New Brighton Paddle – 2nd January 2019 by Julie Brookes New Brighton to Monks Ferry & Return A group of 4 intrepid “would be sailors” met at Fort Perch Rock car park on a very chilly Wednesday morning at 10 am.  The intention was to paddle to The Ferry Public House, at Egremont, and return.  Having scraped ice off our car windscreens, before setting out, we knew it would be rather bracing! High Tide was at 8.21 am, 8.2 M (27 ft), the wind was a 2 – 3 easterly with the temperature 4 deg C.  On arrival at the car park we were greeted to warming sunshine which lifted our spirits plus a view to die for of the magnificent River Mersey, Seaforth Docks, Fort Perch Road and the Three Graces in the distance at the Pier Head. As the tide was 2 hours into low water, we had to cross a stretch of sandy beach to the water’s edge.  Having safely entered the River, which was very calm and flat, we proceeded to paddle towards our destination, keeping to the shore but avoiding the quoins and safety marker posts. As the tidal current was very slack, we proceeded to paddle by Victoria Park, past our original destination, Egremont, and carried on paddling past Birkenhead Town Hall, the Mersey Tunnel vents, under the Seacombe Ferry and further on to the Stena Sealink terminus.  At this point the tide was running quite fast, against us, and it was a struggle to make it through the Sealink gantry and on to Woodside Ferry landing stage.  We just didn’t seem to be moving anywhere.  However, with great determination (meaning me in my little Flex) the group managed to paddle on and reach Monks Ferry beach where we stopped for a lunch break. […]

Club expedition to Lofoten – Summer 2019 During August 2019 the LCC will be returning to the Lofoten archipelago, in arctic Norway, which we visited in 2015. Where? The Lofoten archipelago is a group of 6 islands close to the coast of northern Norway.  They lie approximately 150km north of the Arctic Circle. Why? Lofoten is a breathtakingly stunning sea kayaking destination.  Granite mountains, sandy coves and narrow fjords combine to make it, well, simply gobsmacking. Although above the Arctic Circle, the warm Gulf Stream makes Lofoten much milder than other northern areas in the world that are at the same latitude, like Alaska and Greenland.  Temperatures in August range from about 5 to 20o C, while water temperatures are around 9-12o C. When? Proposed dates are 8th to 19th August 2019.  The outline itinerary is: Fly from Manchester to Svolvær in Lofoten (via Oslo and Bodø) on the 8th August.  Spend the night in a cabin on the coast. Paddle between 9th and 17th August (no firm route as yet, but there are lots of options, including a circumnavigation of 1 or more of the islands) Spend the 18th August chilling and doing ‘dry land’ things (accommodation in cabins on nights of 17th and 18th) Fly back on the 19th August The dates are based on the current availability/cost of flights and the availability of boats at the kayak hire company. What will it cost? Kayak hire will be around £430 per person for 9 days, and at the moment the cost of return flights is £400 per person (but see below).  There will also be the cost of ‘trip food’ from a supermarket in Lofoten, plus budget accommodation on the night we arrive and for 2 nights before we depart (about £125 pp for the 3 nights combined).   […]

Crosby Beach surfing by Paul Harwood A good day at the beach today. Nine paddlers in an array of boats, including sea kayaks, Creek boats, surf kayaks and a sit on top. If you’ve never been to Crosby for a surf before, you’re missing out. Give it a try next time.

River Dee by Paul Harwood Today`s trip took six paddlers down to Llangollen. Three Canoeists, consisting one Traditional canoe, one OC1, and one C1 were followed by three kayak playboats. We met at River Active at 10.30am, paid our three quid and got on the river. We had a little go in the middle hole and spent about three hours on the bottom wave. It was quite busy with paddlers doing their 3 star Freestyle Award, and we were even joined by Superstar paddler Bren Orton. A great day on the water. Totally aching now.

Posted on December 29, 2018 by thepaddlerezine in canoeing gear. No.1: Safety series: be prepared and stay safe: https://thepaddlermag.com/be-prepared-and-stay-safe/ No.2: working as a team on the water: https://thepaddlermag.com/safety-series-no-2-working-as-a-team-on-the-water/ No.3: swim, chase, throw: https://thepaddlermag.com/chris-brain-coaching-swim-chase-throw/ By Chris Brain In the fourth part of the Paddler safety series we will be looking at recovering pinned boats from the river. If there was one recommendation that I could make that would help you to avoid having to deal with this situation at all in the first place, it would be airbags! Get yourself some bow and stern airbags and make sure they are inflated before you set off. It is important to remember that there is no substitute for professional training in this area and this must be combined with experience in order to effectively use the ideas and techniques contained in this series. This article is not intended to replace formal training. Our previous articles have focused on preparation, simple rescues, working together on the river and above all avoiding incidents happening in the first place. The techniques covered in this article assume that you have read the previous chapters. Self-team-victim-kit It is essential to remember that our boats are not as important are we are. This means that we shouldn’t put ourselves in any unnecessary danger to rescue them and we shouldn’t prioritise them over our own safety. Too often I see paddlers getting straight in the river (on foot or even swimming) to try and rescue their kayak or canoe, ultimately putting themselves at risk. However, in some situations a stuck boat could range from simply being a mild inconvenience to being your only way to get to safety out of a steep gorge. Therefore, having some straightforward techniques which can help you recover your boat can be very helpful. Stop and think (make a proper plan) If […]

Previous year’s winners….. Photo of the Month Please send any photos to website@liverpoolcanoeclub.co.uk January 2019 Click here to see the photos and to vote for your favourite. December 2018 # 1 Wigan Lock to Chorley paddle by John Fay 10 votes (24%) # 2 Julie and John Selfie byJohn Fay 7 votes (17%) # 3 River Lune OC1 Paddle by Paul Harwood 7 votes (17%) # 4 River Dee Improvers Trip by Keith Steer 7 votes (17%) # 5 Harvey Harwood takes on the Strid by Paul Harwood 6 votes (14%) # 6 Hilbre Island Lunch stop by Martin Page 5 votes (12%)

Liverpool Canoe Club Annual Christmas Docks Paddle by Julie Brookes Considering the dismal weather today the turnout was exceptional.  Twenty-nine (I think as I lost count) hardy souls plus one ‘Jug’ alias Penny braved the nonstop rain and cold temperatures to paddle to the Royal Albert Dock.  Apart from varying kayaks, opens, and sea kayaks the paddlers looked a right bunch too!  Did we all go to Asda and Tesco for our Santa T-shirts?  Two paddlers were definitely ‘twins’. So this colourful group and festively ‘dressed’ kayaks (I’m taking out a contract for supply of tinsel next year) eventually stopped at the Bandstand slipway, by the carousel, where we munched our way through mince pies, cakes, chocolates and hot drinks.  This was our excuse to give us plenty of energy for the return journey back to the LCC compound and slipway. On our arrival kayaks were returned to the racks and we all dispersed to the sounds of “Merry Christmas”, “Happy New Year”, see you in 2019 etc. etc. What a lovely way to start this very special time of the year and thank you all. Julie Brookes  More Photos…..

River Leven Improvers Trip – Saturday 15th December River levels had been dropping all week along with the temperatures. With the threat of storm force winds, cold and freezing rain we decided to head to the River Leven. Windermere would provide decent water levels (just under medium flow) and some shelter from the biting winds. We had met up at Starbucks, junction 3 of the M58 and we quickly sorted boats and left a number of cars on local side roads. Putting in at Newby Bridge just below the small weir we went through breaking in and out together with basic ferry gliding. There were a number of other groups on the river and soon came across brick chute weir. This was safely negotiated and some of us spent a little while playing in the surf wave below. The next drop is shot centre left but be careful to follow the flow aiming right (rocks on the left bank). A few surf waves, chutes and eddies followed before we came across “Neil’s nemesis” where he broke his Werner paddle on the last outing. This was Colin`s first river and he decided to spin on a rock near the top and run the rapid backwards. The inevitable happened and after a short swim was quickly reunited with his paddle and boat. A few more rocky rapids led to the usual get off at the motor museum. The freezing rain then hit just as we were loading up to return to the top. The quick drop in temperature ensured that we decided to call it a day and go straight to the café to warm up. We were soon all warmed up and a few more paddling trips were planned and discussed. Watch out for the next improvers introduction to white water […]

Registration for Swim Event Safety Kayak Supervision for Triathlons, Swim-Runs etc. by Jim Duffy Registration for Swim Event Safety Kayak Supervision for Triathlons, Swim-Runs etc. Swim Safety, one of the biggest swim event companies in the country, have published a calendar of provisional event dates for 2019 available to view below. These provisional dates are a guide for kayaker who are interested. Swim Safety will be officially opening 2019 recruitment on the registration system in March 2019. Swim Safety are always looking for kayakers to join the event water safety teams. Kayakers need to be at 2 Star or above standard or hold a Swim Event Safety Award. If you’ve not worked with Swim Safety before and would like to you can register on their online registration system. By registering with Swim Safety you will receive all notifications regarding 2019 recruitment. http://swim-safety.co.uk/2019-recruitment/ Save the Date – Provisional Pre-Season Training Day Dates Swim Safety have reserved Saturday 27th April for pre-season training days. The format including exact sessions we will run and timings are still being finalised but the dates will be as follows – North – near Manchester, Venue TBC – Saturday 27th April 2019 New to Kayak Supervision of Triathlons, Swim-Runs etc? If you are new to kayak safety swim supervision you might like to register for the kayak team for the Bolton Ironman on Sunday 14th July at Pennington Flash or the Warrington Dolphins Royal Albert Dock Open Swim which is held in late August. There are usually about 15 Liverpool Canoe Club members who make up part of a team of 45 kayakers and so you would know some of the people involved and it’s a great experience despite the 5.00am start! If you have any further questions you could email me at jjduf2012@virginmedia.com Jim Duffy  

Winter Rolling Challenge For those of you who are new to the club, each winter we have a rolling challenge. The Aim is to see how many full roll’s (360 degrees) you can make in 30 secs.  Be they paddle, hand, stick, bar or tandem (pairs in the duo) rolls. This quick test gives you a reference to how good or bad your rolling is getting (if performed annually !!!!!) Last  Monday a few members had a go. Well done All So hopefully see more of you at the pool (2 more weeks until pool closes over Christmas) Dave Reynolds  Name Rank Paddle Rolls Dave Gentle 2 8 Fiona Gentle 5 6 Steve Alcock 1 9 Jonathan Richardson 3 7 Martin Eley 7 3 Dom Fahey 3 7 Peter Walmsley 6 5 Name Rank Bar Rolls Dan Stancioiu 3 8 Mark Broderick 4 7 John Edwards 1 11 Ellie Clews (Junior) 1 11 Name Rank Alternate side Rolls Steve Alcock 2 11