THCCwiki - User contributions [en]

Current Club Coaches and Leaders

2016-05-12T11:55:50Z

Myles:

{{NOTOC}}This page aims to summarise our member's coaching qualifications. Please update this page with missing or changed information.

=== Level 1 ===

* Alison Staite
* Esther Wheeler
* George Hewson
* Lars Hagenbuch
* Liz Sheridan
* Margarita Caretta
* Nick Jacobs
* Owen Box
* Robin Foote
* Steven Pike
* Toby Carr
* Tom Webster

=== Level 1 + Can assess 1 star ===

See: [[BCU One star assessor|How to qualify as a BCU One star assessor]]

* Chris Wride
* David Harkness
* Mark James
* Matt Lambert
* Phil Staite
* Matt Dicken

=== Level 2 (Can assess 1 and 2 star) ===

* Duncan Smith
* Luke Smallman
* Michal Madera
* Myles Molloy - Can also run FSRT courses
* Paul Shepherd
* Sarah Wallis

=== Level 2 (Can assess 1 and 2 star) + Moderate water endorsement (Can coach on moderate water) ===

* Charlie Skrine (can assess 3 star sea)
* Natalie Maderova (can assess 3 star sea)

White Water Skills on the basin

2014-11-12T13:57:15Z

Myles:

Recently there have been a number of people starting to paddle white water and wanting to practice skills on a Tuesday.

Whilst there isn't lots of moving water in the basin the principles can still be practiced and muscle memory built up.

I have found 3 different sites that have some useful skill drills that either coaches or people in the 3* groups may want to run through with people.

'''From Jackson Kayaks [http://jacksonkayak.com/blog/2012/03/12/40-minute-20-drill-flatwater-workout-for-whitewater-kayaking/ Blog]''' - 40 Minute, 20 Drill, Flatwater Workout for Whitewater Kayaking

1. Loosen hips by rocking kayak from side to side.
2. Rotate torso and hold paddle parallel to kayak while edging (raise knee on paddle side). Hold for 20 seconds each side, 3 sets.
3. Spin in a circle by taking repetitive forward sweeps on the same side. Spin in both directions.
4. Spin in a circle by alternating forward sweep / stern draw on the same side. Spin in both directions.
5. Spin in a circle alternating forward sweep / reverse sweep. Spin in both directions.
6. Stretch (crossbow for torso and forward lean for back) 3 sets of 20 seconds each.
7. Paddle in a straight line alternating forward strokes / forward sweeps, 100 yards.
8. Paddle in a straight line alternating forward strokes / stern draws 100, yards.
9. Paddle in a straight line alternating forward sweeps / stern draws 100, yards.
10. Paddle in a straight line alternating forward strokes / forward sweeps / stern draws, 100 yards.
11. Paddle in a straight line with constant edge held while forward stroking on the raised side and forward sweeping on the weighted side, 100 yards on each side.
12. Back paddle in a straight line alternating between reverse strokes / reverse sweeps, 20 yards.
13. Paddle in a straight line for five yards and then turn the kayak 90 degrees with a charc. Continue doing the same completing several laps in a square pattern, switch directions.
14. Paddle in a straight line for five yards and then turn the kayak 90 degrees with a bow draw. Continue doing the same completing several laps in a square pattern, switch directions.
15. Side draw the kayak 5 yards, 3 sets each side.
16. Paddle in a straight line and side slip the kayak, both directions.
17. Perform peelouts and eddyturns (C-turns) along the bank. Several laps each side.
18. Rolling.
19. Sprint in a straight line 100 yards. Complete four times.
20. Wind down by paddling in a straight line with the following pattern: forward stroke left, forward sweep right, stern draw left, forward stroke right, forward sweep left, stern draw right, 200 yards.

'''From Anna Levesque's [http://www.watergirlsatplay.com/blog/annas-flatwater-drills-for-improving-your-whitewater-kayaking-technique/ Blog]''' - Anna’s Flatwater Drills for Improving your Whitewater Kayaking Technique

'''Core Rotation Drills'''
When you watch good paddlers they look effortless as they maneuver through rapids. This is because the power to move their kayaks comes from their core and not their arms. They take less strokes and each stroke is well timed, powerful and efficient. Incorporating proper torso rotation into your paddling technique is the key to more efficient and effortless kayaking. What I mean by effortless is more smoothness and less struggle with every stroke – it doesn’t mean that you won’t exert yourself or feel tired. Here are some great tips on drills that can help you incorporate torso rotation into your kayaking strokes. 

'''Paddle in the Mud Drill'''
 Sounds funny, I know… This is a very quick drill that can help you better understand how your abs should engage with every stroke. Get close to the bank of the river or lake in a spot that is muddy enough for you to stick your paddle in the mud. Hold your paddle as if you were going to do a sweep stroke – this is very important – you want to hold your paddle just like you would if you were about to take a sweep stroke — and stick one blade in the mud instead of in the water. With your blade firmly planted in the mud move the bow of your boat away from and then toward the bank. Repeat the motion several times until you get a good feel for how your abdominals are engaging. Notice that you’re moving your boat with your core. 

Our instinct when we start kayaking is to plant our paddle in the water and pull it through with our arms. This way of paddling feels more natural at first because it’s easier, but pulling with your arms requires more of a struggle and is less efficient than planting your paddle and then moving from your core to move your boat. The ‘paddle in the mud’ drill will help you to better understand this difference. 

You can also do this drill with a friend by having a friend hold your paddle while you move the bow of your boat back and forth toward and away from her boat 

'''Edge Control Drills'''
Edge control means to be able to put and maintain your boat on edge to varying degrees. We use edge control to make ferries, to catch eddies, to surf waves, to steer and to remain stable. Edge control is one of, if not the most important skill in whitewater kayaking. Because women’s center of gravity is in the lower half of our bodies, positioning and keeping our kayaks on edge means throwing our balance off – and that can be challenging. Here are a few drills that will help you increase your ability to maintain an edge and recover from getting thrown onto edge in current.

'''Sitting on Edge with a Side Crunch '''
This exercise is really simple and quick and it can improve your paddling by 100% because it builds strength and muscle memory. Start in flatwater sitting in your kayak. Hold your paddle up and concentrate all of your weight in your left butt cheek. This will put your kayak slightly on edge. Next, crunch the muscles on your right side together as if you were doing a ‘side crunch’ at the gym. Hold this position for at least 5 to 10 seconds. Then switch to the other side. As you get stronger and more comfortable on edge you can start to increase the amount of edge you use by pulling up on the knee and trying to tuck your cockpit rim into your armpit. I suggest being comfortable with your flatwater roll before attempting more edge!

White Water Skills on the basin

2014-11-12T13:56:37Z

Myles:

White Water Skills on the basin

2014-11-12T13:47:53Z

Myles:

White Water Skills on the basin

2014-11-12T13:28:55Z

Myles:

White Water Skills on the basin

2014-11-12T12:35:43Z

Myles: Created page with 'Recently there have been a number of people starting to paddle white water and wanting to practice skills on a Tuesday. Whilst there isn't lots of moving water in the basin the ...'

Training Officer

2014-10-07T09:27:15Z

Myles:

The '''Training Officer''' manages the regular [[coaching]] at the club.

The Training Officer needs to ensure the following:
* Coaching qualifications are correctly recorded by the club
* Coaching qualifications displayed in individual forum profiles are up to date
* Every Tuesday - suitably qualified coaches are present on the basin
* Most Tuesdays - a coach has agreed in advance to teach the [[course for beginners]]
* On the fourth Tuesday of each month - a 1* assessor has agreed in advance to assess the [[BCU One Star]] for those attending the course
* The above details are recorded in the [[Coaching rota]]

and lots more .....

The Training Officer also acts as the ''Coaching Rep'' to co-ordinate communication between the [[committee]] and the club coaches.

== More ==

* [[committee|Current committee members]]
* [[Training]]

Training Officer

2014-10-07T09:26:16Z

Myles:

The '''Training Officer''' manages the regular [[coaching]] at the club.

The Training Officer needs to ensure the following:
* Coaching qualifications are correctly recorded by the club
* Coaching qualifications displayed in individual forum profiles are up to date
* Every Tuesday - a named suitably qualified coach(s) are present on the basin
* Most Tuesdays - a coach has agreed in advance to teach the [[course for beginners]]
* On the fourth Tuesday of each month - a 1* assessor has agreed in advance to assess the [[BCU One Star]] for those attending the course
* The above details are recorded in the [[Coaching rota]]

and lots more .....

The Training Officer also acts as the ''Coaching Rep'' to co-ordinate communication between the [[committee]] and the club coaches.

== More ==

* [[committee|Current committee members]]
* [[Training]]

Trips

2013-08-07T08:58:00Z

Myles:

'''Planned [[Club trips]] and events'''
* {{forum|62|1865|Big Club Trip - 11-13 October 2013}} make sure you sign up :)
* {{forum|35|1663|Liffey Descent - 28 September 2013}}
* Beginner & Intermediate White Water trips: {{forum|35|1765|7-8 Sept 2013}}, {{forum|35|1764|5-6 Oct 2013}}, {{forum|35|1763|2-3 Nov 2013}}
* {{forum|35|1779|Sea kayak touring Scotland - 7-15 September 2013}}
* {{forum|35|1891|River Stour 2 star trip - August 30-31 2013}}
* {{forum|35|1881|Sea Pembrokeshire weekend - 17-18 Aug 2013}}
* {{forum|35|1832|Beginners trip: Thames at Teddinton - 17 or 18 Aug 2013}}

'''Recent Trips'''
* {{pix|2 star trip - River Medway - 27 July 2013}}
*[[File:Blog-icon-box-orange-16.gif|middle]] [[File:Camera-icon-16.jpg|middle]] [http://sixknots.net/2013/07/18/great-british-summer-started/ Great British Summer Picnic at South Bank - 13 July 2013]
*[[File:Blog-icon-box-orange-16.gif|middle]] [[File:Camera-icon-16.jpg|middle]] [http://sixknots.net/2013/07/02/darkness-on-river-thames/ Long distance paddle to Gravesend - 28-30 June 2013]
* {{BlogAndPix|Fear_and_Loathing_(of_Faff)_in_Val_Sesia}} - June 2013
* {{pix|Next stop Dawson. BBQ and fun - 18 June 2013}}
* {{BlogAndPix|Isles of Scilly Sea-kayaking - 25 May - 2 June 2013}}
* {{BlogAndPix|3 Star Canoe training/assessment on River Canche - 5-6 May 2013}}

{{TripsFooter}}

Trips

2013-08-07T08:55:50Z

Myles:

'''Planned [[Club trips]] and events'''
* {{forum|62|1757|Big Club Trip - 11-13 October 2013}} you can {{forum|62|1865| Sign up here}}
* {{forum|35|1663|Liffey Descent - 28 September 2013}}
* Beginner & Intermediate White Water trips: {{forum|35|1765|7-8 Sept 2013}}, {{forum|35|1764|5-6 Oct 2013}}, {{forum|35|1763|2-3 Nov 2013}}
* {{forum|35|1779|Sea kayak touring Scotland - 7-15 September 2013}}
* {{forum|35|1891|River Stour 2 star trip - August 30-31 2013}}
* {{forum|35|1881|Sea Pembrokeshire weekend - 17-18 Aug 2013}}
* {{forum|35|1832|Beginners trip: Thames at Teddinton - 17 or 18 Aug 2013}}

'''Recent Trips'''
* {{pix|2 star trip - River Medway - 27 July 2013}}
*[[File:Blog-icon-box-orange-16.gif|middle]] [[File:Camera-icon-16.jpg|middle]] [http://sixknots.net/2013/07/18/great-british-summer-started/ Great British Summer Picnic at South Bank - 13 July 2013]
*[[File:Blog-icon-box-orange-16.gif|middle]] [[File:Camera-icon-16.jpg|middle]] [http://sixknots.net/2013/07/02/darkness-on-river-thames/ Long distance paddle to Gravesend - 28-30 June 2013]
* {{BlogAndPix|Fear_and_Loathing_(of_Faff)_in_Val_Sesia}} - June 2013
* {{pix|Next stop Dawson. BBQ and fun - 18 June 2013}}
* {{BlogAndPix|Isles of Scilly Sea-kayaking - 25 May - 2 June 2013}}
* {{BlogAndPix|3 Star Canoe training/assessment on River Canche - 5-6 May 2013}}

{{TripsFooter}}

Trips

2013-08-07T08:55:19Z

Myles:

'''Planned [[Club trips]] and events'''
* {{forum|62|1757|Big Club Trip - 11-13 October 2013}} {{forum|62|1865| Sign up here}}
* {{forum|35|1663|Liffey Descent - 28 September 2013}}
* Beginner & Intermediate White Water trips: {{forum|35|1765|7-8 Sept 2013}}, {{forum|35|1764|5-6 Oct 2013}}, {{forum|35|1763|2-3 Nov 2013}}
* {{forum|35|1779|Sea kayak touring Scotland - 7-15 September 2013}}
* {{forum|35|1891|River Stour 2 star trip - August 30-31 2013}}
* {{forum|35|1881|Sea Pembrokeshire weekend - 17-18 Aug 2013}}
* {{forum|35|1832|Beginners trip: Thames at Teddinton - 17 or 18 Aug 2013}}

'''Recent Trips'''
* {{pix|2 star trip - River Medway - 27 July 2013}}
*[[File:Blog-icon-box-orange-16.gif|middle]] [[File:Camera-icon-16.jpg|middle]] [http://sixknots.net/2013/07/18/great-british-summer-started/ Great British Summer Picnic at South Bank - 13 July 2013]
*[[File:Blog-icon-box-orange-16.gif|middle]] [[File:Camera-icon-16.jpg|middle]] [http://sixknots.net/2013/07/02/darkness-on-river-thames/ Long distance paddle to Gravesend - 28-30 June 2013]
* {{BlogAndPix|Fear_and_Loathing_(of_Faff)_in_Val_Sesia}} - June 2013
* {{pix|Next stop Dawson. BBQ and fun - 18 June 2013}}
* {{BlogAndPix|Isles of Scilly Sea-kayaking - 25 May - 2 June 2013}}
* {{BlogAndPix|3 Star Canoe training/assessment on River Canche - 5-6 May 2013}}

{{TripsFooter}}

Trips

2012-10-29T13:07:16Z

Myles:

'''Planned [[Club trips]] and events'''
* {{forum|37|1431|Level 1 Coaching Course - 9/10/23/24 Feb 2013}}
* {{forum|37|1450|Navigation Course - January 2013}}
* {{forum|38|1461|Christmas Paddle - 11 December 2012}}
* {{forum|35|1437|Seakayak Overnight trip to Gravesend - 8-9 December 2012}}
* {{forum|25|1325|WW trip: South Wales - 1-2 December 2012}}
* {{forum|38|1495|Tuesday Pool Session - 27 November 2012}} (full)
* {{forum|23|1469|The Thames with Jersey Canoe Club - 17-18 November 2012}}
* {{forum|38|1494|Tuesday Pool Session (beginners) - 13 November 2012}}
* {{forum|5|1422|Foundation safety & rescue training 10-11 November 2012}}
* {{forum|35|1480|2 star / touring trip on the Ouse - 10 November 2012}}
* {{forum|25|1324|WW trip: Devon - 3-4 November 2012}},

'''Recent Trips'''
* {{forum|60||Big Club Trip to Devon - 19-21 October 2012}}
* {{pix|2 Star trip on the Medway - 29 September 2012}}
* {{forum|35|1139|Big Club Sea Kayak Trip - 14-17 September 2012}}
* {{forum|35|1377|''Return to Lee Valley'' - 13 September 2012}}

{{TripsFooter}}

Talk:THCCFinancialPolicy

2009-07-06T11:08:52Z

Myles:

With the new charging structure the Membership fees and subscriptions section is out of date refering as it does to payment of £2.50.

RB

I would propose a rewording to say

- £100 annual subscription which covers the use of all club kit and facilities during weekly club sessions and weekend trips

Myles

Whitewater, Spain, April 2009

2009-07-06T10:47:42Z

Myles: /* Whats next? More paddling of course!! */

In traditional THCC fashion Mark with the assistance of Aunty Glen ran a club trip to the Pyrenees last week and provided some fantastic coaching as well as great times. Participants in the fun were Juan Alex, Juan Hannah, Juan Matt, Juan Lars, Juan Paul, Juan Myles and Juan Gary.
{{NOTOC}}
The trip started in July 2007 when Mark posted the dates and within 24 hours 3 of the eventual group had said we were keen. 9 months later it was time to get going.

===Day 1 – The Vannies get going===

The first day of the holiday for Lars, Matt and Alex (The Vannies) involved an overnight drive from Shadwell to Sort with all the kit, boats and a BBQ. For the rest of us it was a case of waiting to get to the plane the following morning and in the mean time do the important things like wonder if we packed everything etc.

===Day 2 – The high flyers play catch up===

Hannah, Paul, Gary and I arrived in Stansted. It was faff free getting through to the seats Gary was guarding for us on the other side only to get confused about what time we needed to be at the gate and wondering if we had time to get some more sweets from the shop. By this time the Vannies were less than 100 miles from the camp site. Because we were flying with Ireland’s finest airline, who have no boarding system and we were virtually the last to get on the place we ended up spread across the plane for our 1.5 hour flight to Biarritz. When we got off we quickly found the hire car and unlike the Vannies didn’t need to have our life story photocopied in triplicate to get going!! Along the road we decided to stop at a super market, this was a well intended action but took us an hour and about 10km of driving each way with silly French signs that always kept hinting the supermarket was just after the next roundabout!!!! It invariably wasn’t and was at a set of traffic lights. Back on the road we pressed on until we arrived in the foothills of the Pyrenees, what a view. Topped off with a snow ball fight at the top of the mountain pass Big Smile. An hour after our snowball fight we arrived in the village/hamlet of Baro were the campsite was located and where possibly the worlds best restaurant is located so long as you like ham and cheese in every dish of every course. We met the rest of the group and the holiday was full speed ahead and shortly there after the crashing began and sleep called.

===Day 3 – Warm up paddle (Rialp – Campsite)===

This was day 1 of paddling for most of the group and the start or a morning ritual. Every morning began with a breakfast from the “nice place”. Here you can get as much sugary goodness or baguettes and croissants filled with ham and cheese.

After this we got down to the business of the day, paddling. The river was completely different to anything we had paddled in the UK but in a good way. We got on and had a fun relaxing paddle down to the slalom course in Sort. This gave us all a chance to get back into the swing of things and get to feel what the bigger volume river had to offer, I don’t think anyone was left wanting. We shot our first rapids of the trip and generally had a good day. The evening allowed for the continuation of the tradition of cheese and ham and as a team I think we had everything on the menu at least once over the week including Horse, Rabbit, Pigs Trotters and whole cuttlefish (prize to Alex who was the most adventurous)!

===Day 4 – The grade 4, the rapid with no name and the gorge (Campsite to Lower take out)===

This was the longest single distance paddle we did over the week and it was definitely worth it. The day started with an inspection of the grade 4 rapid, followed by descents of the rapid in groups. This was a great rapid to run with lots of things to look out for as well as making sure you didn’t slam into anyone else in the team.

After this we paddled on down running various rapids whilst learning some new skills on river reading and improving our breaking in and out of eddy techniques. We then came to the rapid with no name and began a naming competition. I don’t think a decision was ever made on a winner.

More rapids and nice views where then topped off as we entered the gorge. We had been told of the gorge before we left the UK but seeing it from the river was a unique perspective. Definitely worth doing the trip next year to see some of the views offered lower down the valley.

That evening was another evening of cheese and ham with beers and strange wine bottles that required some skill to drink from and numerous white linen napkins for personal protection. No doubt these needed soaking in bleach at the end of each evening with us!

===Day 5 – When improvers lead!! (Rialp to the campsite with skills stuff in the slalom course)===

This was the day we got to practise our river reading and leading skills. we paddled the same stretch of river as our warm up paddle but this time without Mark or Glen sat in front of us telling us what to do. We paddled down to the slalom course to begin some skills practice with a short portage around the dam. Once at the slalom site we got to do several runs of the course in small groups practising our eddy hoping (and rescue skills). Juan Hannah was selfless in her demonstration of swimming (some claim she may be a fish but she swears it was momentary confusion) afterwards she swore she’d learnt a useful lesson, no matter what make sure you “lean downstream”!

After this we continued are run towards the campsite with Mark and Glen planning on providing safety for some of the large rapids. The guys were sitting above the island rapid waiting for us and showed us various lines to approach. The first person to try and follow subsequently made a tactical error in their line choice and after a short hug of a rock had a swim. Once the rest of the group ran the rapid with no issues I got back in my boat and we paddled down to the last big rapid of the day. The evening started with fresh paella and ended with a trip down to the rivers edge with a beer or two for the majority of us! This was in no way fuelled by numerous luminous yellow shots and a couple of different baileys replicas!

===Day 6 – Speed dating various boats===

This was our relaxation day and as such the morning was spent relaxing. Once Mark and Glen came back from the reconnaissance mission on the upper section of the river we got ourselves sorted and starting playing about in all the different shapes and sizes of boats. This was a great opportunity to see how different boats handle and find out what boats we liked and didn’t. For dinner we ate at the campsite were the lovely owner Anna made us rabbit or cod.

===Day 7 – Its not harder just more continuous (partial upper section to the campsite)===

This was the day we went to the upper section of the river and had a run back to the campsite. The upper section had lots of great rapids and wave trains to enjoy and pushed all of us a bit more. It was similar to the lower sections just with more fun crammed in!! After successful descents of the rapids, with some tiger lines for good measure, we came back to Rialp and proceeded back to the campsite. As the water level had lowered significantly since our first descent a few days before the river was a completely different experience and provided lots of entertainment!! By the time we reached the bottom everyone was exhausted and ready for a BBQ. Unfortunately, the weather disagreed with this fantastic plan and proceeded to try to put a hole in our tents with rain so we retreated to our favourite restaurant across the road.

===Day 8 – The end is near!!!===

Our last day on the water and we all wanted another crack at the Grade 4 rapid. We decided to make the most of the scenery and ran the entire section from day 4 again. This time the camera was in video mode to capture all the goodness and provide feedback on what to be better next time. Videos can be found here.

This was a great way to paddle the last day, the group took turns at leading stuff and we all had a bit of fun as we descended to the bottom. It was a very surreal feeling getting off the water for the last time but I think everyone enjoyed their trip and the experience of paddling the Noguera Palleresa river. With the sun still shining bright the decision was made to have a BBQ, unfortunately a national holiday in Spain interfered so we finished as we started with ham and cheese!!!

===Whats next? More paddling of course!!===

If you are new to the club or beginning to get into white water then this trip is a fantastic opportunity to progress your skills in white water. This time last year half the group had never been on moving water and now we are thoroughly addicted. If you do want to get involved in white water then you can grab any of the white water paddlers who will be able to point you in the direction of one of the instructors or speak to our white water reps Emma and Carter who are white water addicts too.

The pictures for the adventure are [http://picasaweb.google.com/mylesmolloy/WhiteWaterKayakingSpain2009# here].

A map of the area and some of the rapids we ran is [http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&t=h&hl=en&msa=0&ll=42.395573,1.126785&spn=0.366627,0.615234&z=11&msid=108208226379266303950.0004693aa1c6c8f70e96d here].

This report was brought to you with editorial assistance from Juan Hannah and Juan Matt who remembered some of the best bits, thanks --- Myles

White water kayaking

2009-05-12T12:24:59Z

Myles:

The lunatic fringe!

{|
|-
|[[Image:Playing at Boulters Lock.jpg|frame|none|Mucking around at Boulters Lock]]
|[[Image:River running in North Wales.jpg|frame|none|River running in North Wales]]
|}

White water is a very exciting aspect of paddle sport. Whether it be plummeting down a mountain stream, surfing a big wave or learning the latest playboating trick.

London may possibly be the worse geographical location for white water. However, THCC has an active and growing pool of members addicted to getting out and about and experiencing the best aspects of our sport.

Regular trips are organised to local weirs, including the world standard wave at Hurley. In addition members have organised trips to Scotland, the Pyrenees and the Alps in search of the best rivers.

Please speak to Emma Thomas or Paul Carter (your white water reps) for further information.