Now, Wait a minute! . . . I can already hear some of you. LOL!
"Down Under" means Australia, the "Terra Australis Felix" from the "Quigley" movie all riflemen know and love and the commonplace terms, "Down Under" means Australia!
Well, not so fast. Look at a globe. New Zealand lies at a much more southerly latitude. Wellington in particular, lies at 41.3º S ; the equivalent latitude in the US are the cities that lie in a line that goes from Southern Oregon to Southern Massachusetts. Apart form freaks of nature like the Gulf current Heat Pump that prevents the Europeans from freezing their butts off, climate is pretty much the same.
Then, ¿Why did we take short sleeved polos, cotton trousers and synthetic socks to their WINTER?!
Luckily we had packed, more out of habit than foresight, the usual rain gear and my "magic" wool sweater that Veronika knit for me a few years ago.
But . . . more on that later.
Our trek started in Connecticut, on the train to Grand Central Station NYC, and from there to Brooklyn, to pick up the pre-dropped heavy bags (and the rifles); and a taxi ride to Newark airport (EWR). Taxi ride from hell because he missed several turns and ended up driving us through Times Square. Not the best route in the middle of a Manhattan day.
We arrived to EWR in the nick of time, and after a very heated exchange where I told the "Wannabe-cabbie" he should look for another job, we went through the hassle of declaring the airguns, filling the forms, and explaining that New Zealand did not require from us a permit or license because it was a spring-piston "thingy". Luckily, we had printed the EMail from the New Zealand police and that proved to be priceless not only at the NJ point of embarkation, but also at other points on the route.
We went through the 5 hours flight to LAX and after crossing ALL the airport with the antediluvian shuttle system and, after a few hours wait, we boarded the 13 hour flight to Auckland.
Arriveing in Auckland we, again, presented ourselves to the New Zealand Police and declared our rifles. They started to fill out a license and permit form, but we told them that according to the Wellington Police that was not necessary. We showed them again the printed EMail and they requested to take a copy as they were unsure of how to handle Spring Piston airguns. The policeman then wrote in his copy all the details of both rifles.
After an hour and a half of extremely friendly conversation with the customs, bio-security section and the border protection people; and after telling them they would get a lot more airguns in the next week or so, we tackled the rental car agency and took delivery of our ride: a left handed Holden Barina (similar to the Chevrolet Spark):
"Down Under" means Australia, the "Terra Australis Felix" from the "Quigley" movie all riflemen know and love and the commonplace terms, "Down Under" means Australia!
Well, not so fast. Look at a globe. New Zealand lies at a much more southerly latitude. Wellington in particular, lies at 41.3º S ; the equivalent latitude in the US are the cities that lie in a line that goes from Southern Oregon to Southern Massachusetts. Apart form freaks of nature like the Gulf current Heat Pump that prevents the Europeans from freezing their butts off, climate is pretty much the same.
Then, ¿Why did we take short sleeved polos, cotton trousers and synthetic socks to their WINTER?!
Luckily we had packed, more out of habit than foresight, the usual rain gear and my "magic" wool sweater that Veronika knit for me a few years ago.
But . . . more on that later.
Our trek started in Connecticut, on the train to Grand Central Station NYC, and from there to Brooklyn, to pick up the pre-dropped heavy bags (and the rifles); and a taxi ride to Newark airport (EWR). Taxi ride from hell because he missed several turns and ended up driving us through Times Square. Not the best route in the middle of a Manhattan day.
We arrived to EWR in the nick of time, and after a very heated exchange where I told the "Wannabe-cabbie" he should look for another job, we went through the hassle of declaring the airguns, filling the forms, and explaining that New Zealand did not require from us a permit or license because it was a spring-piston "thingy". Luckily, we had printed the EMail from the New Zealand police and that proved to be priceless not only at the NJ point of embarkation, but also at other points on the route.
We went through the 5 hours flight to LAX and after crossing ALL the airport with the antediluvian shuttle system and, after a few hours wait, we boarded the 13 hour flight to Auckland.
Arriveing in Auckland we, again, presented ourselves to the New Zealand Police and declared our rifles. They started to fill out a license and permit form, but we told them that according to the Wellington Police that was not necessary. We showed them again the printed EMail and they requested to take a copy as they were unsure of how to handle Spring Piston airguns. The policeman then wrote in his copy all the details of both rifles.
After an hour and a half of extremely friendly conversation with the customs, bio-security section and the border protection people; and after telling them they would get a lot more airguns in the next week or so, we tackled the rental car agency and took delivery of our ride: a left handed Holden Barina (similar to the Chevrolet Spark):
The four seater became in no time a two seater, I felt like Captain Decatur calling for the "ship to be cleared for action", as I was removing the "bulkheads"
With the cargo stowed and the artillery aligned fore-and-aft, we were ready to take our first drive on the "right side of the road", as the English would call the left hand lane.
See what I mean? LOL! Luckily, my years in Manchester England had given me a taste of what it is to drive on the left. Still, it is a job better suited to two. In more than one occasion, Veronika had to remind me to "keep left".
We drove a few hours to Bay of Islands, stopping on the way for some sights and food.
Bay of Islands was as north as we would get in New Zealand, from there we started trekking through the wonderful natural setting that makes up the astounding flora and fauna of New Zealand.
From 3,000 years old trees to white flightless birds not bigger than a farm hen, to huge birds larger than a small giraffe, to wines and other wonders, New Zealand is truly "Middle Earth" in the best of the Tolkienesque terms.
Bay of Islands was as north as we would get in New Zealand, from there we started trekking through the wonderful natural setting that makes up the astounding flora and fauna of New Zealand.
From 3,000 years old trees to white flightless birds not bigger than a farm hen, to huge birds larger than a small giraffe, to wines and other wonders, New Zealand is truly "Middle Earth" in the best of the Tolkienesque terms.
With as much coastline as the US, you are never more than 120 kms (70 miles) from the sea in New Zealand
New Zealand owes it existence to the collision of two tectonic plates, one is subducted under the other, and it is part of the "ring of fire" of the Pacific. Geologically young, New Zealand's mountains are still on the rise, land gets formed and volcanic zones are numerous. About 13% of the electricity comes from GeoThermal sources
When a strong earthquake hit Hawke's Bay and destroyed the old town, it also added 300% to the available/buildable area. New Zealanders being what they are, simply decided to build a new city, which then became Napier, one of the Art Deco capitals of the world.
It is hard to express in words how awesome it is to be in the presence of a 3,000 year old living thing. This is a Kauri tree. That little blue spec is Veronika.
When New Zealand separated from Gondwana, some of the birds that remained in New Zealand developed quite substantial proportions. The Maoris arrived into New Zealand between the 800 and the 1200 CE, by then the Moa's were the dominant birds and an excellent source of protein. Alas the Moas only reproduced every 6 to 8 years, and therefore they went extinct under human pressure.
Quite different from most indigenous peoples that suffered with the encounter of Europeans in their land, the Maoris were well organized, had one language, and were fierce warriors. The British Empire had no other choice then that to negotiate a peace treaty. Maori culture is alive and well, Maori TV and radio are new, but thriving. Maori as a language is used in everyday life and in most government communications. In general they still hold onto their lands in a "stewardship" principle.
And Maori food . . . hmmmmmm!! VERY similar to Mexican Barbacoa. Just with more vegetables. Chicken, Lamb, sweet potato, and potatoes.
All maritime peoples have their mermaids . . . I am just more blessed in that mine is real. ;-)
As worthy sons of the Maori warriors and the British navy, New Zealanders are extremely proud of their involvement in both WW's and in recent conflicts. Never to shy away from a "good tiff", New Zealanders remember their fallen with RSA locations, War memorials and Honor rolls in every town. Peculiarly, this 55 mm cannon is well kept and almost in operational readiness.
Because of the weather, glowworms can survive year round in caves and very dark undercuts of rivers. Pity we could not take pictures inside as the number of glowworms allowed us to actually see inside what would otherwise been a completely dark cave
Eels are common in New Zealand's rivers. What is not common is a stupid tourist spoon-feeding them, ROFL! It was an interesting experience, though . . .
New Zealanders have a peculiar sense of humour. Another sample? at the airport, all those flights that still do not have an assigned gate, in the "Status" column you can read: "Relax"
How could we resist a visit to the "Hobbiton"?
Especially when we were received by the friendly locals?
New Zealand has excellent wines. As most of New Zealand, her wines are "untypical", but some are among the best in the world.
New Zealanders go through between 120 and 300 rainy days per year. Still, it was very auspicious when we arrived into Wellington with the "end of the rainbow". It would be the first of TWO days of sunshine.
And so, with our trustworthy and well armed mascot, Kauri (a Kiwi bird equipped with a Springfield 1903 A4 sniper rifle with an Unertl 12X externally adjustable scope), we appeared at the range. Kauri brings on his shoulder a Silver Fern as token of peace.
But, as luck would have it, Brookfield Scout Camp was still a flurry of activity, Adam was still setting targets, the firing line was being stapled to the markers, all sorts of final preparations were going on. And, on top, John Costello was giving a coaching session to the Junior shooters, those shooters that attended their first World Cup. LUCKILY, Brandon Some and the rest of the Ngaio Club had prepared their Grenada range for some practice.
And we tried to practice. At least get the guns settled in after several weeks of being disassembled and travelling. Wind was a factor, and there were few sighting in targets. BUT, with all the difficulties, it was a HUGE help. We did settle in the guns and managed to get some hits. We were told afterwards that the normal conditions on that mountain top are much worse. No wonder the Kiwis (what New Zealanders call themselves) are VERY experienced at shooting in the wind!
So, where exactly is the Range? Well the Kiwis would argue that it is in the center of the world, since there are about 10,000 miles to anyplace civilized, this must be the center, ¿right? :-)
We had connected through Email with the rest of the Team and we delivered to them their "representational garb", as well as all the pins for the traditional exchanges and gifts.
Properly suited and capped, the Team picture! Top from left: Greg Sauve, Veronika Ruf, Hector Medina; front from left: Alan Otsuka, Paul Plauche, Ray Apelles Foto for the historical archives, LOL!
One important aspect needed to be settled: as the number of shooters did not allow a "proper" Spring Piston National Teams event (4 teams of 4 shooters each), some negotiations were in order. After a brief conversation with Andy Kays and Adam Welsh, I was told that as long as all Nations agreed, we should organize ourselves.
Brief, separate, conversations with Kaidu Jalakas (Team Estonia), George Harde (Team Canada), Jaime Artaza (Team Chile) and ourselves made it clear that we wanted as inclusive an event as possible, and it was therefore decided to use TWO scores out of each National Team for the awards.
Having ironed that out, we set out for the range.
Brief, separate, conversations with Kaidu Jalakas (Team Estonia), George Harde (Team Canada), Jaime Artaza (Team Chile) and ourselves made it clear that we wanted as inclusive an event as possible, and it was therefore decided to use TWO scores out of each National Team for the awards.
Having ironed that out, we set out for the range.
Sighting in is serious business! Veronika and Tom Peretti (Team Canada) on the sighting-in line.
Well, as serious as we can be! LOL! Brett Nixon and Paul Plauche.
Registration and sight-in day was a glorious affair. Sun was out, and wind was not a big factor. THAT was about to change!
A nice day in the sun!
But before the weather bushwhacked us, the Welcome Dinner! At the far end, Kaidu is talking to Alan, or, is it the other way around? ;-)
And above all the din and banter of the dinner, Adam Welsh (center) is trying to have the shooter's meeting. On the left is Andrew Ng, on the right Davey Lum.
On Friday, usual Kiwi weather sets in!
Next morning was cold and rainy and miserable. We had to re-sight and re-trajectory our guns. Luckily, the App (PP Calc), was as good as ever.
Going over Veronika's numbers. Every time she shoots, her numbers become more solid, more consistent. From there, a higher degree of confidence results.
After the sighting-in and the shooters meeting, we all went to our designated starting lanes.
I was squadded with Alex Magon, president of NZAFTA and MD for the Match. Upon my first shot with a clear center hit of the paddle, the target refused to fall. As much as I dislike calling for a Marshall and disrupting the rhythm of the shoot, I understand that the first shots are the most problematic. So Alex called for a Marshall, but suddenly ALL lanes were calling for Marshalls, clearly something had gone haywire.
A lot has been written about this, most of it by sourpusses that were not there to witness the whole affair, nor were able to provide any help, just criticism. And, here, I am sad to say that a number of shooters that WERE there, also went into ranting mode. Shame on them! If you are not part of the solution you are part of the problem and ranting away at anyone that lends an ear is not going to help any. The extreme consequence of this behaviour is that those that try to be sympathetic and listen end up drained, fed up; completely dejected not at the situation, but at the attitude of people that are highly regarded in the sport.
So, here goes the first lesson: If someone is projecting a lot of negative energy, if that someone cannot hold his keel on an even course to contrary winds, he is not a champion. Just walk away. He does not deserve to be heard. He may be a good shooter, an excellent shooter even. But not a champion. If you do not have the experience to deal with those idiots, then walk away. It is not worth it.
Those of us that have been around the block more than a few times on both sides (MD'ing and shooting), know how to cope with these idiots (and those that know me know that I do not use the words lightly). But those that are new or lack the mental selectivity to disconnect from the flow of negative energy, suffer a lot. More than a handful of shooters performed well under their normal level because of the extremely bad vibes from some of the top competitors.
In the end, the problem was traced to a modification of the GAMO targets. GAMO was kind and good enough to donate ALL the targets needed, but to the MD's discharge, GAMO has produced in the last 10 years at least 4 models with small differences. The modification that works in one model, renders the others useless. And even when dealing with the same model/series, the mod that makes one target work, may not with another.
In proper Kiwi fashion, and taking after the Royal Navy, "not a moment was to be lost". The shoot was stopped, the RGB's convened and among all of them decided to call it a day and allow the Kiwis to fix things up.
All the Kiwi shooters were called upon and all did a bit to solve the situation. Some of them went to pick up a testing pistol (a rare occurrence in a country that regards pistols as WMD's regardless of their propellant or power level), some went to retrieve the targets, some started modifying the targets (shimming the nib that had been ground off too much), some of them started painting faceplates, etc.
Team USA offered to help and we got commissioned with getting sighting in targets copied and the sighting in range set-up next day.
Veronika and I adjourned to the town, photocopying, dinner and a good night's sleep.
The day before, the RGB's decided to shoot TWO rounds on Saturday and leave ONE round for Sunday. To me that sounded like terribly ambitious, as it was hard on everyone. Suggestions of shooting 75 shots on Saturday and 75 shots on Sunday were not well received, so "mum" was the word for us.
Next morning at 06:00 we were up and having breakfast. By 07:00 we were at the Brookfield Scout Camp and we sat down for a while with some shooters having their breakfast. We collected a staple gun and proceeded to the sighting in range.
There we were met by Adam Welsh and Brett Nixon. Between the four of us, it was a piece of cake.
At 08:00 sighting in began. Because most of the Kiwis had been "drafted" for Marshalling, some of them had to "scratch" the shoot. Among those that had to stop shooting was Alex Magon, my squad mate. So I was paired up with Jeff Hemming, from Canada.
Jeff had been able to put in some 18 shots to my ONE. So I had to shoot all the targets needed to get even with him. I have to say that that was a marathon! LOL! We were going from target to target with no space of time in between. Going up to the glen and down to the paddocks, shoot, shoot, shoot, shoot . . . to some that may be fun or even desirable, not for me. My mind started wandering and I remembered an old soldier's song:
"O'er the Hills and O'er the Main,
To Flanders, Portugal and Spain,
The queen commands and we'll obey
O'er the Hills and far away."
Funny how riflemen come to similar ideas under similar conditions.
Still, we had to go on, and on we went. Till all the targets that I had not shot had been shot.
After that, we resumed a more leisurely pace.
I was squadded with Alex Magon, president of NZAFTA and MD for the Match. Upon my first shot with a clear center hit of the paddle, the target refused to fall. As much as I dislike calling for a Marshall and disrupting the rhythm of the shoot, I understand that the first shots are the most problematic. So Alex called for a Marshall, but suddenly ALL lanes were calling for Marshalls, clearly something had gone haywire.
A lot has been written about this, most of it by sourpusses that were not there to witness the whole affair, nor were able to provide any help, just criticism. And, here, I am sad to say that a number of shooters that WERE there, also went into ranting mode. Shame on them! If you are not part of the solution you are part of the problem and ranting away at anyone that lends an ear is not going to help any. The extreme consequence of this behaviour is that those that try to be sympathetic and listen end up drained, fed up; completely dejected not at the situation, but at the attitude of people that are highly regarded in the sport.
So, here goes the first lesson: If someone is projecting a lot of negative energy, if that someone cannot hold his keel on an even course to contrary winds, he is not a champion. Just walk away. He does not deserve to be heard. He may be a good shooter, an excellent shooter even. But not a champion. If you do not have the experience to deal with those idiots, then walk away. It is not worth it.
Those of us that have been around the block more than a few times on both sides (MD'ing and shooting), know how to cope with these idiots (and those that know me know that I do not use the words lightly). But those that are new or lack the mental selectivity to disconnect from the flow of negative energy, suffer a lot. More than a handful of shooters performed well under their normal level because of the extremely bad vibes from some of the top competitors.
In the end, the problem was traced to a modification of the GAMO targets. GAMO was kind and good enough to donate ALL the targets needed, but to the MD's discharge, GAMO has produced in the last 10 years at least 4 models with small differences. The modification that works in one model, renders the others useless. And even when dealing with the same model/series, the mod that makes one target work, may not with another.
In proper Kiwi fashion, and taking after the Royal Navy, "not a moment was to be lost". The shoot was stopped, the RGB's convened and among all of them decided to call it a day and allow the Kiwis to fix things up.
All the Kiwi shooters were called upon and all did a bit to solve the situation. Some of them went to pick up a testing pistol (a rare occurrence in a country that regards pistols as WMD's regardless of their propellant or power level), some went to retrieve the targets, some started modifying the targets (shimming the nib that had been ground off too much), some of them started painting faceplates, etc.
Team USA offered to help and we got commissioned with getting sighting in targets copied and the sighting in range set-up next day.
Veronika and I adjourned to the town, photocopying, dinner and a good night's sleep.
The day before, the RGB's decided to shoot TWO rounds on Saturday and leave ONE round for Sunday. To me that sounded like terribly ambitious, as it was hard on everyone. Suggestions of shooting 75 shots on Saturday and 75 shots on Sunday were not well received, so "mum" was the word for us.
Next morning at 06:00 we were up and having breakfast. By 07:00 we were at the Brookfield Scout Camp and we sat down for a while with some shooters having their breakfast. We collected a staple gun and proceeded to the sighting in range.
There we were met by Adam Welsh and Brett Nixon. Between the four of us, it was a piece of cake.
At 08:00 sighting in began. Because most of the Kiwis had been "drafted" for Marshalling, some of them had to "scratch" the shoot. Among those that had to stop shooting was Alex Magon, my squad mate. So I was paired up with Jeff Hemming, from Canada.
Jeff had been able to put in some 18 shots to my ONE. So I had to shoot all the targets needed to get even with him. I have to say that that was a marathon! LOL! We were going from target to target with no space of time in between. Going up to the glen and down to the paddocks, shoot, shoot, shoot, shoot . . . to some that may be fun or even desirable, not for me. My mind started wandering and I remembered an old soldier's song:
"O'er the Hills and O'er the Main,
To Flanders, Portugal and Spain,
The queen commands and we'll obey
O'er the Hills and far away."
Funny how riflemen come to similar ideas under similar conditions.
Still, we had to go on, and on we went. Till all the targets that I had not shot had been shot.
After that, we resumed a more leisurely pace.
Lane 23 black, target 46 can be seen. What is not easily visible is that there is a THICK cable in front. The cable attached a floating pontoon to land, but the rains had raised the water level, and with that, the level of the pontoon, and the angle of the cable. From my low sitting position, the cable obstructed about ¼ of the KZ.
Shooting by a waterfall is always an interesting experience. Some find that the white noise helps them concentrate, some find it distracting. In any event, the rains turned the trickling waterfall into a great sounding torrent.
Jeff shooting his GinB stocked TX-200 on lane 11 black. There is one target out in the open, another deep in the woods. A black target deep in the dark woods, with an aluminum colored KZ that was thought to reflect the light, but with no light available to reflect on a completely overcast day, this course was a TOUGH one to shoot on Saturday.
We ended the black course shooting in the open paddock. With interrupted rows of trees crosswise, and a line of trees to the back, plus the road at the rear, some very interesting wind effects were taking place there! Still, by the end of the first round I ended with a respectable 37/50. We now needed to shoot another 50 shot round!
It was then turn to shoot the white course. Here Jeff is ranging from the seated position before taking the shots kneeling. Rain and drizzle came and went, 11 times over the day.
Here is a closeup of the targets. Same animal, same color, very close together. Number is at the base of the post that holds the target. Adam could have tricked everyone by reversing the order of this one lane and made everyone shoot in the wrong order (as some MD's like to do, LOL!), but he didn't. Still an interesting setup as to the plain eye it presents a proximity that is simply not there.
A good hit by Jeff. And here you can see the difference in visibilities between the black (on the right) and the white targets (front and center). Even if the white target is down, it is still much more visible.
Lots of targets over water. Tricky for rangefinding.
As I expected, we did not finish the white course. We shot 28 shots of the second course, that with the first 49 made a total of 77 shots. The shoot was called off because those shooters shooting the black course complained that they could no longer see the targets. To be quite frank, there was more ambient light at sunset than there had been in the morning, and so told me the cameras. But, some teams have better coaches and managers than others. It is their job to do everything possible to help their Team score as best they can.
Sunday came and we again were up by 06:00 and at the range by 07:30 setting up the sighting in range. We were met at the range by Brett Nixon and we made short work of it. By 08:00 all shooters were lined up and ready to sight-in.
After sight-in Jeff and I still had to shoot 73 shots. So we proceeded to our last lane and continued the shooting. By the end of the white course I had posted a 36. Well, at least I was consistent.
Sunday came and we again were up by 06:00 and at the range by 07:30 setting up the sighting in range. We were met at the range by Brett Nixon and we made short work of it. By 08:00 all shooters were lined up and ready to sight-in.
After sight-in Jeff and I still had to shoot 73 shots. So we proceeded to our last lane and continued the shooting. By the end of the white course I had posted a 36. Well, at least I was consistent.
Weather had started improving and we had some nice sun to shoot in. We finished the white course and then I got squadded with Neil Shelley for the grey course. ¿Can you see the difference between grey and white targets? I know, it is hard, ¿isn't it? If you think it is a piece of cake consider the following: The Grey target is on the right, the White target is on the left. Light and Shadows, my friends.
Neil had been shooting with Ray the previous two days, he said he had had a blast, and after I understood why; they both shoot extremely fast and, for a time, I allowed Neil to set the pace. But it was detrimental to my shooting, so I had to rein him in and take my time.
Second lesson: Stick to your rhythm.
Second lesson: Stick to your rhythm.
Neil Shelley and Ray Apelles
When all was set and done, I posted another 36. Consistency . . . I say! LOL!
I knew that Javier Luna, from Chile had had a very good first course, and that Ray had struggled a bit on the first course, but I was completely unaware of how the others were doing. Brian Samson was, as always, doing very well, but he did not have a team. What we were focused on was the Team event. We had worked hard trying to get a 4 man team and when it was not possible, we worked hard to make a Team Event possible. That had been the focus of all the year-long activity and preparations.
And we did a little better than expected.
By the end of the day, Team Canada came in 3rd, Team USA came in second and Team Estonia took the first place by 3 points.
Although it was an Unofficial Friendly Competition, it is the first time since the 2007 12/20 ft-lbs schism that an American Team medals.
On the individual Spring-Piston side, Ray placed second, Veronika placed third in Women's Spring-Piston, tied for 12th in the overall Spring-Piston division and I placed fifth. On the PCP side: Paul Plauche placed third overall, Greg Sauve placed fifth overall and second on the veteran's list.
Team Chile put on an impressive performance on the PCP side and, it is interesting to note: had Brian Samson's score counted for a "team", even if he was shooting a spring-piston airgun in the PCP division, the English would have placed second. Now, that would have implied that Brian should have been registered as a PCP shooter and would have foregone his splendid victory in the Spring Piston category.
It is also MOST rewarding to see the young South African shooters, from the Juniors that placed at the top levels, to the Team that had a wonderful performance. Clearly a strong organization helps the sport become stronger.
So, let's see some of the pictures of the awards ceremony:
I knew that Javier Luna, from Chile had had a very good first course, and that Ray had struggled a bit on the first course, but I was completely unaware of how the others were doing. Brian Samson was, as always, doing very well, but he did not have a team. What we were focused on was the Team event. We had worked hard trying to get a 4 man team and when it was not possible, we worked hard to make a Team Event possible. That had been the focus of all the year-long activity and preparations.
And we did a little better than expected.
By the end of the day, Team Canada came in 3rd, Team USA came in second and Team Estonia took the first place by 3 points.
Although it was an Unofficial Friendly Competition, it is the first time since the 2007 12/20 ft-lbs schism that an American Team medals.
On the individual Spring-Piston side, Ray placed second, Veronika placed third in Women's Spring-Piston, tied for 12th in the overall Spring-Piston division and I placed fifth. On the PCP side: Paul Plauche placed third overall, Greg Sauve placed fifth overall and second on the veteran's list.
Team Chile put on an impressive performance on the PCP side and, it is interesting to note: had Brian Samson's score counted for a "team", even if he was shooting a spring-piston airgun in the PCP division, the English would have placed second. Now, that would have implied that Brian should have been registered as a PCP shooter and would have foregone his splendid victory in the Spring Piston category.
It is also MOST rewarding to see the young South African shooters, from the Juniors that placed at the top levels, to the Team that had a wonderful performance. Clearly a strong organization helps the sport become stronger.
So, let's see some of the pictures of the awards ceremony:
What goes hand in hand with good airgunning? Food! of course! LOL!
A VERY animated dinner. In the office, all the officers are pounding away at the keyboards to tally scores, make certificates and organize the awards.
Davey Lum begins reading the results of the Team Events, in the rear, Brett Nixon and Andrew Ng (standing).
Third place in Spring Piston: Team Canada
A VERY HAPPY, Team Canada!
In Second Place, Team USA
In First Place, Team Estonia. From left: Heli Jalakas, Ingrid Reinu, Allan Lindman and Kaidu Jalakas
In PCP. Third Place, the Kiwis! From left: Neil Shelley, Rob Cawood, Andrew Ng and Davey Lum
In PCP Second Place, Team Chile, from left: Rene Vazquez, Hans Stepke, Rogelio Veloso, Esteban Figueroa and Jaime Artaza
PCP First Place, Team South Africa. After the Team events, special categories and individual placings:
Brett Nixon, HP Springer champion.
Veronika Ruf, Third Place Women's Piston
South Africa picks up a 1-2 in Women's PCP and a 1-2 in Juniors (Stefan Viljoen is missing from this all-girls photo).
And for a good reason! Stefan posted the best Junior score, but also the BEST OVERALL score. A young World Champ we hope to see in the future.
Greg Sauve placed Second in the Veterans and Fifth overall
Richard Beaugie placed first in the Veterans and Second overall
A shooter from the old guard, Brian Furth placed first as Spring-Piston Veteran and Tenth overall in the Piston category.
A very happy Tom Peretti. He placed Ninth in the Piston category.
Roberto Menichelli placed Eighth in the Spring Piston category.
Very Happy, George Harde collects his Seventh place win.
Ingrid Reinu took Sixth place in Spring Piston and Second in Women's Spring Piston
Hector Medina takes Fifth in Spring Piston category
Javier Luna takes Fourth in Spring Piston category.
Heli Jalakas takes Third in Spring Piston category and First in Women's Spring Piston.
Ray Apelles takes Second in Spring Piston category
A Very Happy Brian Samson, Spring Piston Champion WFTF 2015
Now, to the PCP's individuals:
In Tenth Place, Heinri Brink
In Ninth place, Lauren Parsons
In Eigth place, Natalie Terblanche
In Sixth place, after a long and protracted Shootoff, Stephen Franklin
In Fifth place, our own Greg Sauve
Suffering from the Champion's curse (that one year's champion always goes to the fourth place next year), the "selfie" magician, John Costello
Posting an incredible result for his first World's Championships, our own Paul Plauche garners the Third place.
Experience holds its own when Richard Beaugie places Second Overall
The new World Champ.
Andy Kays, president of the WFTF, had lost his voice. COMPLETELY. But everyone fell totally silent when he whispered that it had taken a lot of "cojones" to get the shoot back on track. He thanked Adam Welsh and expressed what we all felt: the shoot had been a challenge to ALL; in more than one dimension.
A question often asked is : ¿Why do we shoot WFTF?, ¿Why bother with low power, light pellets, international regulations, laws, air transportation, customs, permits, licenses, letters of invitation, hotels, drives, etc. etc. and etc.?
If I had to choose ONE answer, it would be: The people.
Almost every person you meet in the FT circuit is a gentleman, or a lady. With VERY few exceptions you will not find someone loud mouthed, rude, bothersome or noxious/toxic. Yes some of us are obsessive, but most are good natured.
Yes there is the fact that the places we go are fantastic.
Yes there is the aspect of the competition itself and measuring oneself against the best in the world.
Yes there is the novelty of seeing tens of thousands of dollars on display in some persons equipment. I still get a kick out of shooting my "squirrel gun", LOL!
But beyond that, the experience of being part of a group that goes through rain and shine, faulty targets and plain bad luck. Who we all go through the same hoops when travelling internationally. The Human side is what makes this a great sport.
I've made lifelong friends in these things. We see each other every year and if we don't, we enquire about health and family of our missing friend.
It would be nice if everyone could go at least once to a World's Matches. A better, deeper, understanding of this blue-green bubble we call planet Earth would be more prevalent.
And so, with thankful hearts we say good bye to our Kiwi hosts and all the friends, hoping to see them in Lithuania, 2015!
Kia Ora, Haere Ra (Good life and see you later)!
HM
If I had to choose ONE answer, it would be: The people.
Almost every person you meet in the FT circuit is a gentleman, or a lady. With VERY few exceptions you will not find someone loud mouthed, rude, bothersome or noxious/toxic. Yes some of us are obsessive, but most are good natured.
Yes there is the fact that the places we go are fantastic.
Yes there is the aspect of the competition itself and measuring oneself against the best in the world.
Yes there is the novelty of seeing tens of thousands of dollars on display in some persons equipment. I still get a kick out of shooting my "squirrel gun", LOL!
But beyond that, the experience of being part of a group that goes through rain and shine, faulty targets and plain bad luck. Who we all go through the same hoops when travelling internationally. The Human side is what makes this a great sport.
I've made lifelong friends in these things. We see each other every year and if we don't, we enquire about health and family of our missing friend.
It would be nice if everyone could go at least once to a World's Matches. A better, deeper, understanding of this blue-green bubble we call planet Earth would be more prevalent.
And so, with thankful hearts we say good bye to our Kiwi hosts and all the friends, hoping to see them in Lithuania, 2015!
Kia Ora, Haere Ra (Good life and see you later)!
HM
Special acknowledgements:
We REALLY need to thank Pyramyd Air, their support of the FT sport is exemplary.
We also need to thank TopGun Airguns and AEON scopes
Thanks also go to JSB for the pellets they make, not only under their own name but also under the AA brand.
Thanks should also be extended to Mayer & Grammelspacher, their consistent quality in the making of the Diana Mod. 54, the basis of all Team USA's Spring Piston rifles, is invaluable.
And we need to thank Alan Jones photography for the good pictures in this report.
Last, but defintely not least, I need to thank my wife, Veronika, for being the best in my life.
We REALLY need to thank Pyramyd Air, their support of the FT sport is exemplary.
We also need to thank TopGun Airguns and AEON scopes
Thanks also go to JSB for the pellets they make, not only under their own name but also under the AA brand.
Thanks should also be extended to Mayer & Grammelspacher, their consistent quality in the making of the Diana Mod. 54, the basis of all Team USA's Spring Piston rifles, is invaluable.
And we need to thank Alan Jones photography for the good pictures in this report.
Last, but defintely not least, I need to thank my wife, Veronika, for being the best in my life.
RSS Feed