Marlow Canoe Club

Newsletter 140 Summer 201 3

www.marlowcc.org.uk

INSIDE YOUR SUMMER 2013 ISSUE

3 A trip to the nudist beach
Six sea novices take on force four gales, sea dogs, dodgy campsites and rampaging nudists and live to tell the tale. All except your editor that is when he is bizarrely mophed into the image of Michael Frellsen. Like it's not bad enough that the club president thinks he can walk on water, now he thinks he can fly. Tragic... Come on guys, it's in Wales. Fifteen quid a night would be overpriced for 5star accommodation let alone a bunkhouse. Our glorious sea leader shows us all what is missing from our lives. Curly hair! John cannot contain his excitement when it comes to boat thrusters, riverside cream teas and lavatories. Full instructions on how to come on board, although obviously no mention of the humiliating initiation routines. That comes only once we have taken your cash. Three more attempts to get lost. Charles contemplates a new decorative look for his boat. Got a key and two stars? Here is what we ask you to do then.

EDITORIAL

6 Flying kayaks

7 Bunking down in RosyGwaliau

8 Salty is such a Scilly girl

10 An amiable meandering

12 How to join the club

12 Club tours

13 To Henley & back

14 Guidelines for duty officers

15 Committee members & Retailers 16 Calendar COVER PHOTO

The cover photograph for this newsletter was sup plied by Hazel Plummer and is entitled "pic2". Hmmm... who says we lack imagination? It was from the Croatia trip see the article in newsletter 138 for the full story.

Summer has now arrived and so, at long last, has your club newsletter which I hope you will find to be a welcome complement to your club paddling. Also welcome are the new members that have joined the club in 2013. We do consider ourselves to be a "friendly" club and I hope that has been your experience so far. The articles in this issue emphasise the diverse and friendly nature of club activities. Inland touring, seakayaking, freestyle and whitewater are all included. Heck, in the lead article Dominic even provides guidance to access his favourite nudist beach in south Devon, you don't get much friendlier than that. Many thanks to all of you that have risen to the challenge and submitted articles for this edition. It is the first for some time containing no articles by yours truly, possibly that is sufficient incentive for you all to keep the articles flying in! I am particularly looking for more kit reviews, so if you have bought something lately, please send me a few lines with your thoughts and opinions on your purchase. And please send me your photos. The past four issues of "Canoe Focus" magazine have featured photos by club members so we clearly have the talent. For anyone still awake reading this, and contemplating joining Marlow Canoe Club please take a look at page 12 where you will find full onboarding instructions courtesy of our membership secretary. Come on, what are you waiting for?

Rodney Casbierd, Editor.

A little legal stuff....
This newsletter is a free publication for the Marlow Canoe Club. Whilst every care is taken, the newsletter and the Marlow Canoe Club do not accept respons ibility for the opinions expressed or the goods and services mentioned in this publication. 2013.

SEA

A trip to the nudist beach

by Dominic Hurst
We paddled out of the calm waters of Brixham Harbour and into a stiff wind. Beyond the sheltered wall of the marina the waves whipped up into frothy white caps. Our sea kayaks rose and dipped with the swell of the surf. A force 3 to 4 wind was driving at us from an angle. Stay close to the shore! shouted coach Mike Bradford, his voice carrying over the waves. And keep together as a group! For many of our small group this was our first taste of the sea paddling. Taking a sea boat up and down the Thames on a Sunday morning is good practice. But it is nothing like being on the open sea. Sharron Salty Bartlett had organised this weekend to kickstart the clubs sea section and tempt more paddlers to the salt and surf. Much would depend on how we all coped with the conditions that morning. Our group including Catherine Harris, Rodney Casbierd, Tony Flannery and Duncan Hughes paddled round the coastline into a bay sheltered from the wind. Here we practised some of the basic techniques of sea paddling, like edging to turn the boats. This was simple enough in the calm bay. But Mike then sent us out into the open sea to try it in waves and the stiff wind. Capsize! shouted Mike, as Duncan Hughes became the first swimmer of the day. Mike then demonstrated a deep water rescue and Duncan was soon back in his boat paddling again. Next we tried surfing. With backs to the wind Mike showed us how to wait for the swell to bring up the back of the boat. Then take two or three rapid strokes to the top of the wave and use its power to surf forward. It felt wonderful to ride the waves. We then continued our journey round the headland, feeling more confident and trying out our newly acquired skills. The sun was shining, our boats rode over the waves and we passed beaches and headlands before stopping for lunch at one of the bays off Torquay.

SEA

On the way back we stopped once more in the sheltered bay and practised more deep water rescues, including an Eskimo rescue technique while parallel to the capsized boat instead of at right angles. In this method the capsized paddler uses the rescuers paddle in stead of the boat to hipflick back up. We paddled back into Brixham Harbour taking in the majestic sights of one of the most beautiful marinas in Devon bathed in late afternoon sunlight. Moored sailing vessels were bobbing in the waves while ferry boats and fishing trawlers made their way in and out of the harbour. We headed back to the campsite, which was rather basic in its amenities and made a Spartan military base seem a luxurious holiday retreat. But the sun was shining, we had cold beers to crack open and at least there was hot water in the shower block. Suitably cleansed and refreshed we headed into the fleshpots of Brixham for fish and chips, beer and much merriment while discussing the events of the day. After a busy days paddling we all slept soundly and next morning woke to the delights of Tony Flannerys cooked breakfasts, comprising choritzo and fried eggs. To add to the fun, a passing magpie swooped and stole a pack of filtered coffee only to deposit it on the roof of a caravan. Then it was back to one the sea, with a new addition as Michael Frellsen replaced Rodney. The wind had dropped and the sea was much calmer as we headed out around the harbour, with friendly greetings from local fishermen casting their rods from the wall. Youve got the whole sea why do you have to paddle round here? shouted one with a Neaderthal gesture. Mike wished him a good days fishing and we paddled out towards the headland. The contrast to yesterdays paddle was stark. Once round the headland we left all signs of civilisation (if Torquay can be so described) behind us. All we could see were dramatic cliffs on one side and the open sea on the other.

SEA

5
The scenery was stunning as Mike led us round beautiful isolated bays where we paddled in and out of deep caves, going in backwards to some with low ceilings in case the swell took us in further and made exit tricky.

We also tried the art of rock hopping, using the waves and swell to paddle through gaps in the jagged rocks. If you get the timing right, a waves carries you through. If you get it wrong you risk being marooned on a rock until the next wave. There was much to see. We feasted our eyes on seabirds perched on the steep cliffs and circling high above the rocks. Also bobbing up and down in the bay was the occasional seal. Around the next headland we aimed towards a quiet looking beach, a common spot for seals to gather, Mike told us. But these seals basking in the sun on the shingle looked rather pink and thin. We paddled closer to take a look. Ahem. Is that a nudist beach? asked one of the group. Yes indeed it was. And unlike the seals who were wonderful to behold, these human specimens were clearly well past their prime. We paddled quickly on, eyes firmly ahead. We ate lunch on a pretty shingle beach where the human seals kept on their clothes. On the journey back instead of hugging the coastline in and out of the bays, we headed straight across from headland to headland. It was a wonderful feeling being so far out to sea with the boat rising and falling with the swell. That day we paddled 25 kilometres along magnificent coastline. We arrived back into Brixham Harbour tired but immensely satisfied with what for some of us was a first taste of paddling the open seas. Michael treated us to some of his delicious Danish chocolates, which tasted wonderful. Luckily Sharron has more trips planned and they come highly recommended.

FREESTYLE

Flying kayaks!
by Tim Ward
For those who don't know, and there are probably many now, MCC have a somewhat distinguished history in Kayak Freestyle which is perhaps not surprising as we have Hurley on our doorstep, one of the worlds premier sites. Back in 2002 we had a small group of rising stars in the club junior section and three of them, Alan Ward, Piers Bucknell and Tim Trew all won a place on the 2003 GB Team to compete in the World Championships in Graz, Austria. Considering that there were only 6 places for junior men that was a pretty stunning acheivement! They aquitted themselves well in Graz in a feature that would be conservatively described as truly horrible there were over 90 swimmers during the event. Piers and Tim didn't go further with their international competition career but Alan did, winning bronze at the 2004 European Champs and becoming the clubs only World Champion in Australia 2005. Since then Alan has continued and has just been selected for the 11th time (and was joined in the Team by Doug Cooper for the Worlds in Switzerland 2009) and I am approaching the end of my 5th year as BCU Freestyle Chairman. As I write this we are preparing for the Worlds in September at the Nanatahala Outdoor Centre in the USA and flying kayaks out is proving a nightmare. It seems that if a piece of plastic is called a suitcase the airlines are quite happy, but call it a kayak and you may as well ask a brick wall to fly it anywhere! I hope you might be interested in the domestic scene we organised a competition at Lee Valley on 30th June which included an event for novices run to Youth Freestyle rules so you didn't have to know all the fancy moves, a downriver race and 5 assessments on the course for entrants. You didn't need an LV User Card to enter. The next big event will be the Club Championships in Nottingham 21 / 22 Sept. Attractions include free coaching for novice entrants, downriver racing. kayak ergo, demo boats, British Champs running alongside so you can see all the top talent, and best of all, you win points for every event you enter which go towards winning the top club a new kayak. Alan and I will be at both these events. It would be great to see a group from MCC joining in. The year rounds off with the Hurley Classic on 16 / 17 November, which will include something for everyone. Even if you don't get a buzz from chucking yourself in the weir it's worth a paddle up there to watch some of the nonsense going on. More info is available on http://www.gbfreestylekayak.com our GB Freestyle Kayaking facebook page and

If it's hot, don't forget a hat and plenty of fluids for drinking. And don't forget to apply sun tan lotion to the underside of your nose and ears the reflection off the water can soon cause burns here!
(tip courtesy of club member Andy Maxted)

TOP TIPS

REVIEW

Bunking down in RosyGwaliau

by Dominic Hurst
Bala has an excellent array of white water paddling. But its choice of cheap accommodation is more limited. So the discovery of a new bunkhouse is welcome. RosyGwaliau is be a name familiar to many Berkshire parents whose 10 year olds go on the annual Year Six school trip to the outdoor centre. The owner Ed Jones has refurbished a bungalow in its grounds which he now rents out. It sleeps up to 22 at a pinch in a handful of bunkrooms, although the kitchen/diner only has room to seat 12 or so if self catering. As the photo by Chris Porteous shows, the kitchen is very well equipped and our group dined in on two fantastic curries superbly cooked by James Hughes and Karen Weston, washed down by Rebellion IPA provided by Tom Bailey. Who needs a pub?

The bunkhouse is one mile outside Bala. It is comfortably furnished with hot showers and a large drying room. At just 15 pppn it is good value. Ed also accepts late cancellations if water levels are too low. Contact details: Ed Jones office@rygoutdoor.co.uk www.rygoutdoor.co.uk

SEA

Salty is such

by Sharron

A series of photos from a recent trip around the Scilly Isles The course was run by Mike Bradford with six of us camping and kayaking from St Agnes. We landed at St Mary's and kayaked across to St Agnes (about a mile I think. All our tents and kit were stowed in our boats, making it just like being on a real adventure! It was a rough crossing though and quite a paddle but I made it, as did the group, I am happy to report! St Agnes is home to the most stunning camp sit. Very simple, just a tent with a view, and the sea on your doorstep....what else do you need? I highly recommend it. One of my favourite weeks :)

a Scilly girl
Bartlett

SEA

TOURING

10

An amiable meandering to nowhere in particular

by John Norris
We had some good trips last year and it looks like Andy Maxted has put a decent programme together for this year. The trips are generally easy going and not to testing so are usually suitable for some of the newer members. Today we were going to paddle the River Great Ouse from Huntingdon. Several rivers in England bear this name but this one starting near Syresham, Northamptonshire and running mainly North and East for 143 miles to the Wash is the 4th longest river in England. From Kempston (near Bedford) it is a navigation and thus free to paddle, subject to licenses.

I think Andy had a sort of a plan (well, he had a map at least) but it was all new to the rest of us. It is 90 miles and 90 minutes from HP14 via. M40/M25/A1(M) and a few minor roads to a riverside car park in Huntingdon. Parking is free on Sundays and plentiful. Free conveniences are clean and efficient a marble to modern sanitary engineering. On the trip were Andy Maxted, Deidre Hansen (solo canoe) Adrian and Maggie Cooper and Chalky (double {+1} canoe) Charles Pain (Valley Etain SK) and me demoing a Liquid Logic Remix 69. An invite to O.C.A. members was not taken up. Putting on the river is easy via the public slipway or from the rowing club dock just ask first. 10:15 and we are all on the water and paddling upstream towards somewhere that Andy might recognise from a previous foray but thanks to vegetation and development nothing stood out. We got to Godmanchester lock, a different sort of a lock to those we are used to seeing, but typical of those to be found on this navigation. Known as Guillotine locks, these locks have only one pair of conventional gates. Once closed, water is let into the lock by raising a lock wide sluice, eventually to a point where boats can pass underneath. We portage the lock onto another section of the river flowing back to Godmanchester. Theres a

TOURING
sort of large village pond look to the river here and a short excursion confirms there is no further to go. Another portage takes us to yet another arm of the river and, whilst Charles and I tentatively explore the weir, the rest head downstream. Now that Andy knows where he is we throw a right and head downstream towards lunch. Having passed under the A14 it soon becomes a quiet meandering paddle through rustic scenery on a not to wide side stream. We find a little lunch stop and our only concern is an excitable herd of beef that, judging by the footprints, sometimes passed this way. Meanwhile a log on the river causes Chalky much consternation but well never know why. After lunch we continue on our side stream and join the main river at Hartford. We go with the flow down to Houghton Mill and, even though its not that long since lunch, we feel the need for a tea break. A need suitably fulfilled by a National Trust tea and cake shop nearly as good as Hurley the exception being the Cream Tea which looked in a class of its own. Tea is taken outside on a riverside table with a nice view of the stilloperating mill glimpsed through the trees.

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A scout around the car park gives Andy an idea for a future trip and we may well find out what on next year's calendar. And all too soon its time to head back. Putting on at the lock we hear gadget man. Gadget man has got side thrusters on his boat and wants everyone to know it that or he is a bad driver (captain is a bit strong) but much brappp brappping gets him into the lock, possibly to the amusement of the onlookers on the bridge. Theres no rush, we sort of amble against the current all the way back investigating one of the many slide weirs to be found on the river. I spy a nest with a brace of eggs but no wildlife looking after them. A reasonable size but Ive no idea what they were, maybe a duck, goose or swan, it was geese we saw most of. Just an hour or so later we are back at the car park. Weve been out for 6 hours and covered around 7.5 miles. More an amiable meander rather than a purposeful paddle but none the less enjoyable for it. Recommended for the lazy paddler or those who just want to try something a little different. Its been a great day out thanks AM.

HANDBOOK

12

How to join the club

by Rod Edmonds
Joining Marlow Canoe Club is a pretty straightforward procedure. First and foremost you need to be at least 1star standard, which basically means you need to have already completed a BCU 1star course either with us or elsewhere. If you do not have a 1 star qualification then simply book yourself on one of our courses. You can do this using our website www.marlowcc.org.uk where you simply click on the "Learn!" button and follow the guidance. Once you have achieved 1star then you simply fill in a membership application form. Membership application forms can be downloaded from the website using the "Join" button. Alternatively paper copies are available in the Clubhouse. The completed form should be posted to our membership secretary with a cheque. Full details are on the form. Want to talk to us in person before parting with your cash? Not a problem. The best thing to do is to come down and chat to us at one of our regular Sunday sessions. Come down around 9:45 (we leave at 10) and have a look around. If you have a specific question, then you can get in touch with our new membership rep at new@marlowcc.org.uk. The website also has a Contact section for enquiries from prospective members.

Club tours
by Andy Maxted
A reminder that there are still 3 club tours this summer for members to enjoy. All trips are suitable for members paddling kayaks or canoes. There is no cost to MCC members to attend these events although guests will be asked to pay a day visit fee in the usual way to ensure insurance cover. All trips are planned to take place on Sunday mornings, meeting at the start venue at 10:00 am and enabling members to return to the Marlow area mid/late afternoon. Programme details are shown on the right, complete with grid references for the start and finish points, and have also been added to the calendar on the club website. Any offers from volunteers to lead or assist on these trips will, as always, be welcomed!

21 July

Due to adverse tidal conditions we have been forced to cancel the planned trip to the Hamble. However an alternative trip is being arranged, keep an eye on the yahoo group for details.

18 August

Arun Start : The Black Rabbit (TQ025085) Finish : The Black Rabbit (TQ025085) 13 km (8 miles) return trip Another tidal trip paddling up river through the spectactular Arun Gap to the Bridge Inn and back

22 September

Kennet & Avon Canal Start : Newbury Wharf (SU473672) Finish : Aldermarston Wharf (SU603672) 14 km (9 miles) oneway trip Relaxed canal paddling with locks, swing bridges and pubs

TOURING

13

To Henley & back

by Charles Pain
Having had little time to sea kayak this year I wanted to tune up on fitness before setting off to the West Wales sea kayak meet at the end of June. My first trip was supposedly a gentle 6 nautical miles (1 nautical mile is approximately 1.15 miles) trip with Portsmouth Canoe club. However as few turned up we changed to a 10 nautical mile thrash from Langston Bridge across Chichester Harbour to West Wittering and back. What shall I do next weekend? I then thought. around 14.5 nautical miles. So on the first Sunday in June, I left the clubhouse at 9.05 in my Valley Etaine and kept a good lick up to Temple, followed by a really good thrash to Hurley lock where I was accused (good naturedly) of breaking the speed limit. Then I stayed with a flotilla of powered boats to Hambleden this was a bit more of an effort. A wait at Hambleden lock ensued, whilst boats decked out in bunting were joining us. After the lock more boats decked out and it looked as though it was the annual steamboat rally. I passed the few boats already rallying then passed Temple Island onto the regatta course where they had already staked out the river, This made the Remenham stretch slightly less boring. Having left my watch on another buoyancy the only clock I saw was on the way upstream was the Upper Thames Boat Club, 11.25 am, before finally passing under Henley Bridge. Instead of stopping as planned it had become cold and overcast so after a brief rest I turned round and headed back down the regatta course. Now the Upper Thames Boat Club clock displayed 11.40 am. After the course, for about a mile, the river bank was lined with the Rally boats bedecked with bunting. The occupants were in boating blazers, boaters, Sunday finest period costumes from different eras. It was really was colourful with different sounds and smells. It was then through Hambleden lock and onto the long stretch to Hurley. Slowly ticking off the landmarks of the Flowerpots, the side stream, and so on the main motivation was a nice cup of tea at Hurley where I eventually sat down at 1.00pm. Finally, with no other boats going my way to pace me, it was a more leisurely paddle back to the club where I finished around 1.55pm. All in all, this turned out to be both a good workout and an enjoyable day. Why not try it sometime? How about Henley and back, a distance of

HANDBOOK

14

Guidelines for Duty Officers

reprinted from the club manuals
All official club activities, including Sunday morning and Tuesday evening sessions, taking place at the MCC Clubhouse will be supervised by a Duty Officer (DO) who will be a responsible adult appointed by the MCC committee. The responsibilities of the DO are detailed in the MCC Health & Safety Manual. This manual may be found in the changing rooms of the clubhouse. The guidelines given below are designed to supplement, but not supersede, the responsibilities as set out in the manual. The DO should: Arrive promptly for the session to unlock and check the clubhouse. The DO should also be the last member to leave the clubhouse unless this responsibility is specifically delegated to another key holder. Ensure all paddlers using the clubs premises or equipment are fully paid subscribing members or day visitors paying the appropriate fee. Consent forms, signed by a parent or carer, must be provided prior to any junior visitor (ie under 18) being allowed onto the water. Not allow any junior or novice paddler to launch without appropriate supervision. This would normally be provided by the DO or any BCUqualified coach working within their remit being present at the waterfront. Ensure all members and visitors present and wishing to receive coaching or paddle as part of a club group are allocated to a suitably qualified coach or experienced river leader for the session. Note it is club policy that all paddlers wishing to shoot or train on the Thames weirs are supervised by a minimum BCU Level 3 Coach. Not allow to participate in the session any member or visitor who, in the opinion of the DO, is unsuitably equipped or experienced for the prevailing conditions, is displaying inappropriate or inconsiderate behaviour to others, or is or appears to be under the influence of medication, other drugs or alcohol. Ensure all club equipment to be used during the session is in a serviceable and safe condition and replaced/stored at the end of the session. Ensure any incidents involving damage to persons or property are recorded before the end of the session in the Accident Book provided for that purpose. Damage to club property should be reported to the Equipment Officer as soon as practicable. All incidents involving Emergency Services or Environment Agency staff, members of Marlow Rowing Club or other river users, or other members of the public should be reported to the Chairman as soon as practicable. Forward all monies collected and membership applications/consent forms to the club Treasurer and Membership Secretary respectively as soon as practicable after the session. Have read and be familiar with the MCC Health & Safety Manual!

COMMITTEE
President
Tim Ward 01494 482959 wards@btinternet.com

15
Chairman
Adrian Cooper 01844 344580 adrianccooper@gmail.com

Secretary

Penny Newton 07765 226790 secretary@marlowcc.org.uk

Treasurer

Kelvin Abbott 01753 654923 kelvin.abbott@btinternet.com

Membership

Rod Edmonds 01753 671389 r.edmonds@etoncollege.org.uk

Coaching

Alex Shiell shiellalex@yahoo.co.uk

Equipment

Tom Bailey blast1102@ymail.com

1* Course Coordinator
Simon Knowles 07786 836012 simonknowles16@googlemail.com Vacant

Women's Representative
Catherine Harris harrc014@rbwm.org

Youth Representative

Social Secretary

Melinda Livett melinda.livett@yahoo.com

Whitewater

James Hughes 01628 485049 jimbige@hotmail.com

Touring

Andy Maxted andymcoaching@gmail.com

Sea

Sharron Bartlett sb@thebartletts.eu

Newsletter Editor
Rodney Casbierd 07960 900980 rbcasbierd@yahoo.co.uk

Website Editor

Chris Porteous chrisps@marlowcc.org.uk

Feel free to contact us to discuss a relevant issue or share your views

LOCAL RETAILERS
Marsport, Reading
01189 665912 http://www.marsport.co.uk

Riverside, Oxford

01865 248673 http://www.riversideoxford.co.uk

Paddlesport, Warwick
01926 640573 http://www.paddlesport.co.uk

WWC, Shepperton
01932 247978
http://www.whitewaterthecanoecentre.co.uk

CALENDAR
Saturday 27 July
BCU Three Star Open Canoe Assessment 9.30 am 4.30 pm

16

Weekend 34 August Saturday 3 August

Pool session, 7.00 pm 8.00 pm

Introduction to Paddlesport, 9.30 am 4.30 pm

CLUB SESSIONS
Every Sunday
Doors open at 9.30 am. On the water for 10 am.

Saturday 10 August Sunday 11 August Sunday 18 August

Arun tour, see page 12

Fundamental Kayak Skills, 9.30 am 4.30 pm Further Fundamental Kayaking Skills 9.30 am 4.30 pm

Every* Tuesday
* Tuesday night sessions end in September Refer to the club website for exact date

Saturday 24 August Sunday 25 August

Doors open at 6.30 pm. On the water for 7 pm.

Fundamental Canoe Skills, 9.30 am 4.30 pm Further Fundamental Canoeing Skills 9.30 am 4.30 pm

Saturday 31 August
Fundamental Recovery and Rescue 9.30 am 4.30 pm

POOL SESSION
Once per month
Saturday 7.00 8.00 pm, see calendar for dates
Chalfont Leisure Centre, Nicol Road, Chalfont St Peter, SL9 9LR. 5 adults, 3 juniors

Sunday 1 September

BCU Two Star Assessment, 9.30 am 4.30 pm

Monday 2 September

Committee meeting 7.30 pm 9.30 pm, Marlow Donkey PH

Weekend 78 September Saturday 7 September

Pool Session, 7.00 pm 8.00 pm

Introduction to Paddlesport, 9.30 am 4.30 pm

Saturday 21 September
BCU Three Star WW Kayak Assessment 9.30 am 4.30 pm Rolling Clinic, 6.00 pm 8.00 pm

MEMBERSHIP RATES
Adult 42 Family 65 Junior 23 Senior 23 Storage 19 per boat

Saturday 21 September Sunday 22 September

Kennet & Avon canal tour, see page 12 Dorset Sea Kayak weekend

Only joking
Question: What's the difference between a rower and God? Answer: God doesn't think he's a rower.

Weekend 2829 September

Saturday 5 October
Pool Session, 7.00 pm 8.00 pm