Newsletter 114 Winter 2006 04

Newsletter 114

Winter 2006 / 04 Web: www.marlowcanoeclub.org.uk Email: [email protected]

EDITORS PIECE WHAT’S IN THIS ISSUE Editor’s Piece

1

Estuary English

2

Symonds Yat - Intro to WW

3

There's not much for free

4

A pleasant paddle

5

Letter to the Editor

7

Canada 2006

7

So that's it then!

9

A first night at the Nene

11

News from 'The land of the free'

11

Teifi Tour 2006 day 1

12

Melinda's first Social event

13

In the days before plastic boats

13

CLUBHOUSE KEYS

15

TYNE TOUR - 2006

16

David Lydiatt

17

AGM Notification

18

Events / Diary.

19

Contacts etc.

20

One moment you're struggling to get eight pages together, and before you know it you've got a paperback on your hands. That's what happened this issue anyway. Still, if we are going to have a big issue what better time of the year than Winter. Throw a few logs on the fire, pour yourself a decent malt, and settle down with your favourite publication, courtesy of all our contributors. It's a shame I've read it already - but I'll have the malt anyway. We have a nice mix of items to whet your appetite from those first tentative steps onto whitewater, right through to a Canadian wilderness adventure. New members have written about new experiences and there's some retakes on favourite journeys. Don't forget to read the item on clubhouse keys. It's been repeated in this issue as not many people acted upon the committee's request to advise AM of their desire to access the club after the lock has been changed. That includes those who undertook AM's D.O. course earlier this year. It only remains to wish you all a merry Christmas and a happy new year. Oh! and also to remind you that I'm now taking copy for the next issue.

The mark of a successful man is one that has spent an entire day on the bank of a river without feeling guilty about it. From an ancient Chinese Philosopher Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter

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Winter 2006 / 04

There's quite a few of us done this before (and some yet to start) but if you have got to drive the family taxi more than a few miles you might as well see if there is anything for you to do at the destination. Which is what the Chairman did. Read on.

ESTUARY ENGLISH George was on a course in Southampton so I took him and looked around for somewhere to paddle. I got some good advice from various sources on the internet. In the end, no-one volunteered to join me so I had to go solo. Whilst we always say ‘fewer than three there should never be’, sometimes, you just have to moderate your ambitions and get on and paddle somewhere. First off I tried the Hamble Estuary. I was given a good starting point which was supposed to be a public slipway but which was in fact a row of twisted steel piles and a stretch of mud. Fortunately the owner of the nearby marina kindly let me use his pontoon. It was a little daunting out on the open water, all alone but there was wonderful wildlife to keep me company together with just a few other boaters and a kind fisherman who gave me directions. At the top of the estuary, the river forks and a narrow creek runs up to a delightful pub. This was a bit of a struggle with not enough water to float the boat so I had frequently to just sit and wait for the tide to creep in. The pub was eventually reached with a charming landlord and a garden beside the river for me to wait for the tide to fill and start to ebb. The return journey was quite different. The river was full and the mud banks were all covered. Of course the tides

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were particularly high due to the spring tides coupled with a full moon. For the nature lovers amongst you, I saw gulls (common as muck), lapwings, curlew, sandpipers, little egrets, one kingfisher and a budgie (yes, blue and yellow), and the river banks were a maze of sea lavender, sea purslane and glasswort. The next day, I had a go at the Beaulieu River. I had received advice to launch off the beach at Lepe but with north westerly (off shore) winds at force 6, gusting at force 7, I thought this might be a bit risky! I launched from the marina at Buckler’s Hard. It was a hard paddle into the wind on a winding river being blow onto the shore each time I took a turn. Whilst I am generally quite good at keeping the boat into the wind, at least twice I was forced to stop on the mud bank for the wind to die a little before heaving off again using a form of wind ferry-glide. The stop for lunch at Beaulieu was very picturesque. Clipped lawn at the slipway and a charming tea shop, although I was pestered by swans, gulls, ducks and jackdaws whilst I ate my sandwiches. I was expecting the trip back to be easier with the tide and the wind in my direction. The actuality was that the combination was quite intimidating with the strong wind and not large waves pushing me forward at quite a rush towards boats and trees and over the shallowly submerged banks. Needless to say the trip back was a deal quicker and the sun came out on the way. Two good trips. Not long, but worth doing again if the tides are right and the wind a little less testing.

Adrian Cooper

Sept. 2006

Winter 2006 / 04

SYMONDS YAT AN INTRODUCTION TO WW For all those who have just recently passed their 2 star course the Symonds Yat trip was the next step. Of course most of us were slightly wary of moving onto white water; however with the wonderful teaching provided for us on the 2 star course we were well prepared. It was great to see lots of people on the trip and to be blessed with good weather on the day. When we were on the water we split up into two groups, one led by JP and one by Paul. Both groups put the skills they had been practicing in the 2 star course to the test. To begin with we did the simple task of going down the rapid in one go. After this we took our boats back to the starting place and had the pleasure of being able to seal launch (while avoiding the stinging nettles) down a steep and slippy bank. On our second trip down the rapids we all got to see what an eddy line looks like and how to eddy hop. Mainly we practiced breaking out and breaking in techniques. Whilst breaking out we were taught to position the boat at the top of the eddy at 45 degrees, lean upstream before starting to turn the boat and to hold that lean and not level the boat until achieving the turn and finish facing upstream. We all seemed to pick up this particular technique quite well. Next we moved on to the breaking in technique. We were told to paddle up to the top of the eddy line and to initiate the turn with a sweep stroke, then to lean downstream whilst making the turn. We all achieved this with the occasional wobble occurring. Paul suggested that we lean forward to avoid this wobble so as to stop the back of the boat being caught under the water. We found that low brace is a

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useful stroke to use whilst breaking in and out. On our third trip down the rapids we practiced the Ferry Glide. This is useful if you want to paddle across a current without turning downstream. However I think the groups learnt that you have to paddle really fast if you want to avoid being swept away. We were taught to leave the eddy and to point as far upstream as possible. Then we would lift the upstream edge (eddy side) of the boat as you cross the eddy-line into the main current. Then we put to use some super speedy paddling until we made it safely to the other side. Personally I found the Ferry Glide the hardest skill and ended up going in. It was all good until I came across some rocks. But then again I was not the only one to experience this. We were all pretty tired after all of this so we took a break for lunch. A few of us felt the strain on our arms but nevertheless we headed back out onto the water. We made good use of the slides they had built down the banks and all watched in anticipation as JP put on his nose plug and went down one of them backwards. The afternoon was spent practicing our skills. Shelley and I focused on the ferry glide with some good advice from John, some practiced their eddying skills and many attempted to get as far upstream as they could. Overall it was a fantastic trip and we learnt lots from it. Well done to all of us and thank you to the organizers and group leaders. Unfortunately the day had the come to an end so we all popped our boats on the top of our cars and headed home for some well deserved rest.

Tor Edwards

August 2006

Winter 2006 / 04

Big Dave is looking at the possibility of getting an Alps trip together next year. Here's a little taster of what might be in store - but then if you are good enough to go you probably already know.

THE SECOND INSTALLMENT This year’s big trip was back to the French Massif Central to do a couple of the rivers from last time and to try a few further south, hoping for some warmer weather. We had a good team of four for the two weeks plus two further comrades for the first week. I was really pleased with the group who are all sound paddlers, good to be on the river with. We started on the river Allier since we knew this would provide both a useful warm-up and good sport on the planned second section. It had the most difficult section of the trip and was the scene of our two ‘incidents’. Kieron twisted his boat dropping over a ledge drop. None of us could quite work out how it happened but both gunwales had kinks in them and would need replacement. The other more major accident was John’s boat well and truly wrapped around a rock in the middle of the river. This was more easily explained but much more difficult to deal with. Once we had recovered the boat it seemed to just pop back into shape and served John well for the rest of the trip (this was day three). The boat is badly creased and will need replacement! We headed south to the Tarn Gorge, another excellent river with interest constantly along its length. Here we had to mend the other John’s thwart. But that was the end of boat damage. We headed further south to the river Orb, well towards the Mediterranean and then across to the Herault and thence to the Ardeche Gorge. Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter

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Actually, we also seemed to have problems with all the other equipment. John B’s van broke down and yours truly had to call a garage and explain in my broken French what was wrong and where we were. John O lost his tent poles. Kieron got a flat battery and had to call the RAC and I lost a paddle. One minute it was there, the next it was gone! Just so that we could say we were not always in the valleys, I managed to find a small mountain to climb, up and back and in time for tea. Guess what, I found an orchid at the top. Notwithstanding the gear issues, it was great fortnight and I would recommend the area to anyone for mid grade white water. But where to next year?

Adrian Cooper

THERE'S FREE!

Sept. 2006

NOT

MUCH

FOR

That much is true, but whilst I was looking for inspirational idea's for the newsletter (in case our own membership fails to come up with the goods - as does happen occasionally) I came across a canoeing e-magazine. WAVELENGTH magazine has been around since 1991 and is available from the newsstands and other paddling venues around BC (Canada) and the US. It can also be downloaded from the website courtesy of the advertisers who sponsor the e-version. Go to http://www.wavelengthmagazine.com and have a little look. I'm looking at the Aug. / Sept. edition which at 64 pages (11+mb) you could really use a broadband connection to download, it's about 30mins if you are still on wind up net access. True, there are a lot of adverts - but there's some good features in there as well. Winter 2006 / 04

Amongst those I looked at in this issue were a thorough piece on the low brace - most of us know it, most of us use it, but as I said in the last newsletter explaining the strokes can be harder than demonstrating them. It's worth a read, if only to get a new slant on an old friend. There are features on sailing and polo, equipment tests and book reviews, as well as some good touring tales. With the colder shorter Winter days coming this could be a pleasant read. And guess what - by the time you read this the next issue will be out and it promises to review some Christmas goodies. Now I'm aware that a good read is not necessarily what our younger readers might have in mind when dabbling on the PC. So why not try this:http://www.loungekayaker.com.au - It's mostly Australian / New Zealand stuff, the site is full of videos, waterfalls & rapids - serious ones. Mostly around 30secs. long, these should not trouble the concentration cells too much, but if you're up for some cranial exercise try one of the minute+ ones. If you really like what you see you can get high definition DVD's of most. And there's photo's too - might make some good screensavers.

John Norris

A PLEASANT PADDLE I've got the trip to Lydbrook down to a fine art, I could almost do it blindfold. So just 1¾ hours after leaving sunny Stokenchurch we (I had offered Lewis Young a lift) arrived in sunny Lydbrook. And it was warm. Not so many turned up for this years trip, possibly due to many having done the WW intro JP organised a few weeks previously. Car shuttling completed we were on the water by 11:00 and headed upstream to a point opposite the Curry House. Regular readers will know that this was where my paddling journey started and finished (for 20 years) having been close to drowning at this very point. Despite low water levels a reasonable flow was trickling through on the inside of the bend. I felt confidently able to deal with the conditions but when I ferried across the ripples a sense of déjà vu persisted. Some things are simple and some things have to be done. This was simple and had to be done. Perhaps I've put the ghost of Lydbrook behind me forever.

Sept 2006

Just 2 weeks after the 'Intro to WW' event we were back on the Wye. Just 2hrs. drive away for the more placid sections of this most scenic of rivers; I'm up for it every time. And I'd recommend it to everyone so long as it's not to fast. If you didn't go this year, look out for next year. In addition to club trips members sometimes organise a 'peer group' paddle to the Yat. Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter

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Lydbrook

photo; Andy Maxted.

The rest of the group arrived and some of the newer members dabbled in the faster flow to be had around this point. I must remember to go to the bookies on a Saturday. The odds will be pretty short but whatever you put on Reza Winter 2006 / 04

coming out first is going to make money, but not for much longer. This is the man who learned to roll in the pool last week and his enthusiasm is such that he can now smile underwater whilst on his way up. It's just a matter of time before he does it in the river. Off downstream for a near 2 hr. paddle taking opportunities on the way to practise breaking in and out of eddies, bow rudders and all of that. The river was a lot busier this year than last, partly because of the earlier date but mainly due to the good weather. Hire canoes abounded but all seemed to be in knowledgeable hands. I normally like to strike out for home as soon as we have left, but most unusually for me I spent a lot of time at the back. A long way back. It started with an attempt at a ½ mile stern rudder and ended about 400m later but by then I was drifting in solitude with the sound of silence broken only by the crescendo of chirping birds. This is the other side of me. I'm not really bothered what birds they were but just to be there, just me and nature and nothing else. Magic. Lunch arrived around 12:50 on one of the few beaches not occupied by the hire canoeists. Midway through the eats entertainment was provided by just such a boat grounding on the shallowest part of a river 40m wide. Off to Symonds Yat a few miles downstream and my other persona surfaced. I hit the front and was away. Graeme and Richard stayed close for a while but I saw them off. With a loose helmet providing a bit of drag in the water some much needed cardiovascular exercise was had. The Yat was reached in just under 40mins. Here I met with PC, HK, IH and Andy who had spent much of the weekend on the 'rapids'. Ian Hodges got himself Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter

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talked into going down the chute; turned turtle almost rolled but not quite and had to be rescued. I made the same mistake, with the same conclusion, and then left for the 'rapids'. I like the rapids, there's enough to do here for the not so confident WW paddler and at the same time more thrills than a 'White Knuckle ride'. On a day like today with the level fairly low you could drop over the top wave and bow rudder into the eddy, just as JP showed earlier in the day. Or you can line yourself up and blast right through. I never made it back to the top though. I ferry glided a few 'drops' and muscled it up some others, but never enough of either on the same run to get back to the top. Most of us could be seen trying something new, except for the coaches, who once again provided more than adequate cover for us lesser mortals. From time to time the chairman could be seen moving his legend from side to side with envious ease and that was about it for the next couple of hours. Apart from the 'sideshow'. A group of paddlers were being taught how to get down the 'rapids' after they had exited their boats. There's an art to this and they hadn't got it yet. All approached the first drop with some trepidation, as would I, and all smiled gratefully once over the drop. Big mistake. About 10m on, just under the surface lurks a rock I'll call Tchaikovsky's (The Nutcracker) from now on as that’s what it did, blokes and ladies alike, it showed no distinction. And as all were queuing up behind they all did the same. I think it was the sudden elation / deflation thing that did it for the audience of which we were just a small part. But good luck to them. If they use what they learnt just once it will have been worthwhile. Winter 2006 / 04

Just time for one last blast and then back to change. I'd heard Ian Hodges had succeeded on the chute. So I had to have another go. And this time I was a success, but I don't know why. I felt like I had lost it and then I was where I should be - I can only surmise that a high support stroke came into play at some point and it must have been instinctive. There's hope for me yet. Time for a pint and home to rest. A very tiring, but enjoyable day.

John Norris

Sept 2006

Just how wrong can you be? I felt sure that the Chairman's 'Technical swim' might have bought forth some replies from the upper echelons of the club. But no; just one reply. Looks like Eddie gets a pint, if he ever hangs around long enough to see me in the pub!

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR (1) In reply to the contest (newsletter 112 p3), my dictionary's definition of the word 'swim' states: - "Move on or below the surface of the water by using arms and legs". Although this is correct from a swimmers point of view, from a canoeist's point of view I would suggest: - "A situation, requiring minimal effort and time, that converts a canoeist to a swimmer - that requires considerable more effort and time to reverse the situation".

Eddie Thorne.

grasp how a garden shed purchased over a no. of years (with interest payable) could actually cost less than paying cash up front and getting a discount- and I still don't. Perhaps that why I'm not an accountant and why I'm not paddling in Canada this year. PV of AC - bah!

CANADA 2006 How was it that I found myself going backwards in what appeared to be a big banana on a fast flowing river surrounded by boulders and standing waves heading towards a rock which by some divine inspiration had been placed, together with its twin, in the middle of the river and what’s more been endowed with a strange power to attract plastic and Royalex especially when shaped like a canoe? This was day four on a nine day white water and wilderness camping trip and I was on Thread-the-Needle, a rapid on the Dumont River in Quebec, paddling a Mad River Outrage which was so manoeuvrable in this type of water that just one sweep stroke on the right and the boat spun around and I was going the right way, a quick draw and the rock was missed, I had indeed threaded the needle.

July 2006

This looks interesting - Kelvin doing his bit to dust of the 'boring accountant' label many in his profession enjoy. I once thought of being an accountant and then maybe I'd be enjoying holidays like this right now. The game was up (memorably) when I failed to Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter

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The plane leaves and we're on our own.

Winter 2006 / 04

That day we had already run seven rapids, done one portage and had another two rapids and a short portage to go before we could set up camp.

A typical campsite We, a mixture of British, American, and Germans, with a Canadian guide, ten in total, had flown in by float plane 3 days, 20k and 17 rapids ago to an isolated lake and were paddling the 75k back to the Ottawa River and the takeout. This was to be the most rapids we would run in a day and tomorrow was a lay over day to recover. With one canoe strapped to a float, and three passengers at a time the plane had followed the course of the river to the put-in. Although we were delayed by a day due to the weather this was soon made up, and we were now on schedule. That first day we had set up camp on a sandy beach and all mucked in with the chores. Perhaps the worst job on a wilderness camping trip is latrine duty. It’s not so much digging the hole, a paddle blade long by a paddle blade deep, nor filling it in the following morning, although that is not for the weak stomached. The worst part is collecting the used toilet paper the following morning and burning this on the camp fire. It is surprising how those congregated around the fire having the last sip of coffee disappear when

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someone approaches with the plastic bag of TP. The second day, after a few rapids the main feature had been a 1k portage, “Grunt” portage. This took most of the afternoon but then we were back on the water and preparing for “Bridge Rapids”, a class II followed by 4 class 1’s all paddled as one continuous rapid a total distance of about 0.5 k. Viewing these rapids from the bridge, or should I say through the bridge as there were big gaps in the cross beams, we noticed at the end of the class II a canoe wrapped around a rock, It had been there for about a week, the current being too strong to recover it. This was my first big wave rapid and keeping to the middle, slowing the canoe and

Kelvin in the Outrage riding the waves was exhilarating and I was really looking forward to the last rapid of the day “Little Steel”. A 1k rapid starting as class I on river left, the water divided around an island, then Winter 2006 / 04

across to river right for a class II followed by further class I water. High waves and lots of back paddling. Great fun.

It started well, the waves were big but few obstacles, but whereas on previous rapids the waves followed the flow down river and were predictable these were erratic and coming from all directions, needless to say one came from a direction I was not anticipating and despite my efforts over I went, swimming the rest of the class II. Having recovered the boat, I ran the second part of the rapid, which as it entered the lake, became a rock garden. I caught a submerged rock and began to go over, I was determined that I was not going to swim again. As the canoe began to go over I found my hand resting on the riverbed, a hard push and I was upright and continued into the lake. What luck!

Campsite playspot After the lay-over day when we relaxed and played in the rapid that ran along the camp-site, the grand finale of the next day was a series of class II’s and III’s followed by few class I’s into a small lake.

A small rapid

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Nearing the end! The following days were not so eventful, there were still some good rapids to run but these were separated by long stretches of flat water, which were great for relaxing in the warm sunshine. All too soon we were paddling the last stretch across the Ottawa River to the take-out. It was all over and I was heading to Newfoundland. The rain was torrential and I never thought I would be able to combat the wind and get around the headland against the tide. Luckily we were well prepared (there is no such thing as bad weather only inappropriate clothing) Winter 2006 / 04

and the rain gear was holding up well. We had set out about three hours previous to paddle the estuary of the Grundies, near Burgeo a village on the south coast of Newfoundland, to reach a waterfall where we intended to have lunch. On the way the wind became stronger and we battled to make headway. On reaching the falls the heavens had opened and we turned around and headed back. Eventually the headland was rounded and we were in the sheltered bay; although the wind eased the rain continued. All this effort had its compensations; we had seen two Bald Eagles enjoying the wind that we were battling. Burgeo is a small fishing village, which until the 1980’s was only accessible by boat. The town is very sheltered being surrounded by small islands, 365 in total. The shore has many coves and inlets, each opening up to yet more inlets, and it was our intention, despite the weather, to paddle and explore these coves over the next three days. On one exploration we came across a “rapid” in the sea. This was caused by the water rushing through a narrow channel leading to one of the inlets. We ran the rapid and, after exploring the inlet, ran it again on the way out as the tide had changed and the current was once again with us. They should arrange this on some of our rivers; it would save all that shuttling! Burgeo marked the end of the paddling part of the holiday except for a short paddle on the Humber River, 130 miles to the north. We now travelled to Gros Morne National Park to view the spectacular scenery and some of the oldest rocks in the world; this is where, geologically speaking, Scotland and Canada meet. We explore these hills, mountains, lakes and shore for a few more days, enjoying some excellent restaurants and attending a local Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter

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theatre groups play about the area before returning home. Although the holiday was strenuous it was very exhilarating and lots of new friends were made and experience gained. I would definitely do it again, especially the Dumoine. Kelvin Abbott

15/10/06

SO THAT'S IT THEN So that's it then. Summer is officially over. And what better way to commiserate than with a trip to the Bounty? Fourteen intrepid paddlers left the club at 7pm sharp on September 19th, the last Tuesday club night of the year. Spurred on by the 8pm last food orders deadline, the gang raced downstream in pursuit of Adrian, who must have been hungry because he had selected a marathon boat. Darkness fell just as we arrived at the pub, and we were greeted by what looked to my inexperienced eye like a six foot high wall at which to exit. Tired arms confirmed this assessment, but we all scrambled out with no humiliations. It was agreed by the ladies that buoyancy aids are probably not a good look when among dry regulars, so once appropriately de-vested we hit the bar. The full range of the Bounty's food and drinks were tested, from hot chocolate with whipped cream and marshmallows to chips with stilton. And a few beers too. Thus cheered, conversation turn to such diverse topics as techniques for frightening small children in graveyards, Skippy the bush kangaroo's gender confusion and Felicity Kendall's stunt double. And of course, tales of canoedaring-do (ask Ian about his Symonds Yat seal entry). Getting cold, and in the pitch black, it Winter 2006 / 04

was time to go. It was at this point that the six foot wall came back to haunt us. Suitably spooked, I asked for advice from a more experienced paddler, and was advised to put the boat in and 'dangle' into it. Hmm. One new (but very experienced) member let go of her boat and it took a solo trip into the middle of the river, causing much amusement. They were soon reunited by a gallant colleague. Most 'dangled' in and a few made like seals. We were soon away. My first night paddle. And it was really very dark! I teamed up with others who, more wisely than me, had brought head torches with them. As we paddled in silence the bright moonlight was reflected on the ripples moving across the river, creating a slightly disorientating effect. Two fantastic shooting stars and mist swirling around us made it a very memorable trip. As we rested by the Island in the mist, Daubentons bats whizzed around us (thank you for the identification, Phil!). What a great way to welcome the Autumn. Katy Greene

Oct 2006

A FIRST NIGHT AT THE NENE On September 26th, the club took a trip to the Nene Whitewater Centre, a 300 metre course generated by 3 water pumps that determine the skill level depending how many are switched on. It’s an excellent place to go if you want an introduction to white water. When I got to the centre, I was feeling quite nervous because it was to be my first time. I unloaded my kayak booked in and got changed. We took the boats to the top of the course and Johnny P walked us around the riverbank explaining to us about Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter

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the movement of the water at each of the weirs, so we knew what to expect. I was raring to go. There was only 2 of the 3 pumps switched on so it was ideal for us beginners to learn, as I was told it was around grade 2 level. We spent about an hour and 20 minutes on the water, learning, practising and having a great time and I accomplished my first unexpected roll, which was a real achievement for me. When we were given the 5 minute warning, we paddled to the end, pulled out the boats and walked over to the beginning for another run… brilliant! All in all the evening was a great laugh and I cannot wait for the next. I would like to say thanks to JP for organising the trip and all the instructors who helped out. I’m sure we all benefited from it. Andrew McMaster

Oct 2006

NOT SO FREE IN THE 'LAND OF THE FREE' In a rather bizarre ruling that has marine industry officials worried, Judge Robert G. James of the United States District Court, Western Division of Louisiana, has said that it is criminal trespass for the American boating public to boat, fish, or hunt on the Mississippi River and other navigable waters in the US. In the case of Normal Parm v. Sheriff Mark Shumate, James ruled that federal law grants exclusive and private control over the waters of the river, outside the main shipping channel, to riparian landowners. The shallows of the navigable waters are no longer open to the public. That, in effect, makes boating illegal across most of the country. Winter 2006 / 04

"Even though this action seems like a horrible pre-April fools joke, it is very serious," said Phil Keeter, MRAA president, in a statement. "Because essentially all the waters and waterways of our country are considered navigable in the US law, this ruling declares recreational boating, water skiing, fishing, waterfowl hunting, and fishing tournaments to be illegal and the public subject to jail sentences for recreating with their families."

You might have thought it hard for things to be worse than the paddling situation here, but unfortunately not. There's not many in the U.S. that'll take on the Gun Lobby but that seems to be what the Judge is doing, maybe inadvertently. Perhaps their power is to be welcomed for once - I don't think the waterfowl will be smiling for long. -------------------------------------------------

As I said last issue, it's good to see the YAHOO group service benefiting the membership. Here's another example. No sooner than PC mentioned the possibility of doing the Teifi tour than it snowballed into a (peer) group event. Here's an account of Day 1 as seen by prospective L3 coach, Big Dave.

TEIFI TOUR 2006 – DAY 1 So a drive to South West Wales on a Friday afternoon had Henry and I at Llandysul before dark to get our bearings, and buy our river tickets. We were quite early so off we went to the campsite after a little look at the river. We returned in the morning to try again. We chucked our tents up and shortly after Tor, Andy and Lewis turned up to join us for a curry in Newcastle Emyln. We returned to the campsite as the rest of the group, Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter

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including those not camping arrived. We proceeded to watch smugly as the late arrivals with new tents struggled in the glow of car headlights to settle for the evening. Early the next morning we followed the tour instructions and eventually ended up at a field somewhere upstream of Llandysul wearing a pink tour wristband. A short briefing and a game of throw bag miming then we were away in two groups. This first section, down to Llandysul was used to practice all the core white water skills and for the coaches to practice group control and leadership. Taking twice as long as expected, Rezza practiced his rolling including the highly sought after skill of celebration swimming that follows a much-admired combat roll celebration. We arrived at Llandysul for a quick bite of lunch, and then deciding time was running short continued to run the bigger Landysul section in a free form style with the trip leaders providing cover and advice but allowing the white water novices to find their own route through the town. Rezza and Lewis were neck and neck on the swimming competition at this point. We were concerned about time so we upped the paddle rate to get to the first egress point and those who did not wish to continue got the shuttle bus back while the rest continued on the slog to the falls of Henllan. At the falls a brief inspection was completed and we set off like lemmings all in a line, with me as tail end Charlie. My own recollection is hanging to the gorge rock face below the falls in my boat trying to work it along as the current pushed me into the rock and the cushion wave pushed me away. All I could hear was the crowd chant and cheer as if I were a gladiator in the coliseum, not caring what the outcome was, waiting for the river god to decide Winter 2006 / 04

my fate. All I could see ahead was the carnage of Marlow Canoe Club in front. Final Count at the coliseum; RIVER GODS 5 - MCC 4 The Gods won! And in the swimming competition it finished Lewis 5 - Rezza 6

There will be more about this trip in the next issue, to include an account from the cockpit of 'Lil Joe' on Debs' daring do. ------------------------------------------------The Social Secretary post is a bit of a misnomer, as in the past some holders have done little, if anything to warrant holding the post. All that's about to change now that we have a new person in the seat. Here's Melinda's account of her first event.

FIRST SOCIAL OVER (PHEW!) We went, we saw, we conquered. The climb at Amersham is an artificial climbing wall offering tuition, bouldering, and ascents of varying difficulties. This was to be my first event as 'Social Officer' a position described to me as 'organising a few events outside of the summer season to help keep the club together over the winter months, particularly those whose skills were insufficient to allow them to paddle in colder rougher climes'. I had booked 12 places with a couple of instructors for a 1hr. session. Places soon went. Arriving at the climb we saw people more adept at this sport climbing up things that shouldn't really be climbed. Our instructors had everything prepared and demonstrated the best way to put our harnesses on. Then it Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter

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was off to the bouldering wall for some 'loosening up'. Once loosened, we tried the easy wall which gave us a chance to abseil down without testing our bottle too much. Paul N. gives us a demo. Lean back, I've got you - trust me, were repeated a few times. Us girls were more verbal with our fear, unlike the men. The only noise they made was their knees knocking together, those that hadn't climbed before anyway. Finally we graduated to the big walls. A proper roped ascent, with an instructor controlled descent. Some made it to the top, some didn't, all were happy they had given it a go. Time for home - or the pub. A few of us went down into Amersham old town for a celebratory drink and a chance to meet some who were unable to climb. Everything had gone smoothly - that wasn't so bad was it.

Melinda Livett

Nov. 2006

IN THE DAYS PLASTIC BOATS

BEFORE

Two items caught my eye in newsletter no.112. In the editors piece referring to 'some of those grey haired types seen around the club from time to time' and 'these people started their canoeing before plastic was invented'. I fit both quotes having started my paddling in 1952, aged 12. John goes on to ask 'anyone up for Hell Hole in a 4m wood and canvas boat, not me'. This was the only type of boat available apart from Canadians, so as there was little choice one used what was available and made the most of it, pretty much as one does today. Let's go back to those dark and distant days of the 1950's. The boats available were rigid, canvas covered with a wood Winter 2006 / 04

frame, collapsible or folding versions of the same and wooden Canadians, known as opens today. Few people ad cars which made folding boats a popular option as they could easily be taken on public transport. Most people had the one boat which they used for everything from slalom to WW to sea. Paddling skills were developed as we went along as there was little or no coaching available. Buoyancy aids were rarely used, normally only for WW or slalom, and consisted of two air cushions, one on the chest, the other on the back, with straps to hold them in place. The 2nd item was Andy Maxted's 'Usk revisited'. There he mentions 'the next major feature was the curiously named SPUHLERS FOLLY'. I have tried to find out from my archives how this came about but to date do not have any answers'. However, I thought the two items could go together as Jack Spulher was a leading slalom and WW paddler of the 1950 -60's. The 1950's was a period when a great deal of new ideas in boat design and use of new materials emerged especially foe slalom and WW. It must be remembered that the recent war had played it's part making use of new ideas and materials. Many of the wartime inventions and the new materials started to be available for civilian use. As such, many paddlers experimented with new designs and materials, with only one or just a few boats being produced. Jack was one of the more successful designers and his mk.VI design was put into commercial production by Tyne folding boats as the 'J.S. mkVI' who manufactured it for a no. of years from 1959. The boat was also adopted as the standard canoe for the BCU corps of Lifeguards.

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(Roger submitted a photocopy of the Tyne catalogue but a low res. image, scanning and small format newsletter make it impractical to reproduce. I have placed his original submission on the noticeboard for those that are interested. This illustrates new ideas such as longitudinal central stiffener and cross frames made of Tufnol all covered with a 7 ply rubberised fabric skin similar to that used in wartime survival dinghies). Roger finishes; - I have, and still paddle a 'sports single' with original frame from 1950 and replacement skin.

Roger French

Nov. 2006

Well, now we know who it's named after, but the question remains, WHY. Was Jack the first to negotiate this feature safely, or did he become a cropper on the folly. Those in the know might care to elucidate and inform those that don't. 50+ years for a wood and canvas boat, that’s pretty good going. I'm loathe to say is that a record, because someone always trumps it. I've just had a close look at my Inazone. I reckon it's going to be around for at least 10,000 years, and probably longer than the Thames as we know (knew) it. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Winter 2006 / 04

From newsletter 113 published September 2006;

CLUBHOUSE KEYS We've got a functional padlock, a slightly less reliable version of the same, and keys for both dotted all over the place. Various members have tried to keep track of keys over the years but our most recent list of key holders contains names of people who have not been seen or heard of for many years. September's committee meeting decided to replace the lock (and keys). The process will be somewhat arduous but Andy Maxted has agreed to coordinate the issue of new keys. If you have an existing key and will need a replacement, please get in contact with Andy so that a replacement can be issued and a proper register drawn up. If you do not have a key but would like one, the existing procedures are that an application needs to be made to the committee in writing for approval. You will need to be over 18, three star standard and deemed by the committee to be sufficiently responsible. If you are no longer a user of the club but still have a key it can be returned for your initial Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter

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deposit. We will announce a date in a couple of months when the padlock will be changed and when the old keys will be of no further use. It seems very few people have bothered to let AM know they would like a key. Last night's committee meeting revealed that just 7 people had advised Andy that they would require a new key. Get yourselves sorted or you won't be getting in! I'll hold my hands up - I've not done it either - YET.

-------------------------------------------------

Winter 2006 / 04

TYNE TOUR Well, despite my invitation, no-one was interested in joining me for the Tyne Tour this year. Right at the last moment, my accommodation was cancelled so it looked like I was going to be left camping with 2,000 students on Tyne Green in Hexham! Anyway, my mate Keiron came to the rescue and offered me a room for the night in Nottingham so we could drive up on Saturday morning. In fact we were on the water by 10.30am ahead of most of the crowds. We got on at Barrasford above the grade 2/3 rapid for a paddle back to Hexham with a medium water level which meant mainly grade 2 water with one big weir and the famous Warden Gorge, which, despite it’s notoriety, is really only a grade 3 run but a bit of a challenge in an open canoe. We stopped for lunch under the trees on a grassy bank beside a group of surf waves which gave us the opportunity to show the kayakers how it should be done. Warden Gorge did not disappoint. At this level you can select a line and pretty much guarantee to stay on it. So provided you have planed well you should come to no harm. Kieron was only paddling the one day so I said cheerio to him and, despite looking all round the campsite, I couldn’t find anyone else I knew although I know there were at least a couple staying. However, I was lucky for Saturday evening with friends Jenny and Dave coming up trumps, giving me a bed settee for the night and taking me out to dinner. Friends are great, aren’t they? So for Sunday, I persuaded these friends to paddle with me from a bit further up at Wark. This made the paddle some 12 miles which would Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter

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have been fine if we didn’t have to cope with the headwind! We had a lovely day’s paddle through some great scenery crossing Hadrian’s Wall on the way. We went through the gorge again and Jenny making suggestions for getting more out of the rapid than I had done the day before. The gorge is in a Site of Special Scientific Interest so there is no carrying back up for another run which is a shame. I think if it was not a tour day, this might be a possibility. Still, another time. Whilst the Tour is a great venue for the more inexperienced paddlers with similar safety cover to that provided on the Teifi Tour, what we really go there for is the possibility of there being sufficient water to paddle some of the other local rivers. The whole catchment is available for the weekend with the River Allen being probably the most inviting. Anyone else for next year?

Adrian Cooper

Nov 2006

Winter 2006 / 04

DAVID LYDIATT The coming AGM will see the retirement from the committee of one of our stalwarts (no that's not a medical condition) David Lyddiatt has decided to step down as organiser of the Marlow Marathon. David has been a member of the club for more years than my archive records, however a trawl through the minutes of past committee meetings that I have stashed away tells more than I had remembered. First mention of David as the marathon rep was in the AGM minutes of 1990 when I believe he took over from Gerry Knight (the mystery man who disappears up the river every Sunday in a dark blue K1) and he continued without a break until after the race in 1997 when he changed jobs (daytime post that is!). This led to a two year break covered by Dave Goddard, but David's life was apparently unfulfilled and he returned in 2000 to carry on until this year. He threatened to retire three years ago but we beat him into submission. The race ran pretty much like clockwork under David's supervision apart from one or two minor glitches. The year he left the prizes on his kitchen table comes to mind! The weather could always be guaranteed to be somewhere between warm and blazing hot but the record had to fall when this year the rains came to coincide with a later date than normal and his swan song race had to be cancelled, but not until all of his preparation work had already been done. Race day when many turn out to help is only the climax of the job of organiser. This is preceded by a yearly application for approval of our date, circulation of the details to the clubs, obtaining all the permissions, Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter

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licences and prizes and annual pleadings for help. Race day is preceded by a paddle along the whole course to check for hazards and chats with the lock keepers along the way. The job doesn't finish when we all go home tired, as results have to be checked, Hasler points allocated and returns sent to the BCU Marathon Committee. Finally an account has to be prepared for our treasurer and a report written for our AGM. The last few years saw David ably assisted by his wife Barbara who, seen by few, sat in the background feverishly entering the results onto a laptop for which we are very grateful. This does not tell the whole story however, as in 1995 and 96 David was our representative at the River Users Group meetings and to top it off he took the additional post of Hon Secretary in 1996 and 97 so filling a hat trick of committee posts in one year. Our thanks go to you David for a fantastic contribution to the running of our club. Hopefully we will see you at the AGM in January for a last report on a race that would probably have been our biggest entry ever. If we can help out with something to while away those long evenings in front of the TV you know where we are........... Tim Ward 9.11.06

As he paddles off into the sunset, I'm sure we would all like to join the President in wishing David a happy 'retirement'.

Winter 2006 / 04

2007 AGM THE 'KINGS HEAD' - LITTLE MARLOW. Monday 29th January; start 8:00pm

HIGH WYCOMBE THE KINGS HEAD

BOURNE END

MAIDENHEAD

The Mundane bit, when all the official stuff is sorted out. Who's on next year's committee, election of new officers and recognition of achievement by various peoples throughout the year and presentation of awards. The 'Kings Head' not only has a superb range of beers, but offers some excellent food as well. Arrive around 7.00pm to enjoy a bar meal and a drink and to be sure of a parking place. See you there.

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Winter 2006 / 04

WHAT'S ON, WHEN AND WHERE The complete and authoritive guide to all that the club hopes to do in the forthcoming months. Please note that at the time of going to press dates cannot be guaranteed and that the programme is subject to changes. 25-26/11/06 28/11/06 03/12/06 04/12/06 TBA 09-10/12/06 17/12/06 24/12/06

WYE & USK WHITEWATER SPECTACULAR - YOUR FIRST SERIOUS WW KAYAK TIAWAN;LECTURE & SLIDESHOW - WOKINGHAM W.C. SUNDAY SESSION COMMITTEE MEETING (ALL WELCOME) CHRISTMAS 'DO' (SEE NOTICEBOARD FOR DETAILS) DART WHITEWATER SPECTACULAR + YOUR SECOND SERIOUS WW CLUB SESSION CHRISTMAS EVE PADDLE - FRESH AIR FOR THE ALL SHOPPED OUT

JP EXT.

31/12/06

NEW YEARS EVE PADDLE & EDITORS BIRTHDAY (BUY ME A DRINK!)

07/01/07

CLUB SESSION

08/01/07

COMMITTEE MEETING

14/01/07

CLUB SESSION

21/01/07

CLUB SESSION

27-28/01/07

YET ANOTHER WHITEWATER SPECTACULAR - RIVERS DART & BARLE

JP

29/01/07

AGM - SEE POSTER INSIDE.

AM

04/02/07

CLUB SESSION

11/02/07

CLUB SESSION

18/02/07

CLUB SESSION

25/02/07

CLUB SESSION.

EVERY THURSDAY EVENING 9.00 - 10.30

SWIMMING POOL SESSIONS AT GURNELL POOL, WEST LONDON. GET TUITION IN ROLLING, OR PRACTISE 3* SKILLS, OR ANYTHING YOU'VE GOT A BIT RUSTY ON. SEE WEBSITE FOR MAP AND DETAILS OR CONTACT JOHN PARKIN or JOHN NORRIS.

AM ML JP

AM

JP

ORGANISER / MCC CONTACT CODE FOR ABOVE EVENTS AC AM DL JN JP MP TB

ADRIAN COOPER ANDY MAXTED DAVID LYDIATT JOHN NORRIS JOHN PARKIN MARTIN PLAIN TERRY BELCHER

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter

01844 07730 01753 01494 07973 01628 01628

344580 852760 887773 483833 820515 483252 851001

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

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Winter 2006 / 04

THE COMMITTEE AND OTHER USEFUL NUMBERS A list of those members who serve on the club's committee, their role and a contact no. should you need to contact them.

POSITION

NAME

PRESIDENT

TIM WARD

CHAIRMAN

ADRIAN COOPER

SECRETARY

ANDY MAXTED

TREASURER COACHING

PAUL CRICHTON TIM TWITCHEN

NEWSLETTER

JOHN NORRIS

MEMBERSHIP

ROD EDMONDS

EQUIPMENT

DON MOORE

MARATHON

DAVID LYDIATT

LONGRIDGE

MARTIN PLAIN

WOMENS REP.

DEBS HARDY

YOUTH REP

VACANT

SOCIAL

MELINDA LIVETT

WHITEWATER

JOHN PARKIN

INLAND TOURS

GUY MADDIESON

SEA

TBA

CONTACT NO. 01494 482959 01844 344580 07730 852760 08708 806962 07833 995289 01494 483833 01753 671389 01628 773555 01753 887773 01628 483252 07812 749555

E-MAIL

[email protected] [email protected]

[email protected] [email protected]

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

PERSONABLE YOOF REQUIRED! 01628 476384 01844 275418

[email protected] [email protected]

OUR NEAREST RETAILERS / SUPPLIERS RIVERSIDE

OXFORD

MARSPORT

READING

WWC

SHEPPERTON

PADDLESPORT

COMPTON VERNEY

01865 248673 01189 665912 01932 247978 01926 640573

http://www.riversideoxford.co.uk/ http://www.marsport.co.uk/ http://www.whitewaterthecanoecentre.co.uk/ http://www.paddlesport.co.uk/

Please advise the editor if any contact details are wrong or if you wish to add an alternative no. / e-mail address to the list.

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter

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Winter 2006 / 04