NOVEMBER annual Devon Trip
The annual trip to Devon saw 10 club members taking on the R. Dart Loop on the Saturday followed by the R. Teign on the Sunday. We had swimmers, we had bruises, we had shredded bottoms, ripped suits and hangovers. Great weekend. Highlight for me was the R. Teign, which after a lot of debate before attempting it, proved a very interesting if not long paddle. The guide book said Grade 2, however, the drops were a 3 in my opinion (G2+ in others) including one which we all backed out of so we’ll put that down as a G10 if such a grade exists. Very picturesque river and one that will be visited again no doubt. Pictures of the trip will be put up in due course.
submitted by V Chairman 17/11/19
October so far
Yorkshire River Wharf Open Boating
The weekend was intended to give those open boaters a chance to test their skills on moving water/white water, and what a brilliant experience it was. Two open boaters Kevin R and John H were the guinea pigs with support/rescue crew in kayaks Barry I and James Wood.
Really good weekend with lots of thrills and unexpected falls – Appletree Wick! I planned my line but didn’t expect the end drop, seriously, no hands paddling is the new way to go! An excellent weekend and probably one for the calendar for next year. A blog on this trip is to follow. Thanks to Kevin R for organising this trip and to Barry and James for supporting us, great weekend, thoroughly enjoyed it, the campsite wasn’t bad either – even the AA thanked us, but that’s another story.
Here’s a video of Barry beating a hole Conistone Falls.
and one of Kevin taking a dip
Annual River Chelmer Tour
The annual Chelmer tour proved an excellent day on the water with members from Bramston, Southend and Braintree club joining in.
We set off from Church Road, Boreham and finished in Heybridge Basin. Paper Mill Lock Weir was shot by everyone bar me (open boat doesn’t like weirs), same at Rushes Weir. At Hoe Mill we had lunch – sandwiches and whatever was brung! After lunch several of the group returned to Boreham whilst the rest of us continued onto Heybridge. Really nice to paddle with members from other clubs. Thanks to Mike our Secretary for organising it.
August – September – Wow that was summer, come on Autumn!
A lots been going on so without writing biblical amounts I’ve picked out some high lights – beginning of the month a sneaky paddle around Pin Mill , river Stour – on a skool day! That about set the tone for the rest of the month with the sneakiest of paddles being this one.
You’ll have to enlarge it to see the sneaky paddler.
A couple of Legacy white water trips were also in the offing, along with some dodgy (kitchen) wiring – er yes, Mark is still with us as is his kitchen. Some long distance paddling off of Mersea, Red sands also revisited, and lots of new toys – trolley wheels a dodgy buckle from china and other paraphernalia including a fishing rod holder -really James? (I want one) and new airbags for Paul. Back on the paddling front we also have to include a SUP paddle by our chairman and his family- Hope Cove to Thurleston Rock
Reports of rivers running dry R. Stour at Nayland and repairs to the bridge at Hoe Mill lock and the weir at Papermill also added to the list of trips which people had done throughout this month. We were also given some insight on how to avoid a Hungry Hipo attack – very useful if paddling the Zambezi! And then another insight on how to survive a shopping trip! Warnings of deadly sea worms were also a topic of conversation which have been found on the south coast of our shores along with other nasties. The usual Friday night paddles have been ongoing and proved very popular. Mike, our secretary, is back in favour with Wendy after her impromptu swim from their canoe – she got a swim sticker for that! Ian and Steffi attended a sea kayak leader training course and came back with loads of cling film – not as daft as it may sound, very useful piece of kit for repairs to your boat ,first aid and apparently “gagging gobby newbies”!
That was August that was, and we’re now storming into September.
Quickly touch on September we had our annual BBQ which was very well attended by friends and families of the club. Everyone was talking about the up coming white water trip to the R. Treweryn in Bala and the 4 star leadership sea kayak training in Anglesey. Looking forward to the pictures and tales of death defying feats of descent and of course the obligatory swim stickers, a badge of honour no less.
What ever you do – enjoy yourself, get out there and participate and above all be safe. Notice I didn’t mention sailing – oops!
See The Trips Forum and Training Forum for more up to date info. See the bottom of this page for futuristic trips! (For next year and beyond).
____________________________________________________________
July update.
Can’t find enough time to participate in all the trips. Without going into too much detail the Forum is full of them, and being updated regularly. Please read the latest blog on the Open boat touring trip in Norfolk, it appears to have included everything a good weekend should have, including sailing, which is just as well because someone forgot their paddle! The committee had their usual mandatory meeting, which helped dot a few i’s and cross a few t’s. Next meeting is planned for November, which sadly isn’t that far away – what am I getting for Christmas? Too soon? Just thought I’d put it out there. If there is anything you would like to suggest, or have published please ask a member of the committee. Your input into your club is always welcome and helps keep things fresh and upto date. We are a vibrant club with lots going on and I don’t always get the time to update the website, but if you email me, I can do a quick cut and paste and you’ve gone GLOBAL!
submitted by John H 250719
Training Training Training
A lot of the trips organised offer a training opportunity with every stroke, but aren’t always advertised as such. Their purpose, being in the title – trip. However, we have some dedicated training trips for you and are advertised on the forum and events calendar in the Trips n’ Training Forum. The sea kayaking training trip on the Gower Peninsula is fast approaching and later in September we have a Beginners White Water training trip on the Treweryn. 
See Forum and Events Calendar. Full details will be puplished soon.
Please make you self known well in advance of these trips for planning, organisation and accommodation.
Submitted by John H 260619
Paddle update June so far
I haven’t mentioned all the trips that have gone on but here are a couple of highlights –
Sunday 16th June Walton backwaters paddle.
This was a MAD instigated event; MAD being the Maldon and Dengie Canoe Club, and not mad as insane just to clarify. Five of us turned up but only four paddled as one of us (not a BCC member I might add) bought the wrong boat! We had F5 SSW and an incoming tide, high tide being 12:00. Kicking off from Dovercourt, Harwich nice lumpy bumpy paddle to the inlet of the back waters for a bit of seal spotting. Then we caught the ebb tide home with the aid of a rather large improvised sail, courtesy of MAD group, Clive being the mast holder. It was possibly the quickest return to Dovercourt I’ve done. We surfed the last mile or so into the shore. See BCC face book for pictures.
Monday 17th June – Mersea Island – a couple of BCC members took the day off and paddled around Mersea Island for some posh nosh off of stone point. Who takes jam and scones with them???
They paddled anti clockwise for a change and thoroughly enjoyed it; mainly because they knew the rest of us were at work!
Monday 17th evening pool session was very busy. A couple of SUP boards were being tried out, with various people going for a swim off of them. There was also some one to one coaching taking place along with people trying out there weaker side of rolling etc along with improving their roll. Pub discussion afterwards – talk of next weeks BCC weekend – where are we all going, along with Norfolk Broads camping weekend which is fast approaching. Also discussed were white water trips for September. Who would believe we’re already 6 months into the new year!
submitted by John H 160619
Happy canoeist
This happy chappy spotted late Friday evening 14th June
Friday evening paddles are going on throughout the summer months. Usually starting from Hoe Mill Lock at around 18:00 and normally off the water by 21:00 for a quick pint in a local pub. If you are attending please make it known on the forum or other club media. You are responsible for assessing the suitability of the paddle and conditions to your standard of ability along with appropriate clothing.
Interested?
As usual with any club we get invites and offers from all over the place and if we were to go with them all we wouldn’t have enough hours in the day. So a few snippets have been plucked from the myriad of invites. Firstly Paul Young of E.C.A. is offering places on a Core teaching course at Chelmsford 30 &31st July. Contact Paul on Paul@essexslalom.com for more details or visit the ECA website.
Southend Canoe Club have their annual Fambridge to Battlesbridge race see forum and https://bramstoncanoeclub.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/battlesbridge-race-2019.docx for more details. Is Bramston going to enter a team?
As always keep checking all the media channels, and the forum and Events Calendar.
Submitted by John H 150619
June catch up.
Blink and you missed May – trust me, it was busy. Friday night paddles have proven very popular and we seem to have been blessed with good weather every Friday so far. As a lot of members are using Messenger to catch up and post trips and things here’s a brief run down, lifted from the dark magic of Apps and mobile phones. I try and put as much info on the site but its difficult to keep up. At the beginning of May all the chat was about Woolacombe surfing, very well attended see blog. As we progressed we had a discussion about Joanna Lumley from the Avengers series – mentioned because some people thought watching the Avengers at the cinema was better than getting wet on the water. Our next big event was sea kayak training off of Bradwell on Sunday 12th. We had thirteen sea kayakers being put through their paces practising capsize drills and recovery along with basic repairs to a damaged boat all whilst afloat. Everyone got a swim sticker afterwards. Dover Coast guard have renamed Barrys boat “Lipstick” – He’ll explain.
In between all this the pool sessions were going on. Some club members who have more time off than is fair were sending pictures from impromtu trips such as Brancaster and picnicking on a sandy beach at Burnham Overy Staithe, very nice.
Liz went mad – out with MAD (Maldon and Dengie canoe club) for a Wednesday evening paddle along the Crouch and boasted it was the first outing in shorts and T shirt! Further along the line more Friday evening paddles with cows in the water,
and trips from Bradwell in the fog. Towards the end of May some of us became movie stars helping out with a TV show filming off of Heybridge. Autobiography to follow with signed limited editions – See Barry and Liz.
To top off May and the beginning of June some of the coaches took out 50 ultra keen Girl Guides and put them through their paces from Papermill. Lots of chat about new boats, kit and trips. I almost forgot the River Gipping – well done to Mark for organising this trip. There was a lot of chat about this industrial river and some unfair poems!
And that, boys and girls was May. As always, check the website, check the forum and check the Events Calandar.
submitted by Webmaster 040619
Better late than never – Fri 20th May Evening paddle
Apologies for taking so long to upload or down load pics and vids from Friday 20 May evening paddle. Here are a few clips from that event, firstly Liz in her new canoe
and then we have Mark in “Spud”
https://youtu.be/sQLkIZ5m5MY
and finally we have Barry and Paul
https://youtu.be/cKAOkOodGXo
Where is it?
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Check the Archive page found under Resources. You may have noticed that the upcoming events title has been moved to the top of the Club news page. This is because there is so much going on, it makes it easier to highlight imminent events/trips and paddles. All articles on the club news page are saved on the archive page, so you won’t miss anything. For your own fun and enjoyment, regularly check the forum and events calendar as impromptu trips are often posted at the last minute and you don’t want to suffer from FOMO!
submitted by webmaster 150519
FACE BOOK FACE BOOK FACE BOOK
The clubs new FB page can be seen by going to this link Bramston Canoe Club
You will also be able to access it from the Links page which lists other sites of interest.
submitted by Webmaster 090519
The Boys (and Girls) are back in town – Woolacombe Surf weekend May bank Holiday 2019.
Woolacombe Surfing was a very well attended event, with soloist’s and family groups all camping, drinking, eating, sight seeing and of course surfin’ including a lone board surfer! The weather was really kind to us, shorts and T shirt for the very brave, and for the water babies, wet suits and cheesy grins all round. The waves were averaging 3 – 4 foot with the odd big ‘un (well they looked big to me – I will call these paddle faster waves.) Pictures of the weekend will be on the Blog page in due course. Many of club members have already booked for next year. Saturday night saw us all BBQing and smoking out the Andies tent (Andy and Andie were camping next to one another and as I type this, it really reads wrong! Anyway here’s a group shot of the happy campers
Yes 3 photos because some of us weren’t paying attention – eyes shut, looking the wrong way, camera shy? or just mucking around! A really enjoyable weekend was had by all. So next year, rather than stay at home digging your roses for the bank holiday, try surfing instead!
submitted by Vice Chairman 070519
Woolacombe Woolacombe, Woolacombe, We’re all going to Woolacombe. Don’t forget Woolacombe Surf weekend Friday 3rd May is fast approaching. Book your pitch, check your camping gear, your boat and most importantly your sense of humour. Should be a good weekend. I believe this will be the highest turn out of club members for this event. See Events.
submitted by John H 230419
Friday 12th April evening paddle
see more photos on blog but here’s how not to do a synchronised seal launch
submitted by John H 130419
Monday 8th April pool Session.
Busy, busy, busy, lots of people in the pool practising their stuff. One end of the pool had a mini roll clinic the other end safety and rescue, with each group being put through their paces. Really nice to see the newer members of the club trying out different boats and going through various strokes at their own pace. Don’t forget if you want help with anything please ask. Practising in the pool is the best place to get it wrong! Nice warm water and plenty of eyes watching you to keep you safe. The Friday evening paddles offer an ideal environment to put into practice your newly acquired pool skills. Apart from being a nice paddle it will help blow away the stresses of the week and set you up nicely for the weekend.
Submitted by John H 090419
FRIDAY EVENING PADDLES ARE BACK
Now that we are officially in British Summer Time we can play out late at night. This Friday (April 5th) see’s us kick off with these events at Hoe Mill. A nice leisurely paddle to Rushes Weir and back. See Events https://bramstoncanoeclub.org/wp/event/friday-evening-paddle-6/
Submitted by John H 020419
Crazy weather and mad people.
A lot of BCC members have been enjoying the strong winds as of late, getting out amongst the waves on the mighty Blackwater. A one way trip from Heybridge to Bradwell, in exciting conditions, a cheeky paddle around Canvey Island and a very windy open boat paddle from Hoe Mill Lock to Rushes weir (Sunday 10th March) has had everyone smiling like Cheshire cats. I’m pleased to say the sail paddles worked well with varying degrees of success, and when the wind really caught the sails the boats took off. If you are the proud owner of one of these devices get out and practice with it, you’re in for a laugh!
submitted by Johh H Vice Chairman 10/03/19
SHOUT, REACH THROW – Monday 11th’s pool session
If you weren’t there, you missed out on this rescue session. Monday night was rescue night Shout .. Reach…. Throw….. Go…..& Row….. We also had some great demonstrations from Anna & Barry, Anna definitely had the upper hand as she managed to play bad victim really well & drowned Barry twice ! 
(Only pretend drowning you understand – we’re a very responsible club & take H&S very seriously indeed !) We also had boat to boat rescues practising ‘T’, ‘H’ & dead man rescues (again not really dead, only pretending see above re; H&S).
Submitted by Kevin R 130219
Quick up Date 11th Feb
The AGM has now taken place and the new committee has been formed.
The minutes from the AGM will be sent out shortly by our Secretary Mike. As has now become customary, the post AGM paddle went ahead despite the rather windy conditions. Paul will be writing a blog on this trip, his maiden “wild sea” voyage. Many thanks to all those who attended the meeting and braved the paddle afterwards, and a special thank you to Marconi Sailing Club for allowing us to use their facilities for this event.
John H. Vice Chairman
submitted by John H Webmaster 110219
AGM AGM AGM
Ok you’ve got the message AGM is next Sunday 10th Feb! If you have anything you would like to discuss or raise please let a member of the committee or the secretary know beforehand if possible. Don’t forget your kit if you intend paddling.
Training n’ stuff
What a busy couple of weeks. Training sessions, impromptu paddles, sneaky paddles and for some no paddles at all. Ebay has been kept busy with bargains being purchased such as ponchos and sailing kites, all good stuff. We had another demo night from Nucleus Watersports at the pool side along with a lot of one to one training taking place as well as group sessions. And just as you thought it couldn’t get any better than the OB training at the end of Jan along comes a sea kayak training session off of Old Felixstowe. Very well supported amongst our sea kayaking members, lots learnt, lots to think about,lots of swims and lots of rescues to think about too! Here’s a picture of Mark after he’d stopped messing around in the water. He was trying to preserve his gel coat from the shingle beach – apparently.
The weather was fantastic, the training was brilliant and, as ever with Bramston Canoe Club, good company comes guaranteed.
Thank you to Barry I and Kevin R for organising this training session.
AGM February
You should all have received the agenda by now. If you have anything you would like to discuss or bring up/have represented, please let a member of the committee know or send an email to the secretary. Please let our Secretary know if you intend paddling afterwards. No matter what state of the tide we will be able to get on the water. The wind will be our deciding factor. For the less experienced sea kayaker, there are enough sheltered areas for you to get your boat wet. Don’t forget to bring your eggs and bacon and cooking wares, and for the those without – sandwiches.
We’ve started 2019
New boats arrived along with some new spray decks and also an impromtu demo night courtesy of Kent Canoes.
Some members have been showing off their xmas presents, along with their new acquisitions. The paddling calendar trips and expeditions are already in full swing. Keep an eye out on the forum, events Calendar and other BCC media to know whats going on and where. People have already started booking campsites for our up coming surf weekend in May.
Burn off the xmas pudding paddle was well supported, with a quick trip around the Walton back waters seal hunting, well spotting.This was followed by a bit of surfing on the tidal race around Stone Point
Now test your eye sight and spot the difference
Cracking paddle around Walton backwaters, thanks to Anna J for her suggestion and to Barry I for organising it.
submitted by John H Vice Chairman 150119
Weekend catch up 1/2 Dec
Whilst some of us enjoyed Christmas shopping, DIY or family time, the rest were off exploring. For the die hards, an early start to catch the tide from Heybridge for a weekend of paddling and camping and for others, a spot of gardening, BCC style.
Some surf training off of Old Felixstowe
See the blog. In the mean time sometimes it pays to put the camera down and help a friend……
Club news 15/01/2019
Catch up for November
Core Coaching 10/11/18 – for those attending this course pick up will be at 06:00 and on the water for 09:00. Don’t forget your paddling equipment and packed lunch. Finally good luck!
Coaches meeting 16/11/18– For all coaches a reminder that the date is the 16th November. Please let Kevin and Maggie know for catering purposes. You should have all seen the email, so have a think before the meeting.
Committee meeting 28/11/18– This has been set for the 28th November and is the last official meeting before the AGM. If anyone has any questions or topics they would like brought up please let a member of the committee know so that it can be added to the agenda.
Paddling this w/e 10/11 Nov – There are a couple of paddles going this weekend. Keep an eye out on the forum and other media for details. Remember you are responsible for your own safety and ability more so now that the temperature is dropping. It might be a nice sunny day but the water is a lot colder than you think. Play safe.
Finally check out the pictures on the blog of the recent Windmill farm trip – looks fantastic up close, but I know it was a bit of a tough paddle. If you are planning a paddle be it white water, sea river or surf or would like help in planning one please don’t be afraid to ask for guidance. There are enough experienced kayakers in the club who would be willing to help or point you in the right direction. We are lucky to have a club which is involved in so many different disciplines – something for everyone.
submitted by webmaster 091118
A change of boat, a change of scenery and a change of pace
With so much training going on recently with 3 star sea and assessment course along with WW trips to Devon, it was nice to get out of the mayhem and go for an open boat paddle see blog.
submitted by John H 211018
A Massive Congratulations
Well done to all 6 club members who passed their 3* sea assessment on the Blackwater Estuary last weekend. John, Andy E, Anna, Andie B, Liz, and Mark. Another 2 guys from MAD also passed, Roger and Johnie short shorts. Thanks to Clive for setting up the Assessment and Charlie for assessing. If you want to do your 3* sea or any other training and assessments next year make yourself known to our coaches.
Submitted by Barry I 161018
Eventful Weekend in Devon
The October WW trip clashed with Hurricane Calum’s arrival on the West of England, so off we went to Devon. See Blog.
Submitted by Barry I 161018
Kent Canoe Demo Night Monday 17th September
Just a reminder that we have Kent Canoes coming to the pool tonight
with their demo fleet. If you’re wanting to purchase a kayak for the
first time or are getting bored with your current boat then this is a
great opportunity to try some other boats!
See you all there,
Mike Dalby Club Secretary
Don’t forget the club BBQ Sat 1 Sept 4 pm Hoe Mill Lock. Bring your own Barbie food and drink plus boat if you fancy a paddle afterwards
Fancy a paddle this Sunday 2 Sept? See forum for details
Saturday 25th. 3* Sea training at West Mersea.
Early start. meeting at West mersea to get some 3* sea training done as the assessment is creeping up on us. Some back to basic training on this one. Covering Forward paddling using good trunk rotation, catch and power phases, the awareness of lower limb cycling and the push and pull ratio of the arms. Maintaining Direction using Edging and Reverse paddling working on control with a figure of eight course to perfect. We also paddled out into the Blackwater estuary to have a look at Buoys and do some practical navigation, positioning on OS maps with grid references, Long and Lat with charts and distances. Some thought provoking stuff. 6 of us attended the training trip Myself (Barry), Kevin training Andy E, Andie B, Mark B as trainees and Sam already 3* sea coming along and joining in.
I’m sorting out various other 3* sea training evenings/days/weekends. The next one is Friday 31st Aug (see trips and training forums), you don’t have to be doing your 3*sea assessment this time to join us on any of the training there’s always something to learn.
We will be doing some training during our weekend trip to Anglesey on the water and in the pub in the evening.
Monday night 3* training session 20 August 2018
Monday nights pool session was aimed at various rescues and rolling practice in readiness for those taking their British Canoeing 3 star sea award and general safety on the water. Lots of sea kayaks in the pool and a very enthusiastic group of kayakers made this a very enjoyable session indeed. The group were put through their paces, doing self rescues, rescuing one another and rolling different kayaks. It was very interesting watching the various methods and techniques of rescuing a kayaker out of his/her boat – semi submerged leverage, strope, paddle with a float, paddle without a float and so on. Lots of practice in emptying a waterlogged boat and rolling also took place. Big thank you to Kevin R and Barry I for overseeing this session. The practice, feed back, and lessons learnt will make us all safer on future trips. This was followed up with a question and answer discussion in the pub afterwards. See links for videos of training session
https://youtu.be/SH5VOO_qP0k Andy B
https://youtu.be/PzK70oPWVX4 Andy E
https://youtu.be/jvMXf2sVOVo James with BA
https://youtu.be/m31dIByyl-E James no BA
https://youtu.be/1cB45rFpwos John H
Submitted by John H Vic Chair 210818
August already?
How time flies, middle of August so soon? Just a quick update – The club committee meeting took place, two hours of eating chocolate biscuits and drinking tea, we put the world to rights, including discussing health and safety issues, BC star courses, coaches courses, new boats and equipment, club BBQ, along with a tick off list of what has been achieved so far this year.
Lots of people have been out and about paddling on the sea and at Lee Valley WW, avoiding the rivers due to green/blue algae concerns.
There’s a camping weekend coming up soon and Mike has organised a BBQ for the 1 Sept 4pm at Hoe Mill Lock. Bring your food and portable bbq and boat if you fancy a paddle with your family.
Keep an eye on the Events calendar, FB, the forum and your emails. If you’re planning an event please LET US KNOW so we can advertise it.
For the club members who still haven’t paddled in the wild yet, cut the apron strings tying you to the pool and get out there. Lots of experienced members would be happy to take you out on an adventure. Its amazing whats on your back door step which can’t be seen by any other means than a boat.
Club news 17/09/18
Coaches meeting Monday 16th July
In the pub after the pool session. What will we be discussing, well, not the merits of drinking bitter over lager or the calorie contents of a packet of peanuts. Whilst very interesting we will save these topics for another day. Kevin has sent out an email outlining what when and where. If you are available please attend along with your thoughts and ideas. Trying to get all the coaches together is a bit of a nightmare.
Submitted by John Vice Chair 110818
21st July whats happening?
Just a heads up: A paddle is being planned for the Deben Estuary on 21st July. The plan is to paddle from Felixstowe up to Woodbridge with the tide whilst the sun goes down in the evening then paddle back in the dark. Interested? See Forum for more details and let the organisers know you are going.
Submitted by John H on behalf of Mike Secretary 110718
Coaching reminder for Sat 14th
Whoa, this is going to be a big one with lots future champions in the making. All coaches should have received the email for this coming Saturday, sun hats, sun cream and and sense of humour needed. Last weekend saw 3 rafted canoes full of budding kayakers making their way down the mighty Chelmer. The peace and tranquillity of the water was broken by the sound of screaming coaches(?) and support staff along with enthusiastic Brownies. A great day on the water, enjoyed by all. Excellent water fight and a swim to boot, can’t be bad.
Submitted by John H Vice Chair 10/07/18
Club Paddle for Sat 7th
For those going on the club paddle this Saturday- make yourself known. See Forum. Looks like its going to be really favourable conditions. If I had a clone he’d be going on this trip.
submitted by John Vice Chairman 040718
Coaching reminder for Sat 7th.
For the coaches don’t forget this Saturdays coaching session. For those involved you should have all seen and read the email from Kevin regarding timings etc. Have a look a the video link. Don’t forget your sun hat, sun screen, sense of humour and your boat! Its going to be Hot, HOt, HOT.
John H Vice Chairman 04072018
How to get rid of Kayaker rust
Go to The Legacy at Lee Valley of course. 6pm saw five club members bobbing around the bottom stopper doing their thing looking a little rusty. A couple of runs later and some of us were beginning to look like we actually knew what we were doing. The water was warm and surprisingly, the Legacy, not that busy. Cracking way to end the week, even the Friday night traffic was bearable and certainly worth the effort.
John H 29/06/2018
The annual club summer camp
Looks like this event was very well supported, with a friendly f2 breeze on the way out and also, lucky whatsits, on the way back too! Some of us may have been at work, but took a sneaky peak at the Blackwater Sailing Club webcam and saw crew out on the Saturday and coming home again on the Sunday.Cracking photos can be seen on the blog page. So, after looking at the pretty pictures – what does this buoy actually mean?
Don’t know? Look it up! It pays to know the more common buoyage around our rivers and estuaries. Might keep you out of trouble or if you’re in trouble might be the best position lock on you’ve got for your rescuers.
Don’t forget if you wish to volunteer for Sat 30th – Go Canoeing- let Paul know.
webmaster 27/06/18
All work and no play.
Apologies, haven’t been keeping my eye on the ball.
Lots of stuff has been going on over the last couple of months, with paddles arranged and training along with coaching of external groups.
There has been a request for helpers by Paul Younger of Essex slalom for 30th June see forum. email him direct or talk to him at one of the Monday pool sessions.
Also the wild camp is coming up along with Friday evening paddles. Check out the forum and get your name on the list. Have you seen the latest blog of Anglesey? It might have been calm but stunning scenery.
If anyone has anything they would like to publish please let me know. This isn’t a one man band!
webmaster 19062018
Friday Evening paddle 15/06/18
Blackwater estuary paddle see forum.
Essential Sea Kayaking Festival Weekend
14th -16th September 2018. Anglesey. More info about this weekend can be found on Nicks website: kayakessentials.co.uk
Sundays Open Boat Training 25th March.
What a fantastic day for messing around on the water 6 open boats and one kayak, all doing their “Thing” on the water. The R. Stour is a really pretty river to paddle and what a brilliant venue for training on. Many thanks to Kevin for organising this training trip and providing the expert advice. For those completing their 2 star award training – keep it up, you’re well on your way.
Heres a clip of Jill shooting the box weir. The open boaters whimped out and from prior experience not a bad idea.
Submitted by John Webmaster 260318
WAKE UP – Sunday 25th March
2 star Open Boat training see Events calendar (don’t forget to double click on the more information tab at the bottom to reveal a map of the location) and let everyone know you are going by saying so on the forum under TRAINING.
submitted by Kevin BCC Coach 220318
AGM MINUTES 2018
You should have all by now received the minutes from the 2018 AGM if not follow the link BCC AGM 2018 – Minutes 11.02.18. Please let me know by email if you are not receiving block emails such as this – not as daft as it sounds as you will have spoken to other people and said “I never received that” in which case let me know.
There have been various paddles going on during the week and I know there is a blog in draft waiting to be published shortly. If you have any news regarding kayaking matters please let me know for inclusion of the news page.
Submitted by John Webmaster 070318
A cold day on the water for Saturdays paddlers
See blog
submitted by John H 250218
Busy Weekend over the 17th and 18th Feb
Well for those of you who didn’t go to the two star training session on Saturday, you missed out. Excellent weather, warm water (ahem) and lots of practice to hone the skills of the 2 Star paddler. For those who attended, well done, Kevin our lead instructor was very impressed. You are well on your way to achieving your goal. Commitment is the name of the game. Once you have your 2 star under your belt a whole new chapter of kayaking experiences and courses open up to you enabling you to take your kayaking to a new level helping you become better, safer and more confident.
And if that wasn’t enough for you, a sea trip on the Sunday was planned on the Medway, virgin waters for some of us, the blog and photos tell the story.
Don’t forget to keep an eye on the forum for up coming trips and training sessions. There is an open boat paddle going ahead this coming Saturday, log on to the forum and make it known that you will/will not be attending. Wrap up warm as it will be cold, according to John Kettley and Michael Fish who are the weather men.(ok they don’t do the weather anymore as they are retired).
Submitted by Webmaster 22/02/2018
AGM, New Committe and Paddle
We had a very successful AGM at Marconi Sailing Club, with a good turn out from our members. I now stand down as Chairman and take up my new role as Vice Chair. Thank you very much for all your support and kind words over the last two years. A new committee has been voted in and formed, and I will update the website and various documents to reflect this over the next couple of days. Your new Chairman is Andie Baldwin. A lot was discussed and resolved. A few members mentioned that they were not receiving club emails. I will look into this and see what can be done. The minutes of the meeting will be sent out to you soon. This was followed by a paddle in quite testing conditions to Maylandsea. F5 and F7 gusting in from the west made for a change of plan, so instead of going to Thirslet Spit as intended, we headed up the estuary to Maylandsea , closely observed by several seals with a bit of surfing on route. Cracking day on the water. see blog.
Submitted by John H Vice Chairman 120218
D’arn at the Pool Monday 5th Feb
For those of you safely tucked up at home in front of the open fire and Goggle box you missed it. We had a 15 minute session aimed at practising your stern rudder and bow rudder. Some of us also had an adhoc practice passing your paddle over the bottom of your kayak whilst upside down ready for that awesome roll. Some success’s, and some bail outs. Well done to all of you who took part. Don’t forget we have a store room full of different sized and shaped boats. Don’t be afraid to try them out. It all adds to your kayaking experience and is also good fun seeing how each boat performs differently. That sweet spot in your “old favourite” will desert you in another boat and you will need to re think and re adjust.
Submitted by John H Webmaster 070218
Club new 1302/2017
Pool session Mon 12 Feb
Lots of people on the water and really good to see them being more adventurous trying out a variety of boats. Our youngest paddler Hope, was making some smart lines across the water dodging the playboaters who were making a splash. Also good to see people trying out their bow and stern rudder manoeuvres to good effect. Some also tried their rolling for the first time. Keep it up, you’ve gained your confidence in going over, the technique in coming up will follow.
Submitted by John H Webmaster. 130218
Club news 1302/2017
AGM, New Committe and Paddle
We had a very successful AGM at Marconi Sailing Club, with a good turn out from our members. I now stand down as Chairman and take up my new role as Vice Chair. Thank you very much for all your support and kind words over the last two years. A new committee has been voted in and formed, and I will update the website and various documents to reflect this over the next couple of days. Your new Chairman is Andie Baldwin. A lot was discussed and resolved. A few members mentioned that they were not receiving club emails. I will look into this and see what can be done. The minutes of the meeting will be sent out to you soon. This was followed by a paddle in quite testing conditions to Maylandsea. F5 and F7 gusting in from the west made for a change of plan, so instead of going to Thirslet Spit as intended, we headed up the estuary to Maylandsea , closely observed by several seals with a bit of surfing on route. Cracking day on the water.
Submitted by John H Vice Chairman 120218
D’arn at the Pool Monday 5th Feb
For those of you safely tucked up at home in front of the open fire and Goggle box you missed it. We had a 15 minute session aimed at practising your stern rudder and bow rudder. Some of us also had an adhoc practice passing your paddle over the bottom of your kayak whilst upside down ready for that awesome roll. Some success’s, and some bail outs. Well done to all of you who took part. Don’t forget we have a store room full of different sized and shaped boats. Don’t be afraid to try them out. It all adds to your kayaking experience and is also good fun seeing how each boat performs differently. That sweet spot in your “old favourite” will desert you in another boat and you will need to re think and re adjust.
Submitted by John H Webmaster 070218
AGM Sunday 11th February 10:30 Marconi Sailing Club see Events Calendar double click on the date and scroll down. All club members new and old will be welcomed. The agenda has now been finalised and dispatched. Please bring your own copy with you to the meeting.
Submitted by Chairman
British Canoeing Road Show
British Canoeing is going on the road during February and March to update members on the launch of Club Associate membership and plans for new Access and Environment campaign. See Events Calendar February 7th for full details and website.
Submitted by Webmaster
2018 has arrived! CALENDARS now available
At last we can now crack on with the year as the long awaited Bramston CC calendars have arrived. See Cheryl for yours. You know you want one.
Submitted by Webmaster.
Coaches training session
On Saturday 13th Jan the coaches got together for a training session which involved a bit of role playing and practising different coaching techniques. If there is such a title as Kayaker thesbian, then Bramston coaches are the best! This was followed by a wash up and for the few who weren’t freezing their toes off a quick paddle down the Chelmer. I think all involved thought it a worth while session. Thanks to Kevin for organising it.
Submitted by John H. Chairman
Annual General Meeting
AGM will be held on Sunday 11th February at 10:30 Marconi Sailing Club. Please check your emails and see forum.
Items on the agenda so far are:-
Out going committee reports, Voting in and forming of the new committee.
AOB – Coaches – wannabies and improvers, BC assoc membership – two options, Late payment of fees, Non returnable deposits for trips, Courses/personal aspirations – what do you want to do?how do we encourage more people to attend trips?
Please keep your ideas and discussion topics coming. Anything which we can’t discuss/resolve will be taken on by the new committee.
submitted by John H Chairman
Bramston CC 2018 Events List now Out.
I have now put the events list on the site calendar, the trips Forum and a hard copy will be available from Me at the Monday pool sessions. I have also added some working notes below the list on the trips forum. Event suggestions will always be welcome on the forum.
Happy New Year, may your paddles be wet. Barry
submitted by Barry I Vice Chairman
Tree obstruction River Chelmer
Paddlers beware
“Tree across river Chelmer – this is not a recent tree fall, however with the river rising it has now become more of a dangerous hazard for anyone traveling downstream from the University. There is a tree across the river just above the Viaduct/Railway crossing and after the footpath which leads from Hill View Road to the Station/University. There is currently no room to get under the tree safely and no obvious breakouts before the tree. Take care whilst the rivers are flowing.”
submitted by Cheryl C Secretary
Message from Webmaster updating BCC email address
Some of you I believe are not receiving/included on the general email address. If you wish to be included you need to have a forum account (even if you don’t use it) as I use this list to update the general email addresses. To register on the forum you must email me at webmaster@bramstoncanoeclub.org. Once I’ve verified who you are I will set up your account.
Submitted by Webmaster.
Club news 16/01/2017
Annual General Meeting
AGM will be held on Sunday 11th February at 10:30 Marconi Sailing Club. Please check your emails and see forum.
Items on the agenda so far are:-
Out going committee reports, Voting in and forming of the new committee.
AOB – Coaches – wannabies and improvers, BC assoc membership – two options, Late payment of fees, Non returnable deposits for trips, Courses/personal aspirations – what do you want to do?how do we encourage more people to attend trips?
Please keep your ideas and discussion topics coming. Anything which we can’t discuss/resolve will be taken on by the new committee.
submitted by John H Chairman
Bramston CC 2018 Events List now Out.
I have now put the events list on the site calendar, the trips Forum and a hard copy will be available from Me at the Monday pool sessions. I have also added some working notes below the list on the trips forum. Event suggestions will always be welcome on the forum.
Happy New Year, may your paddles be wet and your head be dry. Barry
submitted by Barry I Vice Chairman
Tree obstruction River Chelmer
Paddlers beware
“Tree across river Chelmer – this is not a recent tree fall, however with the river rising it has now become more of a dangerous hazard for anyone traveling downstream from the University. There is a tree across the river just above the Viaduct/Railway crossing and after the footpath which leads from Hill View Road to the Station/University. There is currently no room to get under the tree safely and no obvious breakouts before the tree. Take care whilst the rivers are flowing.”
submitted by Cheryl C Secretary
Message from Webmaster updating BCC email address
Some of you I believe are not receiving/included on the general email address. If you wish to be included you need to have a forum account (even if you don’t use it) as I use this list to update the general email addresses. To register on the forum you must email me at webmaster@bramstoncanoeclub.org. Once I’ve verified who you are I will set up your account.
Webmaster.
submitted by John H Webmaster
Committee meeting 6 Dec
Your committee had their final meeting this evening prior to our AGM planned for Feb 2017. Thank you to all committee members and contributers for this evenings meeting. Apologies for the meeting running on later than planned but there was a lot to discuss. The minutes of the meeting will be published shortly. The AGM has been penned in for 10:30 Sunday 11th Feb 2018 with a planned sea paddle afterwards. This date will be subject to permission from Marconi Sailing Club who have kindly offered their club house for this event. An agenda for the AGM will be sent out in due course. There are still a couple more paddles planned before the end of the year so don’t go into hibernation just yet! On behalf of the committee, we wish all our members and readers a very happy Christmas and New Year, and whatever you do, paddle safe.
John H.
Submitted by J Hefford Chairman.
Olympic Winners
Congratulations and commiserations to Frank, Scot and George, who I believe all successfully completed the Olympic course at Lee Valley this weekend, broken noses not withstanding!
Submitted by Webmaster
Suggestions for Next Years Calendar Please.
I’m after some input from club members please due to some trips that have had next to no interest this year. Are they just the wrong dates? I have started a suggestions page on the Trips Forum, If you feel that your club kayaking needs are not being met now is your chance to put it right.
Reverse Paddling
Monday night also saw a couple of floating islands placed in the pool to practice reverse paddling. Glad to see lots of people trying their skills around the islands. It is intended to provide more obstacles such as this to help improve your various strokes rather than paddling around an imaginary rock or obstacle. Some feed back on how you felt this worked would be appreciated, by email, verbally or on the forum.
Forums Forums Forums.
Please take a look at the forums. A short video clip has been put on the Training forum with the caption “what would you do differently” Take a look and have a think – How would you rescue the person, what would you do if you were the victim, how could the victim have possibly avoided the situation in the first place? I’d like to say answers on a postcard, but in this case answers on the forum.
Items for sale – sell your kit. There are several new adds in the for sale section on the forum.
Winter Wild Camp
Note in order to save space on Achive folder see Blogs for this club news entry.
Pool Session Monday 27th
20:30: 15-20 minute Bite size training session: A progression on moving your Kayak sideways from two weeks ago, “The Sculling Draw stroke”
Pool Session Monday 20th 20:15-21:15
20:30 15- Minute training session: Stern Rudder (making your Kayak/Canoe go in a straight line)
Pool Session Monday 13th 20:15-21:15
20:30. 15-minute training session: moving your kayak sideways!
River Vyrnwy blog
Note in order to save space on Achive folder see Blogs for this club news entry.
Club news 31/10/17
Committee meeting in December
December? DECEMBER? That’s a long time away, well actually its not and without your input it will be an even quicker meeting other than it’s arrival. If you have anything you would like to put before the committee please email info@bramstoncanoeclub.org and address it attention of Chairman. That way our secretary gets to see it and will include in our meeting. Our AGM is planned for February 2017 and will include a paddle afterwards. More details to follow.
Coaches Coven
The coaches got together in the pub the other day after the pool session. Can’t tell you what they were talking about, but there was a lot of finger pointing and things were thrown in the pot and things thrown out. I also heard a lot of cackling from people at the bar. Any way just thought I’d mention that.
Courses, courses, courses
Now that the Autumn is well underway its time to turn our attention to improving our kayaking skills. Several members have already signed up for BC 3 star Sea with Clive, if anyone else is interested please let Clive know soonest as training will start in ernest from next Monday.
Anyone wanting to go on a course or is thinking about it please speak to one of our coaches who will be able to point you in the right direction. Attaining BC levels in kayaking does one of several things – it boosts your confidence, improves your kayaking, it helps the club out on future trips knowing that we have experienced and capable kayakers in the group; and, if you are paddling with a new group it gives them an idea of your expertise and how to tailor the trip to accommodate everyone.
Invaders from Holland are coming – well, Holland on Sea.
Don’t forget to keep an eye out on the future events, we have a demo fleet from Nucleus Watersports (based in Holland on Sea) coming soon, so if you want new equipment or want to try something in particular, give Derroll a shout before hand and he may be able to help you out (01255 812146).
Water water everywhere, but is it enough?
We have a white water trip coming up in November. Its nice to see people starting to commit to this trip in advance. Destination unknown, a magical mystery tour of the valleys and rivers of the UK no doubt in search of liquid gold.
Club News 18/10/17
Anglesy W/e 14th/15th Oct 2017
Blowing old boots however here’s is where we went. Cracking weekend, photos to follow. Many thanks to Barry I for this trip. Not one for the faint hearted, F5’s, 6’s and I’m sure an F7/8 hit us at one point. No pictures of Middle Mouse as it was a bit rough to get the old brownie box out.
The River Orwell, Shotley Gate to Ipswich Bridge.
On Sunday8th Oct a group of 7 sea kayakers set off from Shotley Gate Suffolk. The weather was brilliant. Before we left we watched the SS Aristotle navigate her way up the river. She had started her journey from Belfast and was carrying general cargo,( just for interest). We set off on a flood tide with a gentle breeze against us and soon became dwarfed by the huge container ships alongside in Felixstowe docks.
We took the right hand channel up to the Orwell bridge and noted several potential winter camp sites(to be checked out at a later date). For those of us paying attention we were joined by a seal at one point – and here’s the picture to prove it. Andy B tried a bit of Greenland paddling with a home made blade which he had conjured up from the water – put Barry and Donnie to shame.
After a spot of lunch we caught the ebb tide to Pin Mill, well worth another visit, in my opinion, and then back to Shotley Gate passing a boats graveyard on route.
We covered approximately 18 miles and it was enjoyed by all. Thanks very much to Mike D for organising the trip.
Submitted by John H
Monday night pool session (10th Oct)
A prototype game aimed at Paddlesport 1 and 2 level was tried out with some willing victims which involved paddling around six bases/islands and picking up clues. It highlighted several interesting points to address:-
a. The islands weren’t supposed to move – need heavier weights.
b. The clue cards stuck together and sank! – need floats attached to the clue cards.
c. Kayakers have sausages for fingers – er, no idea on how to fix that.
d. Andy B’s goggles leak – need new goggles!
Thank you to all who helped in this trial game. I will make better islands and stick corks or some floatation device to the clues and will rebuild the islands. Not helping out with the goggles.
Oct 14-15th Anglesey Sea Trip
This trip has now been finalised with a plan of Action, sort of. The weather forecast is looking mean but we will find somewhere to whet our appetites. This trip will involve some challenging conditions and therefore not suitable for all club members.
Please take time to look at the forum and Events Calendar as there are White Water trips and others penned in. These trips take a lot of time to organise and your input as to whether interested or not is important. If you don’t want to go on particular tour say so on the forum. It lets the club organiser know that the message is out there and is being read
Items for sale – sell your kit . There are several new adds in the for sale section on the forum.
Club news Sep/Oct 2017
The River Chelmer Tour
On Sunday a group of 6 intrepid canoeists and kayakers from BCC and MAD set off from Springfield Lock to Hoe Mill Lock. The weather, whilst over cast was warm, although it was expected to be raining cats and dogs, which may have put some people off. Further down the River near Sandham, Paul joined us and further on still, Clive eventually emerged from his bed! The river was quite busy with kayakers, canoeist, motorised vessels and fishermen. Barry and I attempted to sail part of the way but the wind wasn’t quite right and I think the sails became more of a hindrance rather than beneficial. As there were so few of us, we made very good progress, finishing earlier than expected. Thanks to Barry for organising it and to our fellow paddlers, who I know enjoyed the trip.
Shotley to Orwell Bridge this weekend! (Sunday 8th)
This trip has been organised by Mike D and the plans are now on the Events Calendar. Please make yourself known on the forum if you intend going on this trip, just in case you are running a little late. It is down to you to ensure you are fit and able enough to participate and that you have the correct equipment. If you don’t know ask. Also if you intend using the club sea kayak and equipment don’t forget to book it out.
Other trips.
Please take time to look at the forum and Events Calendar, Anglesey sea kayak weekend is coming up fast along with White Water trips and others penned in. These trips take a lot of time to organise and your input as to whether interested or not is important. If you don’t want to go on particular tour say so on the forum. It lets the club organiser know that the message is out there and is being read!
Fancy going to the Pictures?
The Ocean Film Festival World Tour, coming to the Corn Exchange, Cambridge, on Friday 6 October 2017.
Featuring a brand-new collection of the world’s most inspirational and mesmerising ocean films, join intrepid freedivers, nomadic sailors and passionate oceanographers as they explore the remotest waters on the planet. Through incredible cinematography, witness spellbinding footage of rarely explored ocean depths and meet mind-blowing marine creatures – all on the big screen!
The events have a real community feel and there are fabulous prize giveaways too! A great social night out.
The evening starts at 19.30, with doors and the bar opening an hour before. There are discounts on tickets for groups of six and more.
You can check out more details and watch the trailer on our website: www.oceanfilmfestival.co.uk.
Mid summer camp – The Mid summer night sea kayaking camping expedition was very well supported and incorporated safety and rescue techniques on route to the final destination (see blog), before setting up camp and opening a few tins of beer, whisky, wine and the all important cup of tea, and popcorn? Dancing around the camp fire was optional.
Alps Trip – Another successful trip abroad for the club, doing battle with the icy blue waters of the French Alps and basking in the glorious sunshine. Briancon Gorge,(my nemisis) was taken on by a few members despite the water levels being a little low. The ski jump off one of the weirs was a six foot drop into a pool, miss it and you’d hurt yourself! Technical Grade 3 and grade 4 rivers were taken on, including some swimming lessons, so I heard. Look forward to the blog and pictures.
Coaching sessions – The clubs coaches have been kept busy coaching various groups in the wild waters of the R. Chelmer for up and coming paddlers -(future club members maybe?) along with pool sessions. These have been very well received with lots of positive feedback from the students as well as pointers and learning points for the coaches. For the coaches please check your diaries for future training sessions.
Items for sale – sell your kit . There are several new adds in the for sale section on the forum.
Blub news March 2016
Coaches training Session Saturday 5th March. Kevin organised a coaches only training session, which was well attended. A lot of discussion took place followed by a training session on the water. Afterwards a couple of coaches went for an
Club News dec2016
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OUR MEMBERS AND READERS
FROM THE COMMITTEE
from the Committee
24th December Christmas Eve paddle and meal.
This might be the last time you will be able to squeeze into your kayak or open boat before the mintz pize increase yer size. Who’s comming? See forum and make yourself known. So far 3 people have replied, and I know a lot more than that are going.
A reminder that there is no pool session on Monday 27th December, but, don’t be too disheartened, there is always the SPLASH n’ DASH on the 28th December. Whoopie! And of course Maldon Little Ships club Gig race on the 31st December. So, with your soggy mince pies and the last two fingers of grog in your hip flask there is no excuse not to get out there and enjoy the last few days of 2016.
Winter Wild camp was very well supported by the club. A big thank you to Barry for organising it. The advanced party arrived at Sales Point, Bradwell during daylight hours and managed to source enough driftwood for a bonfire and to pick the, erm, best pitches. Unfortunately some of us pitched in line with the wind and got smoked out. The main bulk of the paddlers arrived around 5pm in the dark and a couple of them who weren’t camping paddled to Mersea Island under the moon light. Mince pies, baked potatoes in various guises of “being cooked” along with beans and burgers all washed down with beer and alcohol. Actually there was a lot of alcohol. I think all who ventured out on this paddle enjoyed themselves. Some pictures of our campsite including tents, bivvy bags, tarps and yeti suits!
Coming Events
24th December
Christmas Eve paddle see forum
28th December 2016
Splash and Dash – day trip to south Wales for WW and home again. See forum, get your name down if you want to go.
31st December 2016
Maldon Little Ships Club have their annual Gig and rowing race in aid of the RNLI. If you don’t want to participate it would be well worth going to see the intrepid rowers do battle. See poster on Navigation bar to know more about it.
Training trips.
All welcome, See Forum for more info.
Looking forward to 2017
We will shortly be putting together a trip plan for next year. If there are any trips or training courses you want to do please let the Events organisers know so we can plan them in.
Club News 8/12/16
New equipment has arrived at the club for members to use. Please treat it with respect and report any faults or damages immediately. The very nature of our sport dictates that breakages will happen, but if we don’t know about it, we can’t fix, repair, or replace.
Plans are well in advance now for the upcoming winter wild camp. This year we will have members coming from other clubs for a day trip along with the hardened campers amongst us. Make sure you keep yourself up to date by regularly checking the forum and Events calendar. We will be running two groups this year. Please make it known which group you wish to join and confirm your attendance. If in doubt ask.
For Committee members – The planned committee meeting date has changed to 15th December. Apologies if this has caused any inconvenience.
Chairman.
Coming Event
3rd and 4th December, Winter Wild Camp.
See Trips in Forums. There is a lot of interest in this trip. Please confirm sooner than later that you will be going. Obviously this is very much weather dependent. We need two good days of forecast, because on the way back you might be hung over!
15th December committee meeting
Committee meeting reminder – all committee members to attend please. I have emailed an agenda for this meeting. This is an important meeting as it is the last one before the AGM in February.
31st December 2016
Maldon Little Ships Club have their annual Gig and rowing race in aid of the RNLI. If you don’t want to participate it would be well worth going to see the intrepid rowers do battle. See poster on Navigation bar to know more about it.
Training trips.
All welcome, See Forum for more info.
Club News 29/11/16
White Water trip 19th and 20th November
The white water trip over the weekend was very successful with 9 club members venturing down to Devon. The expected high rivers never materialised despite Rain Watchers telling us differently. Hector, in preparation for the high volume water took his position in the trees.
Hector, waiting for the rise in water levels.
And after a short while, realising that the water wasn’t going to reach him came down. See video.(This may download to your pc. Im having trouble playing it on the website)
bcc-ww-weekend-19-nov-2016-031
Meanwhile, Anna was getting a little “tyred.”
Anna, getting to grips with wheel spinning.
Saturday, we paddled the R.Dart (Loop), and on the Sunday we paddled the R.Walkham and the R. Tavy. I have no pictures of “The Slot” but can recommend swimming there. A fantastic weekend was had by all, with lots of pictures taken. A really big thank you to Barry, our Vice Chairman, for organising the bunk house, biscuits and tea, and to Kevin for the coaching and guidance down the rivers. The behind the scenes stuff, which is so important, can sometimes go unrecognised and without the organisational work going on, trips like this don’t happen. Brilliant weekend, thank you.
Chairman
Warning Croc Spotted
On the river chelmer just upstream from Ulting church lurking in the undergrowth.
(credit Chris for this one)
Coming Event
8th December
Committee meeting reminder – all committee members to attend please. I have emailed an agenda for this meeting. This is an important meeting as it is the last one before the AGM in February.
3rd and 4th December, Winter Wild Camp.
See Trips in Forums. There is a lot of interest in this trip. Please confirm sooner than later that you will be going. Obviously this is very much weather dependent. We need two good days of forecast, because on the way back you might be hung over!
Training trips.
All welcome, See Forum for more info.
Club News 22/11/16
The weekend has been a busy one with a sea paddle attended by 8 club members, a boat repair session, and some surfing off Old Felixstowe. The weather behaved itself and by all accounts everyone had a great weekend. This was followed by a rescue training session on Monday night in Witham Leisure Centre pool. For several members who had never thrown a throw line before, it proved a little more challenging than first thought. This was in practice for next weeks white water weekend in Devon. No doubt there will be lots of photographs of this up coming trip. The R. Dart is always a winner for me, and for those of us who have never paddled it before, I think you are in for a treat. Lets hope the river fills up a bit with more water otherwise we will be walking it. See forum and emails for more details.
Club News
This weekend – 12th and 13th November 2016
Saturday – Early morning Sea Paddle – If you are going make sure you have said so on the forum. Make sure you set your alarm clock – the tide waits for no one! Make sure you have the correct kit – see forum.
Saturday afternoon – Boat repair session. See forum
Sunday – Surfing Old Felixstowe – if you are going make sure you have said so on the forum. Make sure you have the correct kit. If in doubt – shout! There are plenty of experienced paddlers in the club to help you.
With all these paddles and any paddle please make sure your personal details, contact number, Next of Kin details are available to other members of the group. You can down load an easy to fold First Aid card from this web site – click on the Resource tab. Use it. It is in your own interest to carry these details, and its common sense. In an emergency this could save your life.
Warning Croc Spotted
On the river chelmer just upstream from Ulting church lurking in the undergrowth.
(credit Chris for this one)
Coming Event
Training trips.
All welcome, See Forum for more info.
Heybridge Loop trip 12th November.
A morning trip around the Heybridge loop in sea boats. Meeting 07:30 at Beeleigh weir. For more info see the Forum.
Boat Repair workshop 12th November Afternoon
A chance to find out how to repair your boat when you bash it or repair an already broken boat. See forum.
Trip to Old Felixstowe 13th Nov
See Forum
White Water trip 19th and 20th November
White water trip penned in. Destination to be confirmed when we know were the water is running. Possible destinations: North Wales, Devon or Yorkshire. Please make it known if you will be joining us on this trip.
3rd and 4th December, Winter Wild Camp.
See Trips in Forums.
Wavesport Demo pool session
On Monday 31st October Derroll from Nucleus will be bringing the Wavesport demo fleet to the pool session for members to have a play in, if any members want him to bring anything else to look at please message him through facebook or phone (number on forum)
Warning Croc Spotted
On the river chelmer just upstream from Ulting church lurking in the undergrowth.
(credit Chris for this one)
Three new Level 1 Coaches
Well done Jill, Andie and Chris on passing their Level 1 Coaching course.
Lots out with M.A.D on Wednesday
Clive and Adrian had 20 paddlers out on the Crouch last Wednesday evening, all ages and abilities fun was had by all. Shame that they ran out of food in the club house afterwards.
Caption Competition
Please add your captions in the forum page. Go on you know you want to! We need more captions before the lucky winner gets pulled out of the hat. There’s a super prize to be had, er, see Barry if you win.
Coming Event
White Water trip, 22nd and 23rd October.
The White water trip penned in for this weekend has now changed to a surf trip on Saturday to Norfolk and a trip to Lee Valley on Sunday due to no rainfall, See Forum for more info.
31st Oct Wavesport Demo fleet pool session.
Boat Repair workshop 12th November
A chance to find out how to repair your boat when you bash it or repair an already broken boat. See forum.
White Water trip 19th and 20th November
White water trip penned in. Destination to be confirmed when we know were the water is running. Possible destinations: North Wales, Devon or Yorkshire. Please make it known if you will be joining us on this trip.
3rd and 4th December, Winter Wild Camp.
See Trips in Forums.
Look whats just arrived..
The clubs latest boat has arrived, to much excitement and oohs and ahhs. Thanks to Clive Marfleet for picking the slalom boat up. The kayak had its maiden voyage on Monday night and is a great addition to our club boats which gives members the opportunity to try out a variety of boats and disciplines.
Caption Competition
Please add your captions in the forum page. Go on you know you want to!
Website issues
The website has experienced some issues over the last couple of days, which some of you may have noticed. These have all been resolved and normal service is resumed.
Don’t forget Monday night pool sessions.
Saturdays night paddle 4th June 2016-
Well the night paddle was good, as was expected. Four members of the club met up at Bradwell on a rather warm evening at 9pm. After watching a very drunk sailor ground his yacht several times in Bradwell Marina and then sing and shout his way out in to the estuary toward Maldon, the night crew set off into the sunset. Que the video….
A blog will be written in due course.
Saturday 4th June 2016 Coaching session.
Several of the club coaches took a group of enthusiastic Brownies and Guides down the Zambezi river aka River Chelmer. Lots of fun on rafted canoes. Niagara falls looked a bit like Rushes Weir, and the crocodiles more like ducks. A very successful days coaching, although I’m not sure piracy was on the agenda.
Norfolk Broads Trip
Cracking weekend paddling the Norfolk Broads. see Blog.
Surfing trip, boats, sails n’ fings.
A good club turn out for the annual surf trip to sunny Woolacombe. New boats (sparkly shiny boats so I have been reliably informed) tested on the water with some interesting results, swimmers, and rollers, and attempted rollers to add to the excitement. And for those who didn’t paddle it was an enjoyable weekend camping and relaxing on the beach with family.
Some members have been out spending their hard earned cash on new sea boats and open boats and or enhancing their boats by adding sails. Just to add to the spending spree the club will be getting a new slalom boat to add to our eclectic mix. We can now (almost) boast a boat for all occasions. Some club members tested out slalom boats on Monday nights pool session and the committee agreed to purchase one.
Any ideas you have or trips you would like to go on or organise please don’t be afraid to come forward. We have plenty of experienced people who can help and advise. The club welcomes new ideas, challenges and experiences. Its your club. Make it work.
Swimming lessons – Lee Valley Fri 19th Feb
Congratulations to Andy E for passing his assessment last weekend, he put it to good use this Friday rolling down the legacy along with four other members of the club. Barry, our official “swimmer sticker man”, feeling peeved that no one was actually swimming decided to conjur up some business by cunningly playing in a stopper half way down the course. Any unsuspecting club member was then casually taken out! I can confirm the water was cold. Whilst recovering my boat, Chris came down the same drop and did a rather spectacular pop out, which was greeted by lots of grunts of approval from the amassed kayakers all bobbing around in the same eddy. Great evening paddling. It was then on to the bar for a well earned drink. Last nights live band were The Chalfonts. Don’t forget next weekend is the clubs official White Water Weekend. I wonder where we are going?
Lee Valley Legacy Course.
Several club members are now making Friday night Legacy night. Keep an eye on your emails and the Trips forum to see who’s going. You will need to have an assessment before being allowed on the water, which you can arrange by contacting Lee Valley WW Centre. Once you’ve got your ticket you can paddle to your hearts content or at least until the lights go out and the water stops running! Good luck to Andy E who is having his assessment this weekend (Sat 13th). Look forward to seeing him do battle with the rapids next time. Be warned – if you swim Barry will sticker you. I’m happy to give up some of my swimming stickers to anyone who feels they deserve them. Apologies to the paddler who I sank at the bottom of the rapids last night. He made a valiant effort to right himself but King Neptune claimed him, unlucky. He didn’t get a sticker because he’s not in the club.
Apres paddle, Lee Valley White Water Centre.
Club Coaches meeting
The club coaches had a very successful meeting regarding risk assessment on Friday 5th Feb. They have agreed on a a new generic risk assessment form. Cheryl, our secretary, has written the first draft and hopefully the finalised version will be produced very shortly. It will be published on the Resources page along with a medical card and suggested kit list. The medical card is already on there ready for your use. Have a look, down load it and fill it in before your next paddle. It may save your life.
A very big thank you to Kevin for hosting the evening and an even bigger thank you to Maggie for providing an excellent evening meal and refreshments.
Chairman.