For Sale

Hi everyone

Just wondered if anyone is interested in a brand new 4 Person Storm Shelter or 2 x childrens wetsuits. If you are give me a call 01609 773535 or email me james.pridmore@tiscali.co.uk for more details.

End of an era. sort of

Well my company car has to go back this week, leaving me car less or so I thought. But for the bargain price of £170.00 I bought a car from one of my sister-in-laws, there is just one slight drawback.

My H3 does not fit in & there does not look like any room for a roof rack :-( I just hope the play boat fits in. Roll on boxing day at least then I can paddle a Canadian on the lake

Scott

Tyne Tour 2008

The stage was set, the tickets bought and the T-Shirts printed by the time a dedicated group consisting of Richard, Steen, James, Ron and son Chris, Andy and Ian gathered up at Hexham Green for what promised to be an interesting weekend on the Tyne with heavy rains and gale force winds forecast. Also there was Tom Allen with a group of friends from Liverpool University.

Things got off to a good start on Friday night with a few beers in the town, followed by a couple of cans, huddled around a charcoal fire in Ron's Tipi. The following morning, we all got up bright and bleary which meant that we were on the water at Wark well before mid-day at about 11:50. However, the waterflow was good and we made rapid progress down the river, arriving at our intended pull out point at Barrasford in time for a late lunch within a couple of hours.

Having made good progress without any swimming, we determined to carry on and head down the river, skirting the Serpents Tail and heading down to the much anticipated Warden's Gorge and on to the campsite at Hexham.

Wardens Gorge was an area of several rapids, great drops and total carnage, proving to be the nemesis of many a paddler. In our own group, the only casualties were Steen who took a swim on the last section, and Ron and Chris whose open canoe became swamped pushing through the wave at the last drop. The area was crowded with peope capsizing, playing on the waves, and a crowd gathered on the side to watch it all. And so we regrouped and paddled on along the last stretch, back to camp where we pulled the boats out.

It had proved to be an excelent paddle, we had covered twice the intended distance, helped by the strong currents, and the rain had held off; at times it had even seemed too bright as the Sun was sinking and shining directly in our faces.

Back at camp, Tom had come off worse sporting a splendid shiner having bashed his head on a rock whilst tackling the Serpent's Tail.

After drying off, eating supper and watching the Hexham firework display from the camp, we headed off to the Tyne Tour Ceilidh for a few well deserved drinks, before Richard, Scott and Ian headed into town for even more drinks and a fiery kebab (we don't get out much and so had to make the most of it!).

The early morning sunshine on Sunday soon dissolved into wind and rain, so we sat in Richard's caravan, enjoying the comfort and almost decided to call it a day, until the rain cleared and the Sun shone, so we decided to put in again at Wark and do the stretch to Barrasford. The rain in the night had raised the water level by a couple of feet and so we raced along with hardly a rock in sight, reaching Barrasford within about an hour and a half. Calling it a day, we got the boats out, did the boat ferrying thing and called it a day.

All in all it was an excellent weekend, giving some of the less experienced club members an opportunity to test themselves on some Grade III - IV water, as well as having a great atmosphere with so many paddlers gathered together for the weekend, and Richard did a great job of organisation and leading! Can't wait 'til next year.

Ian

Guess who had a swim today?!

Ian, Steen and I had a couple of sunny hours at Sleningford. All good fun ;)

Tyne Tour

So who is going then?

I will be there with Chris, Tom is planning to go with a group from his Uni. I expect to arrive about 7.3pm on the Friday night, What are other people's plans?

Ron

Wind Surfer and Dancing

Hi All

There is a notice of a Windsurfer for sale here at County Hall for £100 which is VERY negotiable as it has been advertised for quite some time which I thought might be of interest to members.
It is Fanatic Viper (beginner/intermediate) in addition there a 2 masts 3 sails and other extras. Telephone Graham 01609 77909

Being that Hambleton Paddlers is a family club I would like to bring your attention to THE BIG NATIONAL CEILIDH in aid of Water Aid 18 October 2008
This could be your chance to be part of a record breaking nation wide even raising money for Water Aid. Thousands of people all round the country will be taking part in an event to raise a significant sum of money for a single charity. On 18 October 7.30 - 11.30 Egglescliffe Community Centre near Yarm on Tees Tickets cost: £5 adults £2 children over 5 Contact tel: 01325-465129. Full details of the event go to www.bignationalceilidh.co.uk ( http://www.bignationalceilidh.co.uk )

If you can join us that would be brilliant.
Bye for now - happy paddling
Carole

Tyne tour

Surfing the net today and was "washed up" on the Tyne Tour site - it's all up and running for this year with event details and event application forms.

Is any one going this year? If yes it's maybe time to get our tickets me thinks!
We don't want to miss the boat (or Wardens Gorge for that matter!)

Andy

Short version of Ian on rapids yesterday

This one was edited with Windows Movie Maker to make it shorter, as the original ones of Ian and Andy would not upload. This is saved at emailable quality so it's a smaller file size, but the quality is not great. Mind you, I only used a little 5MP camera in the first place.....

Summer (?) Camp 08

Time Warp

Pelvic Thrust Practice Paddler Style

A damp Derwent

Daniel and I have just about dried out after the Derwent experience. The breakfast we managed to locate in Keswick on Sunday did go some way to revive the dampened spirits, following on from the sociable Saturday evening meal in the dry and comfortable pub. Not as good and healthy as the planned cycle ride would have been but then considering the conditions! I am not sure our tent will ever be quite the same.
Thank you for the kind words Kirsty in respect of my 'squeeking'.
Re the proposed revisiting of Derwent, sorry Dan and I are otherwise engaged singing and playing. We do hope your search for dry and conducive conditions are successful if you are able to travel west along the A.66 this weekend.
It would be very remiss of me not to say a big thank you to the gentlemen of our party for their assistance on the Saturday in getting me across the shallow gravel banks.
Bye for now
Carole

summer camp

Hello paddlers..... how did the camp go? How was the weather etc? Any goss?
Anyone doing a note? Its boring out here (well at least thats what I tell Judith).

cheers
Des

Hello Kitty!!

Happy 16th Birthday Luke - hope you had fun!

Can't think why you chose to celebrate in the pub instead of in the sodden, midge infested campsite!

the time of our lives

“I’ve had the time of my life … in the showers with Connel!”
This is not as bad as it sounds … but the adults will never find out what really went on! Let’s just say that upon returning from the showers, Izzy, Charlotte and Alice were somewhat giggly! When Kirsty asked what had happened she was informed that they had had the time of their lives!

Many other fab memories – girl power rules! (This is the group consisting of Izzy, Kirsty, Charlotte, Alice and Matilda (who was actually Matty in female form, as he couldn’t really be part of the girl power group as a boy!). In our groups we were numbered from 1 to 5, and we decided to become the spice girls! (Kirsty as Baby, Alice as Posh, Charlotte as Sporty, Izzy as Scary and Matty as Ginger). Kirsty said that we should form a new spice girl song for the group, which led Izzy, Charlotte and Alice later in the pub to create the song (and dance routine to go with it) at the top.

It was great to go in moving water for the first time – even the rain couldn’t dampen our spirits! Thanks all for a super weekend. Charlotte and Alice.

got to be done!

More photos

Here is Des' Photo

Regards

Tom

GET READY FOR BLAST OFF!!

I was at Thirsk Swimming Pool last week taking part in a photo shoot for some publicity the Council wants for running the new BCU Paddle Power Syllabus. At the end I was asked to do a trick or two.... hmmm... I thought at the time.... but I decided to have a go at an "APOLLO" and as the photo shows, it could not have gone better as I managed to get the beauty vertical... and it gets better.... as I rotated down on my edge, the front sliced into the water and with the aid of another reverse sweep, I spun it round to do a full 360 degree cartwheel!!! Yeeeeeha! I will be dining on this for months! I then did it again to prove it was no fluke!

I didnt post this just to gloat (much) but to say that I managed to get the Council's publicity officer to say a little about Hambleton Paddlers canoe club, and gave Ian's phone number and the website. It is going in the Hambleton news, which goes out to all 38,000 hambleton residents, and could get us some new members. It goes out this week and the timing could not be better. Fingers crossed.... if your phone rings a lot Ian.... sorry lol.

Tuesday Evening Paddles

Fiona and Les Morley have again offered to run some evening paddles from Boroughbridge. They will be for competent paddlers and start at 6.30pm. Please phone 01609 771795 to reserve a place for any of these dates:
June 3rd, 10th, 17th and July 8th, 15th, 22nd.

Thanks in advance to Fiona and Les!

Appeal to all Members

Since the club was started we have been allowed to 'borrow' storage for our equipment at David Willis's farm. Unfortunately he needs the space back so we need to source alternative accommodation.

We have been offered a site at Ellerton Water and all we need to do is provide a 20ft shipping container to sit on it.If we manage to secure this it will help to progress the club enormously, allowing us to turn up and paddle just about any time with little pre planning required. Evening paddles and star award courses will become a lot easier giving us all the chance to get on the water more often.

Here's the crunch. We NEED this container. New one's cost about £1500, second-hand about £900. Not cheap by any means.

Does anyone have one lying about they no longer need?????

Only joking (but if you have you'll be offered free something forever if you hand it over!)

Can everyone please think if they happen to know someone 'in the trade' we can nobble?

The other option would be sponsorship towards the cost. Again would members be able to approach their bosses etc. with a view to sponsorship?

Any ideas please post them on this blog or email them to james.pridmore@tiscali.co.uk

Help us to help your club

Thanks

The Committee

Sunny Sunday - Thanks Des and Rich

Thanks for a lovely day yesterday - you arranged perfect weather and we all had a fab time. Now we just need more practice at those 2* skills in the open boats - and the teenagers need to learn to capsize each other without tipping out me and Lance!

New Coaches

To those Few (we could do with more)

I can confirm that the 2 weekends for coaching will be,

24th and 25th of May
and
21st and 22nd of June (Summer Camp - so we have lots of volunteers!)

Cheers

Richard

Forthcoming Events

Here is the most recent list of dates for your calendars. To be sure of a place on an event, please contact the organiser as soon as possible. In case you are wondering, the reason some of the events are already fully booked is because they are part of an initiative to train new coaches - which will have the long term effect of allowing the club to run more events for everyone!

5th and 6th April surf kayak weekend (external event - details previously published on blog)

9th April AGM 8pm at the Samaritans HQ, Northallerton: all welcome!

18-20 April Sea Kayaking weekend (external event - details previously published on blog)

20th April 9.30 - 12.00 Fun, easy paddle on flat water at Ellerton Lake; Des will coach towards 1*. Why not be sociable and stay for a picnic afterwards? Izzy will make some cakes! Contact Kirsty and Ian to book a place (01677 470897).

4th May 10.30am Open canoe 2* training at Boroughbridge. Richard coaching. Fully booked as part of programme to train coaches.

11th May Open canoe 2* training and assessment at Boroughbridge. Richard coaching. Fully booked as part of programme to train coaches.

17th May 2-4.30pm. Fun, easy paddle on the canal. Richard will assess for 1*. Contact Kirsty and Ian to book a place (01677 470897).

1st or 2nd week of June L1 UKCC qualification.

20-22nd June Club Camp at Hollows Farm near Keswick. Please let Scott know if you are going to be there. Should be a fantastic weekend of paddling, socialising and even some peddling (for those brave enough to tackle another of Ian's epic MTB routes....).

Venue for the AGM

Hello all the venue for this years AGM is once again the Samaritans hall meeting room. As a reminder the date is the 9th April with an 8pm start. This is your chance to have a say on how the club will be run for the next twelve months.

If you need directions please contact Des.

Sea Kayaking and Canoe Trailer

Below are two adverts just circulated via the NYCC Key Messages which may be of interest:

Introduction to Sea Kayaking 18-20 April 2008Ever fancied cruising the seas, finding hidden coves and secluded beaches?? .. then sea kayaking is the sport for you!! On this introductory weekend course we provide all equipment and expert instruction to get you started. £150 covers weekend accommodation, food, etc. Open to adults of all ages - not restricted to NYCC employees. Full details from East Barnby Outdoor Centre 01947 893333 east.barnby@northyorks.gov.uk

Canoe Trailer For SaleWe have a Canoe trailer which is now surplus to requirements. It holds 12 canoes and is serviced annually. I have quite a bit of technical information for any one who is interested. We are open to the best offer. It has been well looked after should be a good trailer for a few years.Contact: CEarnsha333@ryedale.n-yorks.sch.uk Tel: 01439 771665

Swale Paddle Sunday 9th March

What a great paddle that stretch of river is!

River levels were just right ( for me anyway!) although Richard kept saying the levels the day before would have been more interesting. They were 2 foot higher than Sunday. I think we would have completed the distance in about 1 hour at those levels!

Richards eagerness to get away was heightened when he heard there was a Canadian pinned on Marske Bridge. I think he was after it for himself.

We were the first group on and made good progress, as there was little bumping and scraping like last year. In fact we had already completed a couple of the 'technical' parts before we were caught by a couple from SOC who were supposed to be doing safety cover!

The extra water in the river kept us running at a fair pace so we had plenty of time to have a play if anything looked worth playing on.

Even after 2 coffee stops and a dinner break we were still only past by one other group all day.

Highlights of the day:

Andy 'how did i capsize there?' Moss inspecting a flat piece of river bed!

Dan 'What eddy?' Millward still looking for rocks in the river.

Scott ' Where's my sunglasses?' Flynn worried he didn't look cool enough without them!

Richard 'Damn, Someones already got that Canadian' Clapham ( that's what credit cards were invented for!)

And me the whole trip, oh and getting my boat almost vertical (with the aid of a rock)

A big thank-you for the organisation again Richard.

To all those who missed this (you know who you are!!!!!) book the day now for next year. This is a must do paddle.

Have Your Say

The club's AGM will take place on Wednesday the 9th of April in Northallerton (venue details coming soon). This is your chance to have your say on how the club is run for the next year. All members are welcome and entitled to vote on any of the issues that arise. Pease mark this date in your diary more details to follow shortly.

Regards,

Scott Flynn
Chairman.

Swaledale Charity SUNDAY 9th March '08

Well, its another team event time.... this time a charity paddle.

We will meet at 8.45 opposite Caterick Caravans.

We then will swop round the kit, so it is all in 2/3 cars and drive to Richmond.

After "dumping" the non ladened cars the rest will go up to Reth....where we get on.

This paddle will take most of the day, so take the same things you have taken on the Tees trips.

For more details contact me at the usual places.

Cheers, Richard

FISH Award 07/08-Main Title Contender shows his Gills

Well all,

After the Summer Camp, last year, Scott was favourite for a 3rd year in a row to take the FISH title!

In November, the title race looked like it was going to be a close run thing, especially after the first 2 Tees trips...... With 5 people (From memory) all having swam. However the rule book was broken, as Scott's name didn't appear at all.

Then we introduced "TeesB"........ Ian and Andy started to pull ahead

But after Ian missed a couple of trips, and Daniel failed to swim on the last TeesB, it would seem that AndyM has become the firm favourite.

CAN ANYBODY CATCH HIM, There is 3.5 months left, with more river trips......and some open boat paddling to come.

Top 3
AndyM 14 (i Think)
IanH 6 (I think)
????? - please check your records

Remember, this is just for fun......and if you are on here your paddling will be improving (or if your not on here, you've already evolved to have Gills of your own, and can now stay underwater long enough to either sort yourself out, or get T-rescued etc)

SUMMER CAMP 20th - 22nd JUNE

This year it will be at Hollows Farm.

The venue is next to the River Derwent, which runs into the Lake (about 1/2 mile away).

If you haven't been on a club camp before its about having a fun social, and paddling, weekend. You don't have to be a paddling expert to enjoy it......its geared for everyone.

This year we may even consider doing a sponsored paddle, from the campsite to Keswick and back in 1 day - approx 8-9miles! - a touch shorter than 1 length of Windermere

All club members are welcome, (Subject to age limitations etc)

The cost will be cheap...... circa £5-£6/person/night.

So sign up (by contacting me.......deposits etc required by End of April TBC)

Bring your tent (no caravans), food and drink, and lots of enthusiasm.

Cheers

Richard

Latest pictures from the barrage

A rare picture of Andy Moss - the right way up!




Richard shows how it should be done

Tom hanging on - he did recover it

Tom inspecting the river bed with encouragement from the club coach

He claims this was deliberate!

Welcome to New Bloggers

If this is your first time to blog, don't worry - it's as easy as falling out of a kayak (joke!).

Blog tuition as well as BCU star tests can be provided, if you want. BCU 1* test is almost certainly on 17th May, so keep your eyes on the blog and website!

It is easy to read, write and post pictures once you have a go. Click on any of the links to the right to see old posts (most are in the 2007 section). To comment on what anyone has said just click the word comment underneath. Why not start with commenting on the new (but still under development) logo? I am planning to animate it later on.

Click comment and write something.

Then click publish post.

To add a picture or video you have to tick a small square box the first time before images will upload.

Oh yes - you can create a personal profile for yourself too...

Have fun!

Club Camp Date Suggestion

Richard suggested 20-22 June for Club Camp would suit his family. It also suits us. Does it suit everyone else??

Weir Jumping on a Frosty Morning

Cold Warm Up

Went on a pre-season "warm up" this morning - minus 3 when we got in the kayaks at Boroughbridge for a gentle pre-season paddle. Luckily no swimmers; most of us made every effort to stay dry and cosy, but Richard risked a splashing by shooting the weir!

If you have the patience to watch the video for long enough, you will see him make the thing look easy. (Oops. This PC has ground to a halt. Will try to upload video and photo later. Connection speed pathetic.).

It was good to get back out on the river, even just for a short time. Also took my new (very girly pink) mountain bike out in the afternoon....I'm in training for another of Ian's epic rides at club camp!!

The Outdoor Show March 14-16

Just been sent details of this year's show but cannot attend myself, so if anyone is thinking of going maybe these details will help.

Tickets if bought in advance are
Adult: £12 instead of £16
Child: £7 instead of £9
Family: £35 instead of £45 ( 2 adults + 3 kids)
or 4 tickets for the price of 3
Call 0844 415 4418 or www.theoutdoorsshow.co.uk
and quote DL when booking.

Hope this may be of help to anyone.

See you on a river soon I hope!

Club Programme 2008

YOUR CLUB NEEDS YOU.....

This year we would like to produce a full programme that caters for everyone's needs BUT we need your help. We hope to run a selection of river trips to suit a range of skills and abilities, a number of recreational trips in kayaks and canoes, pool sessions, surfing events, competitions, coaching and skills awards, and hopefully some workshops covering leading a trip, repairs and rescue etc. ... and not to forget the camping trips and other social events, and a regular gathering at te barrage. Unfortunately, the organisation rests with the usual suspects, and I would maake a special plea for more club members put themself forward to run an event. There's nothing to it, and any of the Club coaches and experienced paddlers would be prepared to assist you and help build your confidence. We hope to publish the new programme for 2008 in February, so any suggestions and contributions would be greatly appreciated. Give me a call on 07702966921 before the end of January. Thanks, Des

Summer Camp 2008

Calling all campers.....
The Club's summer camp is usually held at either the start or end of the school summer holidays for a long weekend at a venue in the Lakes. Whilst the past few events have been great fun (with the exception of last year, which was spoiled by strange phenomenon called non-stop rain!!), the Committee feel it is time for a change, and we would like your views?? We have had a number of suggestions ranging from keeping it as it is, going somewhere else, somewhere further such as Scotland, somewhere more local such as West Tanfield with its river access, shop, cafe and pub... involving less travel and hassle, to going abroad as a group for longer such as a campsite next to a river n France... guaranteed sun... and so on. We want your ideas... so go on, comment on the blog and we will make a decision in March..... cheers, Des

Boxing Day Paddle 2007

This year's festive gathering was blessed with the usual arctic conditions...... cccccold, and hurricane force winds, which understandably was met with the same reluctance to get out of warm cars as every year by the same paddle die-hards, repeating the same old words while on the water... "what on earth am I doing here??" But for most of us it's in the blood and that's that! Any excuse to get on the water and burn off the xmas pudding! With a little persuasion we eventually took to the water in four open canoes, two in tandem (me and Alex.. and Fe and Julie), and two in solo (Iain and Scott) and a few kayaks (James, Steen...... and "better late than never" Daniel, who had the good sense to stay in bed a bit longer than the rest!). We had a great laugh with the usual daft games, but nothing was more funny than watching Iain and Scott getting bushwhacked by the wind in the tree lined part of the lake! It was character building stuff! lol After a couple of hours it was time to get warm again, and thanks to Judith and Carol for their supply of coffee and mince pies.... where would the boxing day paddle be without these lifesavers! Thanks to all who took part, and roll-on Boxing Day 2008. Thanks also to the Millward family for returning the kit. Happy new year to one and all. Des

River Trip - Saturday 12th Jan. "Wharf"

Hi All,

I am hoping to run a river trip this coming weekend. Open to all those who have previously been on River Trips with me.

I hope to paddle the Wharf, from Burnsall to Barden Bridge, however this has yet to be confirmed.

Either way, it will be a 9.30 start at the get on point

Please ring me (07971 141579) or email me (Richard.Clapham@Senstronics.com ; Richard.Clapham@btinternet.com ) this week to confirm numbers.

This is gd 1-3 water, and we get out a long way before the "Strid"!

I would expect to be on our way home by 3.30pm

Cheers

Richard