The weather was lovely on Easter Saturday so we took the opportunity to work on the sun tan/burn. Great to see people back on the lake after the long dark winter. Here’s hoping for a warm summer.
Its spring at last! Time to get back in those boats.
The last few months have not been easy for paddling. There has been the knock on effects of COVID. The less reported bird flu which closed the lake. More storms and strong winds than were really necessary. Added to the cold dark weather and thoughts can turn to a warm fire and mug of hot choccy.
But now spring is officially here. Soon we’ll have lighter evenings and getting back to the water becomes a realistic target for those with more sense than to see how numb hands can get in winter.
The time is right to start thinking about getting out on real water again.
The clocks have changed
With the change from BST to GMT, the nights are darker earlier. This gives the opportunity to paddle in the dark, well really it makes the dark unavoidable! It is a good activity to improve your technique as you don’t have the distraction of the view. The stars appear and at this time of year there’s fireworks too.
Some people did get a little wet.
Tuesday club night and it’s time to do silly things in boats.
After getting on the water, we had a game or two, the odd wet sponge was thrown about. The not really thought through throw wet sponges into my boat and I’ll paddle back in an uncomfortably wet seat game. The time shot by,
Finishing with some wet exits and an attempt to see how many can get onto a sea kayak. Turns out the trick is not so much how many can get on, but how many can stay on!
From The Captains Table (nearly)
Sunday saw a club trip from Christchurch. Starting at Mayors Mead car park, or The Captains Club as it was listed on the invite. I wore my formal shoes just in case we visited, a gesture really appreciated by every one else.
A fun paddle for all ages, although the youngest was more keen on directing the splashing than actually helping Dad move the boat.
We went all the way to Iford weir, and found some opportunities to practice moving water skills. Then came back with the flow to the carpark.
Sail your own canoe
Tuesday clubnight and a chance to try canoe sailing or catching a free ride! Traveling across the lake was concidered too easy if you didn’t have to paddle, so other ways of balancing in the boats were tried.
Disappointingly, no one fell in. Well done to the secret member who avoided all photographic evidence he was even there.
Club Clean up day
One sunny Wednesday*, we emptied the boat store to sweep the shed out, clean and service the fleet. They are all back inside now ready for use and in top condition!
If you fancy a trial session, we hold them on Tuesday nights from 6:30, let us know you’re coming, contact details here
*It was a sunny Wednasday because we cried off the pouring rain Monday
Club Sunday paddle
Sunday morning saw us at the lake putting some new kit away. It seemed to a shame not to get some of it wet.
Members brought along their kayaks and paddle boards, for a great swap a boat session. Another fun day at the lake!
We are back on the water!
The summer is finally here. Good weather encouraged paddlers new and old to come to the club! We have had introduction sessions and some skills development sessions, but mainly fun sessions.
If you are looking for a great way to exercise, relax and meet new friends why not come along to a Tuesday paddle? Paddling is an activity suitable for all.
Drop us a message via the contact page, facebook or email to let us know you’re coming.
Thanks to R.Coles for the photo
Tuesday 18th May
It’s been a very long time coming, but finally we can welcome new members. On the 18th a brave few came along for a trial paddle.
If you would like to have a go, drop us a message via the enquiry form or email on the contact page. The warm weather is nearly here, your trial paddle awaits!
