Photo of the Month Please send any photos to website@liverpoolcanoeclub.co.uk January 2020 Click here to see the photos and to vote for your favourite.

Photo of the Month Please send any photos to website@liverpoolcanoeclub.co.uk December 2019 # 1 Karl Tattum in the Crosby Surf by Dave Rawlinson 14 votes (20%) # 2 Spitfire Bridge on the River Tees by Hannah Bellamy 12 votes (17%) # 2 Llangollen Canal 2019 John Fay 12 votes (17%) # 2 Craig Ford on the River Wye by KS 12 votes (17%) # 5 Rescue sessions 2 at the docks 2019 John Fay 10 votes (14%) # 6 Paul Harwood at the Tees Barrage 9 votes (13%)

Canoe trip on the Afon Banwy Well we all met in Starbucks in Oswestry to top up before heading up to Lake Vyrnwy. It had rained a little during the night and past week so there was a little bit of water coming over the dam. The river was running through the trees and would probably have been a little challenging. We had run out of coffee by now so decided to run the river Banwy instead. This was a grade lower and proved to be an excellent choice. The River Banwy is a river about 30 km long in NW Powys in Wales. It is a tributary of the River Vyrnwy. The river rises in the hills near the pass which takes the A458 between Mallwyd and Welshpool. The river is called Nant Cerrig-y-groes at its source near Moel y Llyn PUT-INS/ TAKE-OUTS: Start at Llanerfyl. Access to the river in Llanerfyl was on the left bank by a (downstream) road bridge (Please do not park in front of the gate to the field opposite as the farmer is a little bit weary of paddlers blocking access to his land – he will be out like a shot if you do park there, even for a moment). Finish at Meifod on the River Vrynwy. Egress on the right bank at the road bridge (New Bridge). APPROX LENGTH: 26 km. TIME NEEDED: Three hours. WATER LEVEL INDICATORS: Needs heavy rain. It stays up for a week or so after substantial rain. GRADING: Grade 1 – 2. MAJOR HAZARDS/ FALLS: Approx 1 metre high natural ‘weir’ at Castle mound just short of the River Vyrnwy confluence which can reach grade 3 in flood conditions. This is last rapid on the run as described below. Low branches. GENERAL DESCRIPTION: We use open boats so aim for grade 1 -2! The Banwy […]

Christmas Paddle on the Conway Estuary and Meal 15/12/2019 by John Rasquinha 31 paddlers met in Conwy on Sunday morning for a paddle along the estuary in a variety of sea and river kayaks. Though cold, the weather was in our favour and we were met with clear(ish) skies to start our journey. After a safety briefing, double counting and buddying up, we set off, guided by Ian Bell in his open canoe along the estuary. After successfully avoiding any contact with the many boats in the bay, we passed under the main road and were fortunate to see a different side to the castle to what most people see. We continued for 6km before a lunch and drink stop on the bank, with views of snow-capped Snowdonian mountains, though the weather had become slightly more overcast… As the tide turned for our return trip and the wind were behind us, it felt like we made the return trip much faster, though were hit by the rain for the last 10 minutes of paddling. Most of us then headed to Llandudno to be joined by a few non-paddlers for some drinks in the warmth and a well-earnt Christmas dinner. Thanks to Brian and Kirk for organising the paddle and meal, Ian and Keith for guiding/following the group and everyone else for a great day out! Merry Christmas! John Rasquinha More Christmas Paddle Photos……. More Christmas Meal Photos…….

Festive Docks Paddle (22/12/19) 43 Santa’s and naughty Elf’s arrived early at the docks on Sunday to decorate canoes and kayaks and paddle the 2km up to Albert Dock. The weather was great with little or no wind and a bit of sunshine. Most chatted along the way and caught up on news and stories. We landed on the slipway next to the Carousel playing Christmas music to enjoy homemade cake, sausage rolls and chocolates. More photos of the paddle……..

Christmas Rolling Competition (Leader board from 9/12/19) Why not try your hand at rolling at one of the pool sessions before Christmas? You can use the pool edge, paddle or hand etc. How many can you complete in 30 seconds. Why not try T rescues or an X rescue (fastest time with spray deck back on) https://liverpoolcanoeclub.co.uk/venues/Kingsway%20Pool/index.php

LCC Menai Straits 30/11/2019 by Catriona Hare 12 intrepid paddlers braved the early morning cold to arrive at Gallows Point, parked up and got changed. However, by now the sun was out, and several of us had to get re-changed to avoid overheating. Even with this faffing, and the arrangement of the double buddy safety system, we were on the water in really good time. So, Ian’s first instruction of the day was to paddle slowly, so we didn’t get to the Swellies too soon. Our next instruction, I was pleased to hear, was to stay away from the roosting birds. At this time of year, many birds have limited energy reserves and they don’t need to be additionally stressed by thoughtless by paddlers. Not long after we came across a bijou residence in need of a little restoration, possibly an end to Trevor’s house hunting, it even came with a resident seal. Still way to early, we took a detour up Afon Cadant, where the residents of a holiday cottage were entertained by our presence, there was lots of excitable waving as our group paddled past and then again as we paddled back a few minutes later. I had very sensible conversations with Ian and Keith about property level flood protection. Back out in the Straits we made the most of the high tide and paddled close to the shore, paddling on the shore side of Inys Gaint, only some us got stuck on an invisible underwater wall, before we paddled past an abandoned and boat which had seen better days called The Mistress. We paddled on under the suspension bridge and headed towards our lunch stop which by now needed to be in the sun and out of the wind, and preferably goose poo free. After a relaxed lunch we […]

Christmas Rolling Competition (2/12/19) Every year we hold the Christmas rolling competition at our pool sessions. Why not give it a go, book a session and see how you get on.   Number of rolls in 30 seconds. https://liverpoolcanoeclub.co.uk/venues/Kingsway%20Pool/index.php

Photo of the Month Please send any photos to website@liverpoolcanoeclub.co.uk December 2019 Click here to see the photos and to vote for your favourite. November 2019 # 1 Sarah Gille Rolling sessions at the docks – John Fay 17 votes (24%) # 2 Istrian Sunset by Gareth Jones 14 votes (20%) # 3 Alps Trip – Martin Aldridge 12 votes (17%) # 4 Farndon to Chester paddle – KS 10 votes (14%) # 5 Aaron rescuing Ian Bell 9 votes (13%) # 6 4th Rolling at the docks 2019 Christine Fay 8 votes (11%)

Club weekends and major events for the Club 2019 to 2020 – for more detail check the online Club Calendar……. You need to be a current member of the club to paddle with us (Insurance and emergency contact details etc) 30th November 2019 Sea Trip – Sheltered Water or Easy Moderate water trip – grade A Coordinator Ian Bell 1st December 2019 WW trip Grade 2-3 Coordinator John Cooke Click for more and to reserve a place. 15th Deceember 2019 Festive Paddle (Conway Estuary) – Suitable for all canoes, SUPs, and kayaks Coordinator Kirk Williams & Brian Green Click for more and to reserve a place. 15th Deceember 2019 Festive Christmas Meal (open to all) – Coordinator Kirk Williams & Brian Green Click for more and to book a place. 22nd Deceember 2019 Xmas Paddle at the Docks Coordinator Julie Brookes, Roger Colman, David Allanson, Martin Sinnott and Nadia Ford meeting at the Marina for 10 am on the water. Santa hats are the order of the day and appropriately ‘dressed’kayaks/canoes would be a bonus. Members using Club equipment come early to give yourselves plenty of time to add festive decorations to your chosen craft. Mince pies/Xmas cake etc will be available and a hot drink at the slipway on our return.” 9th to 13th April 2020 Scottish Easter Paddling Holiday based at Kinlochleven Coordinator John Cooke Click for more and to book a place. First come first served 14th to 17th ? April 2020 Great Glen (Caledonian Canal) Trip Coordinator Dominic Fahey 26th April 2020 Club Open Day Come and try it sessions / Go Kayaking Demo Fleet / rolling competition 1st to 3rd May 2020 Anglesey Weekend #1 Click for more information and to reserve a discounted place based at Tyn Rhos Trearddur Bay – coordinator Peter Massey. 22nd […]