| Archive for westhoughtoncanoeclub.myfreeforum.org Westhoughton Canoe Club |
| Jon W |
Lake Bala - 07/06/08Following the unfortunate last minute cancellation of the JJ's trip, the numbers for the Lake trip were swelled with myself, Caroline, Dave, Harry, Mel and Graham all taking to the water with Ally left relaxing on the shore.We arrived around lunch to find Bala bathed in glorious sunshine. Lake conditions were perfect with little/no wind and plenty of people 'messing around in boats'. We had a selection of craft at our disposal....Dave and Harry in a canoe, Caroline in the tourer and myself, Graham and Mel in river boats. With sandwiches packed (for energy and to act as a decoy should the killer pikes of Bala make an appearance) we set off down the western shore with the mountains of Snowdonia in our sights. Caroline, Dave and Harry made light work of the paddle cutting through the water like proverbial hot knives through butter with the rest of us trailing in their wake. Having dodged sailboats and amphibious Newfoundland dogs we set out for the far shore to seek out a picnic spot. An enticing beach soon loomed into view and we ate heartily before heading off towards the local sailing club. Graham decided to play chicken with a catamaran while the rest of us weaved in and out of a beginner's dinghy class. The promise of ice creams spurred us on and we finally returned to our launch spot. Before finishing some rolling practice sand rescues were tried, two of which are worth a mention....Mel rescuing me and emptying a sea kayak full of water on the front of a playboat before helping me back in. The second was Dave's valiant attempts to right the canoe alone....much frantic leg kicking and splashing. The ice creams were soon forgotten when Andew and Becky turned up suggesting a trip to the pub........(End of Part 1...anyone want to take up the story from here?). |
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| Mel Stoddart |
… the pub idea was greeted with much enthusiasm so we all set off in convoy to the bunkhouse to drop the extra cars off. After a quick inspection and beds bagged we all set off again back to the pub. Conversation ranged from descriptions of the Bala Pike from the lake paddlers to suggestions as to what would happen on the course - all washed down with a variety of pints.
Back at the bunkhouse in time for what was a very nice dinner, then onto the evening’s entertainment kindly supplied by Becky and Andrew. After several rounds of Jenga it was agreed that Harry seemed to have a strange sense of which blocks to take out while me and Graham were just clumsy… Next day fortified by a very good fry up (and some probably still fortified from the night before  ) we all set off to the white water centre.
We met up with our instructor Matt who explained what we would be doing and got kitted up in very flattering bright yellow tele tubby suits….. Next bit anyone? |
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| Steve T |
All we really want to know is:
1. How many of you got pinned upside down on the chipper, head under water? 2. Who has got the best bruise / other war-wound? Steve (Amy's fine, by the way, out of hospital now, thanks all for the good wishes) |
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| Mel Stoddart |
I'm not too sure if this should go in the confession box.....
I held the 100% record for aggressively swimming straight at the chipper. I did get pinned a few times but luckily not upside down. 
Worst bruises.... Think that could be a close call between me and Becky. We'll compare the bruises privately and let you know who's got the worst. If anyone's feeling sympathetic, I have got a lovely bit of rope burn (now that sounds dodgy) on my hands. Blistered up quite nicely... |
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| Jon W |
I think the worst injuries resulted from the very hungry and unforgiving giant Tryweryn midges.
I'll be brief about the course. To sum up, it was excellent. I think we all learnt a lot and gained so much extra confidence from swimming in white water. Matt (our coach...aided by Bruce the Wonder Dog) was excellent and made the day a lot of fun. The day was a scorcher....not ideal when wearing boil in the bag drysuits but we were thankful after our first dunking in the icy water. By the end of the day we were all desperate to have one last jump into the rapids to experience the thrill of riding the white water without the aid of a kayak. Another trip next year? Photos have been uploaded to Snapfish (see link below). There's a lot but they capture the day perfectly. Thanks to everyone who helped organise it. http://www1.snapfish.co.uk/share/...andOid=1001171/otsc=SYE/otsi=SALB |
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| Steve T |
Brilliant set of pictures Jon.
I particularly like number 57, but then I'm warped. (Yellow helmet apparently floating down the river by itself) Looks like you had a great weekend. I will feel much safer on the river with you guys around. Did you have a wander down the main part of the river? Paddling that should be a good target for anyone who hasn't yet done so over the next year. Steve |
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| CarlS |
Sounds like you had a great time and yes we should run the Tryweyrn. I will suggest this as our September trip, the lower section is now open all the time so we could try a weekend when there are no rafts. Keep an eye on the events section.
Glad Amy's okay, my own daughter came out of hospital yesterday as well although we are still not really sure what the problem was, some sort of viral infection (awaiting blood test results). Carl |
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| DaveS |
The course was fantastic, if nothing else it has give all of us a great sense of achievement at surviving grade three water without a kayak!
 Most "exciting" moment -
being hung in the main flow of water from the chest harness and not being able to find my release toggle....... Most embarrassing moment -
Managing to swim into the eddy before hitting the chipper then falling over and breathing about half a pint of the Tryweryn into my lungs  Most cool moment -
the first run down the whole rapid!  Most Damage -
not sure if I can claim the worst bruise but my only injury had nothing to do with the river, my finger is still rather tender after the argument with the tail gate of my car!!!! on a more serious note though the course was excellent, and hopefully if we all get a throw line, between us we might manage to hit a swimmer now!!! |
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| bandauk |
Bit late joining in the gossip - but better late than never! 
Echoing everyone else, was a fab weekend. Shame we couldn't join earlier for the Saturday paddle, but it was really good chilling out and socialising in the sunshine - book the weather again next time!
Course was well worth it. I'd gained so much confidence in the first 30mins! Most dangerous bit - actually getting into the river in the first place - several bruises sustained, but none to match my previous record!!! Tip for future female attendess - always insist on the size larger dry suit - the course tutor has no concept of hips! Best bits - the tutor actually taught me how to throw - I can now be trusted with my throw line (????????). Throwing toys for the dog is good practise - and amuses everyone else in the quarry! Bring on the water levels! |
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| Steve T |
I have an image of you throwing a throwbag and then hauling the dog in once he's got it. Actually that could be quite funny - I know Benji wouldn't let go and the look of surprise on his face once the rope went taut would be hilarious. Steve |
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| DaveS |
ROFL - can you imagine the fun trying that with the Newfoundland rescue dogs that were on L.Bala on the saturday.......
"tug-o-war" anyone - my money would be on the dog!s!!!
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