We arrived at Chateau-loo and headed over to look at the gorge. It looked a little different to Helen’s description: quite a fast flow around some rocks, over in 5 mins, easier than the challenging lines of the Middle Guil we’d just conquered. If was actually a torrent of bubbling blue through a gap just wide enough for a paddler to fit through with a technical entry through what is best described as a rock garden. 6 of us headed to the get in. After a deep breath I followed Ian off the bank into the river. I could picture the line in my head, but stared at the rock I wanted to manoeuvre round, hit it and pinged off backwards down the other side of the river than the side I wanted to be on. Some emergency paddling got me facing forwards again as I entered what I’ll call the loo pan and into the V that was the start of the u-bend. From this point on the only option was to go with the flow and ride the wobbles as they came. I had 3 thoughts as I got flushed…. My support strokes seem to be working ok, please don’t give up on me now. I seem to be managing to react with low braces, Keith won’t be able to comment on high paddles today. There’s Keith and Ian, don’t take your eye off them and you’ll be in that eddy in seconds. Stay focused, you can do it, just ignore every rock, boil and bubble that pops up in front of you. Phew into the eddy panting with fear and shaking with relief. I’d been successful flushed! Shortly followed by a boat, body and 3 more kayakers we had moments breath and continued on. Helen said that was the […]

All, there is a Welsh government review into access to water in Wales. It is VITAL that as many paddlers or water users respond to this. For those new to the sport, some context: 1930’s onwards people believed you needed permission to paddle on rivers. Fishermen didn’t like sharing and even managed to persuade some policy makers / judges that this is the case. Access agreements were occasionally formulated, always in favour of fishermen, but many (most) rivers remained off limits. example of an access agreement included the river Dee above llangollen, which allowed about 4 days use per year. Quality agreements were limited. Attempts to make sharing more equal was rebuffed by the fishing lobby. They even managed to have access to water removed from the right to roam act. Late 90’s / Early 00’s – a doctoral thesis suggested that there is a right to navigate all rivers. A seperate government study found that paddlesports do not disturb fish. After more attempts to make access agreements fairer, including a government attempt that actually REDUCED access whilst attempting to improve access, Paddlesport bodies diecided to ignore them. Legal position of access is disputed. Welsh government is reviewing again. So far the well organised committees of Countryside Alliance have made 600 submissions AGAINST access (be careful, their stratergy appears pro access but it is not) Dissorganised paddler who would rather just paddle, have made 12 submissions to improve access. PLEASE help!!!!!!! Respond to the survey below. FURTHER, if possible, please write to the Welsh Assembly to tell them why access matters. A pro forma example letter will be distributed late August. NB – be very careful if liking the the countryside alliance posts / comments re access, they actually want to REDUCE access. Mike (you might have to cut and […]

A very pleasant and easy run, dropping into a flattish section of the Durance that ends at the St. Clément slalom site.  There used to be some intricate navigation to reach the put-in, which was epic with a trailer, but there is a new dirt-track road which makes even a cycle shuttle fairly benign. After a rainy night the sun broke through and we set off to the river with the spikey mountains. The drive down to the get in was a bit scarey as we passed some precariously balanced rocks that were soon to be eroded into the valley below.  We got changed into our storm soaked kit and split into 2 teams to head down the river. We bounced along and played in a few waves as we passed some brave rock climbers and a 100m waterfall. We were all having a lovely time. Soon we reached the cloudy strorm drenched river on the durance and continued our journey of the day. More Photos……

“The Sunshine run” The Durance from St. Clément down to Embrun is a fine introduction to bigger water (especially in the afternoon). You can get off above the Rabioux wave, which is the only serious drop, and either portage it, or finish. Or inspect (or not) and take your chances – but be warned, there are always a lot of spectators to cheer your run, whether it ends in success or a swim! After a relaxing lunch-stop at St Clement’s, the shuttle to Embrun completed (thanks, Marianne), the thirteen of us set out on the yellowy flood water. The swift flowing river meant that gaps between rapids were never too long and the rapids themselves had fewer rocks to scrape over and lots of large wave trains. The high level made for some squirrely water, causing Dom a surprise swim on our fun trip down to the Rabioux wave. Once eddied out above the Rab, we took it one at a time to make the run, Keith signalling from below.   A wide left run-in was favoured by many, resulting in some last minute adjustments and a couple of swims. Kit and kayakers re-united, we wasted no time getting on with the journey; wave trains were now bigger and the water just as squirrelly. Frequent waves, haystacks and small stoppers made for a fast, fun paddle down to the Embrun wave. Hannah was caught out by the increased tow-back from the now swollen stopper, but soon got herself into an eddy to be re-united with her kayak. Various members off the group got themselves back up to the wave for some play-boating. All was going well until Helen took a tumble out of her kayak. Valiantly swimming her kayak into the main flow, Helen began a long swim-cum-group rescue effort. […]

Upstream from Briançon among the ski resorts of Serre Chevalier is a long run on generally easy water which may be too low early in the day. There is one long rapid, S-bend – which is harder (possible portage on the left) and has few break-outs, but is essentially a big bouncy boulder garden when the water is at a reasonable level.  We ran the river in four groups as there are few eddies or stopping places on this fast Alpine toboggan run.  Bertrand, a local French paddler asked to join us in the car park and he joined the first group.  From Lille, where there is a small artificial slalom course, he tried to get every eddy and mostly succeeded. There was enough water in the river to make the run down through the town of Le Monêtier-les-Bains interesting and bouncy.  Next we came to the S-bends just before the village of Les Guibertes.   The level was lower than normal – there  were several hard moves round boulders at the entry to the rapid which required a little concentration.  We ran the rapid and most picked out the right line (further right on entry) and had no mishaps.   We re-grouped at the raft get in at Le Freyssinet and continued on down through the small villages of the valley to meet the minibus at Chantemerle. After lunch most retured to the campsite to paddle on the slalom course while a few paddled on down the Lower Guisane to the pre-positioned car.   Later that day the skies darkened and we were hit by a large thunder and lightening storm.  Pitch one had now had the new addition of a small swimming pool in the middle of it – bonus. More Photos….

Club weekends and major events for the Club 2017 to 2018 – for more detail check the online Club Calendar….. 22 – 24th September 2017 Anglesey Weekend #4 Click for more and to book a place – based at Outdoor Alternative Rhoscolyn  – coordinator Peter Massey. 11th October 2017 Club AGM and paddler of the year Awards (Talk from the Alps trip) 27 – 29th October 2017 Dave Blake 5 O weekend at Anglesey Outdoors 8th November 2017 Real Paddling Film Festival (World Tour of films) More information…….. 29th March to 2nd April 2018 Easter Bank Holiday Scotland Trip based at Blackwater Hostel – Click for more and to book a place…. 31st March – 14th April 2018 Nepal Sun Kosi River Trip – coordinator Keith Steer. 29th April 2018 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 – 6th May 2018 Anglesey Weekend #1  Click for more and to book a place – based at Tyn Rhos Trearddur Bay  – coordinator Peter Massey. 25 – 28th May 2018 Pembroke Bank Holiday Weekend Click for more and to book a place – based at Whitesands Camping  – coordinator Jenny Brown. 15 – 17th June 2018 Anglesey Junior Club Weekend #2 Click for more and to book a place – based at Anglesey Outdoors LL65 2LP – coordinator Keith Steer. 29th June – 1 July 2018 Anglesey Weekend #3 Click for more and to book a place – based at Bodfan Farm, Rhosneigr  – coordinator Jenny Brown. 15th July 2018 Hilbre Island Race – Club event for all  More information…….. 20th July to 5th August 2018 Alpine Holiday Alpine Rivers Holiday – Briancon France  Coordinator Keith Steer 16th to 30th August 2018 Sea Kayak Alaska – Coordinator Keith Steer 27th to 30th September 2018 Anglesey Weekend #4 Click for more and to book a place – based at Outdoor Alternative Rhoscolyn  – coordinator Peter Massey.

The Ubaye Racecourse – Martinet to Le Lauzet The Ubaye Racecourse is the classic Ubaye run. A consistent stretch of class 3+ to 4 whitewater with fun big and bouncy rapids and surprisingly warm water. 15 rapids in quick succession, including named rapids like Dent de Requin (Shark’s Tooth) and Rouleau de Printemps (Spring Roll) make this section a must for your kayaking bucket list. The scenery is outstanding with views over the wooded valley, and at the end of the descent the river narrows through a sheer sided gorge. Put-in at the rafting base just past Le Martinet. Take out below Le Lauzet at La Source campsite. Class: IV. Gradient: 15 m/km. Flow: 30 m³/s. Paddling time: 2 hours. Distance: 8 km. Best months: May to July. The best way to describe this river is big boulders and bouncy all the way. The team split into 4 groups and set off down the pinball course. The views were stunning, the rapids fairly continuous and the rafts were numerous. One raft guide flaunting pink bikini bottoms over his wetsuit shorts seemed to be more than happy to help empty boats for the girls. This was the first day without a chilly breeze making every wave train a refreshing splash. We got to the Roman Bridge for a group photo with 1 more rapid to go. Or so Ian said! There were at least 3 more rapids with a tricky bend alongside the gorge that caught us off guard. Gibbo thought we’d lost Hannah to Narnia as she went onto the wall and temporarily disappeared. While waiting for the shuttle we were impressed by the ‘French approach’. Leaving the van and trailer at the get out and whipping out a mini-motorbike to shoot back to the get in. I guess this is only one step up from Keith on a bike and a motorbike would never make it in […]

St Clement to Embrun 20km What an experience, my first river in France! It was certainly one I’ll never forget. After an early morning wake up, we had a quick shuttle to St Clement. While the bus shuttle was happening myself and many others took on the rapids before preparing ourselves for the river ahead (Lower Durance). The shuttle back finally arrived and we all headed off; some headed to the slalom course and others headed straight down towards the Rabioux wave. After a long paddle and many play waves the group finally assembled at the Rabioux wave. First time for many, all the LCC group took on the challenge… it was certainly the hardest I have paddled. After the safety team had set up, the whole team made their way to the wave. A few swims later, (many less than previous years , I believe) we all came out full of confidence and ready to continue.  A few memorable moments from the Rabioux that may be shown via GoPro from Sarah Gille. We decided to have a lunch stop at the side of the wave which quickly turned into a WWSRT, with some throwline coaching from the professionals, we all felt confident at the end. A huge lesson learnt for me… pack my own throwline before hitting the wave (I had a small telling off). Anyway, after waiting for Graeme and Mark, we finally continued to make our way down the river, a large group but a very organised and well trained group. Some very good waves and many more rolls followed before finally hitting the Embrun wave. It was another challening wave that many member of the group played and surfed. After playing for a good 30 minutes we decided to head down to the get out. At […]

On Tuesday we set of on a two day adventure to the Verdon Gorge. After doing a supermarket shop the day before, we packed up the minibus and set of bright an early for the four hour drive. We arrived about midday, unfortuntately to find that the river that usually releases on a Tuesday wasn’t to release because of the drought. This didnt dampen our spirits though, as the Verdon Gorge is one of the world’s greatest areas of ourstandng natural beauty and it was definitely worth going just to see it! We found a little stoney beach (which we marked as a good place for our wild camp that night) and settled down for lunch and a relaxing afternoon in the sunshine, swimming an reading. Later that afternoon we headed off to swim a popular part of the gorge. Dressed in our paddling kit, we floated down rapids (feet up, bums high to miss the rocks!), swam though syphons and even jumped off rocks into the deeper water below. After a climb up the gorge and through the mountain tunnels, we set off on a scenic drive to the highest viewpoint of the Gorge, to see Europe’s Grand Canyon-an abslutely stunning spectacle. The Gorges Du Verdon (in French: Les Gorges du Verdon or Grand canyon du Verdon), in south-eastern France (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence), is a river canyon that is often considered to be one of Europe’s most beautiful. It is about 25 kilometres long and up to 700 meters deep. It was formed by the Verdon River, which is named for its startling turquoise-green colour, one of the location’s distinguishing characteristics. The most impressive part lies between the towns of Castellane and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, where the river has cut a ravine to a depth of 700 metres through the limestone mass. At the end of the canyon, the Verdon River flows into the artificial lake of Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon (in French: Lac de […]

After lunch we set off in the van round the twisty roads with great views into the gorge below. The drop below was just a little wooden fence away. The bike was dropped at the get out and we were off to the get in for the 2nd paddle of the day. A fast safe flow with lots of eddies to hop and waves to play in. Then there was the Keith v tree challenge – the tree won and Kieth rolled. He was just remindng us to avoid trees. Dom practised his technique of barging people out of eddies and team mamba started a tag team hi-fiving as they weaved in and out of the eaddies together. It was then back to camp via the supermarket to stock up for the 2 day adventure to follow. More Photos……..

1st river of the day…. Low water levels made a challenging paddle round rocks and little drops. We split into 3 groups, the average weight seemed to set the paddling rate of each team of pddlers as we scraped over some gravely sections. There were a couple of swims, but smiles all round. Off at the rickety bridge for lunch in the sun after Keith had cycled to retrieve the van. The plans for the next couple of days were discussed in detail and a plan was formulated for the afternoon paddle and for the next 2 days. More photos….

With calm conditions forecast and HW just before 11am, I launched from the Old Coastguard Station at 0840 for a scenic outing to Hilbre.  After crossing the shipping channel as “Kayak Robin”, I headed for Leasowe Lighthouse which is as far as I’d previously explored along the North Wirral Coast.  Wirral Lifeguards were patrolling the shore in a landrover type vehicle.  After hearing them sign on with Holyhead Coastguard, I called than up on Channel 16 to let them know of my presence.  They said they were already keeping an eye on me. I soon reached Hoylake slipway which presented a tranquil scene with quaint old boats moored nearby.  Despite it being around HW, water then started to become in short supply.  For next half mile or so, I splodged along in ankle deep water with the kayak following along behind.  [DSCN0530.jpg]  I eventually found some deeper water with Red Rocks to my left and Hilbre straight ahead.  While making that final crossing there were seals everywhere, too many to count. With the tide now ebbing, I didn’t want to risk the normal beach landing on Hilbre so continued around to the NW corner where there are some deep channels that are more suitable for latecomers. After a welcome break, I first headed NW, then N and NE so as to skirt around the end of the Wirral Peninsular.  A little way out, I could see two prominent green buoys which I though might mark the Rock Channel back to Liverpool.  Designated HE3 and HE2, I’ve since found that they mark the “Hilbre Swash”. With super calm conditions and the windfarm seemingly not far away, I decided to return to Crosby via a northerly route rather than staying close to the shore.  With the outgoing tide, I was drifting north […]

We unloaded all our kit and had set up camp at L` Argentiere La Bessee the night before.  After a lazy start and a food run the first paddle of the holiday was the Middle Durance. The brave got on at the campsite slalom course, picking up the less stupid at the bottom to set off down stream in the fast silty white/blue flow for 19km. Extra sun screen was applied part way down and the trees on the bends were mostly were avoided. The wind in our faces kept us cool in the hot sun. After no swims Keith got everyone in for throw line practise. The initial swim was a chilly wake-up. Although Keiran seemed to enjoy it as he went a few eddies lower than planned. We might need some more practise to improve our aim or less slalom poles to get in the way. After lunch in the sun the big kids went down the slide at the rolling pool to do another lap of the lower slalom course. Some of the others went to check out the canoe shop and Mark sampled the local blackcurrent crumble. It was then back to camp for dinner and BA sewing! More photos….

We are proposing to run a trip to Alaska in August 2018.  Provisional dates are 16th to 30 August but final dates will be determined by the cheapest days for flights.  The plan is to paddle a 12 day self-supported sea kayaking trip from Whittier.   We intend to visit a number of large tide water glaciers and several islands in Prince William Sound.  You must be prepared to camp from your boats for the whole of the trip and therefore you do need good camping skills. Approximate costs will be £500 + flights which were £900 in 2016. Provisional expressions of interest from current club members are requested by email.  Please include a very short summary of your experience if I have not paddled with you before.  Once I have this list of names more details will be circulated along with a chance to book. Keith Steer website@liverpoolcanoeclub.co.uk

We are proposing to run a trip to Nepal in April 2018.  Provisional dates are 31st March to 13 April but final dates will be determined by the cheapest days for flights.  The plan is to paddle the relatively easy Sun Koshi with a 9 day raft supported trip camping on the sandy beaches along the river. (No need to carry anything in the boats). Approximate costs will be £500 + flights which were £450 in 2016. Provisional expressions of interest from current club members are requested by email.  Please include a very short summary of your experience if I have not paddled with you before.  Once I have this list of names more details will be circulated along with a chance to book. Keith Steer website@liverpoolcanoeclub.co.uk