Newsletter

114
Winter 2006 / 04
Web: www.marlowcanoeclub.org.uk
Email: j.k.norris@btinternet.com

EDITORS PIECE
WHAT’S IN THIS ISSUE One moment you're struggling to get
Editor’s Piece 1 eight pages together, and before you
know it you've got a paperback on your
Estuary English 2 hands. That's what happened this
Symonds Yat - Intro to WW 3 issue anyway. Still, if we are going to
have a big issue what better time of the
There's not much for free 4 year than Winter. Throw a few logs on
A pleasant paddle 5 the fire, pour yourself a decent malt,
and settle down with your favourite
Letter to the Editor 7 publication, courtesy of all our
contributors. It's a shame I've read it
Canada 2006 7
already - but I'll have the malt anyway.
So that's it then! 9 We have a nice mix of items to whet
your appetite from those first tentative
A first night at the Nene 11
steps onto whitewater, right through to
News from 'The land of the free' 11 a Canadian wilderness adventure. New
members have written about new
Teifi Tour 2006 day 1 12
experiences and there's some retakes
Melinda's first Social event 13 on favourite journeys. Don't forget to
read the item on clubhouse keys.
In the days before plastic boats 13
It's been repeated in this issue as not
CLUBHOUSE KEYS 15 many people acted upon the
committee's request to advise AM of
TYNE TOUR - 2006 16 their desire to access the club after the
David Lydiatt 17 lock has been changed. That includes
those who undertook AM's D.O. course
AGM Notification 18 earlier this year.
Events / Diary. 19 It only remains to wish you all a merry
Christmas and a happy new year. Oh!
Contacts etc. 20 and also to remind you that I'm now
taking copy for the next issue.

The mark of a successful man is one that has spent an entire

day on the bank of a river without feeling guilty about it.
From an ancient Chinese Philosopher

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter Page 1 Winter 2006 / 04

There's quite a few of us done this
before (and some yet to start) but if
you have got to drive the family taxi
more than a few miles you might as
well see if there is anything for you to
do at the destination. Which is what
the Chairman did. Read on.
ESTUARY ENGLISH
George was on a course in
Southampton so I took him and looked
around for somewhere to paddle. I got
some good advice from various sources
on the internet. In the end, no-one
volunteered to join me so I had to go
solo. Whilst we always say ‘fewer than
three there should never be’,
sometimes, you just have to moderate
your ambitions and get on and paddle
somewhere.
First off I tried the Hamble Estuary. I
was given a good starting point which
was supposed to be a public slipway
but which was in fact a row of twisted
steel piles and a stretch of mud.
Fortunately the owner of the nearby
marina kindly let me use his pontoon.
It was a little daunting out on the open
water, all alone but there was
wonderful wildlife to keep me company
together with just a few other boaters
and a kind fisherman who gave me
directions.
At the top of the estuary, the river forks
and a narrow creek runs up to a
delightful pub. This was a bit of a
struggle with not enough water to float
the boat so I had frequently to just sit
and wait for the tide to creep in. The
pub was eventually reached with a
charming landlord and a garden beside
the river for me to wait for the tide to
fill and start to ebb.
The return journey was quite different.
The river was full and the mud banks
were all covered. Of course the tides
Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter Page 2
were particularly high due to the spring
tides coupled with a full moon.
For the nature lovers amongst you, I
saw gulls (common as muck), lapwings,
curlew, sandpipers, little egrets, one
kingfisher and a budgie (yes, blue and
yellow), and the river banks were a
maze of sea lavender, sea purslane and
glasswort.
The next day, I had a go at the
Beaulieu River. I had received advice
to launch off the beach at Lepe but with
north westerly (off shore) winds at
force 6, gusting at force 7, I thought
this might be a bit risky!
I launched from the marina at Buckler’s
Hard. It was a hard paddle into the
wind on a winding river being blow onto
the shore each time I took a turn.
Whilst I am generally quite good at
keeping the boat into the wind, at least
twice I was forced to stop on the mud
bank for the wind to die a little before
heaving off again using a form of wind
ferry-glide.
The stop for lunch at Beaulieu was very
picturesque. Clipped lawn at the
slipway and a charming tea shop,
although I was pestered by swans,
gulls, ducks and jackdaws whilst I ate
my sandwiches.
I was expecting the trip back to be
easier with the tide and the wind in my
direction. The actuality was that the
combination was quite intimidating with
the strong wind and not large waves
pushing me forward at quite a rush
towards boats and trees and over the
shallowly submerged banks. Needless
to say the trip back was a deal quicker
and the sun came out on the way.
Two good trips. Not long, but worth
doing again if the tides are right and
the wind a little less testing.
Adrian Cooper Sept. 2006
Winter 2006 / 04
SYMONDS YAT
AN INTRODUCTION TO WW
For all those who have just recently
passed their 2 star course the Symonds
Yat trip was the next step. Of course
most of us were slightly wary of moving
onto white water; however with the
wonderful teaching provided for us on
the 2 star course we were well
prepared. It was great to see lots of
people on the trip and to be blessed
with good weather on the day.
When we were on the water we split up
into two groups, one led by JP and one
by Paul. Both groups put the skills they
had been practicing in the 2 star course
to the test. To begin with we did the
simple task of going down the rapid in
one go. After this we took our boats
back to the starting place and had the
pleasure of being able to seal launch
(while avoiding the stinging nettles)
down a steep and slippy bank.
On our second trip down the rapids we
all got to see what an eddy line looks
like and how to eddy hop. Mainly we
practiced breaking out and breaking in
techniques. Whilst breaking out we
were taught to position the boat at the
top of the eddy at 45 degrees, lean
upstream before starting to turn the
boat and to hold that lean and not level
the boat until achieving the turn and
finish facing upstream. We all seemed
to pick up this particular technique
quite well. Next we moved on to the
breaking in technique. We were told to
paddle up to the top of the eddy line
and to initiate the turn with a sweep
stroke, then to lean downstream whilst
making the turn. We all achieved this
with the occasional wobble occurring.
Paul suggested that we lean forward to
avoid this wobble so as to stop the back
of the boat being caught under the
water. We found that low brace is a
Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter Page 3
useful stroke to use whilst breaking in
and out.
On our third trip down the rapids we
practiced the Ferry Glide. This is useful
if you want to paddle across a current
without turning downstream. However I
think the groups learnt that you have to
paddle really fast if you want to avoid
being swept away. We were taught to
leave the eddy and to point as far
upstream as possible. Then we would
lift the upstream edge (eddy side) of
the boat as you cross the eddy-line into
the main current. Then we put to use
some super speedy paddling until we
made it safely to the other side.
Personally I found the Ferry Glide the
hardest skill and ended up going in. It
was all good until I came across some
rocks. But then again I was not the only
one to experience this.
We were all pretty tired after all of this
so we took a break for lunch. A few of
us felt the strain on our arms but
nevertheless we headed back out onto
the water. We made good use of the
slides they had built down the banks
and all watched in anticipation as JP put
on his nose plug and went down one of
them backwards.
The afternoon was spent practicing our
skills. Shelley and I focused on the ferry
glide with some good advice from John,
some practiced their eddying skills and
many attempted to get as far upstream
as they could.
Overall it was a fantastic trip and we
learnt lots from it. Well done to all of us
and thank you to the organizers and
group leaders. Unfortunately the day
had the come to an end so we all
popped our boats on the top of our cars
and headed home for some well
deserved rest.
Tor Edwards August 2006
Winter 2006 / 04
Big Dave is looking at the possibility of
getting an Alps trip together next year.
Here's a little taster of what might be in
store - but then if you are good enough
to go you probably already know.
THE SECOND INSTALLMENT
This year’s big trip was back to the
French Massif Central to do a couple of
the rivers from last time and to try a
few further south, hoping for some
warmer weather.
We had a good team of four for the two
weeks plus two further comrades for
the first week. I was really pleased
with the group who are all sound
paddlers, good to be on the river with.
We started on the river Allier since we
knew this would provide both a useful
warm-up and good sport on the
planned second section. It had the
most difficult section of the trip and
was the scene of our two ‘incidents’.
Kieron twisted his boat dropping over a
ledge drop. None of us could quite
work out how it happened but both
gunwales had kinks in them and would
need replacement. The other more
major accident was John’s boat well
and truly wrapped around a rock in the
middle of the river. This was more
easily explained but much more difficult
to deal with. Once we had recovered
the boat it seemed to just pop back into
shape and served John well for the rest
of the trip (this was day three). The
boat is badly creased and will need
replacement!
We headed south to the Tarn Gorge,
another excellent river with interest
constantly along its length. Here we
had to mend the other John’s thwart.
But that was the end of boat damage.
We headed further south to the river
Orb, well towards the Mediterranean
and then across to the Herault and
thence to the Ardeche Gorge.
Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter Page 4
Actually, we also seemed to have
problems with all the other equipment.
John B’s van broke down and yours
truly had to call a garage and explain in
my broken French what was wrong and
where we were. John O lost his tent
poles. Kieron got a flat battery and had
to call the RAC and I lost a paddle.
One minute it was there, the next it
was gone!
Just so that we could say we were not
always in the valleys, I managed to find
a small mountain to climb, up and back
and in time for tea. Guess what, I
found an orchid at the top.
Notwithstanding the gear issues, it was
great fortnight and I would recommend
the area to anyone for mid grade white
water. But where to next year?
Adrian Cooper Sept. 2006
THERE'S NOT MUCH FOR
FREE!
That much is true, but whilst I was
looking for inspirational idea's for the
newsletter (in case our own
membership fails to come up with the
goods - as does happen occasionally) I
came across a canoeing e-magazine.
WAVELENGTH magazine has been
around since 1991 and is available from
the newsstands and other paddling
venues around BC (Canada) and the
US.
It can also be downloaded from the
website courtesy of the advertisers who
sponsor the e-version. Go to
http://www.wavelengthmagazine.com
and have a little look.
I'm looking at the Aug. / Sept. edition
which at 64 pages (11+mb) you could
really use a broadband connection to
download, it's about 30mins if you are
still on wind up net access. True, there
are a lot of adverts - but there's some
good features in there as well.
Winter 2006 / 04
Amongst those I looked at in this issue
were a thorough piece on the low brace
- most of us know it, most of us use it,
but as I said in the last newsletter
explaining the strokes can be harder
than demonstrating them. It's worth a
read, if only to get a new slant on an
old friend. There are features on
sailing and polo, equipment tests and
book reviews, as well as some good
touring tales.
With the colder shorter Winter days
coming this could be a pleasant read.
And guess what - by the time you read
this the next issue will be out and it
promises to review some Christmas
goodies.
Now I'm aware that a good read is not
necessarily what our younger readers
might have in mind when dabbling on
the PC. So why not try this:-
http://www.loungekayaker.com.au - It's
mostly Australian / New Zealand stuff,
the site is full of videos, waterfalls &
rapids - serious ones. Mostly around
30secs. long, these should not trouble
the concentration cells too much, but if
you're up for some cranial exercise try
one of the minute+ ones. If you really
like what you see you can get high
definition DVD's of most. And there's
photo's too - might make some good
screensavers.
John Norris Sept 2006
Just 2 weeks after the 'Intro to WW'
event we were back on the Wye. Just
2hrs. drive away for the more placid
sections of this most scenic of rivers;
I'm up for it every time. And I'd
recommend it to everyone so long as
it's not to fast. If you didn't go this
year, look out for next year. In addition
to club trips members sometimes
organise a 'peer group' paddle to the
Yat.
Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter Page 5
A PLEASANT PADDLE
I've got the trip to Lydbrook down to a
fine art, I could almost do it blindfold.
So just 1¾ hours after leaving sunny
Stokenchurch we (I had offered Lewis
Young a lift) arrived in sunny Lydbrook.
And it was warm. Not so many turned
up for this years trip, possibly due to
many having done the WW intro JP
organised a few weeks previously.
Car shuttling completed we were on the
water by 11:00 and headed upstream
to a point opposite the Curry House.
Regular readers will know that this was
where my paddling journey started and
finished (for 20 years) having been
close to drowning at this very point.
Despite low water levels a reasonable
flow was trickling through on the inside
of the bend. I felt confidently able to
deal with the conditions but when I
ferried across the ripples a sense of
déjà vu persisted. Some things are
simple and some things have to be
done. This was simple and had to be
done. Perhaps I've put the ghost of
Lydbrook behind me forever.
Lydbrook photo; Andy Maxted.
The rest of the group arrived and some
of the newer members dabbled in the
faster flow to be had around this point.
I must remember to go to the bookies
on a Saturday. The odds will be pretty
short but whatever you put on Reza
Winter 2006 / 04
coming out first is going to make
money, but not for much longer. This
is the man who learned to roll in the
pool last week and his enthusiasm is
such that he can now smile underwater
whilst on his way up. It's just a matter
of time before he does it in the river.
Off downstream for a near 2 hr. paddle
taking opportunities on the way to
practise breaking in and out of eddies,
bow rudders and all of that.
The river was a lot busier this year than
last, partly because of the earlier date
but mainly due to the good weather.
Hire canoes abounded but all seemed
to be in knowledgeable hands. I I never made it back to the top though.
normally like to strike out for home as
soon as we have left, but most
unusually for me I spent a lot of time at
the back. A long way back. It started
with an attempt at a ½ mile stern
rudder and ended about 400m later but
by then I was drifting in solitude with
the sound of silence broken only by the
crescendo of chirping birds. This is the
other side of me. I'm not really
bothered what birds they were but just
to be there, just me and nature and
nothing else. Magic.
Lunch arrived around 12:50 on one of
the few beaches not occupied by the
hire canoeists. Midway through the
eats entertainment was provided by
just such a boat grounding on the
shallowest part of a river 40m wide.
Off to Symonds Yat a few miles
downstream and my other persona
surfaced.
I hit the front and was away. Graeme
and Richard stayed close for a while but
I saw them off. With a loose helmet
providing a bit of drag in the water
some much needed cardiovascular
exercise was had. The Yat was reached
in just under 40mins.
Here I met with PC, HK, IH and Andy
who had spent much of the weekend
on the 'rapids'. Ian Hodges got himself
Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter Page 6
talked into going down the chute;
turned turtle almost rolled but not quite
and had to be rescued. I made the
same mistake, with the same
conclusion, and then left for the
'rapids'.
I like the rapids, there's enough to do
here for the not so confident WW
paddler and at the same time more
thrills than a 'White Knuckle ride'. On a
day like today with the level fairly low
you could drop over the top wave and
bow rudder into the eddy, just as JP
showed earlier in the day. Or you can
line yourself up and blast right through.
I ferry glided a few 'drops' and muscled
it up some others, but never enough of
either on the same run to get back to
the top. Most of us could be seen
trying something new, except for the
coaches, who once again provided
more than adequate cover for us lesser
mortals. From time to time the
chairman could be seen moving his
legend from side to side with envious
ease and that was about it for the next
couple of hours. Apart from the
'sideshow'.
A group of paddlers were being taught
how to get down the 'rapids' after they
had exited their boats. There's an art
to this and they hadn't got it yet.
All approached the first drop with some
trepidation, as would I, and all smiled
gratefully once over the drop. Big
mistake. About 10m on, just under the
surface lurks a rock I'll call
Tchaikovsky's (The Nutcracker) from
now on as that’s what it did, blokes and
ladies alike, it showed no distinction.
And as all were queuing up behind they
all did the same. I think it was the
sudden elation / deflation thing that did
it for the audience of which we were
just a small part. But good luck to
them. If they use what they learnt just
once it will have been worthwhile.
Winter 2006 / 04
Just time for one last blast and then
back to change. I'd heard Ian Hodges
had succeeded on the chute. So I had
to have another go. And this time I
was a success, but I don't know why. I
felt like I had lost it and then I was
where I should be - I can only surmise
that a high support stroke came into
play at some point and it must have
been instinctive. There's hope for me
yet. Time for a pint and home to rest.
A very tiring, but enjoyable day.
John Norris Sept 2006
Just how wrong can you be? I felt sure
that the Chairman's 'Technical swim'
might have bought forth some replies
from the upper echelons of the club.
But no; just one reply. Looks like Eddie
gets a pint, if he ever hangs around
long enough to see me in the pub!
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR (1)
In reply to the contest (newsletter 112
p3), my dictionary's definition of the
word 'swim' states: - "Move on or below
the surface of the water by using arms
and legs".
Although this is correct from a
swimmers point of view, from a
canoeist's point of view I would
suggest: - "A situation, requiring
minimal effort and time, that converts a
canoeist to a swimmer - that requires
considerable more effort and time to
reverse the situation".
Eddie Thorne. July 2006
This looks interesting - Kelvin doing his
bit to dust of the 'boring accountant'
label many in his profession enjoy. I
once thought of being an accountant
and then maybe I'd be enjoying
holidays like this right now. The game
was up (memorably) when I failed to
Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter Page 7
grasp how a garden shed purchased
over a no. of years (with interest
payable) could actually cost less than
paying cash up front and getting a
discount- and I still don't. Perhaps
that why I'm not an accountant and
why I'm not paddling in Canada this
year. PV of AC - bah!
CANADA 2006
How was it that I found myself going
backwards in what appeared to be a big
banana on a fast flowing river
surrounded by boulders and standing
waves heading towards a rock which by
some divine inspiration had been
placed, together with its twin, in the
middle of the river and what’s more
been endowed with a strange power to
attract plastic and Royalex especially
when shaped like a canoe?
This was day four on a nine day white
water and wilderness camping trip and
I was on Thread-the-Needle, a rapid on
the Dumont River in Quebec, paddling a
Mad River Outrage which was so
manoeuvrable in this type of water that
just one sweep stroke on the right and
the boat spun around and I was going
the right way, a quick draw and the
rock was missed, I had indeed threaded
the needle.
The plane leaves and we're on our own.
Winter 2006 / 04
That day we had already run seven someone approaches with the plastic
rapids, done one portage and had bag of TP.
another two rapids and a short portage The second day, after a few rapids the
to go before we could set up camp. main feature had been a 1k portage,
“Grunt” portage. This took most of the
afternoon but then we were back on
the water and preparing for “Bridge
Rapids”, a class II followed by 4 class
1’s all paddled as one continuous rapid
a total distance of about 0.5 k. Viewing
these rapids from the bridge, or should
I say through the bridge as there were
big gaps in the cross beams, we noticed
at the end of the class II a canoe
wrapped around a rock, It had been
A typical campsite there for about a week, the current
being too strong to recover it. This was
We, a mixture of British, American, and my first big wave rapid and keeping to
Germans, with a Canadian guide, ten in the middle, slowing the canoe and
total, had flown in by float plane 3
days, 20k and 17 rapids ago to an
isolated lake and were paddling the 75k
back to the Ottawa River and the
takeout. This was to be the most rapids
we would run in a day and tomorrow
was a lay over day to recover.
With one canoe strapped to a float, and
three passengers at a time the plane
had followed the course of the river to
the put-in. Although we were delayed
by a day due to the weather this was
soon made up, and we were now on
schedule.
That first day we had set up camp on a
sandy beach and all mucked in with the
chores. Perhaps the worst job on a
wilderness camping trip is latrine duty.
It’s not so much digging the hole, a
paddle blade long by a paddle blade
deep, nor filling it in the following
morning, although that is not for the
Kelvin in the Outrage
weak stomached. The worst part is
collecting the used toilet paper the
riding the waves was exhilarating and I
following morning and burning this on
was really looking forward to the last
the camp fire. It is surprising how those
rapid of the day “Little Steel”. A 1k
congregated around the fire having the
rapid starting as class I on river left, the
last sip of coffee disappear when
water divided around an island, then

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter Page 8 Winter 2006 / 04

across to river right for a class II
followed by further class I water. High
waves and lots of back paddling. Great
fun.
Campsite playspot
After the lay-over day when we relaxed
and played in the rapid that ran along
the camp-site, the grand finale of the
next day was a series of class II’s and
III’s followed by few class I’s into a
small lake.
A small rapid
Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter Page 9
It started well, the waves were big but
few obstacles, but whereas on previous
rapids the waves followed the flow
down river and were predictable these
were erratic and coming from all
directions, needless to say one came
from a direction I was not anticipating
and despite my efforts over I went,
swimming the rest of the class II.
Having recovered the boat, I ran the
second part of the rapid, which as it
entered the lake, became a rock
garden. I caught a submerged rock and
began to go over, I was determined
that I was not going to swim again. As
the canoe began to go over I found my
hand resting on the riverbed, a hard
push and I was upright and continued
into the lake. What luck!
Nearing the end!
The following days were not so
eventful, there were still some good
rapids to run but these were separated
by long stretches of flat water, which
were great for relaxing in the warm
sunshine. All too soon we were
paddling the last stretch across the
Ottawa River to the take-out. It was all
over and I was heading to
Newfoundland.
The rain was torrential and I never
thought I would be able to combat the
wind and get around the headland
against the tide. Luckily we were well
prepared (there is no such thing as bad
weather only inappropriate clothing)
Winter 2006 / 04
and the rain gear was holding up well.
We had set out about three hours
previous to paddle the estuary of the
Grundies, near Burgeo a village on the
south coast of Newfoundland, to reach
a waterfall where we intended to have
lunch. On the way the wind became
stronger and we battled to make
headway. On reaching the falls the
heavens had opened and we turned
around and headed back. Eventually
the headland was rounded and we were
in the sheltered bay; although the wind
eased the rain continued. All this effort
had its compensations; we had seen
two Bald Eagles enjoying the wind that
we were battling.
Burgeo is a small fishing village, which
until the 1980’s was only accessible by
boat. The town is very sheltered being
surrounded by small islands, 365 in
total. The shore has many coves and
inlets, each opening up to yet more
inlets, and it was our intention, despite
the weather, to paddle and explore
these coves over the next three days.
On one exploration we came across a
“rapid” in the sea. This was caused by
the water rushing through a narrow
channel leading to one of the inlets. We
ran the rapid and, after exploring the
inlet, ran it again on the way out as the
tide had changed and the current was
once again with us. They should
arrange this on some of our rivers; it
would save all that shuttling!
Burgeo marked the end of the paddling
part of the holiday except for a short
paddle on the Humber River, 130 miles
to the north. We now travelled to Gros
Morne National Park to view the
spectacular scenery and some of the
oldest rocks in the world; this is where,
geologically speaking, Scotland and
Canada meet. We explore these hills,
mountains, lakes and shore for a few
more days, enjoying some excellent
restaurants and attending a local
Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter Page 10
theatre groups play about the area
before returning home.
Although the holiday was strenuous it
was very exhilarating and lots of new
friends were made and experience
gained. I would definitely do it again,
especially the Dumoine.
Kelvin Abbott 15/10/06
SO THAT'S IT THEN
So that's it then. Summer is officially
over. And what better way to
commiserate than with a trip to the
Bounty? Fourteen intrepid paddlers left
the club at 7pm sharp on September
19th, the last Tuesday club night of the
year. Spurred on by the 8pm last food
orders deadline, the gang raced
downstream in pursuit of Adrian, who
must have been hungry because he
had selected a marathon boat.
Darkness fell just as we arrived at the
pub, and we were greeted by what
looked to my inexperienced eye like a
six foot high wall at which to exit.
Tired arms confirmed this assessment,
but we all scrambled out with no
humiliations.
It was agreed by the ladies that
buoyancy aids are probably not a good
look when among dry regulars, so once
appropriately de-vested we hit the bar.
The full range of the Bounty's food and
drinks were tested, from hot chocolate
with whipped cream and marshmallows
to chips with stilton. And a few beers
too. Thus cheered, conversation turn
to such diverse topics as techniques for
frightening small children in graveyards,
Skippy the bush kangaroo's gender
confusion and Felicity Kendall's stunt
double. And of course, tales of canoe-
daring-do (ask Ian about his Symonds
Yat seal entry).
Getting cold, and in the pitch black, it
Winter 2006 / 04
was time to go. It was at this point
that the six foot wall came back to
haunt us. Suitably spooked, I asked for
advice from a more experienced
paddler, and was advised to put the
boat in and 'dangle' into it. Hmm. One
new (but very experienced) member let
go of her boat and it took a solo trip
into the middle of the river, causing
much amusement. They were soon
reunited by a gallant colleague. Most
'dangled' in and a few made like seals.
We were soon away.
My first night paddle. And it was really
very dark! I teamed up with others
who, more wisely than me, had brought
head torches with them. As we
paddled in silence the bright moonlight
was reflected on the ripples moving
across the river, creating a slightly
disorientating effect. Two fantastic
shooting stars and mist swirling around
us made it a very memorable trip. As
we rested by the Island in the mist,
Daubentons bats whizzed around us
(thank you for the identification, Phil!).
What a great way to welcome the
Autumn.
Katy Greene Oct 2006
A FIRST NIGHT AT THE NENE
On September 26th, the club took a trip
to the Nene Whitewater Centre, a 300
metre course generated by 3 water
pumps that determine the skill level
depending how many are switched on.
It’s an excellent place to go if you want
an introduction to white water.
When I got to the centre, I was feeling
quite nervous because it was to be my
first time. I unloaded my kayak booked
in and got changed.
We took the boats to the top of the
course and Johnny P walked us around
the riverbank explaining to us about
Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter Page 11
the movement of the water at each of
the weirs, so we knew what to expect. I
was raring to go. There was only 2 of
the 3 pumps switched on so it was ideal
for us beginners to learn, as I was told
it was around grade 2 level.
We spent about an hour and 20
minutes on the water, learning,
practising and having a great time and I
accomplished my first unexpected roll,
which was a real achievement for me.
When we were given the 5 minute
warning, we paddled to the end, pulled
out the boats and walked over to the
beginning for another run… brilliant!
All in all the evening was a great laugh
and I cannot wait for the next. I would
like to say thanks to JP for organising
the trip and all the instructors who
helped out. I’m sure we all benefited
from it.
Andrew McMaster Oct 2006
NOT SO FREE IN THE
'LAND OF THE FREE'
In a rather bizarre ruling that has
marine industry officials worried, Judge
Robert G. James of the United States
District Court, Western Division of
Louisiana, has said that it is criminal
trespass for the American boating
public to boat, fish, or hunt on the
Mississippi River and other navigable
waters in the US.
In the case of Normal Parm v. Sheriff
Mark Shumate, James ruled that federal
law grants exclusive and private control
over the waters of the river, outside the
main shipping channel, to riparian
landowners. The shallows of the
navigable waters are no longer open to
the public. That, in effect, makes
boating illegal across most of the
country.
Winter 2006 / 04
"Even though this action seems like a
horrible pre-April fools joke, it is very
serious," said Phil Keeter, MRAA
president, in a statement. "Because
essentially all the waters and
waterways of our country are
considered navigable in the US law, this
ruling declares recreational boating,
water skiing, fishing, waterfowl hunting,
and fishing tournaments to be illegal
and the public subject to jail sentences
for recreating with their families."
You might have thought it hard for
things to be worse than the paddling
situation here, but unfortunately not.
There's not many in the U.S. that'll take
on the Gun Lobby but that seems to be
what the Judge is doing, maybe
inadvertently. Perhaps their power is to
be welcomed for once - I don't think
the waterfowl will be smiling for long.
-------------------------------------------------
As I said last issue, it's good to see the
YAHOO group service benefiting the
membership. Here's another example.
No sooner than PC mentioned the
possibility of doing the Teifi tour than it
snowballed into a (peer) group event.
Here's an account of Day 1 as seen by
prospective L3 coach, Big Dave.
TEIFI TOUR 2006 – DAY 1
So a drive to South West Wales on a
Friday afternoon had Henry and I at
Llandysul before dark to get our
bearings, and buy our river tickets. We
were quite early so off we went to the
campsite after a little look at the river.
We returned in the morning to try
again. We chucked our tents up and
shortly after Tor, Andy and Lewis
turned up to join us for a curry in
Newcastle Emyln. We returned to the
campsite as the rest of the group,
Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter Page 12
including those not camping arrived.
We proceeded to watch smugly as the
late arrivals with new tents struggled in
the glow of car headlights to settle for
the evening.
Early the next morning we followed the
tour instructions and eventually ended
up at a field somewhere upstream of
Llandysul wearing a pink tour
wristband. A short briefing and a game
of throw bag miming then we were
away in two groups. This first section,
down to Llandysul was used to practice
all the core white water skills and for
the coaches to practice group control
and leadership. Taking twice as long as
expected, Rezza practiced his rolling
including the highly sought after skill of
celebration swimming that follows a
much-admired combat roll celebration.
We arrived at Llandysul for a quick bite
of lunch, and then deciding time was
running short continued to run the
bigger Landysul section in a free form
style with the trip leaders providing
cover and advice but allowing the white
water novices to find their own route
through the town. Rezza and Lewis
were neck and neck on the swimming
competition at this point.
We were concerned about time so we
upped the paddle rate to get to the first
egress point and those who did not
wish to continue got the shuttle bus
back while the rest continued on the
slog to the falls of Henllan.
At the falls a brief inspection was
completed and we set off like lemmings
all in a line, with me as tail end Charlie.
My own recollection is hanging to the
gorge rock face below the falls in my
boat trying to work it along as the
current pushed me into the rock and
the cushion wave pushed me away. All
I could hear was the crowd chant and
cheer as if I were a gladiator in the
coliseum, not caring what the outcome
was, waiting for the river god to decide
Winter 2006 / 04
my fate. All I could see ahead was the
carnage of Marlow Canoe Club in front.
Final Count at the coliseum;
RIVER GODS 5 - MCC 4
The Gods won!
And in the swimming competition it
finished Lewis 5 - Rezza 6
There will be more about this trip in the
next issue, to include an account from
the cockpit of 'Lil Joe' on Debs' daring
do.
-------------------------------------------------
The Social Secretary post is a bit of a
misnomer, as in the past some holders
have done little, if anything to warrant
holding the post. All that's about to
change now that we have a new person
in the seat. Here's Melinda's account of
her first event.
FIRST SOCIAL OVER (PHEW!)
We went, we saw, we conquered. The
climb at Amersham is an artificial
climbing wall offering tuition,
bouldering, and ascents of varying
difficulties.
This was to be my first event as 'Social
Officer' a position described to me as
'organising a few events outside of the
summer season to help keep the club
together over the winter months,
particularly those whose skills were
insufficient to allow them to paddle in
colder rougher climes'. I had booked
12 places with a couple of instructors
for a 1hr. session. Places soon went.
Arriving at the climb we saw people
more adept at this sport climbing up
things that shouldn't really be climbed.
Our instructors had everything
prepared and demonstrated the best
way to put our harnesses on. Then it
Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter Page 13
was off to the bouldering wall for some
'loosening up'. Once loosened, we tried
the easy wall which gave us a chance
to abseil down without testing our
bottle too much. Paul N. gives us a
demo.
Lean back, I've got you - trust me,
were repeated a few times. Us girls
were more verbal with our fear, unlike
the men. The only noise they made
was their knees knocking together,
those that hadn't climbed before
anyway. Finally we graduated to the
big walls. A proper roped ascent, with
an instructor controlled descent. Some
made it to the top, some didn't, all were
happy they had given it a go.
Time for home - or the pub. A few of
us went down into Amersham old town
for a celebratory drink and a chance to
meet some who were unable to climb.
Everything had gone smoothly - that
wasn't so bad was it.
Melinda Livett Nov. 2006
IN THE DAYS BEFORE
PLASTIC BOATS
Two items caught my eye in newsletter
no.112. In the editors piece referring
to 'some of those grey haired types
seen around the club from time to time'
and 'these people started their
canoeing before plastic was invented'.
I fit both quotes having started my
paddling in 1952, aged 12. John goes
on to ask 'anyone up for Hell Hole in a
4m wood and canvas boat, not me'.
This was the only type of boat available
apart from Canadians, so as there was
little choice one used what was
available and made the most of it,
pretty much as one does today.
Let's go back to those dark and distant
days of the 1950's. The boats available
were rigid, canvas covered with a wood
Winter 2006 / 04
frame, collapsible or folding versions of (Roger submitted a photocopy of the
the same and wooden Canadians, Tyne catalogue but a low res. image,
known as opens today. Few people ad scanning and small format newsletter
cars which made folding boats a make it impractical to reproduce. I
popular option as they could easily be have placed his original submission on
taken on public transport. Most people the noticeboard for those that are
had the one boat which they used for interested. This illustrates new ideas
everything from slalom to WW to sea. such as longitudinal central stiffener
Paddling skills were developed as we and cross frames made of Tufnol all
went along as there was little or no covered with a 7 ply rubberised fabric
coaching available. Buoyancy aids were skin similar to that used in wartime
rarely used, normally only for WW or survival dinghies).
slalom, and consisted of two air Roger finishes; - I have, and still paddle
cushions, one on the chest, the other a 'sports single' with original frame
on the back, with straps to hold them in from 1950 and replacement skin.
place.
The 2nd item was Andy Maxted's 'Usk Roger French Nov. 2006
revisited'. There he mentions 'the next
major feature was the curiously named
Well, now we know who it's named
SPUHLERS FOLLY'. I have tried to find
after, but the question remains, WHY.
out from my archives how this came
Was Jack the first to negotiate this
about but to date do not have any
feature safely, or did he become a
answers'.
cropper on the folly. Those in the know
However, I thought the two items could
might care to elucidate and inform
go together as Jack Spulher was a
those that don't. 50+ years for a wood
leading slalom and WW paddler of the
and canvas boat, that’s pretty good
1950 -60's. The 1950's was a period
going. I'm loathe to say is that a
when a great deal of new ideas in boat
record, because someone always
design and use of new materials
trumps it. I've just had a close look at
emerged especially foe slalom and WW.
my Inazone. I reckon it's going to be
It must be remembered that the recent
around for at least 10,000 years, and
war had played it's part making use of
probably longer than the Thames as we
new ideas and materials. Many of the
know (knew) it.
wartime inventions and the new
materials started to be available for -------------------------------------------------
civilian use. ------------------------------------------------
As such, many paddlers experimented
with new designs and materials, with
only one or just a few boats being
produced. Jack was one of the more
successful designers and his mk.VI
design was put into commercial
production by Tyne folding boats as the
'J.S. mkVI' who manufactured it for a
no. of years from 1959. The boat was
also adopted as the standard canoe for
the BCU corps of Lifeguards.

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter Page 14 Winter 2006 / 04

From newsletter 113 - deposit. We will announce a
published September 2006; date in a couple of months
when the padlock will be
CLUBHOUSE KEYS changed and when the old
We've got a functional keys will be of no further use.
padlock, a slightly less It seems very few people have
reliable version of the same, bothered to let AM know they
and keys for both dotted all would like a key. Last night's
over the place. Various committee meeting revealed
members have tried to keep that just 7 people had advised
track of keys over the years Andy that they would require a
but our most recent list of key new key. Get yourselves
holders contains names of sorted or you won't be getting
people who have not been in!
seen or heard of for many
years. September's I'll hold my hands up - I've not
committee meeting decided done it either - YET.
to replace the lock (and
keys). The process will be
somewhat arduous but Andy
Maxted has agreed to
coordinate the issue of new
keys. If you have an existing
key and will need a
replacement, please get in
contact with Andy so that a
replacement can be issued
and a proper register drawn
up. If you do not have a key
but would like one, the
existing procedures are that
an application needs to be
made to the committee in
-------------------------------------------------
writing for approval. You will
need to be over 18, three star
standard and deemed by the
committee to be sufficiently
responsible. If you are no
longer a user of the club but
still have a key it can be
returned for your initial

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter Page 15 Winter 2006 / 04

TYNE TOUR have been fine if we didn’t have to cope
with the headwind!
Well, despite my invitation, no-one was We had a lovely day’s paddle through
interested in joining me for the Tyne some great scenery crossing Hadrian’s
Tour this year. Right at the last Wall on the way. We went through the
moment, my accommodation was gorge again and Jenny making
cancelled so it looked like I was going suggestions for getting more out of the
to be left camping with 2,000 students rapid than I had done the day before.
on Tyne Green in Hexham! Anyway, my The gorge is in a Site of Special
mate Keiron came to the rescue and Scientific Interest so there is no
offered me a room for the night in carrying back up for another run which
Nottingham so we could drive up on is a shame. I think if it was not a tour
Saturday morning. In fact we were on day, this might be a possibility. Still,
the water by 10.30am ahead of most of another time.
the crowds. Whilst the Tour is a great venue for the
We got on at Barrasford above the more inexperienced paddlers with
grade 2/3 rapid for a paddle back to similar safety cover to that provided on
Hexham with a medium water level the Teifi Tour, what we really go there
which meant mainly grade 2 water with for is the possibility of there being
one big weir and the famous Warden sufficient water to paddle some of the
Gorge, which, despite it’s notoriety, is other local rivers. The whole
really only a grade 3 run but a bit of a catchment is available for the weekend
challenge in an open canoe. with the River Allen being probably the
We stopped for lunch under the trees most inviting. Anyone else for next
on a grassy bank beside a group of surf year?
waves which gave us the opportunity to
show the kayakers how it should be Adrian Cooper Nov 2006
done.
Warden Gorge did not disappoint. At
this level you can select a line and
pretty much guarantee to stay on it. So
provided you have planed well you
should come to no harm. Kieron was
only paddling the one day so I said
cheerio to him and, despite looking all
round the campsite, I couldn’t find
anyone else I knew although I know
there were at least a couple staying.
However, I was lucky for Saturday
evening with friends Jenny and Dave
coming up trumps, giving me a bed
settee for the night and taking me out
to dinner. Friends are great, aren’t
they?
So for Sunday, I persuaded these
friends to paddle with me from a bit
further up at Wark. This made the
paddle some 12 miles which would

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter Page 16 Winter 2006 / 04

DAVID LYDIATT
The coming AGM will see the retirement
from the committee of one of our
stalwarts (no that's not a medical
condition)
David Lyddiatt has decided to step
down as organiser of the Marlow
Marathon.
David has been a member of the club
for more years than my archive records,
however a trawl through the minutes of
past committee meetings that I have
stashed away tells more than I had
remembered.
First mention of David as the marathon
rep was in the AGM minutes of 1990
when I believe he took over from Gerry
Knight (the mystery man who
disappears up the river every Sunday in
a dark blue K1) and he continued
without a break until after the race in
1997 when he changed jobs (daytime
post that is!). This led to a two year
break covered by Dave Goddard, but
David's life was apparently unfulfilled
and he returned in 2000 to carry on
until this year. He threatened to retire
three years ago but we beat him into
submission.
The race ran pretty much like clockwork
under David's supervision apart from
one or two minor glitches. The year he
left the prizes on his kitchen table
comes to mind! The weather could
always be guaranteed to be somewhere
between warm and blazing hot but the
record had to fall when this year the
rains came to coincide with a later date
than normal and his swan song race
had to be cancelled, but not until all of
his preparation work had already
been done. Race day when many turn
out to help is only the climax of the job
of organiser. This is preceded by a
yearly application for approval of our
date, circulation of the details to the
clubs, obtaining all the permissions,
Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter Page 17
licences and prizes and annual
pleadings for help. Race day is
preceded by a paddle along the whole
course to check for hazards and chats
with the lock keepers along the way.
The job doesn't finish when we all go
home tired, as results have to be
checked, Hasler points allocated and
returns sent to the BCU Marathon
Committee. Finally an account has to be
prepared for our treasurer and a report
written for our AGM.
The last few years saw David ably
assisted by his wife Barbara who, seen
by few, sat in the background feverishly
entering the results onto a laptop for
which we are very grateful.
This does not tell the whole story
however, as in 1995 and 96 David was
our representative at the River Users
Group meetings and to top it off he
took the additional post of Hon
Secretary in 1996 and 97 so filling a hat
trick of committee posts in one year.
Our thanks go to you David for a
fantastic contribution to the running of
our club. Hopefully we will see you at
the AGM in January for a last report
on a race that would probably have
been our biggest entry ever. If we can
help out with something to while away
those long evenings in front of the TV
you know where we are...........
Tim Ward 9.11.06
As he paddles off into the sunset, I'm
sure we would all like to join the
President in wishing David a happy
'retirement'.
Winter 2006 / 04
 2007 AGM
THE 'KINGS HEAD' - LITTLE MARLOW.
Monday 29th January; start 8:00pm

HIGH WYCOMBE

THE KINGS HEAD

BOURNE
END

MAIDENHEAD

The Mundane bit, when all the official stuff is sorted out. Who's on
next year's committee, election of new officers and recognition of
achievement by various peoples throughout the year and
presentation of awards.

The 'Kings Head' not only has a superb range of beers, but
offers some excellent food as well. Arrive around 7.00pm to
enjoy a bar meal and a drink and to be sure of a parking
place. See you there.

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter Page 18 Winter 2006 / 04

 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 is subject to changes.

25-26/11/06 WYE & USK WHITEWATER SPECTACULAR - YOUR FIRST SERIOUS WW JP

28/11/06 KAYAK TIAWAN;LECTURE & SLIDESHOW - WOKINGHAM W.C. EXT.
03/12/06 SUNDAY SESSION
04/12/06 COMMITTEE MEETING (ALL WELCOME) AM
TBA CHRISTMAS 'DO' (SEE NOTICEBOARD FOR DETAILS) ML
09-10/12/06 DART WHITEWATER SPECTACULAR + YOUR SECOND SERIOUS WW JP
17/12/06 CLUB SESSION
24/12/06 CHRISTMAS EVE PADDLE - FRESH AIR FOR THE ALL SHOPPED OUT
31/12/06 NEW YEARS EVE PADDLE & EDITORS BIRTHDAY (BUY ME A DRINK!)
07/01/07 CLUB SESSION
08/01/07 COMMITTEE MEETING AM
14/01/07 CLUB SESSION
21/01/07 CLUB SESSION
27-28/01/07 YET ANOTHER WHITEWATER SPECTACULAR - RIVERS DART & BARLE JP
29/01/07 AGM - SEE POSTER INSIDE. AM
04/02/07 CLUB SESSION
11/02/07 CLUB SESSION
18/02/07 CLUB SESSION
25/02/07 CLUB SESSION.

EVERY SWIMMING POOL SESSIONS AT GURNELL POOL, WEST LONDON.

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

ORGANISER / MCC CONTACT CODE FOR ABOVE EVENTS

AC ADRIAN COOPER 01844 344580 adrian@familycooper.fsnet.co.uk
AM ANDY MAXTED 07730 852760 morven@ukonline.co.uk
DL DAVID LYDIATT 01753 887773 david@lydiatt.plus.com
JN JOHN NORRIS 01494 483833 j.k.norris@btinternet.com
JP JOHN PARKIN 07973 820515 johnnyp@medusamusic.com
MP MARTIN PLAIN 01628 483252 martin@longridge.org.uk
TB TERRY BELCHER 01628 851001 terry@amoffice.co.uk

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter Page 19 Winter 2006 / 04

 THE COMMITTEE AND OTHER USEFUL NUMBERS
A list of those members who serve on the club's committee, their role and a
contact no. should you need to contact them.

CONTACT
POSITION NAME
NO.
E-MAIL
01494
PRESIDENT TIM WARD
482959
ADRIAN 01844
CHAIRMAN adrian@familycooper.fsnet.co.uk
COOPER 344580
07730
SECRETARY ANDY MAXTED morven@ukonline.co.uk
852760
PAUL 08708
TREASURER
CRICHTON 806962
TIM 07833
COACHING timothy.twitchen@btinternet.com
TWITCHEN 995289
01494
NEWSLETTER JOHN NORRIS j.k.norris@btinternet.com
483833
ROD 01753
MEMBERSHIP
EDMONDS 671389
01628
EQUIPMENT DON MOORE
773555
DAVID 01753
MARATHON david@lydiatt.plus.com
LYDIATT 887773
01628
LONGRIDGE MARTIN PLAIN martin@longridge.org.uk
483252
07812
WOMENS REP. DEBS HARDY hippydeborah@hotmail.com
749555
YOUTH REP VACANT PERSONABLE YOOF REQUIRED!
MELINDA
SOCIAL
LIVETT
01628
WHITEWATER JOHN PARKIN johnnyp@medusamusic.com
476384
INLAND GUY 01844
gsmaddieson@aol.com
TOURS MADDIESON 275418
SEA TBA

OUR NEAREST RETAILERS / SUPPLIERS

01865
RIVERSIDE OXFORD http://www.riversideoxford.co.uk/
248673
01189
MARSPORT READING http://www.marsport.co.uk/
665912
01932
WWC SHEPPERTON http://www.whitewaterthecanoecentre.co.uk/
247978
COMPTON 01926
PADDLESPORT http://www.paddlesport.co.uk/
VERNEY 640573

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

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter Page 20 Winter 2006 / 04