2018 2 newsletter

Newsletter

Frome Canoe Club

Volume 42 Issue 2: February 2018

New Years Day Paddle: 25 of us altogether and Jacob got the first swim of the year. See p10 for the report of the trip. Jacob’s swim is on p6.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 21st February 7pm at the Clubhouse, for a complimentary drink Meeting starts at 7.15pm The AGM is your opportunity to hear what the committee did for the club in 2017 and how we spent the money.

We also elect the new committee.

The business part of the meeting takes about 45 minutes and then we mingle, chat, polish off the drinks and nibbles. And please note, that by coming to the meeting does not mean that we rope you in! So do come to hear how we did last year, and give us your suggestions for this year.

Agenda and last year’s minutes are here. Nomination form for executive committee is here. Or pick up a paper copy at club sessions.

Frome Canoe Club is affiliated to British Canoeing and is a Registered Charity (Number 1104728) 1

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THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President Graham Warnecke Vice Presidents Richard and Jane Arney Catharine Croft Chairman Andy Vowell Vice Chairman Gareth McGiveron Treasurer John Kent Secretary Pam Dixon 16 Blagdon Walk, Frome, BA11 2YH Committee Members Rich Carter Jonathan Howell Linz Kimber Tracey Lemon Stuart Miles Emma Slevin Jack Smiles

In this issue CALENDAR 3 Calendar in brief 4 River Usk River Barle or Exe 5 Weekly club sessions 6 River Axe Race 7 Volunteers meeting REPORTS 8-9 New Years Day by Rich C 10-12 River Dart Lower by Chris W 12-14 River Dart Loop by Jonathan H SLALOM 15-17 Slalom Linktastic by Chris W OTHER THINGS 1 Annual General Meeting 6 First Swim of the Year 14 Second Swim of the Year 18 Courses at Weymouth Outdoor Centre 19 Social night and Award Winners 20 Back Page Bits and Pieces

Send articles for the next issue to th pam@dixon.org.uk by 25 February

SmokefreeSports

Please help us to promote a smokefree club by refraining from smoking publicly at all our events.

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Calendar 2018 Date

Event

Who for

Contact

February 9

Polo at the pool - contact game Experienced paddlers Jack S

10

Saturday afternoon session

All

Rich C

11

River Usk trip

Two Star +

John K

21

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

All

Pam D

23

Polo at the pool - non contact

All

Jack S

25

River Exe or River Barle

One Star +

Rich C

3/4

Dulverton slalom 3/4/O

All

John K

7

Volunteers meeting

All

Rich C

9

Polo at the pool - contact game Experienced paddlers Jack S

10

Saturday afternoon session

All

Rich C

11

Axe race

One Star +

John K

18

Surf trip

Two Star/Discover +

Andy V

23

Polo at the pool - non contact

All

Jack S

23

LAST POOL SESSION

All

Pam D

25

Work party

All

Rich C

March

25/26/27 August - Surfing Weekend

Gareth

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Calendar in detail - river trips RIVER EXE OR BARLE

RIVER USK 11th February Meet Market Yard: 8am Cost £15 Organiser: John Kent

25th February Meet Market Yard: 8am Cost £12 or £15 Organiser: Rich C

We plan to paddle the River Usk from Sennybridge to Aberbran, a distance of 5 to 6 miles.

Both are G2 rivers but the Barle has rapids all the way along and the Exe has weirs, rapids and flat bits. Both are lovely.

There are three rocky ledges in the first mile then the remainder is similar to the Barle.

You need to have done some winter paddling with us this year and you need to be able to cope with cold conditions. So a good cag, plenty of thermals/fleeces and be able to wear a spray deck.

Nearer the time we will see what the predicted water levels are and we will make decisions about what we will be doing.

It's always cold at this time of year so you need to have warm kit and a packed lunch.

This trip is open to paddlers who have done some winter paddling with us this year, and for example, have run the Barle, Lower Dart or equivalent.

The trip on this river is rather water dependent so keep watching in the run up in case we have to change it.

Phil here on Salmon Steps - River Exe 4

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Calendar in detail - weekly sessions FRIDAY POOL SESSIONS

WEDNESDAY SLALOM TRAINING

FRIDAYS, 8-9pm .

FROME SPORTS AND FITNESS CENTRE, BA11 2SA

At the Club 4.30pm with Chris Wilde 6.30pm with John Kent Cost: £3, or use your PaddlePass

How they work:   

MONTHLY SATURDAY AFTERNOON SESSIONS 2-4pm at the Clubhouse Cost: £3 (or use your PaddlePass) Organiser: Rich Carter

 

A Saturday club session once a month over the winter season



Second Saturday in the month.

The sessions will be informal and paddlers can do their own thing.

Find us in the foyer at 7.45pm.

Bring swimming costume, towel, session charge -£3.50.

We divide up the one-hour into smaller ‘paddling slots’ so that everyone can get a go. This means that you may get 30 minutes in a kayak, but on a busy night the paddling slots will be 20 minutes.

When you pay, choose the session you want to paddle in.

You don’t need to wear a buoyancy aid or helmet (unless you are playing canoe polo).

If you want to bring your own kayak, it must be VERY clean.

Bring it in via the fire exit.

We go all the way through to Easter holidays.

LAST POOL SESSION is 23rd March

This is also your chance to stay in touch over the winter, sign up on the trip lists and catch up on club news.

Dates are:

10th February 10th March 5

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Calendar plus Bits and Pieces RIVER AXE RACE 11th March This race is 4 miles on the river Axe followed by a further mile on the estuary finishing at Seaton.

There are lots of different classes, two that spring to mind are Slalom and Touring Canadian.

There will be marshals on some of the bends and there will be other paddlers on the water but you need to be able to paddle on your own on a grade 1 river with currents around bends.

More details on the Axe Vale Canoe Club website http:// www.axevalecc.co.uk/Events/ River-Axe-Race/river-axe-race.htm For more details contact John.

THE FIRST SWIM OF THE YEAR On a chilly paddle on 1st Jan, a few of us paddled beyond the get out for the NYD paddle. This turned out to be Jacob’s unsticking from the seat of his boat, at a place called the zoom flume. This feature is a water measuring station and amounts to a slide down flat water into a standing wave at the bottom. It was large this day.

Jacob’s first run was done with no ill effects, but a second run is not always a good call. That didn’t stop Jacob.

The name of the game is to either go straight down the middle or skirt the wave, but not to go at an angle. So, second time round, he slid up the wave, turned at the same time, and did a 270o.

With a bit more speed I think he could have done a 360o. Anyway we got splosh and a swim - the first points of the year.

For the full report of this trip please turn to p8.

You should have seen Pam’s face when she walked into the kitchen on the afternoon of the Social! Sheer amazement. What a difference an oven can make.

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Volunteers’ Meeting

The summer season of paddling at the club is just around the corner!

River sessions start w/b 16th April. So we will use this meeting to start planning, and this year we are going to introduce a sign-up rota system so that everyone knows who is doing what, and we have all bases covered.

Up for discussion will be the fine details but we are expecting Mondays to be Slalom and Courses, Tuesdays to cater for adults and beginners, Wednesdays to be the general club session with all the groups.

WEDNESDAYS - MAIN EVENT! Apart from the instructors leading the groups on the water, we need help:  On the desks to welcome people and sign them into the groups.  In the kit room to assist paddlers select kit  Another person in the kit room to help with fitting kit correctly  Outside, to help with boats and foot rests  At the end of sessions to make sure kit is properly stored away.

There is lots to do each week, and our club is famous locally for its inclusivity, its organisation and for its friendliness. Let’s try to keep it that way!

Please come if you are interested in helping us with the club sessions.

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New Years Day trip by Rich Carter It seems only a year ago we were getting ready for our New Years Day paddle, mainly because it was a year ago.

The weather was not too cold, the water was up, but not scary, and with a good turn out from the club, it was going to be an enjoyable day. The distance was from Woolverton to Langham Farm, a short trip, so people could get home for lunch and a lazy afternoon.

Quite a few trees were down on the first stretch to Woolverton (Scutts Mill) weir, so everybody zigged and zagged round the finger like branches, rising from the depths ready to grab anyone not concentrating!

The first weir had a small stopper below it, so most walked around. Some of the braver paddlers shot the weir, but what they did not want to do was to end the drop sideways on.

One of us did, which meant a lot of grunting, support strokes and good old-fashioned hard paddling needed to pull themselves out.

Christian did manage it. Everybody gave a sigh, but was it a “Great, he’s out”, or was it a “Drat, nearly a swimmer”?

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New Years Day trip continued A nice flat stretch followed; an easy paddle, avoiding the trees and each other until we got to Rode weir, with its friendly wave.

People played on the safe waves for a bit and then we paddled through the trees and over the shallows, which we didn’t have to walk today, to finish at Langham Farm.

A chilly day was finished off with hot drinks and cake supplied by our great bank team. A great way to start the year.

Ed: Yes, thank you Sally and Tim, it was indeed a wonderful way to end our first paddle of the year. And read about Jacob’s swim on p6.

Paddlers and Points Girls:

Aicha

Boys:

Alfie, Bartek, Finn, Gio, Henry, Jacob (5), Otto

Women: Charlotte, Pam, Woody Men:

Alun, Andrew, Christian, Gareth, George, Jack, Jim, Jonathan, Kenny, Kieran, Lawrence, Phil, Rich and Sam. 9

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River Dart trip - 14th January POSSIBLY THE MOST LAID BACK RIVER TRIP EVER? The Lower section

By Chris Wilde After the usual 8am meet up a small group of us travelled to the Salmon’s Leap café at Buckfastleigh where we found Louis wading his way through a great looking full English breakfast. So a round of hot chocolate was consumed and then we headed down and jumped on the river just below Salmon Pond’s weir.

This was the first time for Jasmine, Emily and Louis on a whitewater river trip so a few of us started with butterflies in our tummies. After warming up with some ferry glides and practising edging the kayak, we were off down the river.

We were focusing on three main things when paddling: To look where we wanted to go (and paddle where we wanted to go).

To point the boat away from danger (and paddle away from danger).

If we felt a bit wobbly to lean forward (and paddle).

The first rapid was probably the biggest of the trip. Steve achieved an OBE (out of boat experience) while the rest of the group had a play on the waves. We started with breaking in and out and progressed onto crossing the flow in both directions.

Soon we were into the ‘rock garden’ and we all made it down with very little time spent catching rocks. It was so much fun we walked back up to paddle it again! This time we all shot it one paddler at a time so each had to pick their own line and catch a couple of eddies on the way down. Pam captured the evidence on her camera.

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Possibly the most laid back river trip ever? Continued At the bottom of the rapid we surfed a few waves and practiced crossing the flow some more.

As we continued down the river we took it in turn to lead and tried to catch some eddies as we went. Emily decided to try to catch some super small eds, (very small eddies) she clearly has super sight as she went steaming across the rapid and zoomed into a tiny ed, only to be followed by Joseph proving that if you can get one boat in the eddy then why not quash a second one in?

Too soon we were on the flat stretch above the road bridge and we enjoyed chocolate bars and hand warmers (thanks to Matt) as we floated along very gently. After a quick leg stretch we shot the last few rapids and jumped out at Staverton.

Continued overleaf 11

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Dart trip, 14th January continued Everyone paddled really well, so as a reward we headed back to the cafe where the Loop paddlers were just emerging from the river. After more refreshments we set off back to the club with aching muscles and big grins on our faces. Well done to everyone who paddled, you all did really well!

PINS, SWIMS and ROSY CHEEKS - The Loop section 14thJanuary

By Jonathan Howell The level was a little higher than the Dart weekend so all good, although the water temperature was on the chilly side. We split into two groups with the young guns starting on the last drops of the Upper led by Andy. Rich led the rest of us from the normal geton. As we paddled down all the new Loopers were really giving things a go: breaking in and out, ferry gliding and surfing waves.

When every one was warmed up and used to the speed of the river we moved on down until we got to Washing Machine which caused no problems and was paddled confidently by all.

The next feature was Lovers Leap where it started to go wrong for one paddler, who should know better. There are two lines down the rapid, but I took the third 12

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Pins, Swims and Rosy Cheeks continued deciding to go over the top of the large rock, which was not a good idea. After sitting on top of the rock for a while, I decided to show all the youngsters the right way to swim in a rapid. Oh how they laughed!

On to Triple Falls where we had three swimmers: Aicha, Liam and Jos. It was my turn to laugh. They all took it in their stride though, and once the boats were emptied we got them paddling hard to warm them up as the water was cold. On to Tumble Dryer, where all stayed upright, and then Holne weir, which we all paddled over safely.

Anvil was next and run on the right-hand side had no problems, although Aicha did disappear under the water but popped up again with a big smile on her face. The rest of the trip was just a pleasant paddle with the last feature ‘Phil’s Weir’ causing no issues and onto the get off. With so many rosy cheeks on show, it looked like everyone enjoyed a cold day out on the Dart. (It might be a good idea to ask paddlers to bring bigger towels next time, Pam.) So into the café for hot drinks, cake and a quick chat before heading back to the club.

I would like to Continued overleaf 13

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Pins, Swims and Rosy Cheeks continued say a big well done to all who paddled the Loop for the first time today. It was an excellent effort by all, and it was great to see so many youngsters out today.

Paddlers on both sections of the Dart, and the Points Girls: Aicha (5), Emily, Jazz Boys: Albie, Alfie, Finn, Jacob, Jos (3), Joseph, Liam (3), Louis, Otto, Toby, Women: Pam Men: Alun J, Andy V, Chris W, Christian J, Jim R, Jonathan H (3), Mark B, Matt W, Rich C, Sam Kn and Steve T. SECOND SWIM OF THE YEAR - as recorded by Rich Jos had paddled very well all day, as I have come to expect from him, but there are times when a small boat is not as helpful as a large boat. It was at Triple 3 where the swim happened. There is always a small wave near the bottom of the final drop, but today’s wave was a stopper, and it was the perfect length for a small axiom to fit into. In Jos went. There was good leaning, good supports, and good sculling, so all OK up to this point. The problem came when trying to exit. Well it was not going to release that boat, and a few rescues were tried and all failed. So we did what all paddlers do at this point - we floated at the bottom and waited for the swim. He did well and lasted a long time before it happened, but 3 points were earned.

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Chris’s Linktastic Guide to the 2108 Slalom Season

Continued over page 15

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Slalom continued

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Slalom continued

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WEYMOUTH OUTDOOR EDUCATION CENTRE Tel: 01305 764927. Email: woec@dorsetcc.co.uk

British Canoeing - Safety Training 2 day, 16 hour Outdoor First Aid

17/18 Mar

Foundation Safety & Rescue Training FSRT

23 Apr, 17 Aug, 12 Nov

£130 £75

British Canoeing- Personal Skills 1 Star Training / Assessment

15/16 Aug, 7/8 Nov

£139

2 Star Training

15/16 Aug, 7/8 Nov

£139

2 Star Assessment

On request

£75

British Canoeing - Coaching Paddlesport Instructor – 4 days (Formerly Level 1 coach award)

24, 25, 26, 27 April 13, 14, 15, 16 Nov

£285

Core Coach training- 2 day (Level 2)

8/9 May 3/4 Oct

£195

Sheltered water training (Level 2) Canoe/Kayak – 2 day. Kayak only – 2 days

16/17 May, 15/16 Oct

£195

Coaching the mind – Foundation

21 May pm

£39

Recreational Surf / white water / sea / SUP / Mega SUP

By arrangement (min 4 people)

£55

Beginner- Learn to Kayak

15/16 Aug, 7/8 Nov

£75/£139

Beginner - Learn to Canoe

15/16 Aug, 7/8 Nov

£75/£139

Improver- Kayak Skills

15/16 Aug, 7/8 Nov

£75/£139

Improver - Canoe skills

15/16 Aug, 7/8 Nov

£75/£139

Improver - Sea Kayak

18 Apr, 1 May, 26 Sep, 27 Sep, 2 Oct, 15 Oct

£75

Classroom navigation/ tidal planning

2 May,1 Oct, 17 Oct

£60

Jurassic Coast - Sea kayak event.

On request- includes £110 pp Coaching or guided journeys – 2 coach, boats, equipment min 7 people Days & accommodation Accommodation in classrooms with use of kitchen, showers, £13 pppn secure car park & wi fi www.dorsetforyou.com/woec www.woec.co.uk 18

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AWARDS NIGHT - who won what!

Our STARS, awarded at the Social for their successes in 2017

Henry Lines Bayman Trophy

Emma Slevin Volunteers’ Cup

Aicha Masrour + Alfie Symes Youth Cup

Lawrence Sanders Best Adult Newcomer

Jacob Lines Langham Farm Trophy

Kath Norton + Vicky Bennett Jim Croft Cup for coaching

Chris Wilde Editor’s Trophy

Finn Johnson + Henry Lines Editors Runners Up

It was a good evening. 68 people came to join in the fun and celebrate members’ successes. Quizzes were done, food was eaten, speeches endured and fun was had by all. Allegedly.

It was great to see so many people - thank you for coming. And a big thank you for buying raffle tickets.

A cool was made.

We also need to thank everyone who helped: table laying, food assembling, drinks team, dish washers, raffle ticket seller, speech makers, and uncle tom cobbly.

A special mention goes to Finn for masterminding the Croquembouche!

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CONTACTS

FCC’s dating service does it again another match is made!

Chairman: Andy Vowell 07584 069432 Vice Chair: Gareth McGiveron

Kate is one of the Club’s coaches and she first met Mike a few years ago when they both started paddling at the club.

Treasurer: John Kent 01225 765168 jfkent@blueyonder.co.uk Secretary: Pam Dixon 07740 472982 pam@dixon.org.uk Head Coach: Rich Carter 01373 864623

We wish you very many happy years together.

Youth Rep: Tracey Lemon Volunteer Rep: Jonathan Howell Kit: Jack Smiles smiles93@googlemail.com Safety Officer: Rich Carter Welfare Officer: Pam Dixon 07740 472982

www.frome-canoeclub.org.uk

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What ever is going on here? Exhausted after the NYD paddle. Surely not! Do we know this person?

The Paddler issue 39

The International magazine for recreational paddlers: Winter edition.

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Canoeing and kayaking are “Assumed risk” – “Water contact sports” that may carry attendant risks. Participants should be aware of and accept these risks, and be responsible for their own action and involvement.

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