Junior Club Trip to Chester Weir 3rd April 2022

We met at the compound to prepare for the first Junior Club trip away from the docks since before March 2020. There was a sense of anticipation in the air as this was the first time out on a river for nearly all the paddling Juniors and their parents.

After a crash course in securing boats to cars, we all drove to Sandy Lane where our volunteer leaders were all prepared and ready.

Setting off in 2 groups, we paddled the lovely stretch down to the weir, admiring the grand houses, the boat houses and the numerous rowing clubs. And of course the house with all the funny statues.

Once at the weir, each Junior took on the steps in turn. Everything was going well until Maddy got caught sideways on the second drop and capsized. Cold, but still smiling, she was dispatched to Chris’s motor home to warm up and meet Eric the dog.

We climbed the weir ready for a second run. 2 more capsizes were quickly helped back into their boats and at least one of these was among the last few who were keen to take a 3rd and final trip down the steps before the rising tide washed the feature out.

Time had flown and we paddled back to Sandy Lane with smiles on our faces. All the juniors had tested themselves in a new environment and were already keen to hear ideas for future trips.

Huge thanks to volunteers Steve Alcock, Chis Marsden, Ian Colwyn and John Cook, without whom this trip would not have been possible.

Richard.

Junior Coordinator.