The GYRO is a new Whitewater Slalom K1, designed by 2004 Olympic Finalist Warwick Draper.
This 3.5m design is based on the most successful 4m design in recent times, the OPTIMA. The
GYRO turns incredibly fast, and performs very well in offsets without being unpredictable.

Warwick is currently completing a double degree in Electronic Engineering / Computer Science
while working as a Design Engineer for SYSTEMS ENGINEERING ARTS (+61 3 93149832).

Testing
The boat seen on the left is the first GYRO out of the mould and was recently tested at the 2005
World Cup in Athens where Draper finished in 8th position in Qualification posting the 5th fastest
time in 2nd runs, after paddling the boat for the first time just 2 days before leaving for the
competition.

Draper said: "Unfortunately a mistake in the semi final saw me relegated to the back of the
                            field (37th place), but I am very happy with the way the boat is performing and
                            the pace is certainly there."

GYRO features:
    - Increased width and volume in the bow and behind the cockpit  for stability and lift
    - Adjusted rocker to maintain speed and tracking.
    - A more rounded deck for improved initiation in turns
    - A shorter and more tapered stern for high speed rotation.

Construction
The GYRO is being manufactured with epoxy resin, a closed cell foam core and vacuum bag
technology by Melbourne based company AFI COMPOSITES  (+61 3 94974949).
The GYRO is in production and will soon be available through CANOES PLUS (+61 3 98169411)
in a variety of lay-ups:
                                    - Entry level: low cost lay-up aimed at the beginner
                                    - Training: built to last for the competitive paddler
                                    - Racing: lightweight and rigid for elite level racing

View the GYRO in action here!!

Systems Engineering Arts - Projects
The GYRO is also proudly supported by Systems Engineering Arts where Warwick is currently
working on his final year electronics project, an Athlete Tracking System for a video camera to
enable athletes to be automatically tracked in their field of play. He is also developing the Bilby,
a modular header board with RS232 and I/O interface, to house the AVR ATMEGA8535
microprocessor for a variety of electronics applications.

Links:   International Canoe Federation     Canoeing Victoria     Australian Canoeing