Difference between revisions of "Big Club Trip 2011 - 8-9 October 2011"
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== Introduction to White Water == | == Introduction to White Water == | ||
With so many keen intermediate paddlers, we had two 'White Water Beginners' groups on the weekend. Esther, Andy and Owen tell about their experiences in those groups | With so many keen intermediate paddlers, we had two 'White Water Beginners' groups on the weekend. Esther, Andy and Owen tell about their experiences in those groups | ||
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== More advanced White water paddling == | == More advanced White water paddling == | ||
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We had a great group of advanced White Water paddlers joining us on the weekend, they tend to be people who paddle rather than type, but Myles wrote this: | We had a great group of advanced White Water paddlers joining us on the weekend, they tend to be people who paddle rather than type, but Myles wrote this: | ||
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== The Chief Organiser Speaks == | == The Chief Organiser Speaks == | ||
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Ian invested a lot of time organising the trip, without him its likely we wouldn't have had one, we certainly wouldn't have has as much fun. His memories of the trip should be a warning and invite to those who want the fun or organising it in 2012 | Ian invested a lot of time organising the trip, without him its likely we wouldn't have had one, we certainly wouldn't have has as much fun. His memories of the trip should be a warning and invite to those who want the fun or organising it in 2012 | ||
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Latest revision as of 14:10, 22 October 2012
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The planning started months earlier, but on the 7th October 40 of THCC's membership packed their paddling gear, tied boats to car roofs and set off up the M1 & M40 to get to Ffynnon Wen Bunkhouse where two days of paddling were planned. On both Saturday and Sunday we had a number of different groups heading off to interesting water in different directions.
Introduction to White Water
With so many keen intermediate paddlers, we had two 'White Water Beginners' groups on the weekend. Esther, Andy and Owen tell about their experiences in those groups <flickr>6235756046|medium|thumb|right</flickr>
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The beginners group was split in two, with both groups being taught on the Dee. We practiced all the basics, breaking in and out, ferrygliding, and shot some rapids. Expert advice and guidance was provided throughout, both to the group and to individuals. The atmosphere was positive and supportive, there was no peer pressure to do stuff you didn’t want to do; a very professionally led weekend, thank you to all of the coaches.
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—Andy |
<flickr>6235720214|medium|thumb</flickr>
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Too much capsizing on the Saturday despite the best efforts of the coaches PLF advice. Wonderful coaching and complete group support throughout the day and topped off with Shepherd's pie and port! (thanks Owen).
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—Esther |
<flickr>6246103342|medium|thumb|right</flickr>
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Great trip - thanks to one and all. I was with Beginner's B.
Especially Ian, and Matt, Tom, Emily, Lars, Mark and Jono for Coaching and Guiding. Hope I've not forgotten anyone.
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—Owen |
More advanced White water paddling
We had a great group of advanced White Water paddlers joining us on the weekend, they tend to be people who paddle rather than type, but Myles wrote this:
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Highlights: Awesome fun paddling on a river for the first time in months, great fun playing about on the T and fantastic to have so many people from the club away Mediumlights: The fantastic banter of my second AA recovery van driver, very entertaining guy |
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—Myles |
Saturday Open boating on the Afon Glaslyn
It wasn't all little boats however, Sarah and Dan brought their open boat with them and went looking for some exploring to be done on a local grade one river.
<flickr>6527209307|medium|thumb| A peaceful section of Glaslyn</flickr>
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On the saturday Sarah and I paddled from the bottom of the gorge at Pont Aberglaslyn on the semi tidal section down to Porthmadog.
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Sunday Surf
Lars, Helen and Big Phil headed out for some surf on the Sunday
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Disappointingly the sea was quite rough with a strong onshore wind and it was hard work keeping the boats pointing the right way, and the surf out of your hair, when heading into the waves. Swells were coming at us diagonally from two sides which made for an extra challenge riding them in, as there was always the likelihood of a sideways swipe dumping you into the froth. At least the water is still relatively warm at this time of year so you don't end up with any icecream headaches like those experienced by the whitewater types. Good training for dealing with unstable moving water.
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—Lars |
Four Star Training Guinea-Pigs
On the Sunday Dan, Liz and Sarah played at being guinea pigs for Mr Turton's 4* assessment. A group of 4*'s to be from Stratford Kayak Club had to lead us down the lower T.
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They were a great group (with lots of Pauls - what is it about Kayaking?) and as they were displaying ALL of their leading skills we must have stopped in just about every eddy that the T has to offer . I demonstrated a beautiful capsize in an eddy and then decided that I didn't quite like the feel of the boat I was paddling (ok the metal bars that hold the footplate in were nearly crippling me) and so I opted for a walk round the boulder garden below halfway bridge.
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The Chief Organiser Speaks
Ian invested a lot of time organising the trip, without him its likely we wouldn't have had one, we certainly wouldn't have has as much fun. His memories of the trip should be a warning and invite to those who want the fun or organising it in 2012
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300 e-mails. 200 forum posts. 100 forum messages. Two dozen phone calls.
Chivvying. Muttering. Worrying.
Ninja spreadsheet.
Awesome to have such a mix of paddlers (and a baby) gathered together. Amazing to have so many new paddlers away for a weekend of paddling. Trouble to organise? Sure. Heaps of fun? Absolutely. Worth it? Oh yes. Matt - remember your promise. |
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Photos
http://www.flickr.com//photos/27664453@N08/sets/72157627736294401/show/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/61344710@N07/sets/72157627751684299/show
from http://www.flickr.com/photos/62027920@N04/6245625111/ onwards