Well it seems that the boys at Whitewater have had a weekend off from paddling, Pete went shoping to the local Garden centre and jon boy went belt buckle buying in Kingston! So they've asked me to send in a report - they must be desperate! (Andy, Airmiles and chris droping in to the raging Barle)
I joined Arun Canoe Club on their West Country Weekend. We were due to paddle the Dart Loop on Friday. I drove down with Andy Sephton from Worthing. To avoid an early start we booked a B&B near Newbridge. Then there was a last minute change of plan - the Dart's dry so we're going surfing at Croyde (on the north coast of Devon)! Never mind, so we found another B&B in Croyde. We stayed in a pub called The Thatch. Excellent food. Recommend it for anyone looking for somewhere to stay if you can afford not to have to camp!
Friday morning we parked up at Saunton, just round the corner from Croyde. Much bigger bay so more room to avoid the local boarders. There were 17 of us in total and we had a good few hours surfing. The surf was only about 2 foot but still good fun. We were staying at the YHA at Minehead for the rest of the weekend. That evening we ate at the local pub and were entertained by some friendly banter between Jeremy and Graham! We were invited to go on to the village social club where they had a live singer. Jacho impressed her with his dancing and distracted her while Ross smashed up their glasses! The Cadbury gorilla made a guest appearance on drums.
(Jacho "the Italian stallion")
On Saturday we paddled the Barle. If you can float under the bridge at Tarr Steps (even if you have to duck) then there's not enough water and you're better off driving down to Marsh Bridge and getting on there. We didn't and just bumped down! 5 of us got off at Marsh Bridge while there was still some plastic left on the bottom of our boats. The rest continued down to the Anchor Inn at Exbridge. We went back to the same pub to eat again that evening and sang "Happy Birthday" to Dennis.
(Group captain manley in control)
On Sunday some of the group paddled the Barle again from Marsh Bridge down to Exbridge while some of us headed back home.
Although the water level was low it was still a great weekend and many thanks to Dennis Manley for organising it and all those that attended for their good humour.
Chapaz ( Mr Air Miles)
Thank you Paul for the blog and thank you to Mr Peter Mears for the pictures check out more here! Peter Mears Pictures.
P.S. How many WWTCC Targets can you spot? Marvellous.
So with the winter fast approaching can you Pan am? If the answer is no watch here and see if you can learn! If you do learn from this short video montage/learning clip your doing very well..... Are look forward to seeing you go big on a weir near here soon!
The winter is upon us and Hurley weir is open for business. This morning we arrived in Hurley village car park only to find Bergerac (John Nettles) filming a new episode of Mid Summer Murders.
After helping out with the special effects and drinking some tea, we decided to go boating.
It was a cold dark morning, the steam was rising from the water like ghosts waking up from their icy slumber. As we paddled towards the weir we could hear the dim rumble of whitewater, with the steam blocking the view we could only hope for something special. As we dropped down into the weir pool, the fresh cold water lapping on our white Bony hands, we had to warm up, and we did.
It was an awesome 3 gates, a big green wave. Air blunts, Pan Ams and woopdy woos were name of the game.
A great session, we'll be back for more.
Today's question: Should Peter eat his La'Baguette, Chicken Tikka sandwich now, or should he wait for lunch?
After what really didn’t seam like a lot of water the Thames has sprung back into life. Last night we left work and headed to Shepperton for Slalom training as I worked over the weir with the theme tune of paddles up ringing in my ears the sight that appeared was brilliant! A full on 5 gate wave. Mike only had his slalom boats (but chickened out of paddling his C1) Personally I grabbed the Rev and went for the first winter’s wave session. Maybe I’m ageing but this morning crikey my body was hurting and it was blinking cold! But again the wave was working well. Not sure how long it will last but for now it’s good.
(Pete putting the Rev through it's paces)
(joel from SCC charging hard in C1)
(Mike im the mix)
This morning the sun was out the mist was raising and the water seams to be holding! For the moment. I think Hurley is still on 3 so we might be lucky for another day or so,
The 2007 British Championships was held on alongside the Plastic Fantastic Alp Kit Kayak Series at Nottingham. The top ten paddlers from the Saturday went through to the semi final of the British Champs on the Sunday, and then 10 dropped to five for the knock out final. The comp was held in the Muncher at HPP. Due some changes on the whitewater corse the muncher has not been the same as it was in the good old days, still with the water level raised the hole seemed to take form and start to resemble it's old self. Air loops, Tricky Wu's, Phonix Monkeys and McNasty's were the choice of moves for the day, seeing some amazing rides from James 'Pringle' Bebbington, Ross Montandon, the Brayfield brothers and many more. (JB Goes BIG) David Bainbridge showed why he's European Champion by pulling some awesome moves to take the C1 title.
In the Womens, Flea Jarvie pushed into first place with some very consistent rides, with Jen Chrimes hot on her tail.
Ross Montandon managed to pull it of in his final ride even with a popped deck to take the win in the junior men's class.
The Men's was tough seeing Ed Smith, Me and Pringle down to the top 3 in the knock out final having said goodbye to Adam Norfolk and Chris Chapman in 5th and 4th place respectively. Ed went out in 3rd seeing some big air loops and very consistent rides. I came 2nd and therefore it was a well deserved 1st place for Pringle, every Phonix Monkey and Mc Nasty done to perfection. Well done to Emily Wall and Pringle for winning the overall Alp Kit series 2007.
(JB and Pringle hugging at the end of the day! feel the love...)
Thanks to Jim from Alp Kit, Sneaky Pete and Tim Raa for judging.
This week’s new hot boat arrived in store yesterday; the Liquid Logic Remix. The Remix comes in three different sizes, 47, 49, 59 and is designed to cater for all paddlers needs from beginners trying to perfect their roll to the more experienced paddler wanting to run big rivers. Liquid Logic says:”Liquid Logic is thrilled to be able to introduce itself as the ourselves to the next generation of paddlers. The Remix is a parent endorsed design that makes kayaking easy and efficient for kids. Whether it be a cautious novice or advanced enthusiast, this speedy, easy roller with top shelf outfitting, is a great choice for the heroes of tomorrow…”
Just before we all shot off for a few days paddling, I thought I would show you a couple of sneak pictures of the new Pyranha “REV” based loosely on the 4Twenty the new boat is narrower, has harder rails & less rocker. This boat is not the final version but close to it. Things are looking very good! More shots Tuesday.
Have a nice weekend. (Old and new together) (New Rev side shot) (4Twenty) (Old rails V new) (Bottoms up!)
Thank you Bob and Graham and all @ Pyranha are take good cair of her!
You can now take your iPod for a paddle! Now in stock, The Otter iPod box for your 2nd gen nano and H2o Audio Waterproof Headphones. Both items retail at £29.95 (Each) and look really good. Look here for a bit more info and buy.
Now before anyone says it been a quiet day in the office obviously, your wrong! However I was simply amazed when I pop down to the post office to find that the humble Wispa is back! Off for a squirt boat now to see what has happened to the wall, don’t think it’s good.
At long last we now have in stock Palm's latest touring / Sea PFD's
The Kaikoura £109.95Front zipped expedition level touring PFD - Packed with features and storage space. Use: Ocean expeditions, sea kayaking, touring, sea leadership, instruction, open boating. The Kaikoura Tour uses Palm's Flex Formed Foam system allowing more floatation to be carried without adding extra bulk or restricting movement. Easy Glide adjustment is used throughout and a secure fit is achieved smoothly and quickly. The Kaikoura has vast storage potential with seven pockets, including large rear pocket operated using an over shoulder tab. It is finished in hardwearing Cordura with ISO approved 3M reflective pannels front and rear. 550D Cordura 3D Cut Hand Warmers Flex Formed Foam Vent Mesh Lining Cargo Pockets Hydration bladder, storage, guide, and park VHF Aerial slot Whistle
And the Taupo!£89.95A high back, front zipped touring PFD offering unrestrictive comfort and excellent features Using Palm's Flex Formed Foam system, the Taupo features a cut-away rear panel designed to work with the high back seats found in today's touring kayaks and sit-on-tops. Easy Glide adjustment is used throughout to guarantee a secure and comfortable fit, aided by underarm neoprene patches to reduce chafing. The taupo has a profiled front with double bellowed cargo pockets with plenty of attachemnt points. It is designed to work with Palm's universal hydration pouch, and drinking tube guides are standard.
We also have the "Naiya" lady dry top and "Amaris" pants in stock, Keep tuned over the next few weeks and months as there is a fair bit of new kit coming for the 08 season. Keep an eye on the on line site as we keep on adding all the time! Look here to buy a B/A
The other day I sat down to read this book! and I must say it's really good. Very clear and easy to understand, great photos. All in all if you are learning to roll get this book it's great!
After A hard few days sea paddling around Ramsey Island & paddling down at the Bitches Steve, Steve, Jochen & mike find some light relief ! It's not rude.........
Welcome to Whitewater the Canoe Centre's news blogg.
Here you can follow the staff on their kayaking exploits, check the newest items in store and have a general nose.
Have a great day :)
