After a Friday of scraping boats along the Lochy with a lack of rain, Saturday morning brought the promise of a proper whitewater paddle as the Garry was dam released. 15 paddlers set off early, aided by an impromptu fire alarm wake up call (thanks Neil), for the 90 minute drive to hopefully beat the crowds of other paddling groups. 11 paddlers (Richard, Liz, John, Roy, Kirk, Chris, David, Mark, Sarah, Jenny & Hannah) walked up to get on to the Upper Garry with Roy’s brief of “Ferry glide from here towards that rock, head down river towards the tongue and if you don’t make it …” One by one the eleven got on and successfully negotiated the first feature, breaking out until the group was ready to reform and run the rest of the Upper.  A quick brief before each rocky feature saw the group successfully reach the Upper get out where they were joined by Leanne, myself, Neil and Aleksander. Roy’s brief for the start of the Lower Garry was “This is a 3 foot drop but a quick paddle over should see you land flat and you’ll be fine.” All over the feature and a sense of elation at having landed the three foot drop. Another technical feature and then the river flattened out to give a chance to chat about the Upper and the start of the Lower. Back to a couple more technical drops and an unexpected feature which didn’t have a left hand turn!! A fantastic and safe paddle, a few successful rolls and great company. Thanks to everyone. Craig

Photo of the Month Please send any photos to website@liverpoolcanoeclub.co.uk May 2019 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 April 2019 # 1 River Wye Khosi trip by Keith 21 votes (30%) # 2 Graham at Crosby Surf by Dave Rawlinson 15 votes (21%) # 3 River Dee Improvers Trip by Dave Gentle 12 votes (17%) # 4 U14 Canoe Polo team in action in March Tournament by Craig Ford 12 votes (17%) # 5 Open Boats on River Dee by Nikki Aldridge 6 votes (8%) # 6 Luke on an Introductory course at the docks by Lee Boylan 5 votes (7%)

Club Run Courses (Spring 2019) 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) 23rd March 2019 One Day first Aid course for volunteers and helpers – Ian Bell 24th March 2019 Volunteer helpers and Coach skills day – Click for more and to book a place…. 1st April 2019 (3 x Wednesdays) Open Boat (Canoe) Skills Course – Coach Mark Garrod Click for more.. 14th April 2019 Introductory Course – Coaches Craig Ellingham and John Fay Click for more.. 28th April 2019 Club Open Day at the Compound at the Docks. Try different disciplines, junior session, come and try it session for non-members, Sunday tour of the docks. Bring and buy sale for any canoe or kayaking gear. Pyrahna Demo Fleet. 1st May 2019 (3 x Wednesdays) Improvers Kayak Course – Coach Mark Garrod – Click for more.. 12th May 2019 Foundation Safety and Rescue Course Click for more 12th May 2019 Introductory Course – Coaches Craig Ellingham and John Fay Click for more.. To be arraged Paddle sport Leader and Instructor Courses

Photo of the Month Please send any photos to website@liverpoolcanoeclub.co.uk April 2019 Click here to see the photos and to vote for your favourite.

Photo of the Month March 2019 # 1 Dock Paddle Tuesday Evening Taken by Kayleigh Campbell 35 votes (42%) # 2 Gareth Jones in a Prospector on the River Wye Weekend by Keith 14 votes (17%) # 3 No Swims for Aleksander on the Wye Koshi Weekend by Keith 11 votes (13%) # 4 Karl Tattum eyes up the Crosby Surf by Dave Rawlinson 10 votes (12%) # 5 U14 Canoe Polo in Speke Pool by Craig Ford 9 votes (11%) # 6 Team Photo on the Wye Weekend by John Coo

Coaching with Liverpool Canoe Club Just a note to let you know that we are running a training weekend for all our potential future coaches with additional modules to ensure you are fully prepared for any assessments later in the summer.  Sunday 24th will be a good day to improve your coaching and leadership skills even if you do not intend to undertake a formal assessment.   All volunteers and potential coaches welcome. Saturday 23rd March will be an 8 hour 1st aid course for anyone who does not already have the award.   Certificates are valid for 3 years.  The cost of the course is £45 but it will be subsidised by the club for anyone willing to be an active volunteer helping over the summer – your cost will only be £15 Click to book a place Needs a code to book – Contact website@liverpoolcanoeclub.co.uk if you need one Click for more details on the course……….. Sunday 24th March will be a training day to look at both leadership and coaching skills at the Docks in a variety of craft.   This day will be ideal for all and all costs are covered by the club.   Just register for a place.  Click to book a place…. Sunday 12th May FSRT course at the docks for anyone who needs an update or the Award.  You will be asked to cover the cost of the certificate £10. Click to book a place Needs a code to book – Contact website@liverpoolcanoeclub.co.uk if you need one Click for more details on the course……….. May and June Paddlesport Assessments arranged with kayak essentials for those that are ready for the award.  Cost of the course is £450 / £480 but will be covered by the club.  You will need to be a full member of British […]

Club White Water Kayak Trip for Improvers 16th February by Dave Gentle and Fiona Gentle Yesterday was the Led – Grade 2(3), meeting at River Active Ltd, aka JJ’s, MEM (Mile End Mill). Nine of us were on the water 11.40am to 2.40pm from Serpent’s Tail down to JJs.  The Dee level was 0.68m, 5.6 on the JJs yellow gauge, a bit higher than our last trip.  There was plenty of action at the Broken Weir surf wave either surfing or using the feature to cross the river. Near the railway bridge we got plenty ferry practice, breaking in and out with a couple of swims, swiftly resolved.  That dogleg weir on the left just above the island took none of the team out this trip. Then we entered the JJ’s site. The first drop caused carnage for three, all swiftly resolved and all came out laughing.  The Hole at 5.4 looked sticky so the Leader went in to try it. It sure was sticky, resulting in a Leader swim which was soon resolved. All in all the team is showing skills and confidence improvement per trip. A good result.