Newsletter 112 Summer 2006 02

Newsletter 112

Summer 2006 / 02 Web: www.marlowcanoeclub.org.uk Email: [email protected]

WHAT’S IN THIS ISSUE Editor’s Piece

1

Cumbrian White Water

2

South Wales Weekend

3

In the beginning.

3

How to write an item..

5

From the files

6

Old shop - New owners!

7

Incidentley……..

8

Andy's O.B.E.

8

Usk revisited

10

Events / Contacts etc.

12

EDITOR’S PIECE. Well, the first issues went out electronically. Not the resounding success I'd hoped for (but will continue to strive to achieve), it was basically the same as the printed copy but without the stamp and envelope. Each electronic issue saves the club between 35-40p depending on content. Summer is a cummin, albeit slowly, and by the

time this issue gets to you we will have temperatures in the low 70's, warmer water and sticky humidity. I'm quite envious of the North Texas River Runners who recently enjoyed a trip on the San Juan river in 100˚ and low humidity. Winter felt a lot harsher after I'd read that. We will be hearing a little more from the NTRR people later on, and maybe from other canoe clubs around the world in an occasional feature that will let you know what other like-minded people get up to. I've also had the chance to look over some past issues of the newsletter (long before I became involved with the club), it seems some of those grey haired types seen around the club from time to time would often take the chance to try something a little more dangerous. I might fill the odd space up with a tale or two of daring do or some other such exploit. These people started their canoeing before plastic was invented, and warm clothing consisted of a woolly jumper (2 if it was really cold). Modern boats and clothing have the edge, but take away some of the risk. Anyone up for Hell Hole in a 4m wood and canvas boat? Not me - but it puts it into perspective. I'm looking to expand the content of

Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing- absolutely nothinghalf so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats. Who said that? Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter

Answer next issue! Page 1

Summer 2006 / 02

the newsletter and would welcome suggestions from the membership if there's a particular idea they would like to see included. As usual, I'd like to see more from the juniors - if you are not sure what or how to write take a look at my guide inside - it's not as hard as you'd think. Take a look at the running order on P1 and enjoy. Next issue is due sometime in September when we will be able to hear from this years new members. Pens at the ready - GO!

John Norris

05/04/06

CONGRATULATIONS! The club has a new member. I'm pretty sure Dan (Lindblom) & Linda (Broman) are 'family' members as they reside at the same address so that makes little Oliver our youngest member. Just to ensure he got his full quota of presents he arrived on 28/02/06. I'm sure we all wish young Oliver well and welcome him to the club.

CUMBRIAN WW - 2006 For the third year in a row now I have been tempted to the North of England by my canoeing friends from around the country. Rather fewer than last year there were a total of seven of us from Northumbria, Gloucestershire, Nottingham, Wales and me from Bucks with the furthest to travel. The Lake District has plenty of exciting rivers to choose from but like so many mountainous areas, the water runs off quickly and you need to be sharp to catch the rivers in good condition. Indeed, there was some discussion as Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter

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to whether we wee really in the Lake District anyway. It was a long drive up after work on Friday night. My friends had already paddled the Eden that day with a very full river but a biting wind in this quite open valley. By Saturday, however, the levels had already dropped on the Lune although better than the previous years. The Lune is well graded at 3 i.e. fairly continuous grade 2 rapids, a number of grade 3s and one, the Strid, which might just be a 4 on the basis that you really do need to get out and have a look before running it. Whilst there are a few tricky, tight, features, like the constriction which is just wide enough for a boat after a steep run-in, the Strid was the only place which caused our group any difficulty. One got stuck on the approach but this was a minor inconvenience, one took a spill right at the end, I think he just stopped concentrating and I had the most awkward incident. The narrow gully of the Strid is about four feet wide with jagged rocks both sides so you need to keep a straight line against the force of the water trying to push you under the undercut. Did all of that but got pushed up the wrong side. The back of the boat started to fill so I got up. Ran up the boat onto a ledge and hauled the boat out of its predicament. I have to admit I thought I was going to need a new set of gunwales the way it was distorting. From my four inch ledge, I was able to climb out of the small gorge to be reunited with my boat. I’m sure that was not a swim but some might call it a technical swim since I did get my feet wet! We looked at the Greta at Ingleton for Sunday but there really was not enough water. In these conditions, we had to be sure that if we were to travel we Summer 2006 / 02

had to get to a viable river so we headed for the Crake in the South lakes. This runs off Coniston Water and it therefore much more reliable. It’s a small river grade 3 which runs all the way to the sea. We got out at Sparks Bridge so that we ran all of the most interesting sections. There are 2-3 notable grade 3 rapids, the largest of which is between two private properties so there is no bank inspection and no portage. If you run the river, you must include the rapid at Bobbins Mill. I was pleased to see that almost everyone else got stuck at some point on this one so that my clean run down made up for yesterday’s incident. As it turned out, George cried off injured on the Friday so I could have taken someone else with me. Posting earlier I received no interest but it really is not much further than the Dart so next year I hope we get a few more takers.

Adrian Cooper

02/03/06

CONTEST I'll try to badger the committee into giving me a small prize fund for the occasional item. To start the ball rolling I'd like to print the best definitions of 'a technical swim'. Getting your feet wet constitutes a paddle, but as this is the Chairman speaking one can only assume there's a little more to it than that. The best definitions (in my opinion) will be published with my favourite getting a pint, or something appropriate for the writers age.

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter

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SOUTH WALES WEEKEND We had a reasonable number on our autumn trip to South Wales this year. We planned to do the two reliable rivers the Wye from Builth wells and the Usk from Taly-Bont. I have to admit that this time round the Wye did seem to have rather a lot of flat bits compared to when we did it last year. I think the lower flow made it harder paddling. Perhaps I just need a longer boat! The Wye is however good value for an intermediate group learning new skills and developing their river awareness. Mostly grade 1-2 with just a couple of grade 3 bits to get your teeth into. Martin surprised us all, and, I think, himself, by swimming at the get-in. But he kept up his good form by practicing this all the way down the river. The important thing to remember is that if you are not swimming you are not trying hard enough. Martin was a really good sport. The set feature of the day is the rapid with the most intimidating name, Hell Hole. It really is not that bad but it can be very boily and I can admit to shipping some water into my canoe on the way down. Three swimmers here I think. The Usk is really good value with grade 2 rapids at every turn and a couple of set pieces at Mill Falls and Spuler’s Folly. What a surprise at the get-in we met James and Elaine. What a small world. James took a couple of pictures and two stars can now see themselves on ThamesWeirProject. Interestingly, we met Elaine again on the Dart in January. Either it really is a small world or this is a sad indictment of the poor access situation in this country.

Summer 2006 / 02

I was really pleased with how everyone got on that weekend. Everyone was keen to have fun and Andy H in particular paddled with style and I think he was really chuffed with himself. A great couple of days white water. I might try to think of different rivers next time round. Any suggestions anyone?

Adrian Cooper

02/03/06

IN THE BEGINING…….. There was a small stream issuing forth from a hillside in Gloucestershire. And it grew into a bigger stream that became a river, eventually reaching civilisation at a town called Cricklade. It was here that Guy Maddieson's new plan was to start. For those not aware of the plan Guy has put a lot of effort into formulating a programme to enable our members (and others) to paddle the length of the non-tidal Thames and record their achievement on a card to be signed at various hostelries to be found on the way. The BCU has jumped on board and given the scheme its blessing. We left Marlow around 9:00 and got to Cricklade for 10:15ish. A new small estate threw those that knew the way into a little confusion but we all got there. It was gone 11:00 by the time we were ready to paddle. Recent rains had given the river a good flow and I heard more than one paddler, considerably more experienced than myself, describe this as a Grade 1 water on account of the flow and the obstacles. But it was not the water or the obstacles that were going to be the major hurdle that day. A harsh wind from the NW was blowing and forecast to get stronger. Dave Goddard who had done this section Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter

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only last year reckoned on the level being at least a metre up on his previous foray, others thought higher still. We had done perhaps a km or so when the wind became really noticeable. At the level we were experiencing there was no cover to be had from the banks as the water was almost flush with the fields. Canoes were particularly difficult to control and even the Inazone with it's flat hull would wobble in a crosswind. Rob's Prozone, with flatter ends coped best. It's clear to the casual observer of rivers that although young in its life the Thames at this point displays characteristics of a river much older. Twists and turns were plentiful with some going through 180˚ or more. Oxbow lakes in the making for the geographers amongst us, and every time we turned a gust of wind from nowhere seemed to catch you broadside. Very rarely did we catch a tail wind but on the occasions we did unusually high speeds were possible. A few short rainy spells took the edge of a good morning and a hostelry was sought. Just at that very moment 'The Red Lion' at Castle Eaton came into view. We beached on the flooded grass verge and decided what to do. Three of us went to the pub whilst the rest paddled to the churchyard a 100m or so downstream. Now 'The Red Lion' is a very nice establishment but all the tables were booked. The landlady was willing to serve food outside but I thought a hot curry would be cold in minutes so I declined. She was more than happy for us to eat our own in a tent thingy erected in the garden. Thinking the others might want to move on, we stopped at just the one pint, a shame as it was a delightful house's own version of Ushers best. A short paddle down to the churchyard found the canoe contingent had set up Summer 2006 / 02

cookers etc. and were enjoying some of Linda McCartney's best. Others were hiding in a shelter - true they offered me a space - but 3 blokes in a tiny tent, I wasn't that cold! By 2:00pm we were all back on the water and heading for Lechlade, some 6 miles distant. If there had been a problem with the stop it was only that it was less than halfway. The afternoon paddle was much the same as the mornings. Many small tributaries joined the river, but as the Thames itself is quite small each had an impact on the river. Gradually it began to open up, but with the wind getting stronger the opens were having a hard time of it. For much of this leg I was out in front, often by quite some way but this afforded me a chance to see the first kingfisher. After a lengthy wait we were back as a group and approaching one of the many bends when the only motorised boat (moving) of the day headed straight towards us. It could be that Mrs. Cox was Brahms and Liszt but I think she was having as much trouble with the wind as were the opens. Collisions were avoided, but a 5mph wash on such a small river was adventurous to say the least. Almost like a bore. All the time Lechlade church spire, at first just a minor feature on the horizon became ever closer. We were well into navigable sections of the river now and many boats, small outboard types mostly, were to be seen moored up by the bank. The bends had lessened and the river headed in an easterly direction affording us some small benefit from the North Westerly now blowing behind and across us. Many of the group got out at the direct access to the car park but me and Henry paddled on to Halfpenny Bridge. It's probable the next section will start from the same point as the main group exited, but I Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter

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wouldn't want to get to Teddington knowing that I'd missed a few hundred metres or so. Maybe, when the current drops a little I'll go back and see just how far upstream I can get. Anyone else interested? P.S. 12 of us undertook this trip, the first on Guys 2006 touring calendar, and if it's any indication of what's to come I hope to be on many others. John Norris

04/04/06

WHO SAID THAT? Last issue's aphorism is a quote from Henry David Thoreau (1817 - 1862), who was an American author, naturalist, transcendentalist, pacifist, tax resister and philosopher.

HOW TO WRITE AN ITEM The majority of items in the newsletter seem to come from the pens of certain individuals. From the editors point of view this is O.K. when the words flow profusely. I would, however, like to see a more varied selection from within the club. I do ask around and some of the replies I get hint that there are people within the club who can't write. Or so they tell me. So here is a quick guide to putting something together. First of all pick your subject. It could be a course, a trip, an event, a different type of paddling, or even some new kit. Whatever you choose to write about be enthusiastic about it. I'm not a great composer myself but I like to think I give it a reasonable go. Here's a not entirely ficticous piece about an incident that happened today (09/04/06). I was watching but those Summer 2006 / 02

who were there will know to whom this refers:-

We got to Hurley after a leisurely paddle upstream from the club. Some chose to go along the backwater while the rest of us went over the weir. Considering that there was only one gate open on the weir, there seemed to be a good flow over the fixed sections. I lined up the Inazone and went for it. This was not my first time over this weir, but others noticed a pensive look on my face. Whilst some of the group watched from a steady pool others headed for the 'wave'. Since getting my 3* last year I've had the odd dabble at the wave but never really cracked it. Things didn't look any better this time, with the run off the steps interrupting the flow through the gate. Watching from the eddy on the far side I saw George get washed out fairly quickly. The same happened for others to and then me as well when I got my chance. With Adrian and George nearby I gave it one last shot. I'm not too sure what I did but I hit the top of the wave and stayed there for what seemed like ages. My elation burst when I lost my hold and flipped over. Another first. I'd never rolled in water like this so got out at the first opportunity. Me, the boat, and the paddle all went our separate ways. It's now that one appreciates the never paddle alone rule and with the group around me I was in safe hands. Adrian bought his open round and with help from JP got me into his boat. Tim went for the Inazone, John for the paddle and George was in there too. Over at the beach I emptied my boat and got in again. Hot drinks were offered but as we were stopping at Temple I declined. A brisk paddle down to Temple got me warmed up and the tea more so. Back at the club, the chill had begun to Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter

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return but I couldn't really care. Today I beat the wave and next time I'll do it again. I've started of with a brief description leading into the main event. The person concerned certainly looked a little apprehensive to me and I've tried to convey that. A little bit of personal history does not go amiss particularly when it is linked to the main event. Try and describe the prevalent conditions and build on the atmosphere. If you successfully complete something new tell us how you felt. Close the item off with a couple of back to earth lines. There's 352 words in the piece above but once you are over the first hurdle, that of actually writing it, it's a lot easier to pad it out. Sit down, take your time and enjoy it. Remember all that stuff your English teacher tried to drum into you and employ them in something you want to do. I'm looking forward to a plethora of items for the autumn issue. John Norris

GCE English (failed) 1971.

P.S. If you are unsure about grammar, spellings, and other little nuances that affect our language use the tools on the PC or look up the BBC educational sites. They are very good, very informative, and always correct.

FROM THE FILES I think it important that we do not lose touch with the earlier days of the club, and as such it's my intention to re-print some tales of old. Not necessarily the whole item, but maybe just a little snippet, like the one below that I came across in issue 23. Five members set of in January of 1986 for an Upper Dart trip. Many will have Summer 2006 / 02

seen Gerry Knight on a Sunday morning taking his marathon boat upstream in all conditions, but it seems he once was an accomplished WW paddler. John Kingsley was the other still on the current membership list. The others, for those that remember the days of old were Simon Lawrence, Chris Lee, and Mike Taylor. It was a little(?) stunt that Simon pulled of that caught my eye and that I have chosen to re-print below:We duly arrived at Newbridge at 13.05, time taken 1hr. 45mins. (from Dartmeet carpark). The fast time surprised everybody and was achieved by having very few forced stops. I had lost count of the no. of times I had rolled but Chris told me it was five. We stopped briefly at Newbridge before going on downstream and arrived at Holne Bridge for 14:30. Simon capped a faultless run down river by seal launching from Holne bridge into the river below without even capsizing. By standing a kayak upright against the bridge abutment we estimated the height to be about 8m. Let's just put that into perspective. 8m (26' 2" for those who think in imperial). I've just gone and measured that. It's not just higher than my house (roofline) but a good halfway up the aerial mast as well. Perhaps those older members have a little more bottle than some would give them credit for. Anyway, I'd like to make this a regular feature of the newsletter, but I only have access to a limited no. of issues. If you have any older copies that may provide a tale or two then please get in touch. Or just maybe the old grey matter remembers a stunt or moment worthy of recall and of interest to us all. Once again just get in touch.

John Kingsley

Feb.1986

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter

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OLD SHOP; NEW OWNERS At the outdoor show, back in March, I bumped into Simon of Brookbank Canoes who confirmed he was to be the new manager of Paddlesport, now part of the Brookbank group. Several members have used Brookbank before and I've not heard any complaints. It's just that Manchester is so far away, and their other branch even more so. Well now they have a presence not so very far away. For those of us to the North of the river this might be an easier option than Shepperton, just a blast along the M40. I would, however, remind members not to forget our local dealers - Marsport (Reading) and Riverside (Oxford) both of whom have looked after us well in the past and I'm sure, will continue to do so. But if you want a wider range look in their catalogue (there is a copy in both changing rooms) and then maybe pay them a visit. I asked Simon to introduce himself to the club and here's what I got back. ------------------------------------------------As of the 1st of April, Paddlesport has been taken over by Brookbank Canoes, and is now part of one of the biggest canoe and kayak retailers in the country. My name is Simon, and I am the new manager here at Paddlesport. I’ve been paddling for over ten years, in loads of different areas of the sport; marathon, sprint, wildwater racing, river-running and polo and have worked for the past 3 years at UKCanoes in Lancaster. The company’s emphasis is on giving you, the customer, the best advice and the best service, and to this end we are an independent shop, meaning that we are not bound or tied to any particular manufacturer. By the time you read this, we will have spent quite some time refitting and Summer 2006 / 02

restocking the shop, in order to provide one of the widest ranges of equipment in the area. We have around 100 boats on display, and access to over 400 within the company, with everything from top of the range playboats to inflatables through to touring kayaks and open canoes. As well as a huge range of boats, we also have a massive stock of paddles, kit, clothing and accessories. We also offer a club discount and loyalty scheme. The best way to see what we have is to come and visit us, but in the mean time, either get in touch and I’ll send you a brochure, or check us out online at:-

www.paddlesport.co.uk www.canoesforsale.co.uk

If you have any questions, are after something in particular, or want some help and advice give me a ring on 01926 640 573 or email

[email protected].

I look forward to meeting you Simon PADDLESPORT ------------------------------------------------So it's up to you. I'm just of to pick up my free boat (just kidding) and if it's really really special I'll let you all know next issue.

INCIDENTLY…… I was so busy at work the other month that I just had to take a net break. Looking for front cover aphorisms I came across the NTRR (North Texas River Runners) site and looked through a few of their newsletters. They seem to have a lot more social get togethers than do we but when summer paddling can include 100˚f and low humidity trips, winter for the non WW people can be a long time. We only see 'sunny' Texas, but with a mean altitude of 520m I guess it can get cold Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter

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sometimes. Anyway, I stumbled upon this recipe for omelettes: it's not a Ray Mears special or anything like that but it does allow for a no. of varieties to be cooked at the same time, and prepared before departure. Ideal fodder for OCA people, and as you break the eggs before departure that saves you doing it on the journey. Get some zip up 1ltr. / 2pt. freezer bags. Crack 2 L/XL eggs and knead to mix yolk and albumen. Throw in any extra's you might want (Ham, cheese, peppers, mushrooms - you get the drift). Remove air from the bag and zip it up. Bring one saucepan of water to a rolling boil. Throw in the bag. If the saucepan is of sufficient size you can cook 6-8 omelettes in 13 minutes. Take out the bags, unzip and stand back in amazement as your omelette just rolls on to your plate. I'm just waiting for the touring types to report back on the success of this before I try it myself. Thanks to Jean Muncrieff and Lois Michie for this. Anyway, back to the NTRR, it's worth taking a look at their website:www.river-runners.org and reading a few of the trip reports. Some are very extensive and detailed with good photography to boot. If you know of a club at home or overseas that maybe has an item or two we might include in our own newsletter, just let me know, I'll do all the asking. If you think this feature is a waste of space, well let me know - you just might get first slot in the 'Letters to the Editor' column.

John Norris

13/04/06

Summer 2006 / 02

You hassle the Secretary for months on end, 'just a few words' you say 'please'. Just when you've given up hope, two arrive together. Read and enjoy!

ANDY’S OBE Life is full of surprises and canoeing can be too. As those who know me will affirm, I’ve been around for a few years and messing around in boats for most of them, so I think I can say I know where to put a paddle. And which way to lean on moving water. Imagine my amazement then to find myself having an OBE (out of boat experience) on one of the most pleasant trips I can think of. It was January and we were on the Dart. In a winter of record low rainfall we were lucky to have picked a weekend when the river was full after two days rain on the moors. The day had begun well enough. An early start from Marlow, breakfast at the services and arrival, in sunshine, at the Newbridge car park to be greeted by just about every boater from the south of England ready to take full advantage of the conditions. As usual for a Marlow club trip, we were mainly ’yakers, but Adrian, Brendan and I were in our open canoes. I was particularly looking forward to the run because, while I’d been down in other open boats, this was the first time I’d had my Legend 15 on the Dart. Another plus point was that we’d taken the decision to go for the complete run, all the way to Buckfastleigh, only 10km/6.5 miles but something I’d not done for many, many years. The water was lapping the shelf at the start, a good indicator that we would find most of the rocks covered. We launched and spent the obligatory few minutes on the small wave under the bridge before moving down 100m Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter

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to ‘Top Wave’ where we spent a little longer practicing our surfing. On down to the grabby little stopper on the bend and then the first of the Grade 2 shoals – no problem at this water level. We kept going, through ‘Tree Root Rapid’ to the islands – there was even enough water to take the left hand channel. We played, in the sunshine, on the dog leg, the ’yakers perfecting their stern dips while we open boaters chafed to go on. The next little rapid produced some wonderful high crosses and an airborne moment for Brendan – see the photos on the club website. Paddling on, we were soon at the top of ‘The Washing Machine’, a good Grade 3 taken with no problems. We stopped for a drink and a bite as a group of girls showed us how to play the hole below the rapid properly. We were making good time, but keen to keep moving while there was still some warmth in the sun. The long Grade 3 at ‘Lovers Leap’ presented no problems and neither did the next, and last Grade 3 on the trip, ‘Triple Falls’. John Miles, alias dartphotos.com, was however there, necessitating our playing on the bottom wave for the sake of his camera. I guess it was at this point that I began to relax. With three good Grade 3 sections behind us and maximum Grade 2 plus three straightforward weirs ahead of us, the technical paddling was done. We made our way down to Holne Bridge and then Holne Weir. Straightforward did I say? Well yes, if you shoot it in the right place. Adrian and I both found the right place, others took the ‘chicken shoot’ or opted to portage. Similarly at the next weir, ‘The Anvil’. No problem if you’re on the right line, the potential for some recirculation if you’re not. All dry we bounced down ‘School Rapids’ and under Waterworks

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Bridge to enter the calmer, lower stretch of the river. It was here that things went pearshaped. We were drifting down Grade1/2 shoals, lazily paddling on the deeper, slower sections. We approached an island with a nice fast shoot down its left hand side. We slowed up to let the lead boats go down in single file. I followed Tim Twitchen into the top of the shoot watching the sun and shade playing in the surrounding trees. Tim went down, then up, then disappeared behind a wave. I didn’t remember there being a wave of any note here. I drifted down and felt the bow come up. I found myself looking down over the gunwale into the water. How clean and clear it looked. How cold it felt as my face, then my whole head and then the rest of me tumbled into it. I surfaced to find Tim, Adrian and others watching me in astonishment - and then breaking into laughter. “There’s the newsletter article” I heard someone shout gleefully. And so it is that I’m writing this confession. Yes guv, it was me, I went for the OBE!

ANDY MAXTED

21/04/06

USK REVISITED Sunday morning, South Wales, early December. Another excellent breakfast cooked up by Alan and his team at the Old Pandy Inn just north of Abergavenny. We’d enjoyed a good day on the middle Wye on Saturday, warm and dry for the most part, but had awoken to a cold, clinging mist. It had been a good night and one or two of the group were regretting staying up for that extra pint or two. The claggy

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter

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weather did little to encourage their resolve! By 9:30 decisions were made and a slightly depleted group were packed and ready to set off for today’s river, the Usk. We put in at Tal-y-bont and were still in low cloud/mist for the first, flat few kilometres but by the time we reached the first major feature, Mills Falls, the cloud was lifting and the day was brightening. So was our mood. Mill Falls is given Grade 3 in the guidebook and is a long, multi drop section starting with a broken weir. A fast shoot takes you through the remains of the weir on clean, green water to a huge eddy at the bottom on the right. The more adventurous go for high breakouts left and right with the chance to savour the shoot, surfing across it before dropping down to join the rest of the group. With the big eddy come big decisions. Cross the short flat section before most the river drops vertically over some rock shelves to take a line on the far left? Or get out and portage? Leaving the portage party to hump their gear the next 200 metres or so, the majority of us prepare to run the main part of the falls. The line starts innocently enough. A small drop into a pool followed by a larger drop to a bigger pool. The smart alecs amongst us break out here into a shallow cave ready to line up for the next move. This one’s not so easy. You know you want to cut back across to the centre and a clean line down through the rocks below, but the force of the water coming over the main falls pushes you down onto the rocks. Most of us make the move and regroup triumphantly at the bottom. One or two find themselves coming down through and over the rocks, but all without mishap. I join the other open boaters at the bank, emptying

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varying amounts of water before we all move on. The section below Mill Falls maintains the interest. Rocky outcrops and high tree covered banks give the river here a gorge-like feel while Grade 1 and 2 rapids keep us alert. The bridge at Llangynidr comes into view and we pile onto the bank just above it for a lunch stop. Lunch is a brief affair. The day has brightened but the air is still cool. Below the bridge lie more rapids, including the gnarly hole that provided an epic for Keith the previous year. Today we all keep well left of the hole and continue on down to the next major feature, the curiously named Spuhler’s Folly. Spuhler’s Folly is another Grade 3 which sees the most of the river again dropping vertically over a rock shelf with a large break on the left and a smaller shoot on the far right. We get out to take a look at the left hand line – down between rocks and through a mass of boils before slacker water. As we watch, James Farquharson and a friend approach the falls and, ignoring the break, drop straight over the ledge. As we make our own way down James gets out of his boat and begins to set up his camera. This is too provocative for words so Rod and I carry our boats back up the falls and prepare for a second run - and the chance to be added to the digital record of the day. Lining up I notice that Dave G is there too, with his video camera. I power off thinking there’s a serious risk of getting very wet on this line! I paddle hard, hoping to gain as much speed as possible to clear the drop and prevent the bow digging in and the boat swamping. I’m hindered by the shallow water as I approach the lip, but it doesn’t matter, I’m safely over with hardly a drop of water over the Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter

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gunwales. Rod follows in his kayak making it look easy. The river eases now, passing through the pleasant woodlands of the Glanusk Estate and under its impressive bridge with crenellated gate tower. We savour the last few kilometres into Crickhowell, a chance to enjoy the late winter afternoon sun before heading back for the M4 and home. ANDY MAXTED PS – to view the digital record simply visit the Gallery on the club site and look in Club Trips for the ‘Usk 11 December 2005’ folder. The ‘Usk 2005 Video’, linked from the home page (under ‘Latest News’) is worth a look too!

GUY'S PROGRESS Guy's the one who put together our events programme (or most of it) for this year. For those that don't know Guy suffered kidney failure last year and has been on dialysis ever since. Not that that stopped him paddling. Guy has recently been in hospital for a transplant, which after a few return visits seems to be going as well as can be expected. From the medical point of view what should be up is up, and what should be down is down. Guy hopes to be paddling with us again soon, possibly in a couple of months. I spoke to Guy just this evening and he sounded O.K. to me. He has asked me to pass on to the club his sincere thanks for the card. A very welcome cheer from an unexpected source. Kidney transplants seem two a penny these days, but this is the 1st time I've known a recipient. I'm just going to look up the donor card site. Why don't you too. http://www.uktransplant.org.uk Summer 2006 / 02

MARLOW CANOE CLUB DIARY START DATE 02/04/06

END DATE 02/04/06

06/05/06

07/05/06

14/05/06

14/05/06

03/06/06

04/06/06

11/06/06

11/06/06

13/06/06

20/06/06

18/06/06

18/06/06

VARIOUS

2006

EVENT/LOCATION Cricklade to Ha'penny bridge - 10 miles. The 1st part of GUY'S Thames tour. Our 1st 1* course of the year. (I just know summer begins here!) River Wey, Bowers Lock to Pyrford Basin 6.6 miles. Leave club at 08:30 Our 2nd 1* course of the year. (Just like the first but warmer!) Ha'penny Bridge to Tadpole Bridge - 9 m. The 2nd part of GUY'S Thames tour. The first 2* course. Suit last year's 1*'s. (includes w/end 17/18 June) Riverside open boat demo day, + BBQ See box below for details. This year we have pushed the boat out ref trips and I think we've got something for everybody. New starters, flat water, white water & touring. No surf or sea confirmed yet, but watch this space.

MIN LEVEL 1* N/A 1* N/A 1* 1*

Check with leader or a coach.

ORGANISER/ CONTACT Guy Maddieson 01844 275418 John Norris 01494 483833 Guy Maddieson 01844 275418 John Norris 01494 483833 Guy Maddieson 01844 275418 Tim Twitchen 07833 995289 See noticeboard See noticeboard and website for details / updates.

Bold denotes organised MCC event or participation

CLUB CONTACTS President

Tim Ward

Chairman

Adrian Cooper Andy Maxted

Secretary & Southern rep. Treasurer Safety rep. Coaching Course Bookings Equipment Officer Longridge Liaison Marketing & Publicity

Paul Crichton Guy Maddieson Tim Twitchen David Lydiatt Don Moore Martin Plain

01494 482959 01844 344580 07730 852760 08708 806962 01844 275418 07833 995289 01753 887773 01628 773555 01628 483252

David Lydiatt

Newsletter Editor

John Norris

Social Secretary Whitewater

VACANT POSITION Martin Reed

Women’s Rep

Debs Hardy

Youth Rep

George Cooper Guy Maddieson

Inland Touring

VACANT POSITION

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter

Marlow Marathon Membership Secretary

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Rod Edmonds

01753 887773 01753 671389 01494 483833 john.norris @bt.com

01844 344687 07812 749555 01844 344580 01844 275418

Summer 2006 / 02