Cost will be £20 pp which includes training, rule book, whistle and cards and on passing the practical, there will be a refund from the BCC committee.

Can you please let any of the committee member or Robert Wilson (07950012159) know ASAP

further details here: http://braintreecanoeingclub.co.uk/2013/05/07/refereeing-course-canoe-polo/

This trip is suitable for all abilities with beginners welcome – round trip is about 5 miles; we’ll be stopping half way for lunch.

Meeting Point is Byron’s Pool: http://lnr.cambridge.gov.uk/reserves/byrons_pool/ -  it will take between 50-60 minutes to get there from Braintree

If you want to borrow any equipment please email BCCTrips@braintreecanoeingclub.co.uk stating the Cambridge Backs trip, your name and equipment required; you will be responsible for transporting the equipment and returning it back to the pool clean.

For new paddlers, Kit list (other than the obvious kayak, and paddle):

• Buoyancy aid – you will not be allowed to paddle without one
• Spray deck (optional, but recommended)
• Dry cag / trousers (something to keep out the wind/rain)
• Footwear (wetsuit boots or old trainers)
• Food (e.g. sandwiches/snacks/cereal bars – remember it has to fit in your kayak)
• Drink (e.g. water, energy drink, thermos)
• If sunny, possibly a hat/sun cream
• Anti-bacterial hand gel (to use before you eat your sandwiches)

On a safety note, any children (under 18) will need to be accompanied by an adult (also paddling) and a Parental Responsibility form will need to be signed and handed in on the day.

We look forward to seeing you there

Graham

Alton Water – Sea Kayak Training

The primary focus was practising for the forthcoming Sea Kayak trip in Scotland, so after a swift paddle around the reservoir, we headed into a sheltered cove for the practising to begin.

Alton Water – Sea Kayak Training

A few rolls were attempted successfully, with more than a few murmurs of “it’s b****y cold” – this considering how warm and sunny the day was (well, mostly).  Next up were rescues, which seemed to go particularly well; obviously they wanted to get out of the water quickly.

Alton Water – Sea Kayak Training

A couple of self rescues were also attempted, with some interesting techniques for emptying out the water from the boat.

Alton Water – Sea Kayak Training

It was now lunch time, so we all returned to the banks and enjoyed our lunch in the sun.  Afterwards, we all paddles around the lake in double quick time and a few people also tried out different boats that were available for use (courtesy of Nucleus Watersports and their P&H demos)

Alton Water – Sea Kayak Training

Braintree Canoeing Club at Flatford Mill

First challenge of the day was finding parking at Dedham as there was the annual family fund raising “Dedham Duck Race” due at midday, so we quickly dropped off the boats and ferried the cars down to the destination at Cattawade

BCC Dedham – River Stour

We set off around 11am in warm sunshine, which fortunately did not last all day as it was much warmer than we have been used to (only just over a month ago we were freezing ourselves down in Bude surf; what a difference a month makes)

As predicted, the most dangerous part of the trip was the first section down to Flatford Mill, with numerous rowing boats failing miserably in maintaining control and cutting across our paths at random times and trajectories.

BCC Dedham – River Stour

A good lunch stop was had at Flatford mill before returning to the water for the last and longest leg of the trip

BCC Flatford Mill – River Stour

The first section was very pretty under some low hanging willow trees before we reached the estuary weir, where we headed off left along the river.  The scenery then was more open and the river quite twisty.

BCC Flatford Mill – River Stour

Eventually we got to the Cattawade picnic area, where we were to disembark, but we continued on for the final 100 metres, under 2 bridges, to get to the actual end of the river

BCC at Cattawade – River Stour

All in all a fairly quick paddle and one thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Thanks to Mark for organising

Where: Meridian indoor heated swimming pool

Time: 09:00pm until 10:30pm
if you cant do this Thursday but can the Thursday after please let us know.
We can arrange traveling together if this helps.

A little windy on the Saturday but with the wind dropping over the bank holiday weekend the surf just got better and better. Sunday saw the longest session about 7 hours on the water.

Everyone BBQed together Saturday and Sunday evening making a very sociable weekend.

Good surf and great company, what a great way to recharge the batteries.

I have spent some time trying to arrange this and the opportunity has arrived.

So whether you are new to the club or an ex ref, please come along for a fun and informative day, if not just to learn more.

I have managed not only to secure a day to learn the theory towards becoming a grade 4 or 3 referee but also near us at Hanningfield near Chelmsford. (It was going to be at Bedford or Birmingham and a few years ago we had to go to Oxford). Please help represent Braintree Canoeing Club by coming along as the more the better.

This is on Saturday 1st June and for comfort, as people all over the UK will be attending, using my work place with full interactive Power-point screen, fully air conditioned training room that can hold more than enough. There is free chilled water and free coffee, tea and hot chocolate from our machine. You will need to bring your own food.

Olly will be our trainer for the day and the time will be confirmed but from experience will be from around 10am till around 4pm. This will be confirmed soon.

Cost will be £20 pp which includes training, rule book, whistle and cards and on passing the practical, this will be refunded in full from the BCC committee.

Can you please let any of the committee or Robert Wilson (07950012159) know ASAP

Directions

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=CM38HS

From the A12 – drive up North from M25 to J16 and turn right towards Stock / Billericay B1007 and just after the fuel station, turn left into ship lane. Follow this towards Hanningfield and turn right onto Middlemead road – drive along the res wall and turn left into the Essex & Suffolk Water entrance.

To enter this site you will have to use the Middle mead entrance (The other entrance will be locked) and on reaching the barrier, press the button saying “on a ref course” and the control room will let you in, drive through the works to the car park for the offices where I will be there to receive you all at Sandon Valley house offices at Hanningfield water treatment works, Middlemead, South Hanningfield Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 8HS. I will work this day for safety and to provide any assistance if required.

Dedham to Flatford – Beginners Paddle

Having launched from Dedham, the group of 11 boats (5 first time paddlers) paddled slowly downstream. Chatting, laughing and with more senior members offering advice we gently made our way to Flatford.

Dedham to Flatford – Beginners Paddle

We passed under a couple of bridges and dodged a number of swans as well as a couple of low flying ducks! However, the main concern wasn’t the slight drop in temperature nor the slight breeze causing me to go round in circles (well that’s what I’m saying! lol) but instead the cow that had stepped into the river for a quick drink and got stuck in the mud and couldn’t climb out. So, by a unanimous democratic vote Dave Wright had no choice but to try and help by paddling close and splashing her, which we were all pleased to see worked!

Dedham to Flatford – Beginners Paddle

Arriving at Flatford the group sat by the Lock and tucked in to lunch.

Dedham to Flatford – Beginners Paddle

Once refuelled we all re-lauched from the bank and headed back up stream to Dedham into a slight wind, making the return trip slightly more difficult.

Dedham to Flatford – Beginners Paddle

A great first trip that was approx. 3 miles, or for those who wish to slightly exaggerate their achievement could say that they paddled all the way from Essex to Suffolk and back again!

Andy