'''Planned [[Club trips]] and events'''

* {{forum|35|1091|White Water Open Canoe trip - 3-4 March}}
* {{forum|35|1063|Intermediate White Water trip - 18-19 February}}
* {{forum|38|1142|RNLI River Safety Talk - 14 February}}
* {{forum|37|1095|Warm and dry sea kayak course - open for all levels - 10 & 24 Jan, 7 & 21 Feb}}

'''Recent Trips'''
* {{forum|35|1077|Lee Valley White Water Centre - 4 January 2012}}

'''2011 Highlights'''
* {{BlogAndPix|Christmas paddle - 13 December 2011}}
* {{BlogAndPix|Big Club Trip 2011 - 8-9 October 2011}}
* {{BlogAndPix|Touring and white water canoeing - River Wye - 6-7 August 2011}}
* {{BlogAndPix|Our Scilly Adventure - May/June 2011}}
* {{BlogAndPix|Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race - Easter 2011}}

[[Trips in 2011|Trips in 2011]] ... [[Trips in 2010]] ... [[Trips in 2009]]

Weather

2011-01-14T17:15:13Z

Rbannocks: /* Sea Kayaking */

Information and recommendations on '''books''' about Canoeing and Kayaking.{{NOTOC}}

== General ==

* '''Kayaking: A Beginner's Guide''' by Nigel Foster. Slim and basic introduction for beginners to all aspects of the sport. ISBN 1898660522

* '''British Canoe Union: Canoe and Kayak Handbook''' - You will see references to this all over the place. It presents the BCU view of the world and is a good reference work. ISBN 0-9531956-5-1

* '''The Practical Guide to Kayaking and Canoeing''' by Bill Mattos - An illustrated reference manual to introduce and develop kayaking and canoeing skills and techniques for beginners and intermediates. ISBN 1-84309-683-8

* '''Kayak Rolling - The Black Art Demystified''' by Loel Collins - A visual approach to learning to roll a kayak. ISBN 0-9531956-8-6

== Sea Kayaking ==
''See also the Safety and Navigation Sections.''
* '''The Complete Book of Sea Kayaking''' by Derek C. Hutchinson - a very good all round text containing most things you will need to know about sea kayaking. ISBN 0713666757

* ''' Sea Kayak Handling: A Practical Manual, Essential Knowledge for Beginner and Intermediate Paddlers''' by Doug Cooper - another good book from Pesda Press. Details all the sea kayaking strokes with many pictures. ISBN 1906095183

* '''Sea Kayak: A Manual for Intermediate and Advanced Sea Kayakers''' by Gordon Brown - a classic text for the committed sea paddler. Gordon Brown is a legend and has compiled his knowledge into this book for those who want to go beyond the basics. ISBN 0-9547061-7-X

* '''Welsh Sea Kayaking''' by Jim Krawiecki & Andy Biggs. Fifty selected sea kayaking voyages. ISBN 0-9547061-8-8

* '''Sea Kayaking - Rough Waters''' by Alex Matthews. Fine photographs too. ISBN 1-896980-26-0

* '''Sea Kayak Navigation: A Practical Manual, Essential Knowledge for Finding Your Way at Sea''' by Franco Ferrero - good all round introduction to navigation. ISBN 1906095035
* '''Sea safety, the complete guide''' Free booklet from the RNLI. See [[Safety resources]] for details.
* '''[http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1861268270/ref=oss_product Sea Kayaking] by Alun Richardson. An excelent book for those going from 3 star to 4 star. Covers chartwork, the weather, the environmnet, kayak design, safety, cloathing, and leadership. Comming soon: Read the [[Sea Kayaking by Alun Richardson review]]. ISBN 978-1-861268273.

== Surfing ==

* '''Surf Kayaking - The essential Guide''' by Simon Hammond. ISBN 0-9550520-0-9

== Open Canoeing ==
''See also the Safety and Navigation Sections.''

Bill Mason's books are hard to find (and out of print) and the pictures and printing isn't great. They are however classics:

* '''Path of the Paddle: An Illustrated Guide to the Art of Canoeing

* '''Song of the Paddle: An Illustrated Guide to Wilderness Camping

* '''Thrill of the Paddle: The Art of Whitewater Canoeing

== White water ==

* '''White Water Safety and Rescue''' By Franco Ferrero - A comprehensive book on all aspects of White Water Safety. Created by giants of the Kayaking world such as Loel Collins and Dave Luke. ISBN 0-9547061-5-3

* '''Kayak - the New Frontier: The Animated Manual of Intermediate and Advanced Whitewater Technique''' by William Nealy - The updated edition of the black cartoon book. Has a kayaking spaceman on the cover. Great fun. ISBN 0897325893

* '''Whitewater paddling''' by Eric Jackson. Illustrated guide to perfecting your paddle strokes. ISBN 0811729974

* '''British white water''' by Terry Storry - Covers the 100 best white water rivers of England, Wales and Scotland. A bit dated but pocket sized. ISBN 0711224129

* '''English White Water''' - The BCU guide to the white water rivers of England. ISBN 09-531956-7-8

== Coaching ==

* '''British Canoe Union: Coaching Handbook''' - The definitive guide to coaching, at least according to the BCU. Comprehensive and detailed. Complements the Canoe and Kayak Handbook well. A good reference books for coaches. ISBN 0-9547061-6-1

* '''Canoe and Kayak Games - 250 best paddle sport games''' - An excellent book of paddle sports games. ISBN 0-9550614-0-7

* '''Top Tips for Coaches''' - Over 300 top tips and handy hints for canoe and kayak coaches collected by the coaches at Plas y Brenin. ISBN 0-9531956-6-X
== Safety ==
See the [[Safety_resources]] section for details.

== Specialist books ==
=== Navigation ===
* '''RYA: Navigation Handbook''' by Tim Bartlett - a good all round book on navigation. Aimed at sailors but very useful reference of kayakers and canoeists. ISBN 090150193X
===Weather===
* '''RYA Weather Handbook - Northern Hemisphere''' by Chris Tibbs - good all round book on the weather and introduction to meteorology, Aimed at sailors but very useful reference for kayakers and canoeists. ISBN 1905104170

Course for beginners - Summary

2011-01-05T16:40:50Z

Rbannocks: /* Safety */

The THCC [[Course for beginners]] is based on the [[BCU One Star]] syllabus - the plan being to teach all of the topics during the first three weeks and to assess on the fourth week.

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{{TOC|1}}
{{Nextcolumn}}
 
 
;This is my ''personal'' summary of the course.
:Please give me any feedback - good or bad.
::[[User:Ianh|Ian]]

 
 
;The syllabus lists [[#Equipment|Equipment]] at the end, but it is much better to think about equipment '''at the start''' of any session.

;The headings in this Table of Contents match the items listed in the syllabus for the [[BCU One Star]] award.

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== Personal Paddling Skills ==

=== Lift, carry and launch ===

; Adjust the seat and footrests if possible.
: If at all possible, adjust the foot rests. Some boats allow the foot rests to be moved while you are sitting in them, but most need to be adjusted on dry land before you get in.
: Some boats allow the seat position to be adjusted, but it is worth adjusting the seat back if possible. A firm seat back will encourage a more upright posture and reduce the strain on your back.
: The position of the seat and the foot rests should make the boat feel "snug" without cramping your legs.
; Assess the bank and access area to identify any dangers and risks.
: At the basin, watch out for icy or slippery paving stones. The metal ramp can be slippery when icy or muddy.
: On a river bank, watch out for muddy slopes, mossy rocks, low branches, brambles, tree roots and also barbed wire and sometimes lengths of fishing line.
; Lift the boats safely.
: Work in pairs for a kayak or 3-4 for an open canoe.
: Talk to the others so you know where you are going before you start. Agree who is driving!
: Keep your back upright and straight and use your legs to do the actual lifting.
: When access to the water is risky, it is often better to form a human chain and slide the boats to each other - rather than everybody carrying their own.
: Be careful too if it is windy - a kayak can easily act like a sail.
; Get into the boat safely.
: Work in pairs whenever possible.
: The first person onto the water can still steady the boat for the second person.
: You can also use your paddle to steady the boat as you get in.
: Keep your weight on the bank as late as possible.
: ''Start in pairs, but note that the syllabus does require you to manage this on your own.''

=== Forward paddling ===

; Hold the paddle correctly.
: Hands are further apart than your shoulders.
: Your right hand (for right-handed paddlers) stays in the same place.
: The right blade is at a right angle to your forearm.
: Your right hand twists the paddle - the left hand lets the paddle twist.
; Good upright posture.
: Long stroke, starting with the blade well forward.
: Turn your upper body to get that long reach.
: Unwind the rotation in your upper body to give power rather than just pulling with your arms.
; Look where you want to go - the boat tends to follow.
; Steer via sweep strokes.
: Keep the blade just under the water with the arm nearly straight.
: Keep the shaft of the paddle low across the boat.
: Sweep the blade in an arc towards the back of the boat.
: The first part of the sweep strokes pushes the bow away from the paddle, the end of the sweep stoke pulls the back of the boat towards the paddle.
; (Introduce stern rudder)
: A stern rudder is only of use when the boat is already moving forward.
: Hold the paddle parallel to the boat, then lower the blade at the back into the water.
:: Pulling the lower end of the paddle will pull the back of the boat towards the paddle.
:: Pushing the lower end of the paddle will push the back of the boat away from the paddle.

=== Steering and controlling ===

; Steer the boat (with sweeps and rudders) around a course while maintaining forward movement.
; Reverse paddling to a fixed target. Safe looking behind. Correct paddle grip. Good body rotation.
; Stopping should be with short dynamic strokes on both sides, so that the boat remains balanced and under control.
; Rotate the boat on the spot, in both directions, using forward and backward sweep strokes - turning the body to give power to the sweep.

=== Return to the bank and get out ===

; Assess the bank and exit area to identify any dangers and risks.
; Manoeuvre to the bank
; Get out of the boat safely.
; Lift the boat out of the water safely.

== Rescue Skills ==

=== Capsize and be rescued or swim to shore ===

; Demonstrate control during a capsize by banging on the bottom of the boat - three times. Exit the boat. Collect the paddle and tow the boat to the bank.
: Leave the kayak upside down - the air stays inside and helps the boat to float.
: Tow the kayak by the handle/rope at the end.
: Swimming on your back makes the towing easier.
; (Introduce deep water rescue.)

=== Emptying boats ===

; Lift and empty the boats safely.

== Safety, Leadership and Group Skills ==

=== Personal Risk Management ===

; What to wear.
; What to take.

=== Awareness of others ===

; Keeping others safe.
; Understand the basic signals.

== Theory ==

=== The British Canoe Union ===
What is the BCU. What does it do.

=== Equipment ===

; Check your clothing before you start.
: Will you be warm enough?
:: It is generally rather easy to cool down if you are too warm!
:: It is much harder to warm up if you are too cold.
:: Avoid cotton and wool.
:: Wear several thin layers rather than one thick one:
::: Inner layer - leggings and a t-shirt, base layers or thermals.
::: Middle layer - a fleece
::: Outer layer - a windproof jacket or cagoule
:: Maybe wear a hat - but choose one that you don't mind losing.
: Do your shoe laces have long loops that could catch on something?
: If you are wearing glasses, are they secured?
; Check your kit before you start.
: Is your buoyancy aid zipped and clipped? Is it tight enough? Can somebody else lift it off you?
: Should you be wearing a helmet?
: Do you need some food with you?
: Have you got something to drink?
; Check your boat before you start.
: Is the boat damaged? Are the handles secure?
: Is the bung in?

=== Safety ===

Checking the weather before you go. Where to find weather information.

Checking the skill needed to undertake trip.

; Paddeling in groups and alone.
; Manual handeling issues - lift with the thigh and keep back stright.
; Drowning and getting trapped
; Exposure - hypothermia, hyperthemia. (See [http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-12109359])
; Common injuries for paddelers - sholder dislocations
; Dangers in the water Wells/Vials disease/Leptospirosis (recent incident [http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-11805666])

=== First Aid and Hypothermia ===

; Know the signs of hypertheria.
: What should you do?

=== Access ===
Where can you paddle, where do you need a licence, how can you get a licence, where can you paddle without a licence.

BCU Access Campain

=== Environment ===
This applies to flowing water (rivers) which passes over private land:

==== Rivers ====
Landowners own the land and have a right to take water and certain things from the water. They have a right to stop people from going on their land - i.e. trespassers.

According to Douglas Caffyn and published in The Right of Navigation on Non-tidal Rivers and the Common Law, they do not own the water, therefore if you can get down the river without touching the bank, bottom or rocks sitting on the bottom then no trespass. You will also need to either access the river from public land or land to which you have negotiated access. As no one owns the water an access agreement is not needed unless it deals with access to and egress from the water. You need this to touch the banks.
We understand that Canoe England support this view if river access in England and Wales.
Paddlers are advised by Canoe England to make their own decision as to when and how to enjoy their English river heritage appropriately, based on environmental considerations.

Canals / Navigations - these are owned and managed by the relevant water authorities and you need a permit to use them. BCU membership covers many of these - though some offer permits individually instead or as well - check before you paddle.

==== Lakes and ponds ====
Lakes/ponds and enclosed bodies of water - they are owned by whoever owns the land under them (difference that flowing water)

==== Costal ====
Coastal tidal - anyone can use but need to check who owns landing sites - access and egress (this is why no permit needed up to Teddington on the Thames as that is the tidal limit.

=== General ===

Home

2010-12-05T16:06:16Z

Rbannocks:

The '''Tower Hamlets Canoe Club''' is a canoe and kayaking club located in central London.

{{MOTD}}{{Multicolumn}}

'''The Club'''

* [[THCC|About the club]]
* [[Contact|Where we are]]
* [[What We Do]]
* [[Joining|Joining the club]]
* [[FAQ|Common questions]]

'''New to paddling?'''

* [[Course for beginners|Monthly course for beginners]]

'''New to this web site?'''

* [[Help:Wiki|About the wiki]]
* [[Help:Forums|About the forum]]
* [[Help:Site|Requesting a forum account]]

'''Resources'''

* [[Books]]
* [[Safety resources|Safety]]
* [[DVDs]]
* [[InternetResources|Internet]]

{{Nextcolumn}}


[[Club trips]] '''planned'''

* [http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=38&t=582 Club Christmas paddle] - 21st December
......and more in planning for 2011.

'''Recent Trips'''
* [http://www.towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=578 Day and night Thames trip 4 December 2010]
* [[Blackwater estuary paddle - 27 November 2010]]
* [http://towerhamletscanoeclub.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=422/ Intro to White Water - 5th to 7th November 2010]
* [[Wargrave to Tilehurst Club Trip October 2010|Wargrave to Tilehurst - 30th October 2010]]
* Gentle Thames Paddle - 16th October 2010
* [[Big Club Weekend - 25+26 September 2010]]
* [[Wet West Paddlefest - 18+19 September 2010]]
* [[Italian Exchange - 11-13 September 2010]]
* [[River Stour, 17 - 18 July 2010]]
* [[Thames Barrier and Limehouse cut trip 3 July 2010]]
* [[Venice, 17-24 May 2010]]
* [[Medway canoe trip: 15-16 May 2010]]
* [[River Wye, May Bank Holiday (family friendly): 1-3 May 2010]]
* [[Henley to Marlow, open boating on the Thames: 17 April 2010]]
* [[More Club Trips|More...]]

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