October Introductory Course by John Fay Sunday morning alongside the General docks paddle ran this month’s Introductory Course for new members. Sadly, Elizabeth and Karen were unable to attend leaving five in the hands of Alex, Aaron, Martin and John. A good thing really because Annmarie and Gill were quite nervous. Ian, Paul and Ellen made up the rest of the group and it wasn’t long before everyone was on the water. Two hours later they had all learnt some basic paddle strokes and had tried a variety of boats including open canoes and an inflatable double kayak belonging to Ian and Gill. At the end of the session everyone had smiles on their faces and Ellen stated that the session had been very helpful. Ian and Paul both completed the capsize drill although Ian has now become quite an expert at this after attending both Rescues Session. Well done to everyone. See you again on the water soon. More Photos…….. Report by John Fay

River Dee Ponsonby to Ty Mawr by John Allerton River Dee Ponsonby to Ty Mawr Country Park Great paddle yesterday thanks all who attended River was super-fast level 1.2m at Manley gauge weather held out – good to have some canoeists with us too. More Photos…….. Report by John Allerton

Rescues Session 2 by John Fay Our second Rescues session started and ended in beautiful sunshine. Once again members new and old gathered together to learn or practice various rescue skills. Alex Peacock took charge of the several young members who attended, and it wasn’t long before screams of laughter could be heard across the water as Alex engaged them in several fun kayaking games. Others split into small groups and worked together on their skills and we could see our new members grow in confidence as each skill they attempted was successful. It was also great to see people who had never met before forging new friendships as they warmed themselves up with hot drinks and other goodies provided by our catering team of Irene Jackson and Chris Fay. Once again, the planned “two-hour session” concluded after some three and a half hours and a tired group reluctantly headed home. A massive thank you to everyone (too many to name) who turned up today and we look forward to seeing you on more dock’s sessions and paddles in the near future. More Photos…….. Report by John Fay

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Breaking News – World Premieres of two new paddling films for Thursday evenings show at the Marina French Alps 2019 – A 15 minute pre-release from Gille studios showing all the antics of the LCC Lilo race on the International Slalom Course at L’Argentière-la-Bessée together with all the best rivers over the two weeks. We also have presentations from the Lofoten Islands – Arctic Norway epic trip. At the last minute Never Again productions Ltd have just finalised the preview copy of “River of Gold” Sun Khosi expedition. This may be your only opportunity to see these once in a lifetime films and talks from our own club members. Make sure you get there early to ensure you get a seat. Thursday 10th October Arrive 7:30pm for an 8:00pm start.   We are in the Spinnaker suite of Liverpool Yacht Club / Marina L3 4BP – go past the bar and through the double doors.  Free parking but remember to put your car registration into the iPad on the wall that end of the bar.

The Rescues Session at the Docks by John Fay Over 30 members attended todays Rescues Session at the docks. Today’s session was run by Ian Bell who grabbed everyone’s attention with his focused introduction and his on the water rescue demonstrations With the foundation blocks laid everyone including brand new member Ian and little 9-year-old Lil were rescuing and being rescued. 9-year-old Lil showed that technique was the key as she confidently emptied and assisted John, an adult member, back into his sea kayak. After experiencing numerous immersions, the group kept the catering team (Irene & Chris) very busy as hot drinks and other goodies were served to warm up the chilly group. Thanks to everyone who attended to make it another successful session. Report by John Fay

Photo of the Month Please send any photos to website@liverpoolcanoeclub.co.uk October 2019 Click here to see the photos and to vote for your favourite. # 1 Sarah Gille in the Alps by Martin Aldridge 25 votes (25%) # 2 Olivia chose to go paddling for her 5th birthday and has since joined in a paddle with the kids club at the docks by Martin Eley 23 votes (23%) # 3 Julie Brookes dry rolling by John Fay 22 votes (22%) # 4 Poppy at the start of the West Kirby Race by Pete Thomas 12 votes (12%) # 5 Blow Hole by Dave Gentle 10 votes (10%) # 6 Rolling at the docks by Chris Fay 7 votes (7%)

The fourth rolling session at the Docks by John Fay The fourth rolling session started with a bang. Literally. Marty Sinnott arrived at the docks to find that the main compound barrier had been smashed open and the locking latch broken clean off. Worried that we wouldn’t be able to secure the compound on leaving we informed Keith of the situation and then proceeded to await the arrival of our group. At 10:30am a large group gathered for a brief introduction followed by an excellent discussion by Roger Colman about the purpose of the roll, the technique and the need to be able to fall back on an efficient rescue if/when the roll fails. The group welcomed comments by the senior club coaches Ian Bell and Dave Reynolds. Richie Burgess shared his observations on the “hand of God” rescue technique used by the coaches to right a paddler when their attempt at a roll failed and then everyone got on the water. There was almost a coach for each student this week and this resulted in some real progress. As well as members actually rolling paddlers were much more confident resulting in more time being spent under the water. The only downside to this was the number of very dizzy people staggering up the beach to the refreshment team for a warm drink and cake etc. As the session continued Keith arrived to inspect the broken barrier and after going off to purchase some long bolts a repair was carried out and the compound could once again be secured. Each session was due to last two hours but each week it had been around four hours later when people finally left. This last session was no exception. So, whilst most of us made the short distances home thoughts went out […]