Escaping Lockdown by Sarah and Gareth Jones This post is written regarding our 1st paddle since lockdown on May 17th 2020. Whether we agree with the lockdown easing quite so early (I think we’re jumping the gun) or not I’m going to take advantage of the new rules allowing family members to paddle on sheltered water. Luckily where we live we have a slow meandering river whose flow is very well controlled; the River Weaver (although some sites warn about dangerous currents when it has rained, so beware). So on the 1st weekend of the eased lockdown restrictions, we set off to kayak a local stretch of river. One we often overlook because it’s not the sea. Sarah and I headed down to the Acton Bridge get-in. The Leigh Arms has, prior to the lockdown, allowed us to park at the far end of the car park, near a path that leads down to the get on (marked on the map below). We contacted the proprietor of the Leigh Arms when we first moved here and they were happy for us to use the facilities. Out of politeness I always frequent the establishment post paddle if they’re open. Sunshine Paddle The paddle itself is a short 6-mile trip. We headed down to Dutton Locks, admired the lack of social interaction available on the river. An interesting point, that we didn’t photo because we run and cycle around here so often it is just background noise, is a rotting boat on river right. This is the sunken boat ‘Chica’. More information on the ‘Chica’ and Dutton Locks can be found on the website belonging to the River Weaver Navigation Society (Dutton Locks). There are portage points to allow you to continue down to Runcorn. From Dutton Locks, we turned around and paddled back past […]

River Weaver Navigation 28th May 2020 by Ian Bibby & Paul Goetzee. On a very hot day, Paul Goetzee and myself, set off from Runcorn Rowing Club heading up to Dutton Locks. Paul had paddled this route last week with Roger Colman. So he was guide for the day. Finding the Rowing Club was relatively straight forward, especially after John Vogler had advised the postcode and potential Satnav issues in an earlier Club post……..Thanks John. We set off about 11.15 and by this time the temperature was over 20° would continue to rise over the day. We were relatively alone for most of the journey, both up to Dutton Locks and return, Apart from a couple of anglers, and a couple of members of the Rowing Club. Chatting to them it seems that they are having the same lockdown frustrations that we are all suffering and can only book two rowers on the water at any one time. Whilst paddling we encountered plenty of Mallard ducks with ducklings, wagtails and I believe a fleeting glimpse of a kingfisher. (Though no evidence). Heading up to the locks, we took a short diversion to look at the Sluices. Then continued to head up to the locks for lunch and well earnt rest in the shade. The return journey was very similar to the outward leg, albeit the temperature was now up into the mid 20’s. Total distance covered was around 11 miles. Overall a very pleasant day out and good to catch up with Paul. Runcorn Rowing Club. Dutton Locks Dutton Locks with Paul ‘Socially Distanced’.

Covid 19 update – how the club intends to respond Following tonight’s Stewardship meeting where we reviewed the latest guidance and the club’s position. Many scenarios were discussed and evaluated. The club always operates totally within the British Canoeing and Government guidance operating at the time. The docks and compound remain closed until further notice Club trips with less than 7 participants can now be promoted and will appear on the calendar but only if the guidance below is followed. While in theory, we could allow a small group of less than six to operate from our base at the docks we simply do not have the facilities to control the spread of the virus with shared club equipment. This would mean that only members with their own boats would be allowed and such restrictions would not fair to all. Sessions at the Marina have traditionally been for all with free use of the club boats. The clubs main aim is to promote paddling for all and it was felt that only an elite few would be able to use the facilities with the current guidelines. With this in mind, the Stewardship group felt we could not open the compound for club activities at this time. We intend to review the situation again on 15th June when some non-essential retail opens and possibly a further relaxing of the guidelines. However, from Monday people can meet outside in groups of no more than six provided full social distancing and frequent hand washing etc are maintained. Therefore, the club is now able to promote club paddles at local venues provided all current advice is followed. Local venues…… Therefore, if I wanted to coordinate a paddle on a local canal (or other local venue) provided I was on the list of Leaders or […]

Need to paddle. Can’t paddle due to Covid – Boo Need to paddle. Can’t paddle due to Covid – Boo Need to paddle. Can’t paddle due to Covid – Boo (It must have been awful living with me, like a child constantly asking if we are there yet) Gov says we can paddle! Need to paddle. Will go after work on Friday from Sandy Lane – Yay! Monday – Weather is great. Is it Friday yet? No. Boo Tuesday – Weather is great. Is it Friday yet? No. Boo Wednesday – Weather is great. Is it Friday yet? No. Boo Thursday – Weather is great. Is it Friday yet? No. Boo Friday – Yay! Boo, its blowing a hooley. Too windy to load the sea kayaks onto the car on my own? Hmmmm, but I need to paddle and its Friday. Therefore it is not too windy! (Quality logic, and after a few squeaky bum moments they were loaded) Collect Ruth from work. M53 is very blowy. 55mph, no 50mph, is plenty. Change of plan, Eccleston Ferry is more protected from the wind than Sandy Lane So with that decision made we headed to Eccleston ferry. This is a great place to launch from to paddle flatwater on the River Dee (more scenic than at Sandy Lane). Point to note is that the car park is reduced capacity to reduce Covid risk – not that that stopped the person who was obviously living there in a campervan. Anyway, a lovely paddle into the wind. A couple of sprints past the trees that were ominously creaking / depositing sections into the river and a decision made not to stop at the usual picnic spot at Crook of Dee ( a great little beach to land on – perfect for family picnics) […]

Paddle on the Leeds – Liverpool Canal by Lee Doyle Bridgewater Canal looks good, I have never paddled there before. I did take my two-year-old daughter, Eliza on the Leeds – Liverpool Canal today from the Eldonian centre to Bootle and back. What a great day for a paddle. Lots of geese, ducks and gosling’s. Click for map of the get on…… Please keep sending in all your ideas for local paddles, any photos etc Please feel free to ask for other paddlers to join you via Google group emails but please try to keep to the current guidelines (any number from a single household or a group of two (one other from another household and to keep at least 2m distance at all times). Lots of ideas and maps etc on our site……..

Paddle on the Bridgewater Canal by Carl leungsangnam and Mike Taylor Bridgewater canal from Slag Lane car park toward Marshland Green. This is the first time I have been on the Bridgewater canal, Leigh Branch. I arrived at the Slag Lane car park to meet Mike Taylor for a couple of hours of paddling to clear the cobwebs and get those muscle moving again. We set off from the Pennington Wharf Marina towards Marshland Green and back, a distance of around 5 miles. The canal was very quiet with the usual ducks and duckling and lots of walkers on the towpath. It was a nice gentle paddle. The put-in and egress were at the car park just by the Bridge, the car park is free but there is limited space. There is another car park further down the road, but it is closed at the moment. Please keep sending in all your ideas for local paddles, any photos etc Please feel free to ask for other paddlers to join you via Google group email but please try to keep to the rules (any number from a single household or to meet one other from another household and keep at least 2m distance at all times). Lots of ideas and maps etc on our site……..

2020 sea kayaking skills – scramble self-rescue from Matt and Nick at Sea Kayak Essentials This week we’re posting helpful skills videos for sea kayakers in 2020… Here’s a self-rescue option – useful if you need some distance from your paddling buddies… Feel free to share the link and don’t forget to subscribe! Self-rescue skills are important for all sea kayakers, especially if you can’t rely on assistance. This video breaks down the key elements of the scramble se… YOUTUBE.COM 2020 sea kayaking skills – scramble self rescue Self-rescue skills are important for all sea kayakers, especially if you can’t rely on assistance. This video breaks down the key elements of the scramble self-rescue – including full demos, balance exercises and problem-solving tips.

Nepal Sun Khosi River of Gold Expedition 2018 “Nemeste” by Jenny Brown and Chris Thompson Tuesday at 7:30pm – Zoom You do not need a zoom account to join.  You do not even need a webcam or microphone to listen in. Password: Available to members via google group email Tune in from 7:30 tonight We all made our way down to Heathrow for our flight out on Indian Airways. Kirk was joining us later and was flying from Manchester on Emirates as he booked slightly later than the rest of us. We all managed to get some sleep overnight and enjoyed a “Starbucks” while waiting for the connection in Delhi. Immigration was slick for those that had filled in and printed the online form. £20 for the tourist visa and we were in. No sign of the taxi but it had taken an hour and a half to clear immigration. Just as we were about to ring the Hôtel he appeared with his “Padel Nepal” sign. This was an indication of the chaotic road journey to come. Choking smog, dust and fumes. No hint of any road rules or procedures. Triple overtaking was the norm. Upcoming talks: 21st April Turner Tours Ltd Open Boat Expedition to Canada by Keith Steer 28th April Bowron Lakes by Ian Bell Club YouTube Link…… 5th May Sea kayaking in East Greenland by Jim Krawiecki Club YouTube Link… 12th May Circumnavigation of Menorca by Pete Thomas Club YouTube Link… 19th May Hiking the Te Araroa trail in New Zealand by Hannah Bellamy Club YouTube Link……. 26th May Sun Khosi River of Gold by Jenny Brown and Chris Thompson 2nd June Greenland revisited by Jim Krawiecki 9th June Walking through the Tobeatic with canoes on our heads by Roger Coleman 16th June Constrains led approach in coaching […]

River Weaver – Runcorn Rowing Club to Dutton Locks by John Vogler (Approximately 11.5 miles for the return trip) Having never been on the Weaver before this proved to be a very nice day out on flat water in generally scenic surroundings, Leaving Runcorn and passing under the M56 and then an interesting swing bridge at Sutton the river quickly becomes rural and the countryside could be almost anywhere in England. Towards Dutton you pass under a long Victorian railway viaduct which carries main line traffic from Runcorn. Dutton Locks are a stopping point and there are picnic facilities and easy egress at river left just before the lock. The Canal and River trust provide this with a rubber-lined landing and a set of steps to a footpath. The put on and off at Runcorn Rowing Club is easy to use with a lot of parking at the rear of the club houses. There were a number of flat-water racers training on the river and some rowing sculls and everybody was friendly. A key point to note is that access to Runcorn Rowing Club (Cholmondeley Road, Runcorn –post code WA7 4XT) is only from the northbound carriageway of the A557. There used to be a roundabout, it appears, but no longer. Our old sat nav became horribly confused and sent us off in the direction of Manchester therafter urging us to go round in circles. Apart from this, the Weaver provides a relaxing local paddle which is every bit as good as a trip down the Dee from Chester. John Vogler

Mark Garrod and Steve Alcock Joined us from Chester Weir for this Sundays Virtual Canoe Club Gathering.    It would be great to hear short reports of anyone who has managed to get out paddling responsibly over the past few days. I know Roger Coleman and Dereck Connolly were on the Weaver Navigation from Runcorn Rowing Club yesterday.   All travelled separately in their own cars as per the guidance – rather a good job as Rogers battery was flat and needed a little charge! Lots of details for local paddles here: https://liverpoolcanoeclub.co.uk/venues/Local%20Paddles/ Please send any reports or photos to website@liverpoolcanoeclub.co.uk