Tower Hamlets Canoe Club

We are planning to do a one day trip on Sunday 9th March with open canoes and kayaks.
For example on the Thames near Teddington, on the Arun (I hope this was the right name) in Sussex or when we have big problems with the logistic on the canal from limehouse basin. Any other ideas??? 
If you want to take part please help to organise it, for example to get enough cars to transport boats and people. Does anyone has a car to drive with a trailer? Are there nice pubs where we can stop for a break?
Hope we will have a great day
Gudrun

Hi Gudrun,

I am up for this.  One suggestion is to go around the Hertford loop.  see:

River Lea (Hertford Loop) - Wikipaddle

This has the pros that is is not far from London ; but, the cons that there are a number of weirs which probably require portage.  The condidions should be a good fit for a 2* trip.

Regards

Rob
 

 

Hi Gudrun,

I will not be able top make the trip (sigh...) but I am more than happy to help to organize it.

Seems like Chris is the only one so far to offer a help with transporting kayaks, and he is not available that weekend (his availability on Sat 9 Feb, 1/2 March, 15/16 March).

I missed a big chunk of yesterday's pub talk (sooorrry guys!) - do we have a person who kindly offered a car for that weekend?

If no - who can help?

Klaudia

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Happy Paddling:)

K

This sounds interesting, I may well like to come but would like some more info before I commit myself.  I have my own car but as it's only a fiesta, probably not much use for transporting kayaks although I may be able to give people a lift if required.  Hertford Loop sounds good as it's not to far to go and would probably be fairly easy to drive to.

Russell

Subject to work & other commitments: happy to come along and sign off trip organisation section for 2 star if needed.  Possibly more if need be? mix & match kayak/canoe could possibly cover the whole 2 star for those interested?  Or hole, subject to wier running, thing!

In theory each 2 star candidate has to organise a trip!!!  However if working as a team and can prove you understadn the logistics, hazards & requirements of the trip, perhaps could sign off more???

Personally; No tow bar though and not very practical roof bars! If anyone has a tow bar we can take the basin trailor which can take open canoes & kayaks.

Horns mill weir should be fun to run in open canoes   Although actually Castle weir looks do-able (bring rope, throw lines, buoyancy aids, first aid kit, heli evac, etc...)!

9th March currently free.  If you are Amrerican or Canadian you can save a daylight hour that day (apparently). 

 

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Jon

Intresting points.  This raises the question of what other equiptment than kayaks/canoes, spray decks, paddles, and wet gear we need.

I am guseeing, and would appreciate any guidance, that we will need in addition at least one of

Throw rope.

First aid kit.

1 pair slips

1 tow line or equivlent

1 or more mobile phone (assuming the VHF radio is not needed we are afterall going some where in England so mobiles work practically everywhere).

If more than 6(?) 2*s come then we may need additional throw lines and slips?

Any comments appreciated.

 

Rob

 

 

I suggested trip with put-in/take-out on the Arun in West Sussex.  For a couple of reasons

good scenic paddle

a little challenge, in that it is marginally tidal, so timings to be done

I've done it before - some local knowledge

Luke, the open kayak rep lives near by and may be persuaded to come along. He does have an open canoe down there, so that may help with the getting-boats-there conundrum.

Both Arundel and Pullborugh  are on the railway line out of Victoria/London Bridge.

It's also close to my house - about 45 minutes. ;-))

Cheers

 

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Nick

Hi all

 

Another alternative, as Helen suggested a scenic bimble!?! with picnic, how about a trip on this section of the Thames.

http://tinyurl.com/2f6hpa

Starting from Staines the full return trip to Windsor would be 15 miles which I believe is a full day’s paddle so we could cut it short if necessary.

Staines is near the M25 so about an hour by car from central London or the train station (from Waterloo) is only ½ mile away.

 

Start/finish point:

http://www.beerintheevening.com/pubs/s/20/20492/Swan_Hotel/Staines

Pub has a car park or use supermarket/industrial estate 2 minutes away.

 

David 

 

No reason why you can't do all of them.  I'm sure there are plenty of people needing 2 star.

Rob; re kit, other considerations might be, food, drink, clothing - rain/sun protection.  Likely weather.

Also access & shuttles (if not a circular trip).  Portage trolleys? if open canoe.  I think that's it, you got most of it. 

Throw lines aren't essential on flat water trips but can come in handy particulary when open canoeing. Or if you run out of straps for the roof bars.

No doubt which ever instructor takes you on the trip will give some help and pointers. I've probably forgotton things.

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Jon

Has anyone thought about doing the medway(non tidal bit) There`s a few locks to get around  which is no big deal plus  a canoe chute which is fun and it is not that far out of london.

Pete.

 

Clearly one benefit (perhaps the only one) of the BCU changes means we can look forward to plenty of flat water trips and picnics organised by the 2 star candidates this summer.

On the longer trips that I come on people can also learn how to tow.  

A few years ago we paddled from Godmanchester to the other side of Cambridge, which was a good trip.  Have uploaded a few photos.  That's not ET hiding under the blanket by the way it's Sean.

You have to contact someone for access on this one to paddle along the backs of the colleges.  Well worth it though.

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Jon

Thanks for kicking this off Gudrun.  Hope you are succeeding with delegating some tasks.  I have put the date in my calendar. 

 I can take 4 boats including one for myself and three passengers.

I Am Defiantly up for the trip, providing i don't have to work, i'm also willing to help out with organizing as well.

Regarding Logistics, i have a splitter Van but there is not much room for boats, and no tow bar, so that may not be much use.

 Joe
 

Hi ,Gudrun,

We have a vehicle with roof rack and  tow bar  if needed, but we are only just 2*s.  Before committing I would need to check the dates with work and providing the trip is not too advanced we would like to come along.

 Roger and Alison  

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Roger and Alison Lawrence

Hi Gudrun

 Sorry for the error in the previous email, we have only recently qualified as 1*'s and training for 2*.

Roger and Alison

 

 

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Roger and Alison Lawrence