being restricted due to the rehabilitation of a back injury. I have been under instructions from Donna White; the AST/ASDS physio with regard to my sailing, exercise and rest program. This has meant reassessing and changing my program based on the feedback from my body by a physio’s examination, whilst managing the pain. Also I have been doing a number of set exercises twice daily to aid in my rehabilitation. I have been trusting the instructions given to me and this has meant being mentally flexible to deal with an uncertain sailing program. Before the whole series started I was informed that I would not be sailing the complete series, but to keep the big picture of Nationals and Youth Nationals within clear view.
Being able to stay on the water has been great, and racing has been just as competitive and beneficial without achieving a final result. I have been able to still achieve the same preparation for Nationals while achieving the main goal of getting my back in ready condition.
With Nationals only a week away I feel extremely satisfied with my preparation, I’m feeling physically and mentally ready. After sailing a few races of each regatta, my back has become pain free, both on and off the water.
The Sail Down Under Series definitely deserves some credit, the organisation of the 3 regattas was great, the event is evolving into a circuit worthy for the international scene.
Again, I’d like to thank all the people who are lending a hand to support me in whatever way possible. Also I would like to wish everybody a Merry Christmas and safe wishes with any travel to and from holidays and competition.
