Newsletter 125 Autumn 2009 03

July 26th 2009 and the ‘canoe cavalcade’ organised by MWRG gets underway. Run annually by the Maidenhead Waterways Restoration Group, the paddle wound it’s way from Green Lane to Bray Lake, all off the main body of the Thames. See Jane Oxley’s item inside for the full story.

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter

COVER

Autumn 2009/03

EDITORS PIECE

CONTENTS

It‟s been an interesting summer – trying to find it was perhaps the hardest part. But it ROOF RACKS 5 cropped up here and there and with a little luck (unfortunately not always) the club made MWRGCC0709 7 the most of the opportunities available to it. A look through the „What‟s on, When and ELK HUNTING IN FENLAND 8 Where‟ page shows that, once again, Tim Twitchen has been hard at work not only AT SEA IN DEVON 9 organising courses but establishing a flat AN INTERVIEW WITH THE water touring programme as well. It 11 KRAGS continues into this final quarter of the year with a few outings I might get around to EDM 1577 12 doing. Someone‟s going to have to work IN PRAISE OF THE MIGHTY K1 16 really hard to take the PETER LEE CUP of the boy! OTTERS ON THE THAMES 18 We finally got the Sea Kayaking programme running. Unfortunately we chose a day when LOCK IMPROVEMENTS 18 summer failed to make an appearance. A lot was learned from this trip however, and as I WHAT’S ON, WHEN & WHERE 19 sit here suffering the group will be out on a trip that I put a lot of work into. Unfortunately THE COMMITTEE 20 a flu weakened body would make me a liability on the sea so I‟ll be looking forward to the write up for this next issue. Hopefully I‟ll be able to talk them into a re-run for the new starters that have expressed an interest. I‟ve thrown a few words together on the use of and purchase of roof racks which I hope will be useful to those about to invest in one. Our cover picture shows the start of the MWRG barbeque paddle and Jane was there to tell us all about it. The OCA provides an alternative group for those into open boats but not exclusively so. Andy Maxted, no mean single blader, went to Mepal in the fens for the OCA‟s Canoe Fest Rally. Read all about it inside. Sea Kayaking southwest is a provider that a no. of our members have used and CP lets us now how he got on with them. Alex and Will Krag (along with mum, Helen) joined the club and did our first 1* course of the year. Here how they‟ve got on by way of an „interview‟ conducted by „mum‟. EDM 1577 is all about the lack of river access and a motion put forward by John Grogan MP. I asked my MP to support the motion – hear what he has to say in this copied e-mail conversation with David Lidington (Con., Aylesbury) The fast boat section has really suffered since Sera went to University. Steve Backshall might be the man to fill her boots though with an encouraging piece on the „Mighty K1‟. It would be nice to see some of the other zippy people come and support him – and we should not forget Melinda‟s own efforts to get this genre moving again on Wednesday evenings. That‟s it for this issue; copy is now being taken for the winter edition due to be published late November / early December. BLACK DAY AT MUDEFORD

3

JOHN NORRIS

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter

AUGUST 2009

-2-

Autumn 2009/03

BLACK DAY AT MUDEFORD It all started a while back and gathered pace when some of those interested in sea kayaking held a „meeting‟ in my lounge back in February. A sea section was „born‟ with a schedule of things to achieve this year. Recognising that the club has no active sea coaches our initial plan was just to get on the water, rack up a few miles / trips and gain experience. Check out each others limits; get to feel comfortable as a group, all on fairly benign water. The initial trip was based on Christchurch harbour and would involve a paddle along the coast towards Milford and return, with the possibility of a little play in some more exciting water around Hengistbury Head. Then it all went wrong!

A plan was prepared and forwarded to the Coastguard the previous evening You may recall the foul weather we had around Mid May. The weekend forecast was for onshore winds of around 20mph, southerly veering both East and West. The wiser sea kayaker, perhaps with a greater recognition of their capabilities would have put the word out that the plan was cancelled. But not me. Sunday was looking „better‟ and I confirmed this with Shades who had phoned up to advise me that, when conversing with a „yottie‟, he had learned of F8 conditions out in the bay. There is a little more that goes into the planning of a sea trip and the temptation is to go for it even when you shouldn‟t. So 5 of us turned up at the club on that Sunday and left shortly afterwards. Forgetting my paddle would turn out to be the least of my concerns, as via Stokenchurch we headed for Christchurch. Rownham services, just outside Southampton, had enough water in the car park to make up for the aborted WW trip scheduled for that weekend.

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter

-3-

Autumn 2009/03

Michael Days‟ directions were spot on. Everybody was there by 09:45. A scan over the briny showed some breaking waves, but what appeared to be a more general swell a little further out. Another warning sign – again not heeded - sail and kite boarders do not perform gravity defying acrobatics in a light breeze. Perhaps a 100m or so up the coast we found a little sheltered „alcove‟ from which to launch. I‟d already sent a plan to the coastguard the previous evening and confirmed that we were going ahead with a phone call. An advisory word about the impending conditions along with good luck and hope you have an enjoyable journey was the reply. A short safety chat and we were away, stern first, to protect the skegs and to reduce water intake on the boat. All broke through the surf without problems and continued to the more general swell a little further out. A few minutes to get used to the conditions then we headed east, as per plan, tracking a line of civic buoys. I took the lead, Shades was backmarker. At this point my main concern was Charles Pains‟ plan, contrary to mine, to head for the I.O.W. I‟d estimate we were perhaps some 600m out from the coast and the swell was large but comfortable. We continued on our way, two buoys at a time, then regrouping. Mudeford was a speck on the horizon. The swell had built continually but was manageable and not threatening, offering a ride that would put many a theme park ride to shame. Shades, keeping station to the rear and slightly further out (in case Charles headed for the I.O.W. again) commented that the wind had picked up a bit and maybe a move inshore would be wise, which we heeded. And then it all got worse. My first mistake was looking around to check on everybody without having half a brace in place. I got hit by a steep wave and was over. One failed roll and exit. The tide and wind had taken us inshore a little and the swell was getting ready to turn to surf. Michael assisted while I demonstrated a „good‟ (Shades‟ words) rough water rescue. Others had reached the beach or were out in „friendly‟ surf, so Michael and I headed in. The surf can be a dangerous place, not the kind of place to follow the boat in front. Something Michael did not know and I hadn‟t mentioned. A shout from behind, a glance over my shoulder, and Michael was surfing past. I did, however, remember the words of the Weymouth coach. Roll over, protect yourself from the incoming boat (a rescue if needed is much easier with a conscious paddler than one knocked cold). And this I did, expertly. The surf was pounding the beach menacingly and as Michael and I struggled ashore, part of the reason became apparent. The beach shelves sharply and was almost impossible to climb up. Best to take a beating and let the surf do the work. So there we were, all safe and sound on the beach, a little embarrassed perhaps, but thankful none the less. We had paddled barely a linear mile, but nearly two on account of our „detours‟. An early lunch was called for and a decision was made to see how conditions progressed. But increasing wind and a heightening surf, along with a clearly defined change in the cloud base put paid to any chance of getting back on. The drivers walked back to the cars and returned to pick up the boats and other members who had made use of my shelter and were huddled together in the lee of a rock. The view from Highcliffe confirmed our decision as being the right one. The surf was pounding the beach in much the same way as a pro boxer treats a journeyman. Not nice to look at – and the wind was just plain vicious. The boats were loaded and we were thankful for Shades‟ trolley, then we returned to Mudeford to change and for a hot meal. I informed the coastguard that we were all safely off the water, fit and well and back with the vehicles. So what can we take from this trip. A number of valuable lessons were learned, and experience gained. Perhaps foremost of these is to take more notice of the weather forecast, to know when you‟re beat and to cancel in plenty of time. There‟s always another day. If you go ahead, spend more time to assess the conditions, perhaps some binoculars would have helped – allowing us to see conditions further out. Some more training on landing in surf might have helped, but this wasn‟t „fun‟ surf as some of the club were

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter

-4-

Autumn 2009/03

enjoying in Devon. The only real negative was that we spent relatively little time on the water. Sea trips are always going to be at the behest of the weather and you have to be prepared for everything that might come your way. I thought we were reasonably equipped and the shelter proved useful. We even had (out of date) flares and two VHF‟s. After some banter on the YAHOO group the chairman suggested „adventurous‟ might be a more positive way to look at the weekend. I tend to concur. If you try something new and return safely with nothing more than your ego bruised you‟re ready to try again. I can‟t wait. JOHN NORRIS

May 2009

ROOF RACKS There has been a bit of banter about roof racks recently. I thought it time to put a few things straight, to the best of my knowledge, when it comes to carrying your boat. Let‟s start with a few figures – there are three that you need to be particularly aware of. 1)

2)

3)

The maximum load the car roof is designed to safely support. You‟ll find this in the vehicle specification or possibly online if you don‟t have the manual. Be warned, it could be as low as (or even less than) 50kg or 110lbs in old money. The maximum load the rack itself is designed to support. This will be in the small print with the packaging or again, look at the manufacturer‟s website. It could be lesser or greater than the designed roof load. If you cannot find this out don‟t buy. To a lesser degree, but not to be ignored is the weight of the rack and fittings itself. I have just weighed my THULE bars fitted with one upright and one „J‟ cradle on each bar, complete with the gutter fittings. Total weight (ready to go) was 10.4kgs / 22.88lbs – or as much as 25% of your total limit if on a low roof load spec.

CHOOSING YOUR ROOF RACK – This article will mainly be dealing with securing your kayak or canoe to the car‟s roof, but when making your purchase you should consider what else you might carry on the rack. For most people this is likely to be no more than bicycles or a roof top box. Aerodynamics and better construction techniques employed by vehicle manufacturers have pretty much killed off the humble rain gutter, the old way of securing a rack to a vehicle and almost universally interchangeable. Today you will be faced with a variety of fittings (roof rails; flush mounted roof rails; T-tracks; fix points; bodywork clamps and maybe a rain gutter if you‟ve an older vehicle) so it‟s worth noting how much of the rack is transferable to another vehicle. It‟s my guess that a rack from an independent manufacturer is more likely to be transferable than a motor manufacturers system. MANUFACTURERS / SUPPLIERS – You can of course choose the motor manufacturers own branded equipment, or you can opt for one of the many aftermarket fitments from various manufacturers. Top end of the market will provide unsurpassed quality whist some of the cheaper stuff I‟d be quite wary of. I recently answered a query on the UKSGB concerning racks and advised not to buy „cheap‟. Almost immediately a further reply came back advising how pleased the sender was with his HALFORDS bars. You pays your

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter

-5-

Autumn 2009/03

money; you makes your choice. I‟ve looked around the net and come up with some names all hyperlinked to the companies websites. I‟ve picked out a few suppliers as well and they are also hyperlinked to websites. You may of course find a cheaper supplier, or wish to use one that you are familiar with. Either way it‟s worth a trawl around the net. So much information is available for so little effort you‟d be a fool not too. THE ROOFBOX COMPANY seems a good place to start as you can view several manufacturers from links at one source. This company offers a wide range from THULE (Swedish), ATERA (German) & CRUZ (Spanish) plus a few other bits of exotica. There are others available such as HALFORDS and Paddy Hopkirk / MONT BLANC (French). If you wish to support a more local retailer try COOKS MOTOR SPARES at Chesham. SECURING YOUR BOAT – The rack is on the car and you‟ve got a boat (club or personal), now you need to secure it. The simplest and cheapest way is just to strap it down, fore and aft, with a couple of webbing straps fitted with non slip buckles. Good for one boat, kayak or canoe or two side by side secured by separate straps if the rack is wide enough. Straps are available in a variety of lengths and widths from most canoe shops or rack manufacturers. From around £8.00 pr. I tend to wrap one end once around the bar, securing the strap. Pass the strap (both ends) over the boat, one end around the bar and pull tight. Lock the strap by passing back through the buckle. Next up comes the humble upright. This is just a vertical extension bolted to the rack, usually centrally located. The upright allows you to secure the boat on its side (one either side of the upright if necessary). The main advantage here is that the side of the boat is often a little stronger than the hull so less prone to deformation when the straps are pulled tight. From around £30.00 pr. too fit square / oblong profiled steel tube bars. (An additional fitting kit or special item may be required for aerobar designs). Beyond these you are looking at more specialist methods, to be considered if you are carrying a longer boat such as a marathon boat, sea kayak or tourer. You may also want to look at these options if your car cannot provide a wide span between the bars. Marathon boats are usually carried in a sub cradle secured to the roof bars due to their length and fragility. Available from MARSPORT from around £85.00. Sea kayaks can be fitted into „J‟ bars, a more advanced form of upright suitable for a single boat. If your sea kayak is a rotomoulded model such as the club‟s EASKY‟S you should try to place „J‟ bars and straps over or near to the bulkheads. It is not advisable to strap the club‟s Easky‟s tightly on to a narrow spacing – you will damage the boat – possibly irreparably. Here are a few tips to make your boat carrying experience a little less stressful. Tim Ward, club President, suggests putting a twist in the straps as you secure your boat. This, he says, will get rid of any annoying wind whistle through the straps as you are driving. For myself, I‟ve always found carrying an open boat a little worrisome. Easily cured by fitting a set of ladder stops to the front crossbar. Prevents any forward movement of the boat and also allows you use shorter straps. All hyperlinks will lead you to sites I have checked (06/09) and found to be safe. Most will feature illustrations of the various racks and extra‟s you‟ll hopefully soon be needing. JOHN NORRIS

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter

May 2009

-6-

Autumn 2009/03

MWRGCC0709 (or MAIDENHEAD WATERWAYS CAVALCADE; 26th JULY 2009)

RESTORATION

GROUP

CANOE

Many of you will have received an invitation to this via the Yahoo Group – Julie & Dave, Andy Cook & I decided to give it a go! For anyone who isn‟t aware of this scheme, the plan is to bring a navigable waterway through the centre of Maidenhead – details below for anyone who‟s interested – you might prefer to skip the next two paras. In short, it would mean you could kayak from Cookham or Bray to Waitrose, if that appeals to you. If this group gets their way, ultimately you‟d be able to do this in a boat big enough to bring your shopping home again, too! The provisional route for the waterway would start at The Thames near Cliveden Reach, running via the White Brook (Widbrook) across Cookham Moor, up to the junction with Strand Water. The waterway would then run southwards via an enlarged Maidenhead Ditch until it splits at Town Moor. The York Stream channel passes to the west of the Police Station on the A4 dual carriage above Maidenhead town centre. The easterly channel, Moor Cut, was enlarged in the 1960s as part of the flood defence system. Today it is mostly 'dry' following construction of the much larger Jubilee River scheme to the east of the main River Thames. Town Moor would be an ideal location for a 'winding hole' (turning point) for boats, with ample space for day moorings as well. Thereafter the York Stream channel runs southwards past the Hines Meadow car park, underneath the Colonnade shops and out again at Chapel Arches beneath Bridge Street. A basin and day moorings plus riverside facilities would be possible as the channel continues down alongside the library to York Road and then through Brunel's four impressive GWR railway tunnels to Stafferton Way. The 'dry' Moor Cut channel runs across Town Moor before passing under the elegant ballustraded Moorbridge by Waitrose's car park on the old A4 road, before passing through another set of four railway tunnels and combining again with the York Stream at Green Lane. The channel below Green Lane becomes The Cut, running past Braywick Nature Reserve and onwards to eventually rejoin the River Thames at Bray Marina. Anyway, back to the Cavalcade; well, it was quite fun and it felt good to exercise our access right of navigation. There were around 45 people in a mixture of kayaks & open boats, plus a rowing boat and a punt! I think it may have been the slowest 3km we‟ve ever paddled, but it didn‟t matter. We put in at Green Lane (no, we had no idea where it was, either) and paddled down to Bray Lake. It was very weedy & twisty, but enjoyable- there was a reasonable flow. Julie, Dave & I paddled back again after a coffee – but we were on our own by then, so maybe the other 40 something paddlers are still in Bray! JANE OXLEY

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter

July 2009

-7-

Autumn 2009/03

ELK HUNTING IN FENLAND The air was thick with white flakes as our canoes brushed past bushes equally burdened with the white stuff. “We‟re in Fenland” said Joan “and we need to keep an eye out for elk, bears and other strange creatures”. The children shivered, more in disbelief than with cold. The sun was shining, the grass was green, but the air was thick with white catkins as the fresh breeze shook them from the thick stand of osiers lining the riverbank in this quiet corner of Cambridgeshire. We were twelve boats in all, a mix of tandem and solo and we‟d set out from the riverside car park in Huntingdon at about 11:00 am. Far from tracking down strange creatures, our plan was to enjoy a short circular tour of the Ouse and its backwaters on the second day of the OCA Canoe Fest Rally held this year at the Mepal Outdoor Centre. The tour was just one of the attractions of the rally where Marlow CC was represented by Mark „Shades‟ Steel, Tim Twitchen and myself. The first half mile had been quite hard work, making our way upstream and against the breeze to pass under the Huntingdon bridges before turning left into a narrower backwater - and sunshine. Travelling down the backwater was delightful as we followed the meanders, able to see over the high banks, but sufficiently sheltered not to be too troubled by the wind. Occasionally the channel narrowed, constricted by overhanging trees, causing the group to bunch then travel in single file but for the most part boats travelled in pairs as we chattered, shared experiences and made new friends. At one point we rounded a corner to find Adrian, the tour leader, signalling for us to pull into the bank. There was a low bridge ahead – a dilapidated construction of metal girders and wooden planks with a pair of supporting bars just where our heads and shoulders wanted to go. Because the bridge was at an angle and had thick growths of brambles and reeds on each side the limbo under it was quite tricky. One at a time the group went through, heads ducked and pulling on the metal work to make progress, there was little room to use paddles. Safely through, we made our way to another narrow section – this time hemmed in by the osiers which the breeze was stripping the catkins from, filling the air, and the water surface, with pollen and particles. It was here that Joan mentioned Fenland, or did she say Finland? We played along until our attention was diverted by a side weir where Adrian again had us progress cautiously, keeping in single file and on the opposite side of the stream. We‟d travelled perhaps a mile along the backwater when turning a corner we found ourselves back in the main channel which seemed incredibly wide after our earlier adventures. A short way down stream we came to another, larger side weir which marked the start of another looping backwater which would have taken us beyond Houghton with its mill and its lock. But the lure of the ice cream sign opposite was greater so we stopped and, thanks to some negotiation by one of the group, enjoyed lunch on the neat lawn of a riverside café where we were permitted to eat our sandwiches provided we bought our drinks in the café.

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter

-8-

Autumn 2009/03

Sitting in the sun we were conscious that time was pressing and many in the group were keen to return to Mepal for the afternoon workshops. We decided to split up, with me joining six boats going straight back up to Huntingdon while Adrian continued down to Houghton with the other five. I have to say that the paddle back was even harder than when we‟d set out. The breeze had strengthened and seemed to be funnelled straight down the river, but eventually Huntingdon came back into sight. We‟d had an excellent morning in Fenland, and while we hadn‟t seen any strange beasts, we did see a common creature doing a strange thing. Shortly before reaching the car park we came across a pair of swans building a large nest in the reeds; while the female sat protectively on the nest, her partner was pulling building materials from the reeds with his beak, turning his neck to place the lengths of reed and twig across his back before swimming back to the nest with his finds! For anyone interested in open boating the OCA‟s annual Canoe Fest 2009 is a great event. I hope other Marlow members might join us next year. ANDY MAXTED

July 2009

AT SEA IN DEVON After a two day introduction to Sea Kayaking at Plas Menai (Newsletter 24 p17) and being one of „the Mudeford 7‟ (see item, this issue) I was keen to spend more time on the sea. Jane Oxley (another of „the Mudeford 7‟) recommended SEAKAYAKING SOUTHWEST run by Rob McIntyre, based near Ilfracombe, North Devon. In the meantime some of us had tried rolling, rescues and self rescues with the club Easkys down at „the beach‟ and by chance the Riverside Centre at Oxford ran a BCU “Coastal Planning and Navigation” course which I attended (as did our Chairman Adrian). Rob has mainly Easky 15‟s and a Capella and five of us turned up at the barn at 9.00am: Tom who had been on a previous course; Guy who was a white-water paddler; and Dave and Ursula from Newbury who were recent 2 stars but with limited time on the water I think. The Saturday weather was sunny but windy with a swell in the Channel (Bristol).

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter

-9-

Autumn 2009/03

After being kitted out we set of for Ilfracombe Harbour. Eager to start using my “Coastal Planning and Navigation” knowledge I had checked the tides, Springs with a 9 metre fall! Couldn‟t find any tidal flow charts, but if you are moving 9 meters in 6 hours on the Bristol Channel there will be issues. High tide at 10.00am which, by coincidence, was when we got on the water, but it wasn‟t because of high tide it was when the day‟s parking charges started - get a ticket then straight in! Bit of a warm up, a couple of basics then straight into rescues! Would you like to try a roll, at 10.10am no thanks, but we did all sorts of rescues. I learned two things; An Astral buoyancy aid is a hindrance in self rescue On the river the rear deck of the Easky is quite high and makes self rescue awkward. In sea water the additional buoyancy made it ride higher and feel as though an aircraft carrier was looming over you. Anyway most tasks nearly completed successfully. Lunch, then carry the boats down to the shoreline now 100 yards away; but too windy to make an extended trip, so onto the sea, crossing the bay, tide flows etc.; and because most beaches are surf or dump then on to learn about dump landings; pop the spray deck, leg over each side, get your timing right, paddle in after a roller, stand up and drag your boat up the beach - easy. Also rocky landings, if it‟s not going too pummel you it should be straight forward. Excellent views of the cliffs and the odd cave then another paddle across the tide flow and back to the harbour which was nearly empty of water. Landed and waited for Rob to get the trailer and drive the 200 yards down to the shore line to pick us up. At this point we had a diversion. A Saxo (I think it was front wheel drive) had brought a trailer down to pick up a fishing boat. The boat had been put on the trailer in the water (and still contained a rather large gentleman). The Saxo manfully tried to pull the boat and trailer out of the water but after a few seconds just started to sink in the sand. It tried and tried until it was nearly down to the sump. At this point we decided to lend a hand. We pushed the trailer and car to no avail, the Saxo kept getting deeper. Well unhook the trailer then says I, which we did. We managed to get the Saxo out, then with some effort hauled the boat and trailer out, reunited them with the car and sent them on their way (with the rather large gentleman still in the boat). Back to the barn, to wash up, and plan the next day. Due to the forecast suggesting worsening conditions we had plans A - D for the next day, just in case. Sunday loomed, high winds, heavy rain, bigger swell forecast so plans A - D ditched to be replaced with plans E - G. The ominous action was that we were all issued with helmets for dodgy launches and landings. Plan E was to go to Lee Bay (West) and paddle east to Ilfracombe and for this a car was placed in Ilfracombe. However when we had driven down a long windy narrow road to the bay the swell outside the bay looked quite big and there were concerns. As the day before it was high tide with the swell hitting the sea wall.

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter

- 10 -

Autumn 2009/03

Fortunately a slipway broke some of the swell so with one person holding, another getting in we were able to paddle out. (Another option would have been swim out with the boat and self rescue). The bay had swell and wind but was relatively sheltered. Off to Appledore Rock at the end of the bay to check the swell outside of the bay. The wind had veered from south to southwest which had increased the swell and it was considered too dangerous to go along the coast, the main problem was landing. Tell that to the „Mudeford 7‟. On to plan F. We settled for rock hopping. The swell (now two to three feet) breaks through a gap in the rocks then you go through the gap - great fun, it‟s all in the timing. Another dump landing, have a break to see if the weather eased, climb a cliff („Mudeford 7‟ again, this time without the boats) to get a birds eye view of the sea, races, ebbing tide etc. However the weather did not improve so onto plan G. More rock hopping, the 90 degree turns were interesting. Another landing and I‟m ready to call it a day, but some wanted to do a little more so across the bay to where rocks and reefs were emerging with the falling tide paddling through the gaps, a few more exercises, then back to shore too call it a day. This time carry the boats 100 meters up the beach to the slipway (still raining hard at times) change and up a muddy path to the Tea Rooms, (well more a kitchen as it was designed more for outside beverages). However we were all allowed to squeeze around the kitchen table, with the smell of baking scones, surrounded by cakes and scones and being supplied with pots of tea etc, magical. Debrief, back to base and a reasonably good weekend in spite of the weather. CHARLES PAIN

July 2009

AN INTERVIEW WITH ALEX & WILL KRAG Alex and Will Krag (aged 11 and 10 respectively) joined Marlow Canoe Club in May this year and did their 1* course on 9/10 May. In this interview they share their experiences and thoughts about paddling. Q: So boys, when did you start paddling? Alex : I was about 8 when I went to a Kayak party at Hurley. Will: We‟ve both done a multi-activity week at Bray Lake. Q: Why did you decide to join Marlow Canoe Club? Will: When we moved to Hurley I wanted to have a kayak because we‟re near to the river, and my Mum suggested we join a club instead. Q: What sorts of things did you learn on the 1*? Alex: We learnt strokes, which is very important when you‟re a beginner. They taught us to paddle forwards and backwards, and to do a sweep stroke. Will: We found out how to go sideways too, and that it‟s very important to do trunk rotation (John will get very annoyed if we don‟t do this). Alex: We did capsize drills without, and then with, a spray deck. Will: Anyone would like it because you get to get wet. Alex: We also learned how to be safe on the river and what the dangers are.

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter

- 11 -

Autumn 2009/03

Q: Will: Alex: Will:

What was the best bit about the 1* course? We paddled all the way to Temple and went to the tea shop and down the weir. Going down the weir was the best bit. I thought the tea shop was the best bit.

Q: What progress have you made since the course? Alex: We go paddling as often as we can on Tuesdays and Sundays. Everyone at the club is really supportive. Will: They let us do things that you wouldn‟t normally be able to do like go down the weir backwards. Alex: Well, we‟re not allowed to go down Marlow weir backwards, but I can go down Temple weir sideways now. I have also been trying to do a roll. I started out being a bit random with the rolls but I‟m quite close to being able to do it now. Will: I can half roll! Q: What do you see yourselves doing next with your paddling? Alex: I want to develop my white water skills and learn tricks. Will: I would like to be an instructor at the club. Q: Will: Alex: Will:

What would you say to someone who is thinking of taking up paddling? Be careful the way you put your spray deck on. If you want to do kayaking, get the right gear. It‟s cool!

THE KRAG FAMILY

July 2009

EDM 1577 INCREASED ACCESS TO WATERWAYS IN ENGLAND AND WALES Grogan, John (LABOUR – SELBY) That this House applauds the British Canoe Union for staging an excellent 2009 European canoe Slalom Championships in Nottingham, 28 to 31 May 2009, and celebrates the notable success of Team GB in taking four medals in total, two gold, one silver and one bronze; welcomes the BBC's live coverage on a busy sporting weekend; notes that over 2.5 million paddlers in Britain only have access to 1,400 miles of inland water in England and Wales, which is less than four per cent. of the total 41,000 miles of waterways over three metres wide; further notes that while the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2002 only incorporates land, the Scottish Land Reform Act 2003 and its supporting Scottish Outdoor Access Code includes waterways, ensuring that paddlers have the same rights as walkers and access to all of Scotland's waterways; and calls on the Government to set a realistic target for increased access to waterways in England and Wales by the Olympic year of 2012.

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter

- 12 -

Autumn 2009/03

An EDM (Early day Motion) is a device by which MP‟s can place a motion (an idea or a wish) to be debated on an early day. Rarely do they reach the house for proper debate but they remain „open‟ for the duration of the parliamentary session. We, the electorate, can ask our representative (your MP) to support a motion. If he/she agrees with you, or feels he/she is short of a vote or two you may find your luck is in. Whether or not he/she supports your wish I hope they have the courtesy to write to you and explain their actions. So I asked my MP (David Lidington) to support this particular EDM. I made my request by e-mail and received the reply the same way. I‟ve copied his reply below. Dear Mr Norris, Thank you for contacting me about Early Day Motion 1577 and increased waterway access for sporting activities, such as canoeing and kayaking. I appreciate your comments. I certainly value the sport of canoeing and kayaking which I know are becoming increasingly popular at all levels. However, the expansion of our waterways for sporting and leisure activities represents a complex area where we need to balance the protection of the marine environment, take into account the specific conditions of the river itself and respect the requirements of local landowners, local authorities and the interests of those, like you, who enjoy using our waterways for sport and leisure. This motion calls for the setting of realistic targets for the expansion of British waterways by the 2012 Olympics. I have to say that I think the setting of targets in this fashion will only lead to rash decisions on which waterways are opened up for sporting and leisure activities unleashing the potential for marine damage and conflict with landowners or other users of the waterways. Conservatives support the conclusions of the Environment Agency which state that voluntary agreements between landowners and canoeists, which have already been successful in creating 70 kilometres of canoe access, are the most appropriate way to secure greater opportunities for sustainable and responsible access to inland waters. Subject to the Environment Agency being able to close any waterway to any craft in the interests of protecting sensitive aquatic environments, these voluntary agreements should continue. The Environment Agency’s pilot studies have shown that ‘access agreements’ can ensure canoeing is managed and fits in with, rather than disrupts, other activities such as fishing and boating, and that everyone is clear about their rights and responsibilities. They can also help to make canoeing safer by installing signs and structures, such as access and exit points, along agreed routes and setting out conditions for their inspection, repair and maintenance. Furthermore they protect the water environment, with each agreement tailor-made, taking into account the specific conditions of the river and the requirements of local landowners. Although I will not be signing this EDM, I will, given your views on this issue, write to Huw Irranca-Davies MP, the Minister responsible for this issue for his comments. I will, of course, forward you any response I receive. Once again, thank you for taking the time to contact me. Yours sincerely, David Lidington

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter

- 13 -

Autumn 2009/03

MY REPLY TO EDM 1577 E-MAIL. I am very disappointed with this reply. I asked you to support EDM 1577 and you chose not too. You are of course, as am I, welcome to your own views and perhaps we should be thankful that we are able to make that choice. My disappointment arises from the fact that this is a stock party reply and with minimal alteration has been used by a no. of your colleagues - Maria Miller (Basingstoke) and Nick Herbert (Arundel & South Downs) to name but two - and there are possibly others. I would like to take issue with some of the statements in the reply all the same. Conservatives support the Environment Agency's voluntary agreement already successful in creating 70km of canoe access. Already successful suggests they have been hard at work but I believe the reality to be that this has taken a good no. of years to achieve, mainly without the agencies input. I could paddle this in a good day, if it were all joined together, but as it is not I suppose I'll be adding to the CO2 output driving here, there and everywhere trying to enjoy my 42 miles. As a % (0.001) of our total waterways this is a paltry figure and certainly not one to be proud of. The Agency‟s publication 'a better place to play' can be found at; http://www.environmentagency.gov.uk/static/documents/Leisure/final_artwork_1484219.pdf Page 4 'Overall findings' details the negotiated 70km of access. Of the 4 rivers discussed; 1) The River Mersey is basically a duplication of a scheme agreed by the BCU some 10 years previously. 2) The River Teme has managed to secure a more restrictive access than that previously enjoyed. 3) The River Waveney - This is nothing more than a duplication of work executed by a no. of public bodies in 1999. 4) The River Wear, An agreement to paddle waters that have always been available to canoeists with the addition of a short extra length subject to agreement from the riparian owner. In short, they don't have appeared to have achieved much at all (but no doubt charged us a lot for it). Finally, I‟d just like to point out that not all Conservatives take this stance as a no. of them have signed the EDM. The EA's pilot studies have shown that 'access agreements' can ensure canoeing is managed and fits in with, rather than disrupts, other activities such as fishing and boating. I paddle almost weekly on the Thames and share the river with anglers, rowing clubs, sailing clubs, swimmers, boat owners, and holiday hire. There has been a spat or two in the 10 years I've been paddling this stretch but I'm hard pushed to remember the last. My point here being that we do not need another layer of bureaucracy when for the most part people are able to get along quite freely by themselves. Suitable training, such as that provided at our club and many others highlights the possible dangers of access and

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter

- 14 -

Autumn 2009/03

egress, and as distasteful as we find it at Marlow CC we do highlight the access issue and it's associated responsibilities to all those on our new starter courses. I'd also like to take issue with protecting sensitive aquatic environments. Who is doing the damage here? Could the anglers be at fault for some or all of the following; wading in some waters disturbing the river bed, using artificial baits, throwing lead (or lead substitute) weights and dragging them back across the bed, disturbing bank side flora as they seek a good camouflaged spot from which to fish, or just leaving line and hooks around (not intentionally but it does happen). Or could it be me, taking 6" draft (or less) paddling idly by. A study by the EA of the Effects of Canoeing on fish stocks stated in its conclusion that "The general conclusion from this study is that canoeing is not harmful to fish populations", so the argument that opening up waterways for leisure activities unleashes the potential for marine damage is misleading. Details http://publications.environment-agency.gov.uk/pdf/STRW266-e-p.pdf JOHN NORRIS Dear Mr Norris, Thank you for your recent emails regarding EDM 1577 and increased access to waterways in England and Wales. Firstly, I would like to condone the good work of the British Canoe Union in staging the European Canoe Slalom Championships in Nottingham in May this year and the success if the Team GB. I am aware of the campaign by canoeists and paddlers to have a legal right of access to waterways in England and Wales that is comparable to the right in Scotland. However, I am also aware of opposition from other waterway users such as anglers groups which is why I feel unable to sign EDM 1577. I would be willing to meet local canoeists to discuss the matter further. If you would like to do this, please contact me again. Yours sincerely, David Lidington

So far, I’ve been reasonably pleased with my MP. He has, on my behalf, taken forward a number of points (the latest being handheld VHF / DSC transceivers) and generally gets an answer beyond what I manage myself though never the one I wanted! Perhaps I’m a little naïve but this relatively minor issue (in the overall scheme of things) has really opened up my eyes to just how little democracy we actually enjoy here in the UK. IF ANYONE WOULD LIKE TO ACT ON BEHALF OF THE CLUB AND PADDLERS IN GENERAL I’LL BE ONLY TOO PLEASED TO PUT YOU IN TOUCH WITH THE MP. YOU MAY BE ABLE TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE DEBATE BY WRITING TO YOUR OWN MP OR TOO MR. DAVID LIDINGTON IF YOU LIVE TO THE NORTH & WEST OF THE CLUB. I THINK THEY ARE ALL BLUE AROUND HERE THOUGH!

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter

- 15 -

Autumn 2009/03

IN PRAISE OF THE MIGHTY K1 When Tim Brabant‟s took gold at Beijing, he opened a lot of people‟s eyes to the fact that kayaks are not just plastic tubs to splash around in – they can go really fast. To any kayakers out there who‟ve mastered the basics of paddling, have the urge to get a bit more out of our divine stretch of river… to get uberfit and maybe even get bison-like shoulders a la Brabant‟s, I have one word for you; K1. Or K2. Well, marathon paddling really… or sprint. Hmmm…. OK, forget succinctness, what I‟m really hoping is that all you bright young things at the club can discover the wonders of racing kayaks, as I have this summer. I‟ve been paddling since I was knee-high to a Mallard, have done some major white water descents in the Himalayas and sea kayaking expeditions to some of the world‟s most stunning locations, but racing was complete anathema to me until earlier this year. Whilst dragging my sorry carcass through the 125mile Devizes to Westminster paddle, I couldn‟t help but noticing sleek carbon fibre or Kevlar kayaks, paddled with glorious, poetic power and grace by some of the fittest looking individuals I‟ve ever seen. Well, I noticed them only fleetingly, because they‟d purr past my partner and I as if we were sitting still, the wake left behind by their mighty force enough to capsize us. It seemed that there was a whole shadowy netherworld of paddling, inhabited by Special Boat Service servicemen and elite freaks. I decided to find out more. My first race was at Oxford, and I turned up in a heavy intermediate K1, with no clue what to expect. It turns out you race in divisions, starting at nine, and working up to the ultra elite at div one. The higher you go the further you race and the more portages you have to endure. For me starting out at the bottom it was a mere four miles, and most of the forty odd other competitors were teenage girls. I flexed my guns confidently and got in for a training paddle. And without an almighty support stroke would have instantly capsized in front of everyone. Marathon boats are you see much less stable than your average kayak, in order to be more hydrodynamic and cut through the water. The start was an absolute bunfight. Forty paddlers accelerating away deck to deck, paddles flying everywhere, boats skewing and crashing. Someone paddled right over the front of my boat, and it was all I could do to keep upright. Already some freak bearing an uncanny resemblance to Brabant‟s himself was about 200 yards ahead of the field. I paddled hard straight into the back of some kid who looked about ten and capsized him. Looking back to apologise I near went over myself – it was bedlam. However, after the first couple of hundred metres things levelled out, and I found my place, about sixth in the field. First thing you realise, is that when you‟re hammering away full bore, 4 miles is a hell of a long way! Coming up to the first buoy at about a mile and a half, I was already blowing out my backside, with shoulders burning like crazy. Having not practised turning, I was then undertaken by two little girls with pigtails who were paddling as easily as if they out for a Sunday jaunt down to the Bounty. About half an hour later, I powered in round the last buoy, dug in hard, and took several people on the last straight. There was one boat just ahead of me, and I bit my lip and yelled like a Wimbledon champion with every stroke, inching away at the lead, until finally, with metres to go I overtook and crossed the line first. Before dropping my paddle and near vomiting with the overexertion, I practically screamed out; “YES! YES! Have some of that! In your FACE LOSER!‟ I then realised that the boat I had beaten on the line was paddled by a spindly twelve-year-old girl who was barely breathing hard at all, and was looking at me like I was some kind of psycho.

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter

- 16 -

Autumn 2009/03

Never mind that little humiliation. I came third, got promoted to div seven, and had had my first taste of racing… I was utterly hooked. Later on, we watched as the guys lined up for the div fives and above. Now I‟ve competed to quite a serious level in a number of sports from judo to triathlon, but I honestly have to say – for the guys at least – I have rarely seen more impressive physiques on athletes. To keep one of these ultra-tippy K1 boats upright develops phenomenal core strength so they had six packs like bars of Fruit and Nut, and to power the boat forward breeds V-shaped torsos, chiselled backs, bulging biceps and gargantuan shoulders. Any bloke who wants to get ripped and fit as a butcher‟s dog better than you ever could in the gym should pay heed. Any young lady should consider that getting into marathon boating means not just getting super fit, but being permanently surrounded by blokes who look like they could bench-press a bungalow. I just felt old and totally out of my depth. Plainly my technique was lacking, so I invested the help of Jean Watson at Bisham Abbey‟s elite athletes centre. She told me I was doing it all wrong. In fact she said, it was a miracle I‟d managed to get through the DW with technique so shocking. Watching her paddling with an elegant flick of the hips and continuous circular motion, all of a sudden I felt like a one-legged duck trying to do the triple jump. However, with a lot of training and support, it began to improve. I graduated to a tippier, faster, lighter boat, and started moving up the divisions in my races. I even got the chance a few weeks ago to race a K4 over at Reading – with four paddlers these boats go so quick that the Olympic champions actually managed to drag a water skier to their feet! So here‟s my message. There‟s no reason to give up your playboating or canoe polo, but ours is a fabulously diverse sport, with many totally different disciplines, and you should at least give marathon a go. Marlow is a club with over a hundred members, yet at a recent race just down the road at Reading (when going up to get my medal… just thought I‟d slip that in!) the organiser looked down at my club name in confusion and said „What club‟s that?‟ „It‟s Marlow‟ I replied. „Marlow‟ he asked incredulous; „I had no idea you had a club!” We‟ve got to my mind the finest stretch of river in the whole of England for marathon paddling. Our partners at Longridge canoe club boast national champions and one of the country‟s finest coaches – let‟s make use of it. The Marlow race is coming up later in the year, let‟s really get stuck in, and try and get a decent team together. Who knows, one of you youngsters could well end up being the next Tim Brabant‟s… though hopefully with more hair. STEVE BACKSHALL

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter

AUGUST 2009

- 17 -

Autumn 2009/03

OTTER SPRAINTS FOUND ON THAMES ISLAND The Environment Agency (EA) reports that otter droppings were found recently at one of the Thames lock islands, proving that this rare animal has found its way back to the lower Thames after many years of absence. Being a top predator, the presence of otters is proof of good water quality, availability of fish to eat and sustainable habitats. The otter‟s return comes just four months after EA staff spent a day building two otter Holts. The Holts are made out of recycled plastic and provide a long-lasting, environmentally friendly home for one of Britain‟s best-loved creatures. “Until 40 years ago wild otters were found throughout Britain. By the early 1970s they had disappeared from our region and could only be found in a handful of English counties and in their strongholds in Scotland and Wales” said Debbie Cousins, EA Conservation Officer. “Otters are beginning to make a steady recovery nationally, but their progress is threatened by road deaths and a loss of wild places where they can live undisturbed. It is fantastic to find otters taking refuge on one of our lock islands and it‟s a clear indication that the population is spreading.” Reproduced from River Views, a magazine for boaters in the Thames region of the Environment Agency.

RIVER THAMES LOCK WORKS WINTER 2009/10 The Environment Agency has published details of its winter works programme which includes a number of improvements to local locks. Marlow: 02-27 November will see resheeting of lock gates while new out of hours public power is scheduled to be installed between 18 January-12 February 2010. Bray: 02 November 2009-29 January 2010 replacing the lock gates and repairs to the lock chamber. Shiplake: 02 November 2009-26 February 2010 replacing the lock gates and repairs to the lock chamber. Navigation through and around these locks may be impacted by the works – see www.visitthames.co.uk/winterworks for up to date information.

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter

- 18 -

Autumn 2009/03

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 can be subject to changes. ALL SUNDAYS ALL TUESDAYS

CLUB SESSIONS; ON THE WATER FOR 10:00am. SEE D.O. FOR FINISH. CHECK NOTICEBOARDS FOR SPECIAL EVENTS TUESDAY SESSIONS FROM 6:30 pm, ON THE WATER FOR 7.00pm. SEE D.O. FOR FINISH, CHECK NOTICEBOARDS FOR EVENTS etc. (PUB PADDLE or ALTERNATIVE)

D.O D.O

SEPT. 05/06 SEPT. 07 SEPT. 20

BCU L1 COACH TRAINING & ASSESSMENT (PART 1) COMMITTEE MEETING (MARLOW DONKEY) BCU 2* ASSESSMENT

TRAINING COMMITTEE TRAINING

SEPT. 27

FLAT WATER TOUR – RIVER THAMES – OXFORD

TOURING

TT

OCT. 03/04

BCU L1 COACH TRAINING & ASSESSMENT (PART 1)

TRAINING

LONG

OCT. 10

BCU AQUATIC FIRST AID

TRAINING

LONG

OCT. NOV. NOV. DEC.

FLAT WATER TOUR – RIVER THAMES – ABINGDON COMMITTEE MEETING (MARLOW DONKEY) TYNE TOUR – NORTHUMBERLAND FLAT WATER TOUR – RIVER WEY – GUILDFORD

TOURING COMMITTEE WHITEWATER TOURING

18 02 07/08 12

LONG AM TT

TT AM ?? TT

SEA TOURING / TRIPS CALENDAR HAS YET TO BE CONFIRMED. ANNOUNCEMENTS WILL BE MADE ON THE YAHOO GROUP AND THOSE INTERESTED WILL NEED TO FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS THEREIN. NOTE! ALL SEA TRIPS ARE ‘PEER’ GROUP AS WE HAVE NO SEA COACHES.

KEEP A LOOKOUT ON NOTICEBOARDS AND THE YAHOO GROUP SOME TRIPS JUST SUDDENLY 'APPEAR' IF CONDITIONS ARE RIGHT. EVERY THURSDAY EVENING 9.00 - 10.30

SWIMMING POOL SESSIONS AT GURNELL POOL, WEST LONDON GET TUITION IN ROLLING, PRACTISE 3* SKILLS OR ANYTHING YOU'VE GOT A BIT RUSTY ON. SEE WEBSITE FOR MAP AND DETAILS ORGANISER / MCC CONTACT FOR ABOVE EVENTS

AC

ADRIAN COOPER

01844 344580

[email protected]

AM

ANDY MAXTED

07730 852760

[email protected]

TW

TOM WESTWATER

JN

JOHN NORRIS

01494 483833

[email protected]

CP

CHRIS PORTEOUS

01628 485049

[email protected]

PC

PAUL CRICHTON

08708 806962

[email protected]

TB

TERRY BELCHER

01628 851001

[email protected]

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter

[email protected]

- 19 -

Autumn 2009/03

THE COMMITTEE & OTHER USEFUL NUMBERS A list of those members who serve on the club's committee, their role, a contact no. and an e-mail address should you need to get in touch.

POSITION

NAME

TELEPHONE

E-MAIL (all hyperlinked)

PRESIDENT

TIM WARD

01494 482959

[email protected]

CHAIRMAN

ADRIAN COOPER

01844 344580

[email protected]

SECRETARY

ANDY MAXTED

07730 852760

[email protected]

TREASURER

PAUL CRICHTON

08708 806962

[email protected]

MEMBERSHIP

ROD EDMONDS

01753 671389

[email protected]

COACHING

TIM TWITCHEN

07833 995289

[email protected]

EQUIPMENT

CHRIS PORTEOUS

01628 485049

[email protected]

NEWSLETTER

JOHN NORRIS

01494 483833

[email protected]

WOMENS REP.

TOR EDWARDS

01494

[email protected]

YOUTH REP.

ALEX SHEILL

[email protected]

SOCIAL SEC

MELINDA LIVETT

[email protected]

MARATHON

THIS EVENT WILL IN FUTURE BE HOSTED BY LONGRIDGE C.C.

WHITEWATER

CHRIS PORTEOUS

01628 485049

[email protected]

TOURING

LEE NIVEN

01494

[email protected]

SEA

JOHN NORRIS

01494 483833

[email protected]

OUR NEAREST RETAILERS / SUPPLIERS RIVERSIDE

OXFORD

01865 248673

http://www.riversideoxford.co.uk

MARSPORT

READING

01189 665912

http://www.marsport.co.uk

BERKSHIRE CANOES

READING

01189 425640

http://www.berkshire-canoes.co.uk

WWC

SHEPPERTON

01932 247978

http://www.whitewaterthecanoecentre.co.uk

PADDLESPORT

WARWICK

01926 640573

http://www.paddlesport.co.uk

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

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter

- 20 -

Autumn 2009/03