August to December events 2009

CarlS · August to December events 2009

A summary of the trips we have in mind is as follows:

23rd August: Washburn
This trip is suitable for novice paddlers who have experience on the Burrs. The river is fast and there are a number of weirs, any swim is likely to be rather long and bouncy. However, it is a popular day out.

12/13th September: Safety course and Pyrana Fest http://www.pyranhafest.com /at the Tryweryn
This will be a full weekend and booking is required for the safety course on the Saturday. On the Sunday we will do a trip down the lower grade 2+ section of the river to Bala. The safety course is suitable for beginners whilst the upper section (Saturday for those not doing the safety course is for advanced members). The lower section is okay for intermediates.

October
No firm plans as of yet but probably a trip to the lakes to do a trip suitable for all.

November
Tyne Tour weekend 7/8th November. Suitable for intermediate paddlers.

December
No firm plans as of yet but probably halton rapids, suitable for all.

What sort of paddler are you?
For the purpose of the above events I would describe as a

Beginner: had a few sessions on the Burrs and happy to paddle (and capsize) wearing a spray deck.

Intermediate: attended sessions on the Burrs at higher water levels and able to or starting to roll in flat water. Understands how to do basic rescues and be rescued with a throwline. Able to break in and out, ferry glide and brace.

Advanced: can roll in moving water, confident to carry out shore and boat based rescues in whitewater, paddling experience on grade 3/4.

As a club we do not do formal trips where a mistake can result in serious injury or worse, but as with any sport accidents do happen (as I know only too well), although to the best of my knowledge these have been minor.

With regard to the required skill levels for any trip this is for guidance. In the past we have had members paddle all the above rivers even as beginners, but in these cases they have spent some time swimming and this can be an unpleasant experience at times. However, if you are not sure if a trip is suitable for you ask any committee member.
Carl

Steve T

My availability:

August:
Can't do this one, I'll be away
I would advise anyone who has not been to the Washburn to spend the next few weeks at Burrs working on break-ins on the fastest water you can find, and really emphasising the downstream edge. It is FAST and it's hard to get across how fast until you're on it (or you're running down the side with a camera, eh Graham?).

September:
Could probably do the paddling day on Sunday. I had forgotten that it's Pyranhafest so it's likely to be busy. It's also the weekend before the sea kayaking trip.

October:
See Chris' post about the Tees Barrage. Should be a good day.

November:
Up for this one.

December:
Probably OK.
Bring your woollies, it's exposed and can be bloody windy there.

Mel Stoddart

Will the October one be on the second weekend, or will it be release dependant?
Hmm, on the Southward scale not sure where I am. Can I replace unable to roll with unwilling to roll? Maybe I need a "special" category....

Steve T

Mel, your concern about trip timings at the AGM was noted and is recorded in the (to be issued imminently) minutes.

I'd guess that the barrage trip will be tide dependant. Carl is our salty sea-dog so maybe he could work this out?

If there is also a "suitable for all" trip in October maybe this could be the second weekend. (Carl, were you thinking of a flattish trip to answer Darren's question about getting the kids out at weekends?)

Steve

Chris T

The October Trip to Tees Barrage can be planned for the second weekend if this is going to be the club monthly trip? but release dependant.

For example the release could be from 9:00 - 15:00 or split 8:00 - 10.45 / 15.15 - 17.45. It depends if we want to travel early to get 2.5 hours on the course or reschedule to get a full day. I will have to wait for until the times are released on the website then decide. Should be on in August so there is a bit of planning time.

If this is the monthly trip this may limit the members attending due to ability the website advice is that users should be competent at paddling grade 3 and able to roll on moving water.

More details as I have them