Newsletter

118
Autumn 2007 / 04
Web: www.marlowcanoeclub.org.uk
Email: j.k.norris@btinternet.com

than me (shouldn't be too hard to find)

might be interested.
WHAT’S IN THIS ISSUE One of the committee is leaving though
Editor’s Piece 1 so perhaps the ladies at the club would
like to think about a new ladies rep. to
Debs Hardy 2 replace Debs. I've thrown a few words
together that I hope do her justice and
Rock an' Roll 2
maybe now she's freed herself from the
L2K Assessment 4 committee she will be able to enjoy an
occasional casual paddle with us on a
Coaching Forum 6
Sunday.
Eight go to the Alps - Part 2 7 Ken Greene isn't leaving though. After
an exhausting session at the pool he
Canoe expo 11 booked on a KAYAKOJACKO rolling
Holme Pierrepont 11 course. What did he think about it -
the answers inside.
New Retailer 13 Early September I booked on a L2K
AGM NOTIFICATION 14 assessment. But what was it like.
Read about how I viewed the course
What's on and other events 15 and follow on to my first Coaching
Committee / Contacts etc. 16 Forum. It might be that future
newsletters will feature these forums
EDITIORS PIECE and maybe able to offer explanations
for the way certain coaching practices
What with one thing and another it's are arrived at.
been a busy old year. They just seem Andy Maxted, true to his word, put Alps
to get shorter and shorter the more you PT.2 together for us. Read how the
get used to them. This will be my 15th team faired as the week progressed.
newsletter and I was thinking of calling There is a new canoe show next year.
it a day, but it's a bit short notice so I'll A short description and a link are
do another year, at least, if you'll let enclosed to help you find out more
me. It could do with moving on, about this. For those not interested in
perhaps someone with better PC skills all the other things the 'Outdoor Show'

Denial ain't just a river in Egypt

Mark Twain (1835 - 1910)

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter Page 1 Winter 2007 / 04

has to offer this could be a winner.
Holme Pierrepont - it's a long way a
way. Is it worth the trip? A few of the
WW types have made a few visits
recently so they think it is. Read what
the President has to say about the
course, some 'new' features, and his
general musings.
And finally, the AGM. Usual venue,
usual time, but with added nibbles.
Come along and have a chat, a bite to
eat, and most importantly a beer before
the main event starts. For those that
travel further, or are just plain hungry,
full meals are available from the bar.
A very merry Christmas, and a happy
new year to all our readers. Just
remember I'm now taking copy for the
next issue, due around March 2008.
-------------------------------------------------
In future issues I'm hoping to include a
few little pieces about those members
who have done a 'bit' for the club and
for whatever reason are just standing
back a little. Not necessarily committee
members but anyone who has done
that little bit extra that helps the club
run smoothly. I'm starting off with
Debs Hardy who has found it
increasingly difficult to combine the
time she would like to devote to the
club with her professional
responsibilities.
DEBS HARDY
I remember Deb's first coming to the
club some years back. We had a
handful of people from Bucks University
around that time but so far as I'm
aware Debs is the only one that has
stayed.
For a short while I was able to do
almost everything better than Debs. but
it was a painfully short while as it soon
became clear that Debs and kayaks
Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter
were made for each other. A series of
star tests and a Kayakojacko course in
Scotland determined Debs' paddling
path. Arriving at a very full Hell hole on
my first Wye & Usk trip, Andy Maxted
got us all out to inspect the feature. All
except one. Debs remained in her boat
and when I asked her if she was
coming to look with the rest of us all
she said was 'Read it and run it'. And
run it she did. I've always remembered
that line, a seminal moment perhaps,
because Debs has just gone on and on.
Let's hope she continues to do so,
some of the time (at least) with the
club.
And should we talk her into doing a few
D.O. stints, don't mess her about.
There's a fierce voice hidden within that
petite frame.
Debs on the Dart - 2006 I think!
-------------------------------------------------
HOW I SWAPPED MY
FAVOURITE ROLL FROM A
SWISS ROLL TO A SCREW
ROLL
Ever since first starting at the club in
May I’ve been wanting to learn to roll
so I could be more confident in trying
new strokes and get a bit more
adventurous. The thought of capsizing
didn’t really bother me – it was more
the hassle and time spent swimming,
Page 2 Winter 2007 / 04
getting out, draining the boat, getting
back in soaking wet etc. that put me off
risking a capsize.
I was glad to be accompanied by John
and Rob Norris to the Gurnell pool in
my first attempt at learning to roll.
After some basic theory we started with
some “hip flick” practice and after
realising where my hips were and how
to flick them, I donned my nose clip
and goggles and we moved on to the
real thing. I would certainly
recommend the goggles and clip as
spending the next hour underwater
with them would have been quite
uncomfortable otherwise. Although
having these basic pieces of equipment
did mean I had lost my usual best
excuse of blaming the lack of proper
kit.
And to cut a long story short I did
spend the next hour upside down and
although I got close on a couple of
occasions it was not to be. John and
Rob were fantastically patient and tried
lots of different approaches but it was a
drive home listening to some slightly
miserable music that night.
I was not put off though and decided to
book a KayakoJacko “Intro to rolling”
session the next week – at the not
inconsiderable price of £25, again at
the Gurnell pool.
We spent some time sat in a puddle on
the pool side imagining being upside
down and going through the strokes –
with some inspired questions from
myself and the other 3 on the course –
such as “so which way up are we now”.
We then got into the kayaks and
practiced the Eskimo rescue (pulling
yourself up on the bow of someone
else’s boat) and after a few goes I was
chosen to go first for a roll. With a
chance to think through John and Rob’s
advice over the last week I was feeling
quietly confident but that evaporated
when I got a final glance of all eyes
Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter Page 3
focused on me as I rolled over. I
spent a good few seconds getting into
position and mentally rehearsing the
move and then went for it and the next
second I was sitting up in the boat with
a huge grin on my face. Initial
thoughts of WOW! Excellent! etc. soon
gave way to – “what the hell did I do
right that time?”. It was definitely all to
do with technique and nothing to do
with strength. I was like a kid with a
new toy and rolled constantly for the
next 45 minutes trying to work out
exactly what made it seem so easy and
I still don’t really know. I certainly
didn’t think it was anything to do with a
hip flick but apparently I had a pretty
good hip flick – confusing eh?
Of course learning in the nice warm,
clean pool, with goggles is one thing –
could I pull the same trick in the cold
Thames with my eyes closed (so as to
keep my contact lenses in). With this
in mind I practised a load of rolls with
eyes closed and with the paddle in
various positions, rather than already
set-up.
At first it went a bit backwards as I
realised I was getting into the start
position by sight, but by paying real
attention to the exact position and then
closing my eyes I just had time to do a
load of eyes-shut rolls before the
session finished. It was definitely
upbeat music on the car stereo on the
way home and it was a very satisfying
feeling.
The final moment of truth was my first
“river” roll outside the club-house a
couple of weeks ago with Rob ready for
a rescue – and this all went well 
Rock ‘n’ Roll!
KEN GREENE SEPT 2007
-------------------------------------------------
Winter 2007 / 04
L2K ASSESSMENT
Training out of the way, we were
advised that Riverside were running an
assessment on the 8th September. To
be in with a chance we needed to act
upon the advice given on the C2 form
at the end of our training. For me, that
comprised 2x 1* courses (one of those
being the new 1* award) and a small
amount of work on a club 2*. Needing
more, I approached Riverside who
allowed me to take on a session whilst
the scheduled coach sat back and
monitored me. The monitor advised
me to step away a little, give more time
for the paddlers to learn for
themselves, otherwise pretty much O.K.
With this in mind I decided to book on
the assessment. I finished work early
on Friday so treated myself to a few
new toys and made sure my kit was up
to spec. I also took the opportunity to
look around the area the assessment
would take place on and finished with a
paddle on the Cherwell, up to the
'Angel & Greyhound' meadow.
At £80.00, assessment is not cheap -
but I guess the coach's coach has got
to eat. Not content with course
registration fees, the BCU is in there
again with a request (more of a
demand) for £17.50 up front (just in
case you fail and take umbrage). I'm
minded to think that the Sherriff of
Nottingham is alive and well and
residing at HQ.
Saturday dawned misty, with a light
high cloud above. Ideal for the day
ahead. I met my fellow aspirant L2K
coaches for tea / coffee / cakes and a
little light hearted banter. A short talk
with Rob Yates (head of centre) and
Roger Wiltshire (course director) set us
at ease. A total of 13 stooges had been
arranged comprising mostly of people
on a Riverside 'try it' event, the odd 1*
and a few experienced paddlers. All
Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter Page 4
good stooges, but the sidewinder tops
suggested these boys new a trick or
two.
Once all had arrived Roger set the tone
and handed over to us wannabe's.
Introducing ourselves, we immediately
dropped off by asking for details of
medical conditions to the group rather
than asking to see such cases
individually and in private. Time to kit
everybody out. A very reasonable array
of kit was available for us to use, but I
had to dive into my personal kit for a
glasses retainer, and a cag that looked
like a sack on the wearer, but was
better than anything else I could find.
It's a bit of a logistical nightmare, but
eventually we got all 14 sorted. There
always was going to be 14, but
sneaking in no. 14 was part of the
assessment. A quick warm up and it
was time to get on the water.
The coaches were split into two. 3
went off with Rob for 3* and beyond
stroke practise whilst 2 took half the
stooges. I paired up with Roger to take
the rest. The paddle upstream was a
little nervous for me. This is the
narrowest part of the navigable Thames
with more than its fair share of
overhanging trees on one bank.
Between the trees and the opposite
bank were two other rowing clubs,
Falcon rowing and canoe club, and the
motorised stuff. Despite my initial fears
I got my group to a point where I
considered it safe to cross the river. I
thought it clear and started to take two
across, but a launch appeared from
nowhere. An instant decision allowed
me to take two across and get them
rafted whilst I instructed the others too
wait with Roger.
Hinksey Pool is an old swimming area
sculptured out of one of the rivers
many backwaters. It provides a
squared off area in which to practise
almost anything. Time to coach the
Winter 2007 / 04
candidates. Considering the time
available to us and the need to get back
to the centre I decided to coach the
beginnings of good forward and
backward paddling with forward and
reverse sweeps. To finish, we would
have a game of 'tag' hopefully
employing the new found skills. I While Roger & Rob went away to
planned to deliver all my teachings
using the I.D.E.A.S. delivery model. All
went surprisingly well, with the
exception of one of the older paddlers
who was having trouble with most
things. I lent him my paddle and this
was of much assistance to him. Come
the game and he even managed a few
tags. During the whole session Roger
had remained, almost imperceptibly, in
the background.
Time for a change. The other coaches
took on the coaching duties whilst we
went with Rob for our 3* and beyond
practise. Basically this was fine tuning
of your 3* strokes and advice on
combining a few strokes together for
additional effect. It was about
extending your capabilities, pushing the
boat over further before calling on your
support strokes. Finish a bow rudder
with a sweep to enhance your turn.
Returning to Riverside saw us all
working as one team as boats and kit
were stored, and we made sure
everyone was safe. I asked one or two
what they had thought of the session
and all gave it a thumb's up. One or
two were brave enough to admit it was
a little more difficult than they
expected.
The afternoon was for towing, rolling
and rescues. I did O.K. My roll was
over and up again - I was a bit
concerned with all that dead weight in
the back but I needn't have worried.
My rescues seemed pretty effective as
well, it's a long time since I've done a
paddle presentation but my teachers
taught me well. Finally the kit check.
Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter Page 5
Was it all in order after a thorough
dunking? I'd read all the info
previously sent and double checked the
coaching handbook. Bang on! I had
the lot right down to a little vial of
meths to clean the surface the duct
tape might be required to stick on.
discuss the pro's and con's of our
individual performances we enjoyed
coffee & cakes + 20 questions which
were designed to ensure we were not
completely ignorant of some of the
wider aspects of paddlesport.
Finally the time came to find out
whether we were good enough. We all
get an interview with Roger & Rob. I
was last in as I always seemed to be
somewhere else when 'next' was called.
I only managed to confirm with one
other how he had fared but as he
looked as happy as a pig in **** words
were hardly needed.
'Have a seat' - Congratulations; and a
hand shake. I was on cloud nine. It
took a minute or two to realise there
was more to it than that as Roger &
Rob chuntered on about this and that
and it all slowly began to make sense
as I returned to the real world.
So, was it all worth it? I can't pretend
it's been easy for me. Some will
remember back to the time when it
seemed as though I'd never get a boat
to go straight. But it all came together
gradually and the L1K courtesy of Andy
Maxted and the 3* (TT, JP, PC, & DG)
suggested more was possible. It must
be said, that whenever I've asked for it
additional coaching has nearly always
been available and freely given. Along
the way, many have thrown their
twopenny worth in and often more and
I'd like to thank them all. Now it's my
turn to try and help you achieve your
best.
JOHN NORRIS SEPT 2007
Winter 2007 / 04
COACHING FORUM & OTHER
THOUGHTS
I went to my first coaching forum the
other night, well, me and Rob, and 'El
Presidente'. Other known faces there
were Adrian C, Andy M, Big Dave (aka
Scarface) and Gerry Wright. I didn't
even know Gerry was a coach, but
seeing as how he's got one of
everything stored in the club I suppose
it was obvious.
Tonight's session, held at Longridge,
was to explain the changes in coaching
the new BCU 2* award. The evening
starts with tea or coffee and a lucky dip
in the biscuit barrel. If you're lucky you
get a crunchy one, if not………
Bucks LCO Paul Sutton tried to call a
start to the meeting but the impression
I got was that some of the coaches
might not have seen one another since
the previous forum.
Eventually though, Paul did get things
underway. With the ever watchful
always listening Andy M in a spritelike
posture by his side the differences
between old and new were briefly
touched upon before a riverside lecture
supported by a no. of paddlers on the
water.
In short the 'old' two star test was a
test. A test of your ability to perform a
no. of strokes to a required standard,
leaving you to practice how and when
you might use these strokes, possibly
with further coach guidance should you
request it.
The new two star 'award' differs in that
the coaches will coach a no. of strokes
and methods to enable you to complete
a series of tasks specified in the award
documentation (now available from the
BCU website). It's up to the candidate
to decide, and completion of the tasks
to the assessors satisfaction should
result in you obtaining your new 2*
AWARD.
Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter Page 6
There was, perhaps, 30 or so of us
there and we split into two groups.
Paul, in his infinite wisdom (or crass
stupidity) numbered us all 1,2,1,2,1,2
and so on. It doesn't work Paul. It
never has and it never will. I've spent
ages in the past trying to sort cub
scouts out in similar fashion A,B,A,B,A,B
and wondered why they could not do it.
I still don't know but if the 'grown ups'
can't do it, at least the cubs have got
an excuse.
Anyway, us 1's (or was it 2's) went to
the pontoon to see a demonstration
with Paul. One of the tasks required of
the new award is to turn your kayak
into a confined space and to reverse
out again. Sounds a bit heavy, but a lot
of people do this already, choosing to
get in and out of their boats by the
edge of the graveyard. Or, as our
chairman described it, M.C.C. members
are able to benefit from a pre-designed
feature. The turning manoeuvre could
be achieved a no. of ways and many
were demonstrated from bow rudders
to outside edging. A few more
exercises and a little more chat
completed Paul's lecture and us 2's (or
was it 1's) went to see Andy M deliver
something similar for the open canoe.
Whilst Andy delivered his theory, some
of what he talked about was
demonstrated by some very capable
open boat paddlers.
Unlike the new 1* award in which
candidates are introduced to both kayak
and canoe the new 2* award requires
that both disciplines are actively
coached and that both boats are used
for the assessment. Why? You might
well ask. Well, it's been proven that
introducing a variety of craft at the
early stages of one's paddling career
will produce a fundamentally better
paddler.
I'm sure the paddling gods have got
this right, and when we ran a 1* award
Winter 2007 / 04
at the beginning of September, two
candidates chose to do the assessment
in a canoe. But more questioned why
we didn't concentrate solely on the
kayak.
I tried to think of some analogies, and
kept thinking Rugby (Union & League).
The two games are pretty far apart in
content, yet similar in aim, so that one
team tries to carry the elliptically
shaped ball to the end of the opponents
half. I can't see Marlow RFC taking a
day trip to Wigan or vice versa. So I
mentioned this to Andy Maxted, whose
thinking has given me cause for
thought. Back to the Rugby. Each
code teaches certain skills that are
common to both such as ball handling,
passing, catching and running. Some
players switch codes and these basics
stand them in good stead for their new
game. Now think of using canoe
strokes in a kayak (which is exactly
what I did in my L2K training). It's not
inconceivable for a WW paddler to lose
or damage part of their paddle. A J-
stroke, (familiar to all canoeists) can be
adapted quite easily for use in a kayak.
I hope this goes some way to
explaining current thinking.
There is a lot going for the new awards
and I'm warming to the task ahead. I
need to brush up on my canoe skills
and ensure I can do (well) what I'm
hoping to coach others to do.
Fortunately we have some quality open
boaters in the club on whom I can call.
This time next year we'll all know
whether it turned out fine.
The clubs coaches will be delivering the
new syllabi next year, and Tim
Twitchen will be hard at work
throughout the winter deciding how.
Suppose you cannot see yourself in
both boats - no matter how desirable
the intention. The option exists for you
to go for a 3* award in a specific
discipline. 3* syllabi are available from
Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter Page 7
the BCU website in WW, Open, Sea,
and Surf, with flatwater to follow
shortly. But I strongly recommend
acquiring a broad base of skills prior to
any specialisation. It's bound to be
useful one day.
The next coaching forum is in March
2008 at Longridge where the topic for
discussion will be the new 'paddlesport'
awards. I suppose I'd better go. I
might get lucky at the biscuit tin.
JOHN NORRIS SEPT 2007
-------------------------------------------------
EIGHT GO TO THE ALPS –
PART 2
The ground was soaked, there were
pools of water everywhere. My tent had
leaked. But it was sunny and bright and
there was a frisson of excitement as we
brewed coffee, breakfasted on
croissants and pain au chocolate and
started making plans for the new day.
This was Tuesday, Day 4, but despite
yesterday’s trials [see Part 1 in last
issue] we weren’t ready for a rest day
yet. However, after the night’s rain we
weren’t exactly up with the early birds
either so a ‘local’ paddle it was. We
were camped on the banks of the
Gyronde which looked attractive. The
guidebook mentioned a Grade 5 stretch
below the bridge at the campsite
entrance and, mindful that discretion is
the better part of valour, agreed to put
on below this. The morning was
wearing on as we organised our shuttle
leaving cars at the get out just below
the Argentière slalom site, this did
nonetheless have the advantage of
giving the sun the chance to melt a
little more of the snow high above us to
bring the levels up.
Winter 2007 / 04

Paul Crichton takes a drop in the
Gyronde Gorge
I’d been shuttling while Paul C and Faz
scouted for the best get-in. I returned
to find Paul C waiting for me with the
news that Faz and the rest of the group
were going to get on further
downstream while Paul, Debs and I
were to paddle an ‘interesting’ stretch
before joining them. I have to say it
proved a delight, dropping from one
pool to another, criss-crossing from one
eddy to another and looks impressive
on the video with the three of us
seemingly engaged in a graceful dance
from one side of the river to the other –
I hope you will have the chance to see
the footage for yourselves.
We were soon with the others and
continued on downstream. The river
was still challenging and Reza took a
swim, soon followed by Paul G and
Richard. It took a while to sort out the
carnage – and all in view of Stuart
Woodward’s campsite and numerous
groups getting onto the river there!
Below Stuart’s campsite the river eased
off and the next stretch proved another
delight, entering a short gorge and
dropping through a broken weir before
the next ‘canalised’ stretch through
Argentière and into the Durance. Even
this far up, the Upper Durance is a
wide, powerful river and the slalom site
below the town makes UK courses
Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter Page 8
seem very tame by comparison. We
enjoyed the challenge of the large
standing waves, massive boulders and
deep holes before reaching the waiting
cars after a short, but rewarding
paddle. We also enjoyed being able to
reward ourselves with a late afternoon
trip to the supermarché to stock up
with beer, wine and barbecue ‘bites’ for
what proved to be an extremely
enjoyable evening ahead.
We’d barbecued and written Reza’s blog
and planned ahead for a longer day on
the Thursday. We were back to the
Guil, but higher up. Indeed we drove
up to Abries, the highest mentioned
get-in in the guidebook, but judged the
river too low. A few kilometres back
down the valley however and we were
content to start paddling from Aiguilles
with the promise of a grade 3 gorge
section which did not disappoint
followed by another great paddle down
to the impressive Chateau Queyras,
perched on a rocky outcrop high above
the river. This was where we had
shuttled the cars to, conscious that the
rocky outcrop signalled another gorge,
this one given grade 4. There were
plenty of people about, paddlers and
climbers, as we got off the river and
walked down to inspect the gorge. It
soon became evident why so many
people were wearing climbing
harnesses – as well as hosting an
infamous rapid, the Chateau Queyras
Gorge also boasts a spectacular Via
Ferrata (literally an ‘Iron Way’) using
fixed safety wires, short ladders,
bridges and other metal fixtures to
provide an impressive, but safe, rock
climb/scramble along the gorge walls.
We walked along the road hugging the
left side of the gorge, peering down
into the chasm with its maelstrom
below us. Our experience told us that
the seemingly big waves and holes
would look significantly bigger from
Winter 2007 / 04
water level! Four of us – Debs, Faz,
Paul C and I decide to give it a go while
the others planned their camera
positions. The gorge was too deep for
them to even consider setting up safety
cover.
Faz had paddled this before and led off
followed by Debs and Paul with myself
at the rear. This was one of those
occasions where I don’t think any of us
could be certain of the outcome. I for
one certainly felt that sudden emptiness
in the stomach as I took a deep breath
and powered my boat through the first
wave. From that point however the
adrenaline kicked in and the height of
the walls above me disappeared from
consciousness as all I could focus on
was the next wave, the decision to go
left or right to (hopefully) avoid the
next hole, to clear my face of water, to
remember to breathe, to slow myself
down with a couple of reverse strokes,
to use the crests to check my line, to
see the coloured speck of a helmet
somewhere ahead of me and then an
upturned hull, to wonder who that was
and then to feel myself being pushed
over beyond the point of recovery, the
world going darker and quieter as my
head too went under the water. A deep
water recovery and my head was back
above water, I could see daylight high
above me and my ears were full of a
metallic rattle. A hip flick and I was
back up again. I could see Debs was
swimming with her boat while Faz was
still upside down, his metal rimmed
paddles scraping and rattling along the
gorge walls as he attempted a roll and
then another before finally succeeding
to a massive cheer from the watching
crowds above. Paul was now in the lead
(I later learned that he too had rolled)
followed by Faz as Debs took the back
of my boat and I looked for an eddy to
take her to. Momentarily the river
eased, and I thought this might be the
Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter Page 9
chance to get Debs back in her boat,
but it was a false hope and the respite
proved only to be the river gathering
itself for another, awkward, big drop
around a blind corner. Debs saw the
danger and let go of my boat,
swimming over the fall while still
holding onto her own. Respect!
While we had not known it, this was the
sting in the tail and we found ourselves
in a big pool at the end of the gorge.
There was a beach and sunshine and
the chance for Debs to empty her boat
as we all regained our breath and let
our heartbeats slow back to normal.
The guidebook had likened a swim
through the gorge to being flushed
down a toilet; if you want to know what
that feels like ask Debs. We were an
elated, if damp, group as the others
helped us off the river and to carry our
boats up to the waiting cars. We
celebrated that evening by driving up to
Vallouise for another restaurant meal.
Chateau Queyras gorge had been the
paddling highlight of the week so far,
but there was another grade 4 run in
this part of the Alps that was much in
my mind, and also I’m sure in Paul C’s.
So it was that six of us headed off the
next morning (Thursday) to re-run the
Upper Guisane while Richard and Faz
went back to the Rabioux.
Upper Guisane get-on.
Winter 2007 / 04
As we drove over Paul and I were
saying to each other that maybe, just
maybe, we’d look at the Lower Guisane
afterwards.
Our run down the Upper Guisane
turned out to be an excellent paddle. As
is so often the case, the river seemed
tamer, the rapids much easier on this,
our second visit. It helped that the sun
was shining and we were able to take
our time over S Bend rapid, taking
plenty of photographs and video
footage as we did so. We were back at
Chantemerle at lunchtime and the only
question left was who, if anyone, was
up for the lower section? I’ll spare you
the detail but it was just Paul and I, and
we had a great time. We ran it clean
and fast, confident in each other’s
ability both to handle the water and
cover the other if necessary. Thanks
Paul for making it work. For those that
are interested, I’ll simply say it was just
like the Upper Dart, but without the flat
bits.
While Paul and I had enjoyed the Lower
Guisane, the rest of the group had
headed back to the campsite, to chill
and prepare themselves for the long
drive back to the Ubaye and the famous
racecourse section which was our goal
for the Friday. We made an early start,
getting away before 8.00 am and
stopping for breakfast on the way.
The guidebook gives this section of the
Ubaye as grade 4 although being a
bigger volume river than most of those
we’d run during the week we
interpreted this to mean mainly bigger
waves and holes rather than greater
technical difficulty. Nonetheless it
proved challenging enough for us and
we’d not gone far before our first
capsize. Unfortunately this seemed to
set a trend and we found Paul G and
Reza engaged in a competition to see
who could take the most swims with
Richard taking the occasional dip too
Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter Page 10
just to ensure they didn’t have the tally
sheet all to themselves. This led to a
slow and energy sapping descent and
when Paul went over and snapped his
paddle (or, more accurately, my spare
paddle which I’d loaned him earlier in
the week) he decided to call it a day
and walk back up to the road,
fortunately not too far from the get out.
The last couple of hundred metres of
the race course is impressive. The river
makes some large turns into an ever
deepening gorge which culminates in a
narrow ‘squeeze’ with an ancient
Roman bridge high above before
widening and easing off briefly to
provide a convenient get out just above
the next difficult, (Grade 6) section. Off
the water we were still buzzing as we
were rejoined by Paul for the long drive
back to the campsite.
Approaching the Roman Bridge
With the racecourse planned as our
highlight, what were we to do with the
Saturday? The answer was to paddle
the Durance from the Rabioux down to
Embrun, repeating the trip Richard and
Faz had made two days earlier. Paul G
offered to be photographer/shuttle
bunny so it was seven of enjoyed a re-
run through the Rabioux wave and an
extremely enjoyable paddle down to
Embrun to conclude what had been a
truly memorable trip.
Winter 2007 / 04
It had been several years since a
Marlow CC group had been out to the
Alps. Our trip last June just confirms
what everyone who’s been out there
says: with its combination of virtually
guaranteed white water, sunshine,
great food and wine, the Southern Alps
is a great place for any budding white
water warrior. Thanks again Dave for
organising us. I’m really excited at the
prospect of another visit, and soon.
ANDY MAXTED
-------------------------------------------------
NEW CANOE SHOW
Next year there is a new canoe show.
Nothing to do with 'The Outdoors Show'
at the NEC, but a new format put
together by those nice people at
Brookbank. I'd heard rumblings last
year about the costs and timing of the
previous format and even hinted in a
previous article that the 2007 might be
the last.
The new show will be based at
Stoneleigh Park, Coventry and boasts
an impressive line up of exhibitors with
some more not yet quite decided.
From our point of view, the new show
is easier to get too being some 70 miles
from Marlow and on the right side of
Birmingham. The venue looks like an
Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter Page 11
NEC type of place, but a bit smaller and
on top of all that car-parking is free.
That should free up some spondoolies
for a little extra treat.
A full list of exhibitors and details of the
show to include speakers and
presentations along with available
facilities is available by clicking on the
logo.
If you still rely on the printed copy just
take these details to your local library
where there will be a computer and
someone who can help you use it to
find out all about it.
John Norris Nov. 2007
-------------------------------------------------
HOLME PIERREPONT
Frustrated at the lack of whitewater in
the valley (the Thames Valley that is) a
proposal was made by Paul Crichton to
shoot up to Nottingham, the crime
capital of the UK, to pay a visit to
Holme Pierrepoint the strangely named
National Watersports centre.
HP is the name of the first artificial
whitewater course in the country and
was built around 30 years ago, a mere
trifle in the boating career of yours truly
and as I had not been on the course
since some interesting alterations had
been made I decided to join the fun.
We were joined by Reza, and a
prospective new member - Anthony
Streather, a few years the junior of the
rest of us. Anthony regaled us with
tales of trips to Nepal to run G4 & 5
rivers during the 2hr. drive to the river
which sounded very impressive (he's
young - he won't do that next time!).
The forecast was for a lovely sunny day
so dropping off the Chilterns into a
foggy vale of Oxford was disappointing;
however the sun gradually came
through as we headed north and was in
Winter 2007 / 04
view for most of the day. Unusual for
HP were it always seems to be cold and
windy.
As I was the only one to have paddled
here before a quick walk down the
course was called for with a visual
inspection of the Entry Gate wave, the
Looping Pool, the Plughole, and the
ominously named Muncher to the
bottom stopper. With enthusiasm
oozing, we rushed back to the car to
change.
Unlike the Nene, this course is river fed
from the top so after a short warm up
we dropped in through the entry gate
and due to a fairly low level it was
possible for those who shot straight
through to paddle back up to the wave
to have another go. The 3 intrepid
newcomers preferred to paddle the
course to get a feel for it before trying
anything fancy.
Being artificial the water does take
some time getting used too as it surges
and boils in a most unnatural fashion,
and many paddle snakes lurk in the
murky depths waiting to catch the
unwary. Our world traveller was the
first to succumb with a failed roll on the
treachourous eddy line in the Pyramid
Pool. Although he was embarrassed I
think that an occasional swim is a
positive experience and good practice
as it happens to us all at one time or
another. Whitewater swimming is an
acquired skill and good technique can
make all the difference when the chips
are really down.
We continued down the course to the
Muncher where a second swimmer
made for good rescue practice. After
the muncher there are two back
channels which enable one to paddle
back upstream to above the Muncher.
This is a friendly stopper despite its
name but a flip very often means
dropping down the following sequence
which means a frustrating walk back up
Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter Page 12
or a paddle up the channel. In this the
concrete obstacles are cleverly placed
to allow movement upstream. However
it can be hard work in a freestyle boat
as I found when the last obstacle took
an energy sapping 6 attempts before I
got it right.
We portaged back to the top for a 2nd
run which was much more
adventurous. The new waves attracted
our attention, particularly the one in the
Pyramid Pool. Although it was fairly
easy to surf forwards, after refinement
of technique it looked as though a spin
followed by a back surf was on the
cards. After many attempts I cracked it
briefly which I was chuffed about as no
one else got the move whilst we were
there.
Dropping down to the Muncher again
was followed by another attempt to
paddle up the back channel although
having been on the water for 3 hrs.
without resort to a tea shop we were
pretty knackered. We collapsed on the
grass at last for a traditional MCC and
mutually decided that hot showers were
in order and mighty hot they were too.
For those who have become confident
on the Nene this is the next step and
requires grade 3 skills. At a tenner for
a good long session it compares
favourably with other summer venues
and has plenty to offer even the
experienced. We didn't see any open
boats on the river but it would be ideal
for them also with plenty of space and
nice rounded 'rocks'. The downside is
the inevitable rafts which do sharpen
up your awareness skills, no bad thing.
So there we have it. Another great day
out with MCC and a new river logged
for 3. Put it on your to do list, it's well
worth a visit.
Tim Ward 08/11/2007.
Winter 2007 / 04
NEW RETAILER
A look on the back page towards the
bottom where I put contact details for
'local' retailers you'll find a new entry.
Berkshire Canoes are trading out of a
semi-warehouse type structure to the
west of Reading, Scours Lane, just off
the Pangbourne Road.
It's not easy to find. Under the railway
bridge and the road becomes a tee
junction. Here you'll find a kayak
secured to a fence with an arrow
(pointing left) on it. I was not the only
one to miss this directional feature.
End of the road and it's on your left,
though even then it does not jump out
at you.
Step inside (take a coat - it's cold) and
there is a small shop area with a display
of cags and accessories etc. To the
side of the shop is a large display of
boats, covering quite a range. Paddles,
trolleys, and other larger items are to
found here.
The staff seemed quite friendly, though
the opportunity to test their knowledge
was not fully explored.
The shop was offering a 20% discount
on the day and I tried on a Palm semi
dry top, sort of a cheap sidewinder, but
as there was a manufacturing fault with
the item I did not purchase. The shop,
however has offered me the same
Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter Page 13
discount should I choose to purchase
another top from them.
We seem to be in a spot where we
have a considerable choice of retailers.
Berkshire Canoes is part of group and is
similar in style to Brookbank. For those
to the South of the river this could be a
welcome addition to your retailing
portfolio, but for many of us to the
North & West Brookbank is possibly
easier to get too. But wherever you
live I wouldn't forget our local
independent retailers. Paul (Marsport)
and Rob (Riverside) can often offer that
little bit extra that is so often missing
from the larger shops. That said, it's
got to worthwhile having a little look.
Please note that Berkshire Canoes has
no connection with the previous
retailer, also involved in the canoe /
kayak business.
Click on logo for website access.
Did you do one of our 1* courses this
year (or higher) and want to consider
purchasing some of your own
equipment but not quite sure what?
Either see us down at the club one
Sunday or maybe give a call to one of
the committee on the back page for
some advice. A good cag and thermals
will help you paddle into the colder
seasons (water conditions permitting)
but if you are not thinking of returning
until the Spring / Summer, I think a
good paddle makes a big difference to
your paddling enjoyment. Call for
advice if you need it or look at some of
the many discussion groups on the net.
Winter 2007 / 04
 MARLOW CANOE CLUB

32nd ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

MONDAY 28th JANUARY 2008
AT THE KING’S HEAD, LITTLE MARLOW
All members are invited to join the committee and other members for a free buffet and
pre-meeting drinks from 7.30pm. The AGM will commence promptly at 8.00pm

THE KINGS HEAD

LITTLE MARLOW

AGENDA
1. WELCOME & APOLOGIES
2. MINUTES OF THE 31st MEETING HELD ON 29 JANUARY 2007
3. MATTERS ARISING
4. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT - Adrian Cooper
5. TREASURER’S REPORT - Paul Crichton
5.1 Adoption of accounts
5.2 2008 subscription rates
6. SECTION REPORTS
7. ELECTION OF THE COMMITTEE
8. APPOINTMENT OF TRUSTEES
9. PRESENTATION OF MARLOW CANOE CLUB ANNUAL AWARDS

10. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

11. DATE OF 2009 AGM - Monday 26 January 2009

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter Page 14 Winter 2007 / 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.

ALL CLUB SESSIONS; ON THE WATER FOR 10:00am. SEE D.O. FOR
D.O.
SUNDAYS FINISH. CHECK NOTICEBOARDS FOR SPECIAL EVENTS
ALL CLUB SESSIONS; ON THE WATER FOR 7:OOpm. SEE D.O. FOR
D.O.
TUESDAYS FINISH. CHECK NOTICEBOARDS FOR SPECIAL EVENTS

01 & 02 DEC WHITEWATER IMPROVERS (OPEN CANOE) - RIVER DART AM

03 DEC COMMITTEE MEETING - GEORGE & DRAGON for 19:30 AM
08 & 09 DEC WHITEWATER EVEN MORE SPECTACULAR - RIVER DART JP
11 DEC NENE WHITEWATER CENTRE CP
14 DEC CLUB CHRISTMAS DINNER @ 'THE GEORGE & DRAGON' ML
16 DEC 4* WHITEWATER TRAINING - RIVER USK RW
26 DEC ANNUAL BOXING DAY PADDLE FOR THE BLOATED ?
DECEMBER SUNDAY SESSIONS AS USUAL ON 02,09,16,23 &30th. VARIOUS D.O.'s

06 JAN 4* WHITEWATER TRAINING - RIVER USK RW

07 JAN COMMITTEE MEETING - GEORGE & DRAGON for 19:30 AM
15 JAN NENE WHITEWATER CENTRE CP
26 & 27 JAN WHITEWATER EXTRA SPECTACULAR - RIVERS DART & BARLE JP
28 JAN AGM - SEE WHOLE PAGE INSERT INSIDE AM

04 FEB COMMITTEE MEETING - TO BE CONFIRMED AM

16 & 17 FEB CANOE EXPO - STONLEIGH PARK COVENTRY.
17 FEB 4* WHITEWATER TRAINING - RIVER USK RW

FEBRUARY SUNDAY SESSIONS AS USUAL ON 03,10,17, & 24th. VARIOUS D.O.'s.

SWIMMING POOL SESSIONS AT GURNELL POOL, WEST
EVERY LONDON.
THURSDAY GET TUITION IN ROLLING, OR PRACTISE 3* SKILLS, OR
JP
EVENING ANYTHING YOU'VE GOT A BIT RUSTY ON. SEE WEBSITE FOR
9.00 - 10.30 MAP 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 15 Winter 2007 / 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 dianne.ward@tesco.net
482959
ADRIAN 01844
CHAIRMAN adrianccooper@googlemail.com
COOPER 344580
ANDY 07730
SECRETARY morven@ukonline.co.uk
MAXTED 852760
PAUL 08708
TREASURER p.crichton@blueyonder.co.uk
CRICHTON 806962
TIM 07833
COACHING timothy.twitchen@btinternet.com
TWITCHEN 995289
01494
NEWSLETTER JOHN NORRIS j.k.norris@btinternet.com
483833
ROD 01753
MEMBERSHIP r.edmonds@etoncollege.org.uk
EDMONDS 671389
CHRIS 01628
EQUIPMENT chrisps@gmail.com
PORTEOUS 485049
MARATHON DEBS HARDY & JAMES FARQUARSON.
MARTIN 01628
LONGRIDGE martin@longridge.org.uk
PLAIN 483252
07812
WOMENS REP. DEBS HARDY hippydeborah@hotmail.com
749555
07707
YOUTH REP ALEX SHIEL alex.shiell@gmail.com
953124
MELINDA
SOCIAL melinda.livett@yahoo.com
LIVETT
01628
WHITEWATER JOHN PARKIN johnnyp@medusamusic.com
476384
INLAND GUY 01844
gsmaddieson@aol.com
TOURS MADDIESON 275418
01494
SEA JOHN NORRIS j.k.norris@btinternet.com
483833
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
BERKSHIRE 01189
READING http://www.berkshire-canoes.co.uk
CANOES 425640

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 16 Winter 2007 / 04