You might be interested to know that you can sign up (free) with the Channel Coastal Observatory to have email alerts when the waves exceed certain conditions. There are a number of buoys on the network with one at  Gwynt y Mor in Liverpool Bay. Go to the link below and click on the “Alerts system – receive custom alerts from the observatory” option. You can then set a wave height and/or wave period to trigger an email when the sea state reaches that level. http://www.channelcoast.org/data_management/real_time_data/charts/ he system is real-time so only alerts you to the current conditions rather than a forecast.

Finally got 13 year old Harvey to edit the last surf’s of the year. Please have a look, like and subscribe. There’s loads of kayak and canoe vids on there.

After warming up on the Leven we headed over to the River Kent, after leaving a car we missed the turn to Scroggs weir and had to take short detour. We were soon on the river which was at a medium – high level.  Soon it wound its way down to the start of the gorge section at Hawes Lane.  The first drop was plesant enough.  At S bends we stopped in the rapid above and shot it one by one.   There was an enormous hole on outside of the bend which claimed a few casulties including Leannes paddle which disappeared in a stopper lower down.  We fished for it for a good while with a weighted throw line but the current was far too strong.   (Leanne was reunited with her paddle a week later after a post on UK Rivers Guide) Lower down the gorege opens up and a nasty small scour weir has to be shot with extreme caution on river right (Scrape the wall – there is a very large but inconspicuous recirculation). We later egressed above the L shaped weir and infamous Force Falls. Leanne, Sara, Hannah, Ian, Nick and Keith More Photos……..

It was a bit grim first thing but fortunately the ‘monsoon’ rain stopped and eventually the sun came out.  We had 22 paddlers in 13 kayaks and 2 canoes.  Not a bad turn out for such a miserable beginning. Music was provided by Craig Ford, a selection of Xmas songs, and we started off to Bing Crosby’s “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas”.  We were the only traffic on the water apart from one solo rower and we certainly brightened up the docks with our multi coloured outfits and wonderful assortment of Santa hats. After a paddle around the Albert Dock we stopped at the Bandstand slipway in Salthouse Dock for about half an hour where everyone enjoyed a good munch, chat and much laughter.  Food appeared from nowhere – mince pies, cakes, seasonal biscuits etc.  Cameras were clicking from all angles particular from the visitors who were very interested in our little band of Santas. There was quite a festive mood, particularly from 3 young ladies!!! – Nadja, Sue and Irene – who were decidedly ‘merry’ after the mulled wine!!! and would insist on showing off their dancing skills. Then it was time to leave so our little convoy set off again to more music and a “ca ts chorus”  from some very vocal enthusiastic singing paddlers! We arrived back at the slipway, all safe and sound, about 12.50 pm.  After putting all the boats away everyone agreed that the morning had been great fun and very jolly.  Following “Seasons Greetings” being heard across the slipway eventually everyone left having thoroughly enjoyed our annual festive Christmas Paddle. Kayakers:  Martin, Carol, Nikki, Christopher, Emily.  John & Chris Fay & Penny, Keira & Courtney.  Sarah, Dom, Ian.  Craig, Nadja & Aleksander Ford.  John & Matthew Ennis.  Bob, Sue, Irene &  Julie.  […]

Everything was high so a call was sent out for anyone interested in paddling grade 3/4 on the weekend.  6 of us finally met up at Starbucks at junction 3 of the M57 (This is an ideal meeting place for anyone heading north to paddle).   Boats thrown on / in a couple of cars and we were off. We scouted Backbarrow bridge on the way –  it looked very high and decided on a shorter run getting out at the woodmill.   Brick shoot weir was quite big and boily but gave some of us a little bit of fun as we tried to get on the first wave.   The next drop was a very large hole rather than a drop but we all popped out on the other side. We surfed and played our way down the remaining rapids.  There was no stopping on the graveyard section giving a bouncy run down to the bottom. Leanne, Sara, Hannah, Ian, Nick and Keith More Photos……..

LCC SEA KAYAK PADDLE TO Hilbre Island West Kirby Sun 7th Jan 2018 Meet at West Kirby Sailing club slipway at 1300hrs prompt. Winds 10mph E HT 1450hrs 9.0m Hilbre paddle today. Good show of over 20 boats and perfect conditions. Roll on the next one Karl. Peter Massey 23 paddlers took to the water for a visit to Hilbre Island West Kirby Sun 7th Jan.     Thanks to everyone involved for working as a team and the great support to achieve such a hassle free day. Karl Tattum More Photos……….

Congratulations to the champions: Kieran Sinnott – Paddle rolling and Hand Rolling Fiona Gardener – Paddle rolling Joel White – Spinning tops Karen Eley – Bar Rolls (Pool Edge) Fiona Gardener – T Rescues (Boat)

Ladies Canoe Polo League – round 2 at Cheadle Second tournament done and dusted, won 4, lost one. Going well ladies. 💪💪💪💪👊  

A total of 22 paddlers arrived at the compound and began decorating kayaks and canoes for this years Xmas Docks Paddle. Not a bad turn out considering the pouring rain. But not discouraged by the inclement weather the group soon set off after first being treated to a demonstration of seal launching from the wooden decking by Craig and young Aleksander Ford. The group, dressed in traditional red and white, moved steadily through the docks system and into the Albert Dock drawing attention from the visiting public. After a brief paddle around the dock and a rolling demonstration this time by Sarah Gill the group headed for the slipway at the carousel. One by one kayaks and Canoes were hauled onto dry land and lots of festive goodies were unloaded. Cakes of every description, mince pies, sausage rolls and mulled wine were passed around. Sarah even offered “camel droppings” which seemed quite popular with the group. The mulled wine quickly took effect on Nadia, Sue and Irene who burst into an impromptu dance routine. Britain’s got Talent watch out!! The winter sun was now shining down making it quite pleasant at the slipway. The atmosphere, regardless of the weather, was of course great. A group photo was taken after waiting for Sarah who was paddling a new Scorpio mk2 HV sea kayak on test by Dom Fahey. Could this be a change of discipline for Sarah?? Threats of blackmailing her with the photographic evidence could be heard as Sarah guided the kayak in. After filling up with goodies the group headed back and the 2017 Xmas Docks Paddle came to an end. A really nice paddle with excellent company. Report by – John Fay   More photos……

Christmas Rolling competition (Round 1) 11th December 2017 Roll Hand roll  T Rescue  (Boat) T Rescue  (Side) X Rescue Robin Emley 7 11 Nick Coughlin 7 James Strettle 10 Dave Gentle 8 Stuart Conway 4 Scott Gibson 11 Dominic Fahey 10 Fiona Gardener 6

I probably don’t need to tell anyone it was cold but… in a wet suit with wet boots its another level 😂. To compound matters I tore my neck seal on the cag while stretching it over my fat head 😏. With only short daylight hours we set off from the beach just before Penmon Priory and headed east toward Puffin island. I could see breaking waves ahead in the channel so we tentatively entered, in the back of my mind was the knowledge that I cannot under any circumstances fall in, so feeling less brave than usual we picked our way through the smaller swells to the island. On approach we were greeted by the sight of a hundred seals all hauled out on the shrinking beach. It wasn’t long before curiosity got the better of them and we were surrounded😀😀. We detoured on the way back across to visit the light house before being rewarded with the glimpse of about 3 porpoises fishing in the tide race. A nice hot lunch was had on the beach (where I decided to leave my camera for the night🤢) and just before leaving I boiled up some seawater to pour in to my boots!! A short but very rewarding paddle and a chill out weekend..literally 😂😂    

I am looking for expressions of interest for anyone who is thinking of joining the Alpine Paddling Holiday in July/ August 2018.   There are places available on the minibus or for you to make your own way out.  Either way, please just reply to the email indicating whether you are interested in a minibus place(s) or self-drive.  The location is ideal for both experienced and less experienced river paddlers.  Sections of Grade 2 to Grade 4+ (5)       More information……… Contact Keith Steer if you would like more information or want to go.

Each Christmas we hold a rolling competition with club members trying to complete as many rolls as they can in 30 seconds.  There are different categories (Fastest X Rescue, Paddle rolls and hand rolls in 30 seconds).  It is very informal – Just see Dave Reynolds or Dominic Fahey at the pool (Monday 11th and Monday 18th December 2017) and they will record your attempt.  You are allowed as many goes as you like.  To book Monday 11th December session click here…….. Please note that if a pool session does not appear on the calendar or booking page then it is not available as the pools have early closing of over Christmas. Halewood Canoe Polo pool (Tuesday 12th and Tuesday 19th December 2017) If you fancy developing your paddling skills just book on and come along – everything you need is at the pool.  We are always looking for new paddlers to have a go at canoe polo.   To book Tuesday 12th December session click here…….. Broadgreen pool (Tuesday 12th and Tuesday 19th December 2017) Junior and parents sessions.  To book Tuesday 12th December session click here……..

Hi All, In an attempt to streamline the renewal process we have for the last year we have experimented with a recurring subscription method of membership.  While this has been successful for many, a large number of members have had problems during this process.  Consequently we are from today reverting to the old membership system where you log in to the website and pay online each year.   Please note your membership always starts from your renewal date so please feel free to pay before the date of renewal (just click renew account when logged in).  You will never lose any days by paying in advance. This process will start from today so all those that have recently paid by recurring subscriptions are valid members until their renewal date.  All will have their subscription cancelled over the next few days and will then have to pay manually each year (you should receive a reminder email a week or so before renewal but you can easily check renewal dates by logging in to the account manager – see below) Many thanks for your continuing membership of the canoe club Membership team If you have any problems renewing or upgrading your membership please contact: membership@liverpoolcanoeclub.co.uk  Membership Adult £20.00 An individual 18 or over Family £30.00 Adult and Spouse or partner living together and their children under 18 Junior £10.00 Individual under 18 (Must have parent or guardian present at all times) Vounteer Nominal fee eg Helping to run the club / on Stewardship group / Active Coach etc. If you would like to change to a volunteer membership please contact: membership@liverpoolcanoeclub.co.uk

Karl Leungs organised this weekend jaunt down the mighty river Severn.  We paddled from Shrewsbury Weir to Ironbridge on the first day enjoying a well earned stop at the Riverside Inn.  We made the 24 miles to Ironbridge just as dark fell on us.  Jackson rapids were run in twilight and head torches were needed to navigate to the boat inn and Coalport YHA were we either camped or enjoyed to luxury of the YHA. The next day we paddled the beautiful valley down to Bridgnorth aided by the swift flowing current.  It was great to see such a variety of boats on the river (opens, sea kayaks, inland tourers, white water boats) Paddlers comments Great paddling weekend and thanks to all for the support for the slower paddler and especially Gareth for taking Aleksander on board.  Not sure my shoulders will be the same after getting the Burn to the end though!  Great YHA venue. Thanks a bunch for organising a fun weekend paddling down the River Severn from Shrewsbury to Bridgnorth including a run through Jackfield Rapids just as the light was fading on Saturday night. A great time was had by all and I really enjoyed meeting some new club members.  Sign me and Carole up on the next trip please Karl. Hi everyone, I will like to say a big thank you to everyone for turning up this weekend for the Severn trip. Hope you are all home and safe, recuperating after the arduous 24 miles paddling on Saturday I know it was a tough one but you all completed the journey, helping each other as we paddle down to Coalport. Fantastic trip, on a beautiful river, thank you for organising, perfect timings and a good night at the YHA in Coalport.  I have this picture – always helps to carry a […]

Treats Galore at the Halloween Paddle! Sunday 29th October 2017 At the Halloween paddle there were lots of people dressed up and boats decorated for the occasion. There were wolves, zombies, scary masks and even fake blood! Some boats were decorated with stickers, flags and balloons, there was even a boat decorated with flowers!   We paddled to the slipway by the Albert Dock where we shared cakes, buns, treacle toffee and sweets. Then we paddled around the Albert Dock. It was surprising to see that many people were taking photos and films of us. Maybe we scared them! My favourite part was when we shared the treats. From Poppy and Ella