Easter weekend – Good Friday sea paddle  After a planning session on Thursday evening when maps were perused and tide timetables checked, a decision to paddle from a layby on the A828 to Appin was made. A 9am sea kayakers huddle took place with instructions and trip plans before the convoy set off to find the get in. The day promised sunshine, calm water and light winds, and our trip actually included paddling with the tide each way. Due to the large size of the group, our sea leader (Ian Bell) encouraged a buddy system to make it easier to keep tabs on 12 people with a range of experience on the water. Will there be wildlife was a question at the beginning of the day – the answer was yes as porpoise, seals and sea birds were spotted on the leisurely paddle to Appin. The water was flat calm and the beach at Appin was soon reached. We enjoyed a leisurely lunch stop with some of the group contributing to local economy by frequenting the café/restaurant before a gentle paddle back to the cars via Castle Stalker.

Scotland Bank holiday Easter Club Trip Day 3 Falls of Lora by Sarah Gille It was Easter Sunday and the hostel woke to decision making and weather watching. River boaters split into 2 groups today. One of which set off to paddle the Spean gorge led by Ian bell. (In his river boat – not his sea kayak (lol)) while our group set off to have a bash at Falls of Lora. His is a kind of tide race passing under a bridge which forms large play waves. When we arrived, it was clear that it would be an epic day as all the names and faces of the playboating world started to arrive. Don’t ask me who- but one had long curly hair, there was expensive carbon playboats and a Pyranha van. As we waited for the waves to build, we saw 3 seals playing just upstream. Is it up steam because it’s the sea? Roy and David could not contain their excitement so hopped on early to get familiar with the water and show the professionals how it’s done. Next with Craig on bank watch myself, rich, Liz and Aleksander made the seal launch into the sea. Does this count as sea kayaking, I wondered? I was defiantly cracking it. We all bounced down the massive waves safely and for me with absolutely no skill or grace and regrouped in the eddy under the bridge partition and watched the pros at work surfing the first wave. They even cued in a neat and orderly line. As the featured developed people started to climb out around the bridge partition and get in again as more waves formed slightly up stream/sea?? One of them looked amazing – apparently called the eternity wave. The waves where far too big and scary […]

Scotland Bank holiday Easter Club Trip Day 3 by Kirk Williams Haven’t paddled the Spean Gorge for a while and although levels were low, they were up a bit from Saturday and we knew people had a decent day then an intrepid team of John C, Ian B, Mark B, Jenny B, Chris T and Kirk decided to give it a go. Shuttle done so all cars at the get out (thanks Marianne) the put in at the Spean Bridge Woollen Mill was a bumpy bony experience but we managed to get moving without too much muscle strain. The first rapid of note is the Fairy Steps, a series of small but significant drops as the name suggests. The team managed to negotiate each step with no major problems but some nervous grins…. The river now moves into the gorge section proper and narrows significantly. We scouted and navigated a few more tight flows and small drops between the rocks, each providing interesting opportunities for practicing our river leading skills, line of sight etc We arrived at one of the key rapids on the river, the infamous Headbanger, and as usual portaged this after having a good look at it and talking confidently about how we would run it if we dared! The portage doesn’t remove all the fun as it comes with a tricky seal launch, either into a tight turn drop with a submerged tree or from pretty high up on the rocks. Both options were exercised, some with style! Much fun was had at a 1+ metre pour over/drop that managed to tail end a few big river boats, and Ian excelled himself by getting his nose stuck in an undercut, side surfing the hole and eventually pulling a 180 nose pirouette to successfully escape its clutches […]

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.

Club weekends and major events for the Club 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) 6th – 19th April 2019 Nepal Sun Khosi River Trip (Kayaking and Rafting) – coordinator Keith Steer 18th April to 22nd April 2019 Easter Bank Holiday Scotland Trip based at Blackwater Hostel – Click for more and to book a place…. 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. 4th – 11th May 2019 Arisaig – Sea Kayaking Day trips – coordinator John Fay. 17th – 19th May 2019 Anglesey Weekend #1 Click for more and to book a place – based at Tyn Rhos Trearddur Bay – coordinator Peter Massey. 24th – 27th May 2019 Pembroke Bank Holiday Weekend Click for more information and to book a place – based at Newgale Campsite – coordinator Jenny Brown. 25th May – 1st June 2019 Sardinia Sea Kayaking Click for more information – coordinator Kirk Williams 8 – 9th June 2019 Trywern and camping Weekend – coordinator John Cook 14 – 16th June 2019 Anglesey Junior Club Weekend #2 Click for more and to book a place – based at Anglesey Outdoors LL65 2LP  coordinator Keith Steer. 7th July 2019 Hilbre Island Race – Club event for all More information…….. Why not give one of the courses a go. 12th – 14th July 2019 Anglesey Weekend #3 Click for more and to book a place – based at Bodfan Farm, Rhosneigr  – coordinator Jenny Brown. 19th July to 4th August 2019 Alpine Holiday […]

Paddling the Lower Karnali River, Western Nepal, November/December 2018 by Roy McHale The Lower Karnali River had been on my hit list for a while and I finally got the chance to paddle it after I convinced several other Liverpool Canoe Club members to join me on the adventure. The team consisted of myself, Tom Morris, Mark Young, Nathan Marsden and Rich & Liz Reeves. We decided to use a company called Paddle Nepal, who the club have used  previously, to supply kayaks and organise the logistics of getting to the river which is situated in Nepal’s remote western region. The Karnali is Nepal’s longest river and along with its tributaries drains most of the far west of Nepal, the Wild West as many people call it. Tom, Mark, Nathan and I flew from London Heathrow to Delhi then onto Kathmandu. We had a pretty good flight with Jet Airlines and arrived on the Saturday before the trip started the following Tuesday. In order to fill the days before the trip we had arranged to go to a river festival called the “Himalayan White-Water Challenge”. Read the full report here………..