Here‟s our man in Utah.

Paddling the San Juan, forwards, backwards or

sideways – just can‟t make up my mind, but Kelvin looks like he knows what
he‟s doing. Rob‟s thinking a bow rudder to catch the eddy behind the rock in
the foreground or maybe just avoiding something out of shot. Read Kelvin‟s
item on a multi day guided trip down the San Juan (UTAH) starting on P6.

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter COVER Summer 2010/02

 CONTENTS EDITORS PIECE
RIVER WEY 3 It was a bit of a struggle to get this one of the
press and when a few fillers are needed a bit
NEW POOL SESSIONS 4 of pleading and begging usually does the
trick. This time it drew forth a couple of items
TOP TIP 5 from the chair to add to contributions already
received. In order that the newsletter will
SAN JUAN RIVER 6 continue to flourish can I take yet another
CHAIRMANS CHOICE 8 opportunity to remind members that the more
they contribute the better and more
CLAPOTIS 10 representative of the membership the
newsletter will become. I would add that it‟s
FREE COACHING 11 relatively easy to add photo‟s now so you can
pad out a few words with an illustration. All I
ALEX SHIELL IS MISSING 12 ask is that you think it‟s interesting, if
necessary I‟ll be happy to help with
SURFING IN DEVON 13
composition and layout (which often changes
WHAT’S ON, WHEN & WHERE 19 when copied into the newsletter) and spelin.
My GCSE English was knot that grate as
THE COMMITTEE 20 the spelcheka keeps reminding me. As
you know, my tenure as newsletter editor is
drawing to a close and I hope the incoming editor will enjoy even greater support than I,
particularly for those first few issues as they get their hand in.
This issue has gone out as an e-mail link to the SCRIBD site. I have been placing the
newsletters there for sometime, and have uploaded all the past issues that I had retained
copies of. Unfortunately those that were lost in the great website crash of 2009, including
some of my earlier issues, are destined to remain in the irretrievable ether for evermore. A
look at the stats on the scribed site shows that some 2600+ reads of the newsletter have
been made across all the uploaded issues. The favourite, by quite some margin is issue
126 having been read some 432 times. The new layout seems to be looked at more than
the old and I think the new layout transfers well to the scribed site from where you can
download it, read it page at a time or in book layout (best if you‟ve a wide screen). It‟s
clear that more than just Marlow members read our newsletter, some from outside of the
UK and if any of these people would like to contribute an item of interest to paddlers in
general and MCC members in particular, please do so, we will fit it in somewhere.
This issue features contributions from as lofty as the chair right down to the unexpected. It
covers local waters, some further away and a bit of surfing then continues westwards to
UTAH. There‟s a top tip and an amusing word in there as well.
Like drawing hen's teeth and getting blood out of a stone. Often used phrases such as
these do not adequately describe the effort required to obtain an item from Rob, but I think
I‟ve managed it. Enjoy a report on a recent surf trip the boys put together for a bank
holiday beano and perhaps join them next time.
Finally – Remember Lee Niven. We‟ve not seen enough of him lately and this is due to a
recent shoulder operation. The surgeon, the blacksmith and Lee are all happy with the
result and a continued speedy recovery should see him back at the club soon where many
will be able to benefit from his wisdom and coaching.

John Norris May 2010

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter -2- Summer 2010/02

RIVER WEY TRIP – 13/14 MARCH 2010

I‟ve recently joined PDCC with the intention of developing my sea paddling capabilities.
And what‟s the first event I go on – a river trip. But that‟s not all bad. A flat water trip gives
one the opportunity to move around the group and introduce oneself to new friends and
colleagues.
Based at the premises of the 1st SEND Scout HQ, which is conveniently placed on the
river bank halfway between Godalming and Weybridge the PDCC plan was to paddle
upstream to Godalming on the Saturday, enjoy the Scouts facilities that evening and then
do the other half of the river on Sunday. I planned on doing just the one day, the River
Wey is one that Tim Twitchen frequently visits on his day touring programme so the
opportunity to do the rest is always there.
I arrived fairly early on but a good no. of PDCC members were already in attendance, it‟s
just a quick jaunt up the A3 for them, no M25 to deal with. I‟d left some excellent weather
back in Stokenchurch and was looking for an improvement in the outlook. PDCC
members come from far and wide so the leader, one Tim Gilbey, adopted a roll call and
briefing before we got on to the water. Some seal launched, others went for a drier
approach with offers of assistance readily accepted. It seems one skill that eluded a few
PDCC members is getting into a boat from the bank side – a skill not often needed by the
sea paddler.
We would be paddling in history here with the Wey being possibly the first river to be
„canalised‟ making it suitable for barge traffic, the juggernauts of the day. Guildford to
Weybridge, where the river joins the Thames was made navigable in 1653 and some 110
years later was extended a further 4 miles upstream to Godalming. Even then, the golden
years of the canal era had yet to come.
Upon leaving „base camp‟ a large stand
of bamboo lined the south bank whereas
the north bank displayed an open
meadow through which some strands of
the original river flowed. Worsfold Gates
lock was easily portaged and we paddled
on to Triggs lock where some had
difficulty in exiting their boats. Next up
was Bowers lock, but just before then
was Bowers Mill house, nestling at the
end of the mill cut. It didn‟t look half as
nice when viewed from the other side of
the lock. We reach the northern edge of
Guildford in good time and prepared for
lunch adjacent a conveniently located
pub, the Rowbarge, but before we have
time to get our act together and order drinks / food a somewhat cantankerous landlord
made it very clear that it was his benches and his grass and were only to be used for his
food and drinks. I‟ve no problem with that, but it was made clear that our business was not
wanted so we retired to the opposite bank where I enjoyed coffee and cake. I googled the
pub on an independent pub review site „beer in the evening‟ and whilst they state that
reviews are the opinions of visitors and should not be taken too seriously I would have
visited it on the strength of those reviews. Perhaps we caught him on a bad day –
dropped a cask on his foot or something – he was certainly hopping mad!

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter -3- Summer 2010/02

All the noise and bustle of a large town was present as we entered the outskirts of Guilford
through an industrial area served by the ring road. But once in the town proper an
altogether different view was to be had. Architecture adjacent the river varied from old
warehouse conversions to the more modern. Not unpleasant, but a long way from the
visual treat offered by the red brickwork of the warehouses. We portage a lock and
paddled through the park and out into the fields beyond. To the east the floodplain rises to
the castle whilst we paddle past some old overflow sluices. We are past the major roads
now and for the most part the paddle is noticeably quieter with the exception of the railway
following us to Godalming but not intrusively so. It‟s a pleasant cruise to the final and
longest portage of the day – a 350‟ carry across the Cattershall Road and the following
Cattershall Lock. Journeys end is not so far now and Godalming is a welcoming site. The
„weak‟ current, touched upon during the earlier briefing had played its part and although
not tired myself I was certainly aware of its affect. The shuttle back to Send was
completed with just slight concern over the time the drivers took to return to us poor
shivering souls on the riverbank. It seems they underestimated the journey a little, but hey
– who hasn‟t!
Once changed and the boat racked I was ready to make my leave, but not until a final
goodbye to all those who made the paddle an enjoyable introduction to PDCC. I will be
back. I was pleased to be able to assist a couple of PDCC members, Mark & Joe, with a
better technique for entering and exiting their boats (thanks to the assiduous teachings of
El Presidente) and hope it continues to be of benefit to both of them. I‟ve no doubt I‟ll be
the pupil when on the sea sometime soon.
This river offers the early day‟s paddler a chance to get away from the Thames and enjoy
a paddle in relative safety, particularly in early and late season when there is less
narrowboat traffic about. It can look a bit bleak in the early spring, but I suspect it could be
nothing short of majestic on a frosty autumn morning. Summer, well most places look
good in the summer and this promises to be no exception. Please note though that all
locks (with the exception of entry into the Thames) are manually operated so portaging is a
must unless you acquire a lock key first.
It might be worth seeing if we can get hold of the Scout hut and make a weekend of it. If
there is sufficient interest I‟ll make a few enquiries.

John Norris MARCH 2010

________________________________________________________________________

NEW POOL SESSIONS

The pool sessions organised by CPCC at Gurnell Grove (West London) have been of
great benefit to a no. of members and, I‟m sure, will continue to be so. Unfortunately, they
take place on a Thursday evening and late at that. Whilst it‟s an easy journey for me it‟s
not so for all members.
A no. of suggestions for alternatives have been put forward in the recent past, from other
public facilities to school pools. All have floundered.
At the behest of the membership, the committee tasked Dave Goddard to see about an
alternative facility. CHALFONT LEISURE CENTRE is a venue that had been previously
mentioned, but a recent change of management allowed for a fresh look at our request.
Initial enquiries were made by me and Mark Steel and from there Dave Goddard took over
and did all the groundwork necessary to arrange for 4x sessions on a Saturday evening

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter -4- Summer 2010/02

7.15 – 8.15. The first was last night and was more of a try out by the established
membership but future sessions will be geared toward paddler development, in particular
rolling. The CPCC sessions remain for those that just want a bit of pool paddling and
practise.
So what did I think of it? I found it easy to get to
and parking was plentiful and free. Boats are left
outside of the fire exit and taken into the pool after
access through the foyer unless someone is
handily available to let you in through the fire exit.
The facility is clean and modern(ish), with good
changing facilities. Lockers are operated on a non
returnable 20p system, a common concept used in
many pools but one unknown to one of our no. who
struggled with his £1.00 coin. Individual showers
were both clean and efficient. But what of the pool
itself. It‟s narrower than Gurnell but about the
same length making it appear a lot smaller than it
actually is. It does have a proper „deep‟ end which
is useful as it puts paid to all those pushing of the
bottom „success‟ stories we sometimes hear about. The water was a lot warmer (when we
got in) but the heating was turned of soon after, a point noted by a young Miss DG who
was sat, wrapped in a towel, on the side by the end.
By the end of the session we had 8 adults and 3 juniors. The pool could take a few more
without concern but anything over 15 would need some organisation – not a problem, as
these sessions have been set up more with coaching in mind than to just splash about.
Overall, my impression was favourable and I hope they prove to be a benefit to the
members, especially the newer paddlers.
Looking back, after the session there were some notable positives. CP‟s rolling
percentage is increasing all the time, and a few words from Andy M. got David Briggs self
taught roll to be a bit more efficient. Don‟t know why Joe Millington practises rolling – he
looks to be unsinkable to me! And Miss DG, I‟ll be signing her up to demo her dynamo re-
entry for the sea group.

Here‟s to the next session!

John Norris May 2010

ADRIAN’S TOP TIP 1

Look where you are going!

Sorry if this sounds a bit patronising but it is good advice, honest. Its advice I have given
to a couple of members over the past few weeks so I thought I would generalise it.
When you are turning, it helps if the boat is tilted, even if only slightly, towards the side you
are turning to. This is so much more important on moving water where the current can
catch you out and give you a dunking if you let it.
Let‟s say you want to turn right, turning your body, and I mean your head, shoulders and
trunk towards the right (your intended destination) tightens up the left side resulting in the
left edge of your boat lifting slightly, usually just enough to prevent that „wobble‟.
Go on, try it, it‟s a bit like riding a bike.

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter -5- Summer 2010/02

SAN JUAN RIVER, UTAH, USA, APRIL 2010

This trip had been planned in late

November and here at last I was on the
San Juan River. The river flows through
the Utah desert, being fed from the melt
water from the San Juan Mountains and
summer thunderstorms. The river
eventually meets the Colorado River
somewhere under the man-made Lake
Powell. The stretch I was to paddle
was from Bluff to Clay Hills where the
river effectively became part of Lake
Powell, some 83 miles.

I had flown into the city of Grand

Junction on Thursday 8th April, met the
other paddlers on the Friday and left for
the river at 7:00am on the Saturday and
after travelling and loading canoes and
equipment we were not on the river until
4:00pm. There were 18 of us all
together, 13 guests and 5 guides, and we were in 3 kayaks, 2 solo opens, 5 tandem
opens, and one inflatable canoe with two 18ft rafts to carry the camping gear, cooking
equipment and food.

On the first day we only paddled about 4 miles before

making camp. I was in a 16ft Old Town Reflection, the
largest boat I had paddled solo for many years, so it took
some getting used to after the 12 ft Pack I normally paddle.
The second day we hiked up a side canyon to look at
Butlers Wash where there is the largest cliff panel of
petroglyphs. These are stylized drawings on the cliff walls,
very similar to the pre-historic paintings in the caves in
France except that these are outside and made by the
Anasazi people. Even though these people died out only
700 years ago no one knows what these drawings and symbols mean. I found this
incredible that such information could be lost in so short a time.

After viewing the panel we paddled 2 miles to visit River

House. These are Anasazi ruins set high above the river
under a cliff overhang, overlooking the flood plain where
they grew corn and beans. Although in ruins the
buildings were still impressive and we were free to
wander around them as long as we did not clamber on
the walls or take any of the artifacts which were still lying
around.

Into the boats again for another short paddle to our

second night's camp.

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter -6- Summer 2010/02

By now we were getting into the routine of setting up camp. Getting our personal gear
from the canoes and scouting for a suitable site to put up a tent, then helping to unload the
kitchen equipment, food tents etc from the rafts. The toilet facilities were also set up, an
elaborate potty with a fine view of the river and a paddle in camp to control access, a little
primitive but effective.

The next day was intended to be a full day‟s paddle with many rapids, mostly class I but
also 4x class IIs. The river scenery completely changed as we paddled, the cliffs closed in
and we entered a canyon. Although this was just a fore taste of what was to come. After
scouting and running the first 3 class II's (just very big waves really, the kayakers loved it)
the wind, which had been picking up all day, became gale force. There were several parts
of the river I paddled two or three times as the wind blew me back upstream. Several times
the canoe was nearly blown over. So after doing only two thirds of the intended distance
the leader called it a day. One solo canoe was on the opposite bank but the winds were
so strong crossing the river was impossible, so he had to spend the night alone; luckily he
had the remains of lunch in his boat. The rest of us huddled for some protection on the lee
side of a rock whilst the wind howled around us picking up sand and water spray. Realising
we were stuck for the rest of the day we lined the boats down to where the rafts had
moored, although only about 400 yards from the designated camp site there was no way in
the wind to go such a short distance safely. We set up the kitchen amongst the rocks and
had a quick dinner, and then the fun began trying to put up the tents because of the wind
but also because we were on rocks. Rocks were piled around the tents and as soon as
one was up the occupant‟s personal gear was put inside to give extra weight. Luckily just
after the last tent was up it began to rain but by about 10 pm the winds began to subside
and by dawn it was another warm and sunny day.

So on the 4th day we had to catch up the mileage. This we did, paddling several class 1's
and II's also stopping for an ice-cream at Mexican Hat, so called because a rock balanced
high above the river resembled a Mexican hat. After Mexican Hat we entered the canyons
proper with sheer cliffs on both sides, in places these rose directly from the river. This part
of the river was called the Goose Necks because the river twisted and turned in its canyon.
Like at Symonds Yat, after about an hour‟s paddling we were only about 300 yards from
where we started, the difference from the Yat being the river bank was 500 foot high.

The next day was another full

day of paddling, 22 miles. The
River on average drops about
8 feet every mile and flows at
least 5 miles an hour, so these
mileages were in fact a gentle
paddle. Again there was a
mixture of class 1 and II's and
I am please to say that I
showed what we British are
made of by being the only one
to paddle one of the class II's
without a guide in the boat,
and no I didn't fall out, which
makes a change. Just before

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter -7- Summer 2010/02

the next camp site we came to the only class III on the river. The guide decided that no
one was going to paddle this; as there was a huge hole in the middle of the rapid with
large rocks all around. The only exception to this was the guide, who ran the rapid twice,
both times standing up and using a pole!

The following morning we hiked up an enchanting side canyon where a small crystal clear
stream running over the limestone made a magical place. (The main river was a very
muddy brown). After four miles paddling we made camp for the final time. Again we hiked
up a side canyon but this was strewn with boulders and rocks from a recent flash flood.
This made it hard work. Nevertheless there were several clear pools and in one of these
we were able to take a swim. The first wash in nearly a week but we were not allowed to
use soap.

And so onto our final day; a gentle 12-mile paddle, avoiding the sand bars which had built
up with the creation of Lake Powell. By this time the river had slowed considerably. The
canyon walls gradually lowered and by the time we reached the take-out had all but
disappeared. Despite getting to the take out at mid-day it was not until 8 pm that we
reached Grand Junction and the end of the trip, except that is for a farewell dinner with the
guides and fellow travellers who by now were firm friends.

This trip was not the one I had originally planned, that being the Rio Grande (too many
cowboy films when I was young), but despite my initial apprehension I thoroughly enjoyed
it; the scenery, the history and my companions were great. There is also a lot to be said for
paddling a desert river: warm, sunny and no rain.

Having completed the trip the next adventure was to be trying to get home! I did not know
about the Icelandic volcano until the take-out, when the first thing the shuttle driver said to
me was “when are you flying out because all European airspace is closed”. I am therefore
writing this some 4 days after I should have returned home, still in Grand Junction, and
though the Colorado River runs through the edge of town, sadly, there are no canoes for
hire.

Kelvin Abbott April 2010

CHAIRMAN’S CHOICE
I thought I would share a few of the trips I have been on away from the club over the past
few months. I‟m afraid I‟m a bit of a prostitute when it comes to finding paddling partners
made easier due to the power of the internet.

RIVER WEY

A nice grade 1 trip with friends from Surrey, from The Anchor in Pyrton we paddled up the
Wey Navigation to Walsham Gates to transfer onto the River Wey itself. The Wey is a
strange combination of river and canal and these gates discharge water from the river
above which feeds the canal, into the river which is at a lower level. This day the gates
were letting through a lot of water, very turbulent. The river meanders through typical
Surrey countryside, past a golf course, and then on to Brooklands, the old racecourse

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter -8- Summer 2010/02

which has now been variously redeveloped but includes a collection of old aircraft.
At Weybridge we transfer back onto the canal, past the old lock and mill buildings getting
off in the garden of a pub in Addlestone for a welcome drink.

RIVER THAMES, CRICKLADE TO LECHLADE

This is quite a popular one with many club members but we couldn‟t get anyone to join us
so Maggie and I did it on our own. To avoid any worry about shuttles, we took two cars
and it was only when we got back to Lechlade that Maggie realised she had left the keys in
my car back in Cricklade. Fortunately we hitched a lift with the wife of the man running the
burger van.
There was another group on the water, just behind us and going rather slowly. We heard
one of them complain they hadn‟t seen much wildlife although we had seen the usual
swans, herons, kingfishers, etc but also reed buntings and quite an unusual green
sandpiper. The first of the swallows graced us with their presence. We will return to this
one later in the summer when the reeds will be high.

CANACHE, PAS DE CALAIS

Another internet sponsored trip, Mark Steel joined us on this one but mostly the team were
from Kent with one regular from Nottingham. It‟s quite strange to be able to go abroad for
a river trip and it be no more inconvenient than a weekend in North Wales or Cumbria.
Mark drove down in the morning but I slept on a sofa in Maidstone, getting up early to
catch a 7 o‟clock Chunnel train. This got us onto the motorway and a 50 mile journey to
Montreuil to stock up for lunch and pitch tents at the campsite. We were on the river by
mid-day. The river is a mixture of grade 1 and grade 2 rapids and weirs in countryside
quite similar to Kent. Wild flowers abundant on the banks during our paddle back to the
campsite, sneaking through a slalom competition just outside the town.
We did another section the following day, taking in the largish weir which was just above
the start the previous day. Off the river in good time driving back to Calais for a train 7
o‟clock in the evening (6 o‟clock English time). A trip definitely worth repeating.

DART LOOP, DARTMOOR

Now this is another favourite, probably with the whole paddling community but at the end
of the season, I went down for a day trip with a couple of friends who couldn‟t afford the
whole weekend off.
Having driven down the night before and slept in the car,, the river first thing in the morning
was up to the third arch (regulars will know this means quite high) we concluded it was a
bit full for open canoes so we set off to the House of Marbles for a browse and coffee,
returning to get on at mid-day. The river rises and falls quite quickly and we thought this
would be about our limit with water well over the „slab‟. A great trip down having to inspect
Lovers‟ Leap and choosing a sneak line. Triple falls was potentially a challenge and my
two friends decided to carry round. Triple Two was a big breaking wave which took some
commitment to negotiate but I decided to give it a go and got down with a dry boat.
(Yippee)
The Dart is great since I always seem to meet people I know. No exception I met people
from Bromley canoe Club who invited me to the Walkham the following day but
unfortunately my pass had run out and I had to head back; shame.

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter -9- Summer 2010/02

BARLE, EXMOOR

Another regular but we met up with a large group of open canoeists from the „Song of the
Paddle‟ website. Not having been able to paddle on Saturday, we made up for it by
paddling the equivalent of two sections starting at Withypool well up on the Moor. The
river is an excellent grade 2, hardly letting up for the whole journey back to Dulverton. A
great day out, just like every trip when you are paddling with friends.

JUBILEE RIVER

Now this is a bit different from the other trips inasmuch as I have done this with club
members. I am the BCU Local River Advisor but hadn‟t been able to get a trip in until
earlier this year. Now I‟ve done two.

The river is annoyingly accompanied by the M4 for most of its length but since its
construction, the banks and verges have started to mature well and there are plenty of
birds and flower and even hides for bird watching and pontoons for viewing. Setting off
from the club at 10 o‟clock, the trip can be easily completed by say 3.00 including a stop
for lunch. Definitely recommend this one to club members.

This is just a sample of the wide variety of rivers which are not so very difficult to access.
You just need a small group of mates, a couple of cars for the shuttle and the
determination to have a great time. Go on, you know you want to.

Adrian Cooper MAY 2010

CLAPOTIS

Now there‟s a word you wouldn‟t expect to find in a paddling newsletter. Sounds like it
could be rude, but in fact it‟s fr. for „standing wave‟. It‟s a phenomenon our sea group will
likely come across at some time and can lead to a very exciting (scary?) time, but in a
much smaller scale can be experienced on our local river.
Wakes from boats are something to be aware off. A big boat might not produce a big
wake so you want to be aware of what’s around you. Larger wakes are often produced
by a cruiser travelling on the fast side of the speed limit, some rowing club launches
catching up with their charges, or rubber dinghies with whiney outboards – they are
possibly the worst.
Any boat moving through water will create a wake (the „wave‟ from water pushed out of the
way of the submerged part of the boat) and this will travel toward the bank at approx. 90°
to the wake. When it hits the bank it reflects back out again (much like a snooker ball
hitting the cushion). At some point the reflected wave will meet with the next incoming
wave from the wake. The resulting wave will be both higher (and of a shorter period) than
either of its component waves. On the river you‟ll feel it as an unexpected wobble, and
under the right conditions it could even lead to a swim for the early paddler.
On the sea, waves are generated by weather systems far away so unlike on the river it‟s
pretty continuous. And clapotis happens when these waves hit a cliff or harbour wall. An
incoming swell of say 1m on a long period (the time between individual peaks) might be

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter - 10 - Summer 2010/02

easily handled, but when these waves hit an obstruction the height of the wave increases
whilst the period decreases leading to a bumpier ride and one that might be avoided by
paddling a little further away from the cliffs. Fortunately, sea boats are designed with
conditions such as this in mind and in the right hands can cope with large wave
formations. A few years back a group I was paddling with encountered this effect,
generating waves of approx. 2m and occasionally then some. Suffice to say the boats
handled it admirably and all returned safely without a swimmer amongst us despite some
of the group being quite tired.
For more info take a look at Wikipedia where you‟ll find a very good animation.

John Norris Sept 2009

Something for nothing! – Too good to be true. I’ve learned the hard way and got stung
once or twice in the past. But this appears to buck the trend. Gary Fletcher may not be
known to too many of you but from what I’ve seen he appears to be a confident and
consummate paddler. As explained in the following item Gary is now offering some ‘free’
coaching as he treads the path to becoming a L2 coach.

FREE KAYAK OR CANOE COACHING – INTERESTED?

Would you like to receive some free paddlesport coaching in either kayak and/or open
canoe from an experienced paddler? I am Gary Fletcher, a recent member of Marlow
Canoe Club, and I have just completed my BCU (UKCC) Level 2 Coach Training.
Although I have been paddling for over 30 years and have achieved BCU (UKCC) 5
Star white water kayak leader, 4 Star BCU (UKCC) Open Canoe Leader and am
undertaking my 4 Star BCU (UKCC) sea kayak leader assessment in Jun, I have only
recently decided to complete my coaching qualifications. Now that I have completed my
Level 2 coach training I wish to provide a number of sequential coaching sessions to
developing paddlers who want to improve their paddling skills in kayak or canoe so that I
can provide the coaching for Marlow members and then present myself for assessment. I
have to complete a minimum of 6 sessions before I can present myself for assessment,
but I would hope to provide more than 6 sessions to any willing volunteers so that
we continue to develop the volunteer paddlers and my coaching skills. As required by the
BCU, I have a formal first aid qualifications, I have enhanced CRB clearance and
advanced white water safety and rescue qualifications.
I was thinking perhaps 1 to 2 hour sessions on 1 night per week for 6 to 8 weeks as a
starting point; we could then discuss further coaching after these sessions. Ideally, I would
like to deliver these coaching sessions to between 4 and 6 paddlers in the evenings during
the week. My aim is to provide high quality and fun coaching so that you can develop your
paddling skills in a mixture of boat types at the rate of learning you require based on your
needs. If you are interested in receiving some coaching then please contact me via
garyjfletcher@btopenworld.com or mobile 07881 815280 so that we can talk through your
thoughts on how I could help you develop your paddling skills.

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter - 11 - Summer 2010/02

Details of BCU coaching qualifications can be found at http://www.canoe-
england.org.uk/tests-i-awards/coaching-qualifications-courses/
Details of BCU personal skills qualifications can be found at http://www.canoe-
england.org.uk/tests-i-awards/personal-performance-awards/

Looking forward to providing some useful coaching

Gary Fletcher May 2010

Can I just take this opportunity to

remind members of the free
session being provided for us by
ELEMENTS (click on the logo for
further details of Elements). In
conjunction with VENTURE
canoes Elements are providing us with an evenings open boat
coaching on the 29th June. This will be based from Higginson Park,
starting promptly at 7:00pm. The club is providing a pie and a pint for
the coaches afterwards, perhaps you’d like to attend and see what Elements might be able
to do for you. SOMETHING FOR NOTHING – TWO GOOD TO BE TRUE

ALEX SHIELL IS MISSING (MOST OF THE TIME)

Well I had for just one week thought I had escaped essays, assignments, presentation and
exams, when I was ambushed at the club by the editor to explain what I had been up to for
the past six months at university.
I have been studying Outdoor Leadership at the University of Central Lancashire, as a
pathway to start a career in the outdoor industry as an instructor. I have been studying
modules such as Individual Leadership, Teaching and Learning, and Environmental
Education. In addition to lectures and seminars I have been on monthly practical weeks at
the university‟s Tyn Dwr Outdoor Centre, in Llangollen. I have also had the opportunity to
plan and carry out an expedition in the Lake District.
The leadership module has taught me the history and key figures in the development of
leadership theory, as well as explaining the theory behind leading individuals and groups.
The coaching module included learning about teaching and learning styles and theories,
as well as practical advice and exam.
The practical weeks have been instructed by some of the best instructors in the industry,
such as Chris Charlton, Simon Baker, Ray Goodwin and Loel Collins to name a few. The
sports included were kayaking, canoeing, mountaineering, climbing, mountain biking,
orienteering and high ropes. These helped to put the theory learned in lectures into the
real world.
The course has been really valuable in showing the reasoning behind the coaching and
leadership techniques we use and also how I can improve my own use of those
techniques.
In addition to my course, I have also joined the University Kayak Club, with whom I have
been paddling on rivers such as the Lune, Dee, Vyrnwy, Kent, Roy and Spean, amongst
others in North Wales, the Lakes and Scotland. This has really improved my whitewater

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter - 12 - Summer 2010/02

ability to the point where I am quite comfortable in grade 3 rapids, have achieved my three
star and am looking towards my four star training.
Using my lecturers as a reference, I have been able to secure a job in the Brecon Beacons
this summer as an Activity Instructor, where I hope to gain practical experience of my
future career.... oh and soak up the sun of the fantastic summer we‟re going to have!

Alex Shiell. May 2010

________________________________________________________________________

MAY BANK HOLIDAY SURF TRIP

210m. and 4hrs. for a bank holiday weekend of sea, sun and surf! Read on.

First bank holiday in May was the first date for the part time surf section of MCC (although
only 2 members were able to attend) to head south. So it was all set, I had the new car
packed, the new bars packed and the postcode for the campsite in which the advanced
party, in the way of Alex Shiell, had sent me. What could possibly go badly with that? I
rushed over to Rob‟s house to pick him and our boats up before heading to Devon. It was
there that the new roof rack came to the
picture. Having a 3 door car a roof rack is
not such a simple device, but after 15
minutes of struggling to fit it we were ready to
rock and roll. Then, no sooner had we pulled
away, than a girl flagged us down and
proceeded to hand Rob his sleeping bag
which had rolled off down the road without
being loaded into the car. Undeterred by 2
hold ups we set off for the motorway. It was
at junction 15 of the M4, after joining at 8/9
which we hit traffic, lots of traffic. Now we
realised why Alex S had gone down the day
before. After passing a burnt out car it was
plain sailing and we arrived in Devon at 11 to

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter - 13 - Summer 2010/02

be greeted by beer and lots of new faces.
The plan for the first day of surfing was to be at the beach for 10am to surf the tide back in,
but in true youth fashion we arrived at the beach at 1pm! The waves were 4ft which to a
surfer is little but to the part time section is plenty big enough to play. After about 10
minutes a guy with the new Molan walked over and handed it to us saying „I don‟t want to
carry this up the beach so you can have it, when your finished give it back to the guys
under the Pyranha flag‟. After passing confused looks between Rob and me we took it
and messed about in a free boat for the rest of the day. We paused only to wander up to
the flags and grab a smaller version, the medium proving to be too voluminous for both of
us. Now that we were in the right size boat it surfed like a dream, not that the medium
gave us any trouble. The final verdict on
the Molan was „Can I justify buying a new
boat‟.

Day 2 we were more on the ball and

managed to get up at 9am only to discover
that drying racks we‟d made the night
before had proved pointless, as it had
rained heavily overnight. If anything, our kit
was now even wetter. We eventually made
it to the beach for 11am, where the waves
were bigger and more serious than day 1,
allowing for some longer surfs and flat
spins. There were several collisions as
well, all involving Rob. The first when I sat
two metres behind him as he turned to catch a wave, the second when he failed to surf
between me and Shiell. I got off the water after he ran me down the second time, so it
wasn‟t until later that I heard Rob and Alex S had caught the same wave and carved into
each other. Annoyingly, Robert had escaped injury free on all three occasions.
That night we headed into Woolacombe for some food. Along the way we met a lost but
happy stag weekender called Cheerful. He was rather the worse for wear and followed us
around all of town entertaining us with his drunken comments. After finding his friends we
were told that, ironically, Cheerful was meant as an ironic nickname and that they had
been looking for him all evening.
Day 3 was the best weather but the
surf had worsened, dropping to an
average of 2ft. After being on the water
for 30 minutes and catching 1 wave we
decided that it was a lost cause and
headed for ice cream. From there
everyone headed their separate ways
and back to the real world. If you‟re
interested in surf trips later in the
summer then keep your eyes on the
yahoo and facebook groups for more
details.

WORDS; Alex Millard & Rob

PHOTO‟S / VIDEO STILL; Rob May (just) 2010

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter - 14 - Summer 2010/02

 WHAT'S ON, WHEN AND WHERE
The complete and authoritive guide to all that the club hopes to do in the forthcoming
months. Please note that at the time of going to press dates cannot be guaranteed and
that the programme can be subject to changes.

ALL CLUB SESSIONS; ON THE WATER FOR 10:00am. SEE D.O.

D.O
SUNDAYS FOR FINISH. CHECK NOTICEBOARDS FOR SPECIAL EVENTS
TUESDAY SESSIONS FROM 6:30 pm, ON THE WATER FOR
ALL
7.00pm. SEE D.O. FOR FINISH, CHECK NOTICEBOARDS FOR D.O
TUESDAYS
EVENTS etc. (PUB PADDLE or ALTERNATIVE)

05 JUNE POOL SESSION, CHALFONT LEISURE POOL @ 7.15pm TRAINING DG

05/06 JUNE INTRO TO SEA WEEKEND SEA JN
10 JUNE 3* WW TRAINING @ A LOCAL WEIR (TBC) WW TRAINING DG
13 JUNE BREAKFAST PADDLE HURLEY ISLAND (EARLY START) SOCIAL ML
26/27 JUNE BCU 1* TRAINING / ASSESSMENT (2 / 3) TRAINING TT
29 JUNE OPEN BOATS WITH ELEMENTS / VENTURE CANOES TRAINING JN
03 JULY POOL SESSION, CHALFONT LEISURE POOL @ 7.15pm TRAINING DG
10/11 JULY BCU 2* COURSE TRAINING (1 / 2) TRAINING TT
18 JULY CLUB BARBEQUE SOCIAL ML
01 AUGUST BCU 2* ASSESSMENT 1 TRAINING TT
07 AUGUST POOL SESSION, CHALFONT LEISURE POOL @ 7.15pm TRAINING DG
14/15 AUG. BCU 2* COURSE TRAINING (2 / 2) TRAINING TT
15 AUGUST 3* WHITEWATER TRAINING – SYMONDS YAT TRAINING DG
21/22 AUG. BCU 1* TRAINING / ASSESSMENT (3 / 3) TRAINING TT
19 SEPT. BCU 2* ASSESSMENT 2 TRAINING TT

KEEP A LOOKOUT ON NOTICEBOARDS AND THE YAHOO GROUP -

SOME TRIPS JUST SUDDENLY 'APPEAR' IF CONDITIONS ARE RIGHT.

EVERY SWIMMING POOL SESSIONS AT GURNELL POOL, WEST LONDON

THURSDAY GET TUITION IN ROLLING, PRACTISE 3* SKILLS OR ANYTHING
EVENING YOU'VE GOT A BIT RUSTY ON. SEE WEBSITE FOR MAP AND
9.00 - 10.30 DETAILS.

ORGANISER / MCC CONTACT FOR ABOVE EVENTS

AC ADRIAN COOPER 01844 344580 adriancooper@googlemail.com

AM ANDY MAXTED 07730 852760 morven@ukonline.co.uk
LN LEE NIVEN leeandsue@talktalk.net
JN JOHN NORRIS 01494 483833 j.k.norris@btinternet.com
CP CHRIS PORTEOUS 01628 485049 chrisps@gmail.com
PC PAUL CRICHTON 08708 806962 p.crichton@blueyonder.co.uk
TB TERRY BELCHER 01628 851001 terry@amoffice.co.uk

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter - 15 - Summer 2010/02

THE COMMITTEE & OTHER USEFUL NUMBERS
A list of those members who serve on the club's committee, their role, a contact no. and an
e-mail address should you need to get in touch.

POSITION NAME TELEPHONE E-MAIL (all hyperlinked)

PRESIDENT TIM WARD 01494 482959 dianne.ward@tesco.net

CHAIRMAN ADRIAN COOPER 01844 344580 adriancooper@googlemail.com

SECRETARY ANDY MAXTED 07730 852760 morven@ukonline.co.uk

TREASURER PAUL CRICHTON 08708 806962 p.crichton@blueyonder.co.uk

MEMBERSHIP ROD EDMONDS 01753 671389 r.edmonds@etoncollege.org.uk

COACHING TIM TWITCHEN 07833 995289 timothy.twitchen@btinternet.co.uk

EQUIPMENT CHRIS PORTEOUS 01628 485049 chrisps@gmail.com

NEWSLETTER JOHN NORRIS 01494 483833 j.k.norris@btinternet.com

WOMENS REP.

YOUTH REP. ALEX SHEILL alex.shiell@gmail.com

SOCIAL SEC MELINDA LIVETT Melinda.livett@yahoo.com

MARATHON THIS EVENT WILL IN FUTURE BE HOSTED BY LONGRIDGE C.C.

WHITEWATER CHRIS PORTEOUS 01628 485049 chrisps@gmail.com

TOURING LEE NIVEN 01494 leeandsue@talktalk.net

SEA JOHN NORRIS 01494 483833 j.k.norris@btinternet.com

OUR NEAREST RETAILERS / SUPPLIERS

RIVERSIDE OXFORD 01865 248673 http://www.riversideoxford.co.uk

MARSPORT READING 01189 665912 http://www.marsport.co.uk

BERKSHIRE
READING 01189 425640 http://www.berkshire-canoes.co.uk
CANOES
WWC SHEPPERTON 01932 247978 http://www.whitewaterthecanoecentre.co.uk

BROOKBANK WARWICK 01926 640573 http://www.paddlesport.co.uk

BROOKBANK LONDON 01992 711611 http://www.brookbanklondon.co.uk/

Please advise the editor if any contact details are incorrect or if you wish to add an alternative no. / e-mail address to the list.

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter - 16 - Summer 2010/02