April 2007 Portsmouth And District Canoe Club

Trip List 2007, April, May & June  Next Item     Back to Top 

Circumnavigation of Hayling Island
Eastney
Eastney - Sally Port
Lymington - Calshot
Hamble
Hayling Bridge
Keyhaven - Yarmouth
Lands End Weekend
Lee on Solent - Ryde
Lepe - Newport (IoW)
North Devon Weekend
Sally Port - Gilkicker Point
Sally Port - Ryde
Sally Port - Selsey Bill
Sandy Point
Southsea
Stokes Bay - Newtown

The "Summer Nights" are here!    Next Item     Back to Top 
OK so perhaps the temperature is still a little chilly some mornings but the evenings are drawing out! This means that Richard G will be running his sessions on basic training from Monday 2^nd April. These take place every Monday at Eastney on the water for 7pm. They provide a great opportunity for those finding their way with the basic stroke work. They are also a way for new or prospective coaches to gain some coaching time. If you wish to attend these sessions Richard will be glad to hear from you.

Wednesday 4^th April marks the start of the other mid-week sessions. These take place at various venues and start at 18:30. Please do not forget that some areas are pay and display well after 18:00!

Cherbourg     Next Item     Back to Top 
Sorry folks plans for this weekend to Cherbourg have had to be put on hold due to other commitments. There are other weekends planned for this year and other ideas are floating in for next year. If you have other ideas for next year please let the committee know.

Training for Disability Awareness    Next Item     Back to Top 
The Kent Outdoor Pursuits Disability Project Officer (Paul Panton) has a course for Disability Awareness Training running on 28^th & 29^th April. This will be at the Seapoint Canoe Centre in Kent.

If you are interested in this please go to www.brockworks.freeserve.co.uk/kentdi.tm where you will find an application form.

Chairman’s Report     Next Item     Back to Top
It seems but a moment since writing for the last Newsletter, and although time appears to pass rapidly I hope you all have enjoyed the trips laid on by the club and are using the time to be well prepared for future trips. If you are going on the Sweden trip (I believe there are 11 at the moment), make sure you get all your arrangements made very soon so that you are not disappointed. We spent some time talking about trips at the committee meeting and I mentioned a trip Adrian B from the IOW would like to do, I was happily surprised to find one of our number had done the trip in reverse and beyond many years ago. This great source of knowledge and experience within the club is free to be tapped, and as many of the well paddled members are on the Club Forum, please use it to ask for help about trips and planning. If you do have a trip that you have always fancied doing, then feel free to contact a member of the committee to see if we can include it in the trip list.

The recent trips have been mixed in attendance, ranging from two members to eighteen on the Stokes Bay to Bembridge, as one person on the trip said to me the most they had seen on a trip outside of the AGM paddle. If you are an experienced paddler, do not despise the shorter trips as your presence can really help those who are still learning the sport. Do not be put off by the forecast! If the conditions for a trip are not suitable then the leader often has a plan B, e.g. John B changed a trip from the Solent to Langstone Harbour earlier this year due to wind, and those who turned up still had a good day.

The end of the pool sessions is in sight, and there has been good attendance by a group of new members for this last set. Many of the committee members are coaches, (and we have quite a number of coaches, or trainee coaches in the club), and they are more than happy to help members on a one to one basis if required. If you do have a particular skill that you want to learn or hone then mention it to one of them. Remember the Wednesday club nights are starting again soon with BST, and Richard is going to run the Monday night training sessions from April, (details in this Newsletter). Please feel free to mention any skill needs to the leaders of these nights as they can often tailor the evening to get the group to practice the skill, or tutor as you go.

Please note the details of use of the new boats, and club equipment mentioned later in the Newsletter. The Avocet obtained through the Sports England Grant completes the range of boats that are at presently used in the pool sessions. We can use these boats elsewhere as they are "owned" by the club, however a small fee for use outside of the pool sessions will be levied so the club can maintain and replace this resource.

Have fun, keep safe and see you on the water.

Russell Paling

Notre Dame Bay, Newfoundland    Summer 2008    Next Item     Back to Top 
John Ramwell is offering to lead a small group of sea kayakers to this mecca for sea-kayakers for two weeks from 25^th July 2008. The base will be Cottesville. Google Earth will show where this is, minus the icebergs & whales if lucky. Fishing is authorised so cod straight from the sea to the pan!

For a cost of just £950 you will get a return flight from St.Johns and brought to Cottesville on Newfoundlands coast, North of Gander. From here you will meet the local guide, be able to buy local groceries and get issued with sea kayaks and gear. A week of paddling later you will be backthere to re-supply for hot showers, local entertainment and hospitality. After a few more days of sea-kayaking you will return home.

Closing date for apllications is February 11^th 2008. Further information and gear list is available from John Ramwell direct at jramwell@provider.co.uk or 01942 842204. Places are strictly limited so apply early!

The Lizard & Lands End (9-12 July 2006)    Next Item     Back to Top 
By David W
Dave R, Mike B, and myself drove to Truro as a starting point for a planned trip around the Lizard & Lands End. If the wind and tides were kind the plan was to kayak around the SW peninsular making landfall in the area of St Ives on the Northern Coast.

Arriving in Truro on a rainy Saturday night and trying to find a campsite proved our first challenge however – luckily we found a Caravan Club site that took pity on us and were happy to accommodate us.

The following morning we found an excellent place to launch just down the road from a farm that offered boat & vehicle storage – so for the requisite fee and with the car securely locked away for the week we launched on 9^th July in bright sunshine.

The journey south down the Falmouth Estuary was scenic although as we approached Falmouth Bay the affects of the wind (still blustery after a week of westerly gales) were felt – needing one a two adjustments to the trim of the (skegless) Nordkap that Mike was paddling.

That first evening we pulled ashore at an old mining harbour at Porthhoustock. We spent a pleasant night here before getting on the water early the following morning for the push around the Lizard. We anticipated we would be fully exposed to the westerly swell & wind as we headed towards Penzance. Rounding the lizard proved to be relatively calm however although at one point Dave and myself looked at a gap between rocks and when I said "yes", he beat me to it, arriving just as it became a maelstrom of white water. For some reason he not surprisingly didn’t let me forget it.

The surf conditions made landing anywhere on the Eastern shore very difficult and to be fair, in order to position ourselves correctly for rounding Lands End we wanted to push on as much as possible. When we were still paddling at 6pm and landing anywhere was proving difficult, we were becoming a little concerned. Luckily however the lee afforded by Cudden Point gave us enough shelter and we finally landed at dusk at the beautiful little Prussia Cove having covered a respectable distance of in excess of 30nm. There was just room for the tents above the HW mark and after another of Dave’s gourmet meals, we slept soundly that night.

The next morning it was on the water for the trip around Lands End. After passing St. Michael’s Mount and Penzance, there was a brief stop for ice creams at Mousehole. Rounding the peninsular in such clear and breezy conditions was spectacular. The remnants of a weeks worth of westerly swells were breaking on the cliffs creating challenging clapotis, the spray breaking over the climbers on the cliff face together and the view just offshore of breaking swells on the Longships Rocks. Once around Lands End itself, all we could see however was a mass of seething white water ahead and surf breaking over the Cowlow rocks. Our plan had been to land at Sennen Cove and this was now looking a little dicey.

On moving further round there did appear to be one route however where the surf was not breaking – it was fairly narrow and lead to the end of the breakwater at Sennen. In line, we went for it and had an exhilarating ride in to Sennen – much to our surprise the cove was packed with photographers who after enquiring, were there to capture the breaking surf conditions ……… that we had just paddled through! So if you’re in Lands End summer of 2007 and see a postcard with 3 kayakers approaching Sennen Cove - that will be us.

After that it was decided to stay put for the night and watch the rising tide, which still had 2 hours to go. After watching a group of kids playing dare on the breakwater we got talking to a group of fishermen who offered us floor space in front of their huts to kip on and after an alfresco meal with a great sea view, we slept under the stars that night under a cloudless sky.

Luckily the wind had dropped by the following day and with following wind and tide it was off to the Brisons across the bay and a pleasurable trip past Gurnard’s Head into St Ives and our journeys end some 30nm away.

Once ashore that evening it was then by foot bus and taxi to retrieve my car and return to pick up the team. Although we looked at Lundy the following day from Hartland Point – the decision was taken to leave that trip for another day.

Dalkey Island and Joyce’s "snot green sea"    Next Item     Back to Top 
By Mark B
In the hope of getting some paddling done over the Christmas period I contacted the East Coast Sea Kayaking Association in Dublin and arranged to meet some people for a trip from Bulloch Harbour to Dalkey Island. The harbour is close to Dun Laoghaire, one of Dublin’s main ports, and hosts the usual assortment of rickety fishing boats along with a small army of inquisitive seals.

The meet was arranged for 11 on the water however the Christmas parties obviously caught up with a few so we waited for the stragglers to mosey along. To my surprise there were over thirty of us when we got on the water. The collection of kayaks was varied and of great interest to a sea kayaking novice. Although I have done quite a bit of river paddling, particularly slalom some years ago, I am a newcomer to sea kayaking.

The area is rich in history being dotted with Martello Towers from the Napoleonic era, the closet of which James Joyce lived in for a short time and is also the starting point of Ulysses, in which he describes the water as being "snot green" and more flattering as the mother loving sea. From my own point of view I was surprised at how luminously green the water is and was happily reassured that this is au natural and not the result of Sellafield.

Our paddle was only a short distance to Dalkey Island, a small historically rich outpost aprox. 2Nm from our set off point. The island is believed to have been a trading post for both the Romans and Vikings and is currently home to the remnants of an Iron Age fort, Martello tower, 7^th century church and 20 or so cantankerous looking goats.

The scenery was amazing, with the Dublin/Wicklow mountains to the left and Howth head to the right. The HSS high speed ferry docks at Dun Laoghaire, providing the more intrepid paddler with a nice surf wave. We skirted the island and rounded the neighboring Mugglins Island, which was notable only for the stench of guano.

The day was slightly overcast with the sun occasionally gracing our presence, little wind and no rain. Whether it was the glow of Christmas or not we all agreed that it was a perfect day for paddling.

Just as we where about to head back to Dalkey Island a cry of porpoise went up and everyone strained to catch sight of dorsal fins about 200 meters from our position. This was only my second time out in a sea kayak and this along with the accompanying seals was set to make my Christmas. The porpoise show was brief, so we made our way back to Dalkey Island where some member of the group had already got a fire going, prepared cocktails sausages and mulled wine for all.

The group where all very friendly and consisted of mostly regular paddlers with quite a bit of experience between them. One of the leaders was grandly decked out in a Santa outfit and many of the boats sported tinsel! Much to my shame I hadn’t thought to bring any. The chat was fun and the food a treat, I only had a sip of the wine as I feared paddling while under the influence.

A great trip and way beyond what I was expecting. Next installment: How not to paddle the Liffey Descent.

A big thanks to Des Keaney of www.Deepblueseakayaking.com who put me in contact with the group leader and emailed all the necessary info. I contacted Des via the Irish Sea Kayaking Association’s bulletin board www.irishseakayakingassociation.org.

Round Pompey from Eastney - 4 February 2007    Next Item     Back to Top 
By Simon A
It was warm for the time of year and there was a nice bit of sun when I arrived at Eastney. The forecast was for an East or North East wind 4-5, decreasing to 3 and fair. Not bad weather for February. Adrian B and his two friends from the Isle of Wight were already there unloading kayaks. The car park by the cruising association was full which is unusual for a winter Sunday – different in the summer when the jet skis are out. I can get my car under the barrier with the kayak on the car so was able to park without having to take the kayak off first. It was not long before everyone I was expecting had arrived apart from Kirsty who had said there was a chance she may not make it. There were nine of us with a possible tenth – a good turn out and the majority from the ‘and District’ element of the club.

By the time we were all on the beach for the ‘briefing’ the sun had gone and it was clouding up. The plan was to head up the harbour across the top and make for Portchester for lunch. We had just got on the water when Kirsty arrived. She had had trouble finding the car park. We had plenty of time to make it to the top so the slight delay did not matter. In fact with a little help Kirsty was soon on the water and we were off up the harbour. We had a good flow with us but once clear of the marina area we had to get out towards the channel to keep in the flow. It seems as if you are going out of your way but even if it is further ‘over the ground’ it is a lot quicker (and less effort). Just north of the Salterns Buoy we saw two seals popping their heads out of the water. By stopping to watch the seals we let Paul M and George B catch us up. They were just out for a paddle in the harbour and had come over to say hello. They stayed with us to the other side of the bridge where we stopped for a breather.

After about five minutes we set off again heading to Hilsea. It was just after eleven o’clock so we had plenty of time before the water was right up. It did mean that we would have some flow against us through Hilsea lake and out into Portsmouth Harbour. We made good progress across the top and by now the sun was out for a bit but it did not last long. There was plenty of room under the bridges and we were soon crossing Hilsea Lake with only a slight flow against us, although it was evident against the piers under the motorway bridge. There was not much about in Portsmouth harbour as we crossed the channel to Portchester. There were a couple of kayaks up on the beach when we arrived by the yacht club. With ten of us landing next to them I think we rather spoilt their quiet lunch. In fact they left soon after we landed. During our lunch stop there was heavy cloud and the wind was quite cold. Before setting off again we went round to the toilets only to find it was nice and sheltered. We should have had lunch on the grass by the castle.

With the wind coming from the North East we decided to keep to East side of the harbour to get some shelter from Whale Island. By now there was a bit of traffic in the channel coming from Port Solent. This meant we kept to the outside of the channel but still made good progress towards the dockyard. As we got towards the entrance to the ferry terminal the police launch was cruising around. At that point we intended to move across towards the Gosport side to ensure we were well clear of the Navy. As we started to move across towards the Gosport side the police launch moved over with us and seemed to be following to make sure we kept our distance from the Navy. It stopped following when we got down opposite the Victory and started to go back up the harbour. There was not a lot about as we made our way past the marinas to the Gosport ferry. We had a short wait for the ferry and then made for the harbour entrance. There were a few yachts about but not enough to cause any problems for us. We kept along the edge of the channel before crossing at the next buoy. There was a car ferry coming out and the hovercraft was coming over from Ryde but we were well clear before they arrived at our crossing point. The sea had been almost flat for most of the trip but outside the harbour it was a quite choppy due to the tide running out against the wind.

We had some flow from the tide running out of the harbour until we got to the pier where it changed direction and was running against us. This meant keeping well in to get out of the flow. By now the sun was out again so it was pleasant paddling along the sea front. We made steady progress and were soon at the entrance to Langstone Harbour. The tide was running out quite fast by now as it was two hours after high. Even so we kept to the Portsmouth side and fought the strong flow round the jetty – did we need the exercise after paddling twelve miles? I should have suggested we go in on the Hayling side and cross further up. Everyone made it OK so not a problem but something to think about if there are any weak paddlers in the group. It was an enjoyable day with a good bit of exercise in good company.

Club Equipment    Next Item     Back to Top 
Over the years the club has gradually gained a few kayaks. Sometimes these have been bequests whilst on other occasions they have been purchased. In the past these have been lent out on a "first ask first get" basis. Thanks to Sport England the club has recently been able to obtain a number of new kayaks for the Pool at Eastney. They are much closer to the style of kayak used normally and reduce the need to bring kayaks in from outside. The original kayaks were purchased in 1987 so have not done too bad.

In addition to these a yellow rotary moulded Avocet sea-kayak has been purchased. This is available for club members that wish to use it. It is a similar specification that most regular club-members may choose. It has hatches as well as a skeg and is good for sea-trips run by the club. The long term objective is for it and other club equipment to be stored somewhere rather than in members gardens or garages. To cover this cost and wear and tear to the kayaks a small fee is being introduced.

The costs will be          Sea-Kayak         Day use £10 Evening £5

Other kayaks Day use £5 Evening £2

The Sea-kayak is currently being looked after by Steve E. If you would like to use it feel free to contact Steve to arrange collection or delivery. It is possible to use it for overnight trips as well. In these occasions the Day use fee will apply per day.

Dart Weekend: Sunday 18^th February 2007    Next Item     Back to Top 
By Chris L
Steve E, Liz B, Ingrid M, Andrew W, Tim G, Richard B and myself.

The original plan for the day was to paddle the Dart. However this was scuppered due to Steve’s injury, picked up the previous weekend. It was a safety decision – he couldn’t guarantee being able to rescue anyone should they need it, which would be a distinct possibility. Therefore Plan B was implemented: Surfing at Bigbury-on-Sea with Steve as Beach Master and coach.

On the way, we went to the Dart Country Park to pick up the club’s shiny new Avocet, the purchase of which was organised by Steve, and to drop off the permits for Axel who had decided to do the Dart with Martin S. We had a quick walk along the river, with Steve pointing out some of the major features. It looked exciting, maybe next time…

Ingrid and Steve let off some steam in the kiddies play area before we drove off to the beach. The tide was fully out and just beginning to turn. There were plenty of surfers already playing at the far end and Steve devised a plan to surf close to where the River Avon met the sea, clear of the surfers.

After an etiquette briefing we all got on the water. Steve also came in as the distance from the beach to the area beyond the surf precluded efficient coaching. He couldn’t resist a couple of demonstration runs, then patiently sat and watched everybody, providing tips and advice where necessary. A few good runs were completed by some of the paddlers, but it soon became apparent that the surf conditions were less than ideal. I got wiped out, losing a contact lens in the process. Incredibly I found it stuck to my hand after paddling back through the surf, and proceeded to re-insert it whilst bobbing up and down in the swell. This was a personal first!

In the meantime, Liz, Ingrid and Andrew elected to explore Burgh Island as far as possible, the tide still being out far enough to maintain the land link.

After a short while Steve decided to call it a day in order to prevent him aggravating his injury. Richard, Tim and I decided to explore the Island as well and indulged in some enjoyable rock-hopping, meeting the other group on their way back. I demonstrated how a rock-hopping version of the Green Cross Code ought to be followed, caught as I was by a breaking wave just as I emerged from between two rocks.

The group was soon tucking into pasties bought from the tea shack before the long drive home.

This concluded a highly enjoyable weekend. Steve deserves a big ‘thank you’ for organising and leading the trip. I’m looking forward to the next white-water trip!

Sally Port – Eastney 11^th February 2007    Next Item     Back to Top 
By John B
I will admit that even I was surprised that only one person telephoned me. It must have been the success of the last trip I did? So when Mark B and I were at Sally Port we did not have to hang about for others to arrive. OK it had been snowing that week and it was forecast to be a little breezy but even so…….

Mark was new to the area so we spent a little time covering the hazards and rules of the Sally Port area. This has changed radically since the club was formed and is now an area of special focus by QHM. They can lock you away for going inshore on the Portsmouth side!!!! Once the basics were covered we were on our way due East along the Pompey coast.

The wind was on our side but blowing us on shore so we stayed out a little to avoid fishing lines (thankfully very few) and the larger waves hitting the shore (of which there were plenty). Our run up to Southsea Castle was simple enough but Mark was finding it "interesting" getting the skeg setting right on his kayak. Once round the Castle we had the wind behind and were soon cruising easily towards the Pier. The submarine barrier provided a chance for some transit practice and then we set course for the entrance to Langstone Harbour.

As it was almost low water the waves got slightly larger as we passed the caravan park at Eastney. The shingle bank may no longer be visible but it is obviously still there!!! We got just inside the long outfall at Eastney for a sheltered lunch, out of the wind but in the sun – most odd for my trips. Lunch did not last long as we knew it would be a slog back but we also had the meter at Sally Port to contend with. We had 1 ¾ hours to cover just under 4 miles so we should have been OK.

Mother Nature knew different! Whilst we had been having coffee the wind was building. It was a good push to the caravan park but after that the wind strengthened. From here our speed dropped very quickly. We were not the only ones out though. A sailboard occasionally shot out from the beach, disappeared out to sea then came rapidly back to the beach. After his third expedition he got off the water. Then the Eastney lifeboats shot past us towards the pier. When we finally caught up with them it seemed they were doing training exercises as three of the team kept capsizing their small inflatable then had to try and right it. Once they had done this a few times they shot off back to Eastney. They never waived to us – despite me waving to them – nor did they check on the VHF or personally to see if we were OK. I was a little surprised given the conditions, perhaps it is the high opinion they have for kayakers in the area?

Once the inflatable craft disappeared the rain hit. Visibility was reasonably poor but we could always make out South Parade Pier in the distance. Blue sky could be seen coming towards us and it arrived as we got to the submarine barrier. We decided to go under the pier this time as the wind seemed to have eased. It had been very frustrating to see walkers leave us standing as they "enjoyed" the blustery conditions.

Popping out from under the pier we had just 20 minutes to get back to the cars before our tickets expired. It had taken over an hour to cover 2 miles thanks to the wind. Drawing close to the lifeguard station we figured we had another hour ahead of just pushing into the wind, even with tide in our favour. It was agreed to land whilst I got my car and put another ticket on Marks to prevent a big fine. The landing, whilst bumpy, was covered with no embarrassment on either side and the boats were soon up the beach. All that was left was for me to cut cross country to Sally Port and get the transport sorted. Despite arriving a little after the tickets had expired we were lucky.

Thanks for coming Mark. It was good to blow a few cobwebs out. Maybe the others got a better forecast than us?

Navigation Training 25^th February    Next Item     Back to Top 
Some PDCC events draw plenty of attendees. Sadly others seem to take a little time to convince people that it is "worth their while." Various forms of training seem to fall into the later group as it never sounds exciting and people have to be contacted into attending. So Dave R, Dave W and John B were pleased that fourteen members were able to attend. As is so often the case, dry sessions indoors mean good weather for paddling and today was no exception.

Tim G, Andy M, Ingrid M and Steve EEarl were previous attendees at this particular course. Dave G and Rainer K had been round the Isle of Wight (so could learn why they had been sent in the direction they had) and Peter B was already an experienced navigator. That just left Spence R, Mark B, Jenny W, Liz B, Nigel P, Colin F, Shane K as the navigational newcomers.

Dave R had "bought" a new kayak especially for the occasion and was using it to demonstrate many of the dilemmas of navigating. SO a word of warning to the trip leaders for 2007 – you may find these folks asking you a lot of questions…..

To quote a few lines from an "unpaid attendee";

"The day just flew by, with really useful instruction on Weather charts, VHF radios, Navigation charts and some thought provoking and frankly challenging past trips. The instruction was hands on with journey planning using local navigation charts. In short an enjoyable and confidence inspiring day. Our three instructors had obviously spent valuable time in preparing and organising the day. I am sure all of the club members present will join me in offering heartfelt thanks for making a really worthwhile experience.

If you haven't been on this course, look out for it next time (hopefully) its run."

Thanks for the kind words Colin, how much did they pay you?

BCU/UKCC COACHING SCHEME UPDATE    Next Item     Back to Top 
By Richard G
On 1^st Feb I, and a number of other coaches in this region, attended an update on the star tests and coaching scheme hosted by James Hinves (Coaching Development Officer for the Southern Region) and Andy Maxted (Regional Coaching Officer for the Southern Region).

The new Local Coaching Officer was appointed – Dan Jordan who is with the Upper Hamble Club. He takes over from Phil Quill.

Andy and James outlined the new coaching education scheme changes which have developed since last year hopefully becoming less onerous.

Essentially there will be five levels as before but with changes.

The trip leadership element is being taken out of the coaching scheme and the coaching will be split between training and assessment. This recognises that the two elements need different skills.

There is also an option to become a bank based coach i.e. one who doesn’t get on the water but coaches from dry land with safety cover on the water.

Level I generic i.e. not boat type specific and the coach does not have to have personal paddling skills. Works under supervision of another coach. No first aid certificate required.

Level II also generic can coach/assess 2 star

Level III boat specific can train assess 3 star. Appropriate level to run a club or centre.

Level IV a very experienced coach

Level V a top class coach. They do not envisage many coaches attaining this level. In the future probably less than exist now.

All clubs will have to have a child welfare officer – ours is the club chairman.

All coaches will also have to attend a CRB course which must be a BCU recognised course. These CRB courses will be provided free to BCU coaches.

The Canoe Rescue Test is to be abandoned and merged into a more general safety awareness module which all coaches will have to attend.

There will remain five star tests but with a discovery award added at the beginner level for encouragement.

1 and 2 star will be generic and the coach will have to ensure that participants can demonstrate paddle strokes applicable to different craft. Presumably actually training people in different boat types at the same time!

3 star boat specific. With the white water test taken on generally less than grade II with a grade II section and the sea taken on a coastal trip not too demanding.

All this is to be generally available from the BCU at the end of this week.

3 star and upwards will have an element of leadership skills brought in to the syllabus with the intention that 4 star will be the appropriate award to run advanced trips amongst peer groups i.e. people of a similar standard.

5 star to run more advanced trips. The emphasis here is that there is no coaching element and they are all peer group paddlers.

These changes are being effected during the course of this year.

All coaches will have to update their qualifications by attending update days and this process is expected to be complete by 2012.

"So what" you might say. Well at the moment we are affiliated to the BCU and pay a fee for the privilege. For this we are recognised by them and our coaches can enjoy protection through BCU insurance whilst running club activities. In order to be compliant with the new regime the effect on our club can be interpreted as follows:-

Coaches will have to attend update forums to revalidate. These are free and will include CRB courses. Our chairman (if he is not a coach) will also have to attend – there may be a fee in this case - or we appoint a separate officer who is a coach.

Coaches will have to be able to demonstrate knowledge of paddling strokes applicable to different craft though will not necessarily have to have any awards in a different discipline.

Our trip leaders should have at least 4 star possibly 3 star on sheltered water. But no requirement to have a coaching award. They will still need a first aid certificate.

Coaching sessions should still be run by coaches Level II up to 2 star and Level III up to 3 star. Those coaches who also want to assess will have to update with separate modules.

The good news is that there is funding available for training for coaches through "Awards for All" which we may be able to tap into for any special needs. The problem is that at the moment they are geared towards clubs with a strong junior contingent.

Also the BCU have taken it upon themselves to provide these updates free so the only cost to existing coaches is time.

The Placid Water Trip (Langstone Harbour Circumnavigation)     Next Item     Back to Top 
18^th February 2007
By Russell P
With only one person contacting me about the trip, with a "I’m coming if I’m there" I arrived early to lead my first "Club Trip", knowing that most folks were enjoying the thrills and spills of the rivers of Devon.

Kirsty joined me in good time, she’d met the club on the last paddle up the Hamble in January. As we took our boats down to the waters edge ready for the launch at 10.00. Paul turned up, and said he would join us at the point north of the Hayling ferry. With no one else coming apparently, we set off and met Paul on the beach, in his haste he had forgotten some kit and would need to return home, he said he would meet up with us later.

We pushed out into the main channel and with the tides help were at Eastern Rd Bridge in just over thirty minutes. This included the inspection by a seal opposite the Sailing Centre on Eastern Rd. After a brief pause in the eddy west of the bridge we set out to navigate our way through the islands that make up the nature reserve. There was a little east wind at this point just roughing the waters surface. After admiring the flocks that ascended and from several of the islands we met the tidal flow over the old railway bridge foundations.

Our landing at the Ship Inn was ten minutes before Portsmouth high water, and I had the joy of getting out of the kayak along side the seawall, (so nice as it is usually on the very slippy and slimy mud of the slipway!). The lunch period was pleasant, and we discussed various different trips and standard safety equipment to be taken on even gentle trips.

Back on the water the tidal flow rushed us under the bridge and past the remains of the railway swing bridge; here the water was placid with only the faintest breath of wind. We past a couple of forlorn sailors to whom jokingly I offered to sell a paddle. Approaching the channel to the Quarry at Havant we espied a paddler coming towards us. Paul joined us for the journey as far as the Mulberry Harbour, which we both agreed seems to be more broken up than we remember it. I did the inspection through the harbour, but the others declined the experience.

Paul headed off to Eastney lake. Whilst Kirsty and I crossed the harbour mouth without incident even though the RNLI were charging about making waves in their small craft, I don’t think they were trying to sink us so they could practice a rescue, didn’t work even if they were. We landed at 1.10pm, having had a relaxed enjoyable paddle, completing the 8 nautical miles in just under three hours if you discount the launch break.

Stokes Bay – Bembridge 11^th     Next Item     Back to Top 
"A New Perspective"
By Gideon R & Claire T
This was our first outing with PDCC, even though one of us joined in about 1996 and had never, ever, paddled with you (us!). This time, we joined in May, and paddled in March, just about the time the membership renewal reminders made a taller pile behind the front door than the free credit offers.

Once we completed the paddle - well, actually during the "halfway" lunch - we were approached to write the newsletter article. In fact, I think if we hadn’t agreed, we wouldn’t have got our charts and compasses back, and we’d have been marooned on the Isle of Wight. We got asked again when we got back, and then, in a technical tour-de-force, Richard managed to e-mail to ask us again while we were still on the A27, despite the delays he must’ve incurred when his boat fell off his roof. And he put the thumbscrews on by invoking John B’s name (Gid owes John one from a while back).

In particular, Richard pointed out that, coming (fleeing?) from another club, we’d bring a new perspective to the newsletter. We think this means that Tony has told Richard about the lies and drivel we used to write in ACC’s newsletter. Or perhaps it means he hasn’t? Anyway, we agreed, although, dear reader, we may have a slightly cavalier approach to veracity and timelines. And how will you tell which bits Clare wrote, and which bits Gid wrote? Maybe it doesn’t matter, unless you’re a libel lawyer. Shall we begin?

Sauntering along the A27 Gid was saying "we’re in plenty of time", even as Tony S flew past at 110mph. Was that a cheery wave or was he looking for his reading glasses to find the rendezvous? Anyway, we saw no need for such speed as, firstly, 10 o’clock we both thought, means on the water by 11, just like at Adur Canoe Club, and secondly, unlike Tony, we knew it wasn’t junction 12. Well, we did once Clare had found her reading glasses. Actually road navigation was easy - we followed Dave. Or was that Andrew?

At the admirably succinct briefing, we were introduced to the other Richards, Andrew, Andrew, Andrew, Andrew, Andy, and Dave, Dave, Dave, Dave and Dave. Names were to be a bit of an issue on this trip. Not only did everyone seem to be called Andrew (or Dave), but also people kept coming and going, as they lived in different places (I think there were 17 paddlers in the car park, but 20 on the water. Only one in the water, I couldn’t see who it was. Probably Dave, or Andrew). Two of the paddlers even came over from the Isle of Wight. We were rather impressed by this feat of early rising and seamanship, but even more so when it dawned upon us that therefore some members of P&DCC do all the trips backwards! And sure enough, they vanished shortly after lunch, just like Spitsand Fort – more later on that subject. How amazing.

At 10 o’clock, sharp, Gid, displaying all the merits for his previously won "faffer award", stepped straight into his usual spot of being last to be ready, launch, and face in the correct direction (Gid: This is because I’d forgotten you can’t get a barrel in a sea kayak). I could clarify if I mean outbound or return, but it was both.

Although the road navigation was easy the marine navigation was a bit of an issue for one of us (Gid of course). Careful chart scribbling the night before came to naught when Richard announced the route plan. It worked perfectly, of course, nothing like the rubbish I’d written down. Although, Andrew told me that there’s a restaurant on one of the sea forts, so we had a 1-in-3 chance of not starving on my route. Possibly 1-in-2, since on the way out, we had a snack behind Spitsand Fort, and it was very clearly not a restaurant. After the fort I forgot to look at my chart, or indeed anything, during a fascinating conversation with Dave (or was it Andrew?), about, err, I forget what, and was really surprised when we ended up at Bembridge, as we had seemed to be on a heading for Yarmouth. Shows how much I know about Solent tides, of course, and indeed the forts. It seems there are supposed to be three, but you can only ever see two of them at one time, because on the way back, Spitsand Fort completely vanished. I asked Andrew, and he couldn’t see it either. It might just mean I need to get some reading glasses too, and he was humouring me.

It was a jolly good turnout, we’re told, and certainly we were impressed by the about 20 paddlers gathered. Certainly, enough to nab all the good spaces in the car park. In fact we had a bit of a laugh at the end watching Mr and Mrs Old, clearly on a day trip from Worthing (our home), trying to wedge their elderly Ford Fiasco into the last tiny gap between the paddle wagons so they could sit and watch the sea. It has to be said, Mr Old did manage it in slightly fewer attempts than our own Tony, and it was a much smaller gap. I hope they were grateful for the shade, and at least, facing out to sea, they were spared the prospect of watching us changing. No such luck for the giggly girls with lollies in that blue car, and those two vaguely sinister chaps in the black van. I’m not sure what the giggly girls were giggling about, either, it was a bit chilly to be licking lollies.

PS: The real people on the trip were:- Richard G, Dave W, Andrew W, Andy M, Dave G, Axel E, Tony S, Russell P, Richard B, Dave M, Andrew M, Martin G, Chris L, Mike C and from the Isle of Wight, Adrian B and Kevin and of course both of us – "Dave" and "Dave" from Worthing.

The Outdoor Shopping Show    Next Item     Back to Top 
By Richard B
I understand in the USA, shopping is considered a leisure activity. I don’t know if you have to train for it or do a 2 star navigation test but a Saturday in March saw me up at an early hour battling along the M40 to avoid the high tide (of shoppers) into our great temple of shopping the NEC. A quick slalom into the car park and there I was bracing with the best of them at 8.55am ready for the off. This was the Outdoor show so of course the assembled queue was dressed in wall-to-wall Gore-Tex, fleece technical clothing. A murmur went around the queues and the starting blocks were lifted and we were off. For some reason everyone rushed in Anneka Rice style, as though their lives depended on it. Maybe it’s like Harrods New Year sales where traditionally a £3,000 coat going for £10. Perhaps Valley had some similar deal? Well you won’t be surprised that no such deals were on offer just lots of lovely sea boats on display and some sparkly surf boats and staff who were genuinely interested, unlike NDK staff next door who could have qualified for jobs in Soviet Russia.

Apparently the paddle sport corner of the Ordnance Survey Outdoors Show at the NEC this year was smaller than ever, with many of the big brands and manufacturers in notable by their absence. Most of the manufacturers that would in previous years have exhibited their wares had obviously decided that any increase in sales they would gain wasn’t worth the time and cost of exhibiting. The notable exceptions were the large Pyranha - P&H - Venture kayaks stand and the Peak UK - Riot stand and the aforementioned Valley. P&H had their new Cetus with FOUR hatches, the extra one seemingly designed for baguettes. Rooster Sailing clothing, our local manufacture from Southbourne was in evidence and keen to know what might make his clever aquafleece material more useful to kayakers.

As a showcase for paddlesports it was colourful and there seemed to be plenty of ‘outdoor’ people stopping to find out about canoeing and kayaking. Although I’m not sure that the activities in the pool were as entertaining as the 45 degree to the horizontal spiderman (rock climbing) championships taking place next door.

Bargains? There had better be after a round trip of 250 miles (from London) £7 for the car park and another £14 for the ticket. Many of the stands were in fact temporary shops rather than exhibition stands, so pile it high and sell it cheap seemed more the norm than informed discussion. Despite my grumbles NDK did have rubber hatches that don’t perish and are a tighter fit than the Valley ones. Mr Reed was charming and trying his excellent wares was a good opportunity for a bit of retail therapy rather than their laborious mail-order service.

Look out for me strutting my stuff in a rather fetching yellow number. (what d’you mean I look like a chicken? OK but it was going cheep!)

Minutes of the PDCC Committee Meeting, 11th March 2007        Back to Top 
Present: Steve A, John B, Richard B, Steve E, Richard G, Russell P, Andrew W, David W

Apologies: Simon A, Glyn T.

Minutes of last meeting were agreed.

Matters Arising:

1. Various names were mentioned in relation to new trip leaders including Richard B, Tim G and Paul M. Some of the committee members will monitor Paul’s trip to Devon, with a general feeling that for inland trips Paul’s leadership would not be a problem, but sea trips would need further consideration.
2. Gideon R, Claire T and Tim are training to become coaches, and Andrew M is now a level 2 coach.
3. John B reported that a new website could be created to supersede the blocked PDCC site that cannot be updated, and the Brockworks site. This new site would be supplied by a paid provider, costing £72 per annum. A domain name could also be obtained for a small sum. It was agreed that John should proceed with this, and that the domain name should be portsmouthanddistrictcanoeclub.org.uk. It was accepted that this is a lot to write in but that any abbreviations had already been taken, and this was the most easy to remember. If possible links from the present web pages would automatically link though to the new site.
4. Links with other canoe clubs are still being pursued.

Club Logo: Richard B reported that the Logo was now awaiting printing, the supplier needed to produce a logo sticker that had water resistant ink, and was of similar quality to the old stickers. Cost for a run of 200 would work out at £1 per badge. It was agreed that the first badge to all members should be free, extras would be charged for.

Trip List: Leaders were arranged for trips into June, however a leader was required for May 20^th, (Sally Port to Selsey Bill) and May 27^th , (Stokes Bay to Newtown IOW). The latter trip being a replacement for a proposed Cherbourg trip which Andrew was no longer able to lead.

The committee were happy with Paul M advertising the White Water trips on the Forum.

Various trips were suggested for future dates: Fort Victoria to Christchurch Harbour/Hengistbury Head (suggested by members from the IoW), River Stour, and a five day trip on the Scilly Isles. The latter being agreed to be worked into next years trip plan.

BCU Coaching: Richard G and Andrew W are attending different Coaching days during April, and both will report back to the committee on the changes to Coach training and any other matters that will affect the club.

All the coaches in the committee agreed that they were available to give 1 to 1 sessions by arrangement if there were club members who wanted help in or to learn a particular skill. This was not to replace Monday or Wednesday nights, where if a member expresses a skill area in need of improvement, those leading would endeavour to include the skill in the session.

Club Base: It was reported that Paul N had made some provisional contacts with the Cockleshell Community Centre at Eastney. They already entertain a diving clubs container and boat. It was agreed that Dave W would pursue this.

Sport England Grant. It was reported that the grant had been spent, and Simon would be writing to Sport England to confirm how the grant had been spent. It was agreed that a rental charge be introduced for the use of the boats and should be set at: Avocet Sea Kayak £5 per evening and £10 per day, other kayaks would be £2 and £5 for the same periods. (This does not apply to pool sessions). It was mentioned that many places charge £25 to £30 a day for boat hire, and this would give club members good value. It was agreed that a charge be introduced for the other boats that the club owns. A leaflet about the boats and hire fees would be included in all new member packs. John will include details in the next Newsletter.

1^st Aid Course: Richard G reported that he had found a suitable supplier of training at reasonable cost, the date and venue is yet to be arranged. All trip leaders should have this First aid Certificate.

A.O.B.: Course for training disabled persons in Canoe/Kayaking is being run by the BCU, details will be put in the Newsletter.

A letter has been received from the BCU entitled "Safeguarding Children and Young People". This was run through by Andrew W as he has already registered in regard to another club that has a junior section. It was agreed that a copy of the letter be circulated to the committee members, and that Russell P as the present Chairman should register, and that any future Chairman should register. At present no further action was thought to be required as we only take minors with parents in attendance.

The front page of the Newsletter was mentioned as to its change with the new logo. Richard B is to follow this up. It was agreed that the present page would not be correct if the logo was just added.

Next meeting due to be 20^th May

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