2014 11 newsletter

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Frome Canoe Club is affiliated to the British Canoe Union and is a Registered Charity (Number 1104728)

Newsletter

Volume 38 Issue 11: November 2014

A promotion to Division 1 in C1 for Ben at Shepperton. For more

about this race see p12

George (right), picked up the National Volunteer of the Year Award last Saturday. Hazel’s comment on fb was ‘You are a legend’. I think we all agree! Ben below - we’ve had a First Division C1 paddler in the club before, and of course several First Division K1s. But never before has the club had a person in both First divisions! What a great achievement.

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In this issue

3 Calendar in brief

4/5 River trip details

6 Winter club sessions

7 Pool sessions

7 Symonds Yat report

12 Shepperton report

15 Ben and Chris at HPP

8/9 Tiverton weekend by Rich Carter

13 River Tawe by Alun Jones

14/15 Bits and Pieces

CALENDAR: details

REPORTS

SPECIALS

FCC ‘THROWLINE ’ CLUB MAGAZINE

Send articles for the next issue to [email protected] by 27th November

THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

President

Graham Warnecke

Vice Presidents

Richard and Jane Arney

Jim and Catharine Croft

Chairman

Alun Jones

Vice Chairman

Gareth McGiveron

Treasurer

John Kent

Secretary

Pam Dixon

16 Blagdon Walk, Frome, BA11 2YH

Committee Members

Arthur Belbin

Rich Carter

Richard Heal

Jonathan Howell

Tracey Lemon

Stuart Miles

Kit Officers

Tim and Sally Smiles

SLALOM

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Calendar 2014


Date Event Standard Contact

November

2 River Exe One Star + moving water training

8 Club session: Saturday pm All Rich C

12 Bring and Buy + Thin Air White Water

All Gareth Mc

14 Polo at the Pool (contact game) All Jack S

15/16 Dart Weekend Passport/One Star (+ 10 years or over)

Pam D

19 Refresher First Aid All Vicky B

21 Polo at the Pool (non contact) All Jack s


26 Coach Update - Paddleability Coaches + volunteers Pam D

30 Local trip Passport/One Star John K

December


7 River Usk 2 Star + John K

10 Quiz night All Pam D

12 Polo at the pool (contact) All Jack S

13 Christmas Dinner All Linz


21 River Dart Passport/One Star (+ 10 years or over)

Gareth M

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Calendar in detail

Carl, Kurt and Neil on the Allta Chourinn, a steep rockslide in Glen Etive.


DART WEEKEND

15/16th November Meet Market Yard : 8am £40

A weekend paddling the beautiful River Dart. There are three sections we can do:

Upper - for crazy people

Loop - for 2 Star + paddlers

Lower - for less experienced

When you sign up, let us know the section you want to do.

We stay in Powdermills Bunkhouse overnight. You need to bring a sleeping bag and overnight things.

The cost of this trip includes trans-port , accommodation and food (except Saturday lunch, so bring a packed lunch.)

RIVER FROME TRIP

30th November 9am at the Market Yard Cost £3 Organiser : John Kent

A local trip, exact stretch to be decided on the day. Whichever we choose, it will be a good trip. But could be cold so come prepared with plenty of warm clothes and a good packed lunch. Borrow any club kit you need on the morning.

RIVER USK TRIP

7th December 8am at the Market Yard Cost £15 Organiser : John Kent

This one is always a cold one and often wet! You need to be at 2 Star Standard or Discover, with moving water experience and be over 10 years old. Access on the river has become a little fraught and so we will be doing the stretch Sennybridge to Aberbran. This is the section with Triple Falls.

WEDNESDAYS

Evenings At the clubhouse 12th 7pm Bring and Buy

12th 7.30 - DVD Thin Air White water

19th 7.30 Refresher First Aid 26th 6.30 Paddleability workshop

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Carl, Kurt and Neil on the Allta Chourinn, a steep rockslide in Glen Etive.


Calendar in detail

WINTER CLUB SESSIONS

AT THE CLUBHOUSE

EVERY OTHER SATURDAY

2– 4 pm

8th November 22nd November 6th December

20th December

EVERYONE IS WELCOME!

RIVER DART TRIP

21st December 9am at the Market Yard Cost £15 Organiser : Gareth McGiveron

The Dart is a popular trip because it is such a beautiful river with its rapids and drops. We will paddle the Loop, and those wanting a bit more excitement will tackle the Upper section. You will need good paddling gear for this trip, warm clothes and a hearty packed lunch.

ADVANCE NOTICE!

THE CLUB SOCIAL

SATURDAY 24th JANUARY AT THE CLUBHOUSE

7-10pm

Our annual social evening and awards ceremony.

EVERYONE IS WELCOME!

RIVER EXE OR BARLE TRIP

11th January 2015 8am at the Market Yard Cost £12 Organiser : Rich Carter

We will decide nearer the time which river to paddle. They are both lovely rivers, grade 2, with plenty of playspots.

You need to be 10 years old or over and be a good One Star standard (able to wear a spray deck), or above. Bring a packed lunch, warm clothes and borrow any club kit you need on the morning.

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What happens through the winter?


WEDNESDAYS at the Clubhouse - LOTS PLANNED! 12th November, 7pm BRING and BUY sale.

12th November, 7.30pm DVD—Thin Air White Water

19th November, 7.30pm A FIRST AID refresher. An evening to have a go at CPR, bandages and other aspects of aquatic first aid. Everyone is welcome.

26th November, 6.30-9.30pm PADDLEABILITY - a course delivered by a BCU trainer. It counts as an Up-date for coaches (lasts18 months).

10th December, 7.30pm A QUIZ - with Dave as our Quizmaster. This one is a social event and everyone is welcome! We will sort out teams on the night!

And SLALOM/FITNESS TRAINING carries on every week for anyone happy to paddle in the gloom.

FRIDAYS - POOL SESSIONS Frome Leisure Centre Fridays, 8-9pm Cost £2.80 young people, £3.30 Adults

The pool session will be divided into two sessions, so you get half an hour in the pool kayaking.

SATURDAYS at the Clubhouse Every other Saturday—a chance to paddle on the river, 2pm-4pm. 8th November, 22nd November, 6th December, 20th December

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Pool sessions + Symonds Yat Slalom

POOL SESSIONS ARE FOR HAVING FUN PLAYING CANOE POLO AND LEARNING NEW SKILLS

Pool sessions are in full swing now, and run through to December 12th. Help us to make the sessions go well:

Return the kit you borrowed after your paddling session, to the floor next to the changing room door.

Help to hang up your boat at the end of the session.

November’s polo games are: 14th (experienced paddlers) and 21st (non contact game). The other weeks are for free paddling. You can book a coach on these nights to learn how to roll, capsize etc.

Symonds Yat Slalom 11/12th October

By Andrew Lyall

The river was unrecog-nisable when we arrived. Compared to the water levels of the club’s recent visit, it was two feet higher at least and moving twice as fast. The weather however was warm and wet, so quite pleasant.

The course was difficult to say the least. John and I decided to do a KI run on Saturday and John had his best result in the year with an impressive first run. Ben had some serious competition in his C1 race.

Sunday saw the arrival of more FCC members: Su F, Kieran F, Keiran C, Alex H, and Chloe C. In contrast to yesterday the weather was cold and foggy. John and I tried C2 but got caught out on two practice runs (6 points each!), and so we scrapped any thought of compet-ing in C2. I did a K1 run instead.

We all had a great day but once again struggled with the more difficult gates. Ben didn’t quite manage to get promoted to division 1 in C1 so had to go to Shepperton next week.

A thoroughly enjoyable weekend and one for next year’s calendar.

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Tiverton 2014 - 4/5th October

By Rich Carter

Well here we go again; off to the River Exe at Tiverton for our annual training weekend.

Great weather this year and we tried a new night time stop-over. The only thing we did not have was water. I mean I have done this river low, but this was low! So low, I was able to see parts of the

construction of the weirs that I had never seen before.

We had five groups on the water and we just made the most of what water we had. There were smiling faces, so we must have been doing something right.

The overnight accommodation was a lot smaller than we were used to, with just 2 main

sleeping rooms and two other tiny rooms.

The adults did convert the dining room into another sleeping area though, and there was no snoring I was told.

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Tiverton continued


We tried a different event for the evening: climbing. The bunkhouse where we stayed had a giant climbing wall, with instructors, so with that and with Pam keeping us fed, we made it through the night.

Not much to say about the second day, but the water was a bit higher. I know people did not believe me, but markers

on the river showed that the river was higher, but not a lot.

I think it will go down in the history books, as ‘Do you remember Tivy 2014? Boy that was a low one. I know, I was there!’

Thank you to the instructors who took the groups - Alun, John + Andy, Jack + Rich N, Arthur + Mark and George working with me.

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Another Big Rock


River Barle trip

19th October 2014

By Julia McGiveron

After the usual sorting, organising by Pam, and loading of boats and kit at the clubhouse, we sent off in a mini-bus and the trusty silver van to the River Barle.

As we approached the river, we heard the despairing comments from Jack and George about the lack of water in the river. This I secretly thought was good - little did I know! After a long wait for the shuttle of vehicles to the get off, we all got on the river at our usual point just below Tarr Steps.

I had heard that the first part can be tricky so started to relax when I man-aged to stay in my boat and after a short wait for everyone to get on, we all set off down the river. I had been warned about the rocks in the water and wasn't sure which way to go so fol-lowed Kieran thinking "He knows what

he's doing" (His mother Sue later said that was a huge mistake!). It was.

I hit a rock and next thing I'm in the water, paddles and boat off down-stream, Unfortunately for Ian and Jane, they were following me and met the same fate (sorry guys). At this point I must have looked petrified as Linz kindly offered to lead me down-stream for a bit, I stuck to her like glue and tried to enjoy the beautiful scenery whilst avoiding the rocks.

We carried on down the river, trying to avoid Stu in his canoe. Jane said she was enjoying a good bottom massage. I too was getting a bottom bashing from the countless rocks. I also wanted to be hit on the bottom to get me off the rocks that I continu-ally got stuck on! We stopped at a few rapids where the more experienced paddlers played. I just wanted dry out

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Barle trip … continued

(especially my wet hair Mark), so I de-cided to just watch.

Next, lunch and a quick stretch of the legs. I was relieved to discover my lunch was still in my boat and dry (thanks, Jack for that). A hot chocolate soon sorted me out and we proceeded on down-stream.

More little rapids (bit more scary in places for me), then we discovered that we had lost Stu. Pretty difficult in that big canoe, but he had definitely not passed us. After waiting for ages, Kieran was sent up the bank where poor Stu had gone a different way and was waiting for Kath and Jane.

More little rapids and loads more rocks and oh no, another big rock decided to tip me out. Yet again another hair wash-ing. I did get pretty cold but thank good-ness for the borrowed dry suit. Then I caught up with the rest of the group and it got worse: a weir.

I really wanted the to give up and get out at this point, as to me the weir did look pretty scary. But I gave myself a talking to. Rich saw the look of sheer terror on my face and assured me that George would be following me down so I took the plunge and after several wobbles and a bit of luck, stayed in the boat. Oh and Rich, George didn't follow me. But never mind, for once I did stay dry. More rocks, more scratched boats

and paddles and we got to the get-off.

I'm covered in bruises but would do it all again! Thanks so much to everyone who helped me and chased my pad-dles and boat, a brilliant trip. Also thanks for the de-brief in the van on the way home and comments on where I went wrong on the trip. Maybe these comments would have been a bit more helpful a few hours before!

Think I'll let the hubby and son have all their kit back and enjoy the next trip in peace without having to babysit me!! I'm sure they secretly think yippee!!

Ed: Thanks for this Julia: a lovely reminder of the trip! Yes, it was a brilliant day. And your article brought back some identical memories from my early days! The bit about rocks!

And one last thing! The leader board (copper noseclip) changes after this trip. Congratulations Ian, your three points today bring you to the top!

Paddlers and Points Boys: George Mc, George W, Keiran

C, Kieran F Ladies: Bex T, Jane T (3), Julia Mc (6),

Kath N, Linz K, Pam D, Su F Men: Bob B, Chris W, Gareth Mc,

Ian J (3), Jack S, Jim R (2), Mark B, Paul F, Rich C, Ryan C, Stu M and Yousaf M.

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Shepperton Div 2/3 - 18th October


By John Kent

This was the last race of the season - at least for Andy and myself. There are often complaints that Div 2 courses aren't hard enough. Well that's the case sometimes and is due to lack of courses or lack of water, but not this weekend.

There was lot more water than expected with one radial open, giving a fast boiling jet down the middle, separating the course in two.

Andy and I took the long way round.

After our one practice run, we decided the jet was beyond us in the C2 and we didn't want to swim two weekends on the trot. The others did well. Ben came 2nd in Div 2 C1M gaining him promotion to Div 1 C1, now in addition to his K1. Tim, in his first race with us won Div 3 K1M, and both Kieran and Keiran gained valuable experience in big water by tackling the jet.

Ed: See Tim on the back page and p14 for more about one of his runs.

Get all your canoeing things from the

Family Adventure Store at Hilperton.

BA14 7PJ

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Taming the Tawe - by Alun Jones


through the wooded valley until it was time to get out and send a runner to retrieve the van.

After lunch it was decided that because there was so much rain the mountain section could be run, so we drove up the valley into the open moorland where the river was smaller. This part provided us with a series of small, 3/4 metre drops at regular intervals.

The rain stopped and the sun shone whilst we eddy hopped down the river until we reached a more demanding drop into the gorge. At this stage it was decided that a retreat back home was in order.

The Tawe is certainly entertaining and a river that I would be keen to paddle again.

Alun

The week after the Tiverton weekend the weather became very wet and conducive to running white water rivers. With this in mind a small group of us - Tim, George, Megan and myself, set off to try the Tawe in south Wales. The rain followed us across the border, the wind blew and skies were dark.

We only had one vehicle, so our inten-tion was to scout the river and paddle some shorter sections allowing us to return to the van before we got too far away.

The guide book suggested the Glyntawe to Abercraf section is a grade 4 which sounded interesting, so we took some time to see what we could of a now very swollen river. Although the parts we could get access to looked OK, the parts we could not see were more of a concern and the sensible decision was made to run Abercraf to Ystradgynlais, which is described as a grade 2-3 section.

We climbed down the steep bank of the river accompanied by thunder with the sky lit up by light-ning: not very welcoming.

The river was lively as we paddled down

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Bits and Pieces

Manoeuvre of the month

Shepperton slalom with its big water and fast boiling jet was the site of this extraordinary move. A capsize in a dangerous place in his practice run surely signalled disaster. But no, Tim executed a perfect roll and up he came. And after that interesting start, he went on to take first place in the Div 3 K1M! Well done Tim.

A NEW idea from the Committee For those wanting a bit more coaching on moving water, look here.

If you feel you would like a little more coaching on river trips, we are always happy to help you, once we know. So future sign in sheets for river trips will have a space for you to tell us this when you book onto a river trip, and then we will look out for you, allocate a coach/river leader and help you progress your skills.

£100 donation received from Trowbridge Triathlon for providing the safety cover at a night time swim event. Thank you George, Gareth, Jim, Rich and Pam.

..Ed: this email just in from Jonathan

Hi all. just letting you know how

it's going. The pain is much more manageable

so that's good. I felt so good at the weekend I mowed

the lawn and cut the hedge - big mistake. Been paying

for it this week. It looks like I still have a way to

go. Great news about George he is one in a million.

Hope you are all well. I can't wait to be able to get

on the rivers again. Driving me nuts being stuck at home. Jonathan.

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Bits and Pieces

WWSR course April 18/19th 2015 At Tryweryn £85 plus £24 water charge plus certificate charge. Accommodation and food to be arranged by individuals. Spaces limited to 6, so book early with Pam

4 Star RL training March 14/15th 2015 At Tryweryn £85 plus certificate charge. Accommodation and food to be arranged by individuals. Spaces limited to 6, so book early with Pam

More safety cover provided, this time for the Wells Moat Race. Thank you Chris H and friends. Chris can’t do this cover for us next year because he will be away in Canada. Beats safety cover any day! Have a lovely time there won’t you!

Kieran passed the Gate Judges exam at Shepperton. It should have been his mum, Su, taking the exam, but Su kindly volunteered to do some judging and handed her Gate Judges place to Kieran. What a thoughtful Mum!

at the clubhouse

12th November

Wetsuit shoes: £5

Base layers (top and

bottom): £18

From Sam’s fb entry on Ben and Chris at Holme Pierrepont Slalom

HPP presented Ben and Chris with a challenging and technical course with a high volume of moving water creating drops, waves, boils, stoppers, munchers and plug holes!

Ben secured his best result of the season: 33 out of 72. Chris unfortunately had less success, coming 66 out of 72. It should be noted that over 50% of competitors got a 50 on their first run! It was a very difficult course!

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Canoeing and kayaking are “Assumed risk” – “Water contact sports” that may carry attendant risks. Participants should be aware of and accept these risks, and be responsible for their own action and involvement.

Here are two of the

instructors at the

Tiverton training

weekend.

Any suggestions

for what they are

thinking / doing?

www.frome-canoe-club.org.uk

Check out the photos of club events on the website. And refer to the calendar for all the club activities.

Follow us on

facebook

CONTACTS

Chairman Alun Jones 01373 823513

Vice Chair: Gareth McGiveron

Treasurer: John Kent 01225 765168 [email protected]

Secretary: Pam Dixon 07740 472982 [email protected]

Head Coach: Rich Carter 01373 864623

Youth Reps: Tracey Lemon and Stuart Miles

Volunteer Rep: Jonathan Howell Kit: Sally and Tim Smiles, assisted by Tracey Lemon

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2014 11 newsletter