text: Having affixed the Makai via sticky 3M pad located on the rear of the device, it’s a simple one touch button interface that scrolls you through the menu and lets you set your desired metric. You can clearly see distance covered, speed and elapsed time – all at a glance and without having to interrupt your stroke. We did find we were concentrating fully on the numbers clocking up – both a blessing and curse. In some ways it’s great to have your mind diverted during longer paddles. But likewise it does have you wishing for the pain to end… or maybe that’s just us?
  But having a bulky GPS nugget attached to your sled isn’t exactly hydrodynamic is it? Well, the guys at Velocitek have certainly done their homework and put the hours into R&D. As such, the Makai GPS is built to effectively disperse the flow of water around its large housing and cause as minimum disruption as possible to your paddle speed. Also, being developed on Maui, it’s a gadget built to withstand extreme conditions and take a pummelling – heavy dumpy shore break has no chance against the Velcoitek Makai GPS.
  The Makai’s Li-ion battery has a long life – up to 40 hours paddling time before it needs a shot of recharge juice. This will be extremely welcome with marathon paddlers. And all you’ll need to do is plug it into your Mac or PC to get its lifeblood flowing again.
  Supplied with two low profile mounting plates, it can easily be slotted on/off between different boards – a nifty little solution that can show how your performance is across multiple sleds.
  The accuracy of the Velocitek Makai GPS falls to a minute 0.1km/h. Measuring your Doppler shift in GPS signal and using it in conjunction with our wrist mounted GPS we found the Makai extremely accurate. After a couple of sessions it was something we felt we couldn’t be without. It was immense fun measuring how quick we were on downwinders and grinding out the miles actually began to have even more of a purpose, great if you don’t have a training partner to spare with.
  Velocitek really need to be commended for their SUP specific GPS design. The Makai is a serious bit of kit that could really help paddlers nail the difference between winning and losing. Even for paddlers who don’t race, it’s a great gadget that lets you assess how you’re progressing on the water – downwind speed runs, in particular, take on a whole new lease of life. With its smart design and easy to use nature, the Makai is a product that (although you might not think at first) will become an essential part of your kit box.
  
  Kids and Prarents from Stanley Primary School took part in the 2012 Easter Parade and made a colourful, happy and musical addition to the Festival in Beechworth.
  It looks like it was a wonderful day out. Congratulations to all who took part and thanks to Andrea Cook for the images to share with the community. Scroll down for more images.
  
  Interested in learning more about how to better prevent and respond to sexual abuse and assault in our community? Join STAR and the Junior League of Alexandria for these free community workshops!
  This interactive workshop teaches participants about the problem of sexual violence, including types, impacts, causes and solutions. Click here to register.
  This workshop builds empathy for survivors of sexual violence, informs about the dynamics and impacts of sexual violence, and equips participants to support and advocate for survivors when the need arises. Click here to register.
  This workshop will help participants build skills to respond to disclosures of sexual violence and understand mandatory reporting requirements. Click here to register.
  Each workshop is approved for continuing education credits for social workers. Workshops will be hosted at the Westside Regional Library, located at 5416 Provine Place, Alexandria, LA. Pre-registration is required by calling (318) 625-7592 or by registering online at www.star.ngo/events.