British Canoeing (BC) have launched an incident reporting system. Not only is this for accidents or near misses, but it is also for disputes re access, disputes with other water users, environmental concerns etc etc. Luckily problems are rare, but BC appears to be reinvigorating itself with a greater focus on paddlers, its members and their concerns. So, if there is a near miss, or a problem with someone on the bank, let them know! Its only by gathering facts can reasoned debates be made. NB, anyone can report an incident, you dont have to be a BC member. https://www.britishcanoeing.org.uk/news/2017/incident-reporting-new-system-and-report-form/  

Well done all at keeping nicely to time last night, I hope everyone enjoyed themselves and a big thank you to everyone who took a hand in looking after Jake, he very much appreciates it! as do we. Results are up: http://nwcpolo.leaguerepublic.com/l/fg/1_829455743.html It’s looking very tight at the top with 4 teams in with a shot of winning, keep up the hard work and good luck to all. For those teams that keep consistent BA no’s the current goalscorers tally is attached. Current top 3: (Names I think are correct) Welsh Warriors #9 (Al Pipe?) – 23 Goals Welsh Warriors #7 (Andy Evans) – 20 Goals Red Rose #7 (Matt Carter) – 19 Goals More Photos….

If you are wanting to launch on the canal in Llangollen most people do so a from the EIseddfod car park but the Canal and Waterways Trust have built two launch points one up by the Horseshoe Falls and one by the Marina in Llangollen. The one by the Marina is far better than getting on by the Eiseddfod car park – see photo. Access to this launch point is via the road that goes passed Dinas Bran school. Turn up the steep road by the bridge in town and then follow the road over the canal passed the school and when the road makes a sharp right go straight ahead through the gate passed the rugby pitch and the head left through another gate and down to the canal. Lots of parking.   This is the new get on at Llangollen canal Dave Manby If you are wanting to launch on the canal in Llangollen most people do so a from the EIseddfod car park but the Canal and Waterways Trust have built two launch points one up by the Horseshoe Falls and one by the Marina in Llangollen. The one by the Marina is far better than getting on by the Eiseddfod car park – see photo. Access to this launch point is via the road that goes passed Dinas Bran school. Turn up the steep road by the bridge in town and then follow the road over the canal passed the school and when the road makes a sharp right go straight ahead through the gate passed the rugby pitch and the head left through another gate and down to the canal. Lots of parking.

I think I might have a go at this. There’s 3 Stand up paddle boards at the club.  Paul Harwood FEB11 Interested Northern SUP Racing Winter Series Race 1 – SUP North, Southport Sat 11:00 · Southport

Nice and Crisp today on the Dee – thanks for those who turned up I understand its not to everyone’s taste paddling in this weather. Well done Ian in his new Machno and Chris after 1 hr at top end breaking in and out and ferry gliding we nailed next 3 rapids cleanly. Also thanks for the help John Cooke. We are all between swims – Middle Hole 1 – John A – 0  

Sea Kayak Improvers Course – Coordinator Gareth Jones and Alan Peachment 3 x Saturday mornings and 1 x Sunday trip To book a place please go to our online booking page……….  Club members only This course will look at the skills required to paddle a sea kayak safely and undertake a sheltered local trip. You should have the basic skills gained from at least 6 months paddling. Saturday 28th Jan 9-12pm Docks Saturday 11th Feb 9-12pm Docks Saturday 25th Feb 9-12pm Docks Sunday 26th Feb Local sea trip (eg Hilbre Island or River Alt sailing club or Perch Rock) You may use your own sea kayak or use one of the clubs plastic fleet. We do not charge for coaching but do charge a booking fee to ensure that the course runs. This cost includes any hire fee for a club boat for the local sea trip.

Thanks all who turned up today at 0.4m – at this level the Burrs has a fair few features that if you enter them rather than go through them can attract a few swimmers.  Good to pass on some information on the levels and how to get the best from the place.  The weir is good up to 0.5m – I measured the level at Bury Ground for future reference. https://www.riverlevels.uk/irwell-bury-bury-ground#.WHu4SmdvhD8 see here also the sudden increase – after rain. River has gone from 0.38 to 0.78m at this level stay out of the weir. See also most importantly this  I can emphasise enough the Importance of the levels and the weir. https://youtu.be/nRs_Alzo9sc I may paddle next week on Saturday (Burrs Dee or the full river Ramsbottom to Bury.) check your emails –  John Allterton More Photos……. Other Comments: Many thanks for encouragement I defiantly leaned a few techniques, also leaned about trying to roll with brain freeze. Good looking guy in a red boat on a couple of those piccys dave!  Thanks for organising John,  top trip mate! Good surfing in your narrow boat too Ste! Great paddle today with a great bunch. Already looking forward to the next one

Ladies Development North Tournament One The ladies team played their first tournament of the season at Cheadle Pool last night.  This year they have a large squad so the season looks good.  The six that played last night are: Laura Watkin, Rachel Smith, Leanne Murray, Rebecca Lawson, Emma Kirk and Charlie Threlfall.

Hi all A few of us are going to the Banff Mountain Film Festival UK Tour at the Plaza cinema in Crosby on Friday 17th Feb if anyone fancies it (also Friday 7th April, which is a different film programme)? Every year they show a great mix of 6-7 amazing films about adventure/ the outdoors (including some paddling) & there are competitions on the night & chance to have a beer. Check out the trailer here: https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=tiXqKu35zZc There’s more info on the website (http://www.banff-uk.com) & you can buy tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/banff-mountain-film-festival-liverpool-17-february-2017-tickets-29012509196 Hope to see you there

This looks great! Is anyone able to drive this forward? The Wye is a great river for kayaks or canoes, and 4 days paddling it sounds fantastic. Join The 100 Mile Canoe Test This Year! The 100 mile canoe test was conceived as a personal challenge for youngsters coming together in teams from youth clubs all over the country. Over four days the participants call on their skill, determination and stamina to complete the 100 mile route. The achievement brings a sense of personal fulfilment and team camaraderie that will remain with them for life. 2017 sees the event will running for its 55th year and it will take place on the River Wye over the late May bank holiday. The event was originally developed for the network of youth clubs who are part of what was the National Association of Boys’ Clubs. This year participation in the event has been opened up, through partnership with British Canoeing, to welcome all canoe clubs. The ‘Test’ alternates each year, between the Wye, Severn and Trent. In 2016 it was on a very windy Trent. One of the younger teams taking part struggled and was unable to complete the last day past Newark because of the waves being blown down the river towards them. Such is the determination of youngsters taking part, the team came back later in the year and completed their 100miles! How Does The Event Work? Teams will arrive at Fownhope on Friday evening (26th May) and set up base camp. On Saturday morning a procession of mini buses and trailers leave for the start at Glasbury and the first leg of paddling. Each day Safety Marshall’s set off first, scout the river for hazards and set up any necessary cover. The teams will paddle as a unit with, their own leaders, sometimes passing other groups and socialising. […]