Tully Lake Campground in Royalston, MA. June, 2007.

Photo Nancy Hill

I almost missed this shot, as I had left my camera in my car, a 10-minute

walk from my campsite. I awoke and saw the beautiful mist on the lake
and shortly after that the canoe came around the corner. I ran as fast as
I could to get my camera from the car and hoped the canoe would be
there when I returned. I wish I knew who that was in the canoe so I
could send him the picture.
Nancy Hill

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter COVER Autumn 2008/01

 IN THIS ISSUE PAGE
NO. EDITORS PIECE
Editors Piece 2 I look around a few paddling related
sites on the web from time to time and
Ladies Representative 3 one that has caught my eye is
PADDLENEWS. This online publication
Why don't you give covers all aspects of paddling and is
4
MARATHON a try mainly centred on its home market of
New 2 Star (Improver 1) 5 North America, but not exclusively so. It
always features a couple of photos from
Mel's big summer social 6 readers around the world and I
particularly liked the one used on this
Lock Improvements 7 month's cover. That's how I came to
learn a little about Nancy Hill who's into
We tried to tell you 7 QAJAKS in a big way. What are they -
find out further inside. Pictures aside,
Jurassic Coast paddling 8 I'd recommend PADDLENEWS, it's free
QAJAQ'S 13 to subscribers - every Wednesday - and
includes a no. of items from diet to
Volunteer needed 14 technique; equipment reviews; canoes
and kayaks of almost every kind (there's
A nice photo 14 not much on the racing scene). It's
What's on, when & worth a try - http://www.paddling.net/
15 Andy Cook, who completed the DW
where earlier in the year has written a piece to
The Committee & other entice the wannabe marathon paddler.
16
useful numbers I've tried this in the past, even done a
couple of races - it's worth a try.
Our first 2* course was delivered by
coaches old and new. I sat at the back
for this one and assisted with the
assessment. James Bell took the assessment and kindly tells us what he thought.
Mel finally got her barbeque sorted and managed to choose one of this summers
sunny days! There are a no. of lock improvements going on over the Winter and
Andy Maxted has detailed those that might affect our regular paddling.
Inspired by my Jurassic Coast paddling trips there's a piece on CAKE. A volunteer
is required to take over the 1* bookings and enquiries, as I have decided to wind
down my commitment to the club. Please give this serious thought. Perhaps one of
the newer members might take this on. Give me a call if at all interested.

It's the Autumn issue and what better way to finish than with a picture from lensman
James Farquharson. Cliveden reach, just beginning to turn, and yet another chance
to see this spectacle fast beckons. Will it happen for me this year - I'll let you know
if it does!

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter -2- Autumn 2008/01

NEW LADIES REP.
We have a new Ladies rep. Tor Edwards has stepped up to the plate and assumed
responsibility for all those niggling little things you other ladies might not want to
mention directly to us blokes - whatever the reason.

Tor first came down to the club a couple of years ago, courtesy of Andy Young, a
junior member of some time back. I seem to recall that in that first year she was up
for almost anything and went on a no. of tours with the then fledgling WW section.
You'll recognise Tor on the water in her bright yellow spud - a boat loved by all
those that paddle them.

Outside of kayaking Tor enjoys a bit of walking, formula 1, Bollywood and Spanish
films, and is also known to do a bit of belly dancing (that's good for the trunk
rotation). Currently working as an advisor for the Government Connexions service,
Tor LIKES to help people.

She also likes to clean - obsessively so. Perhaps we ought to ask her to be in
charge of the annual clean-up day. I tried to get a mug shot, but Tor likes her boat
so much she said it's her and the boat or nothing.

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter -3- Autumn 2008/01

WHY DON'T YOU GIVE MARATHON A TRY
The reason I ask the question is that I have just done Oxford Falcon race, really
enjoyed it and saw hundreds of others enjoying themselves too. My paddling
history means that I am most motivated for this part of the sport, but I am sure that
some club members could try it, find it suits them and get the same out of it as the
people that were there today.

My time away from competition means I entered the lowest division, 9. There were
31 starters in div 9 K1. The number is an indication of how popular the sport is at
this level, there was as large variety of people, paddles and boats. 4 miles is really
too short for me but I managed to stick with the pace wash hanging as a front 3 and
then 2 and using the washes of K2s. About ½ a mile from the end I finally dropped
off the wash and came second. I got promoted to div.8.

Just as Marathon Racing is not quite correct for a race of only 3 miles, the term Flat
Water Racing is usually incorrect. Today the river was fast flowing and there were
narrow and shallow bits, the hundreds of kayaks going both ways made waves from
all directions. Racing used to mean being able to sit a tippy boat, it still does if you
want to be in the higher divisions, but there are now a whole array of boats being
made, so paddlers can choose the tippiness that suits them. Racing is physically
challenging, you have to keep going for about 40 mins. nonstop, but it is better for
you than running, safer than cycling and loads more interesting than the gym.
When you finish you are tired but fulfilled, or if you win elated. There is a certain
level of skill required controlling a boat, wash hanging effectively and being in the
most efficient place during the race that is all part of the challenge and soon learnt.
There is also great friendship and camaraderie among competitors.

Why not try the Henley or Longridge races, Sept. 14 and 21 respectively. The BCU
web site explains about entering, it is not difficult. This will give you time to get
used to the club racing type boats and get some proficiency in them. If you think it
might be for you but are nervous about entering the unknown I don’t mind you
contacting me for help and advice.

From memory the club racing type boats in order of tippiness are: 3 single light
blue and white boats that are very stable and good for the first few races. A new
white double that I think is probably very stable. One or 2 mirage 3 K2s, one is
green. A red and white makker K2 and 3 blue X Lancers, these are tippy, but it is the
summer and you could master them by September. I know some of the boats need
attention, but if people want to use them maybe they could be fixed.

If you do try the tippier boats bear this in mind: On a busy day from the club to
Bisham church is one of the choppiest parts of the river. Don’t just sit in the boat
by the club and say it is too wobbly, use your support stroke skills and take it for a
decent paddle, get to where the river is more settled. You will probably swim, but
get back in and keep going. After a couple of trips and some swims you will begin
to master it.

Andy Cook (01494816402) cooksaloudwater@dsl.pipex.com June 2008

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter -4- Autumn 2008/01

BCU 2 STAR (IMPROVER 1) COURSE
(14th-15th and 21st-22nd June 2008)

“H2O: two parts Heart and one part Obsession” ~ author unknown
Over two full and busy weekends at MCC a small group of five mixed-age and
previous experience 2 Star aspirants (Alison, Annette, Dan, Ed and myself)
underwent the BCU 2008 revised canoe and kayak syllabus. While of course written
for all those who might be interested, this article is specifically intended to offer
some real encouragement to any existing 1 Star paddlers, or those returning to the
sport who may have thought about, or be considering, embarking upon this award
course themselves. The clear message from our group would be: stop thinking
about it, get practising and give it a go!

Whereas the current 2 Star syllabus may to the uninitiated appear daunting, with
good and supportive coaching, followed by a well explained assessment (provided
respectively by Tim, Rob and JP); the whole course actually unfolded to become an
enjoyable, satisfying and rewarding experience. However, the desired end was not
achieved without a fair amount of work and effort by those involved, both on and off
the water.

Through some quite marked changes in the weather and variable river conditions,
the five of us were guided through and taught the required range of core skills in
closed and open boats; with the latter being found to be surprisingly enjoyable,
except perhaps in very high winds. To allow for adequate time and instruction in
the two different types of boat, the group was, for certain periods of time, split up.

As well as the formal BCU required syllabus, we were given an introduction - in

between support strokes, turns, portage, group capsizing and rescue procedures -
to other river pursuits and pastimes such as: tea and buns at Temple Lock; hand
fishing for golf balls; and fishing itself, with JP catching a large pike using a
recovered line and hook left trailing behind his boat. If interested, you can ask him
for details of its size, which already varies with each time of telling. We were also
afforded the opportunity, under supervision, to 'shoot the weirs' at Temple and
Marlow, which those who did it found an exhilarating, and in my case an
occasionally totally wet, experience.

The written theory test took some research on the Internet and in the BCU
handbook in order to unearth certain of the more obscure answers to the questions
posed. There was also ample opportunity to put aspects of the coursework into
practice while planning and undertaking river trips, with each of us taking it in turn
to lead the group. The benefit of having such a small group came in the form of 1:2
or 1:3 ratios of coach to students, often interspersed with periods of 1:1 instruction
as and when necessary.

With the all the candidates having successfully completed the course, MCC now
finds itself with five new 2 Star paddlers amongst its numbers. It is hoped that
others reading this piece will want to enquire about the course for themselves.

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter -5- Autumn 2008/01

Meanwhile, on behalf of our group, "thank you" to all at MCC who assisted,
particularly Tim, Rob and JP.

See you on the water

James Bell 26th June 2008

________________________________________________________________________

MEL'S BIG SUMMER SOCIAL

It came and it went (several times), summer that is, before Mel finally set a date for
the barbeque. Hurley Island in a variety of boats to make use of the permanent
barbeque facility built there. Being first there we naturally hogged everything much
to the disappointment of another party, but being generally friendly sorts we gave
up a bay for the other party's use.

The barbeque starts with a competition - which disposable Barbie is best. We had
an Asda special, DC had obviously been to Sainsbury's the day before whilst JP has
a little no. from Focus. Paul Griffin, whom we met on the island, had a Waitrose
offering. Lighters at the ready and the Asda was away, a decent flame lasted about
40 secs. then the whole lot died. Meanwhile the others slowly began to burn. A
healthy dollop of fire lighter gel and the Asda was bringing up the rear, then
appeared to die again - but Mel, who knows a thing or two about these advised that
it would light and burn well given time. More in hope than in anticipation I threw a
packet of burgers on and got out the Coleman. A handy alternative to a trangia as
you can run these on unleaded petrol. A while later all the barbies were doing there
stuff though DC's was struggling a little to produce a couple of burger bacon
mushroom cheese melts in toasted baps with a side order of corn on the cob. But it
looked good. Meanwhile the Coleman seemed to be out cooking everything else. A
look around showed that some people had put a bit of thought into this and my 3
varieties of gloop in a roll were looking a bit put out. Not that it bothered me as
there is a nice new tea shop on Hurley lock, so me and Mrs. Ed went for a cuppa and
a slab of cake (they serve cake here by the slab, either home made or a local
amateur baker I'd say). It's a little pricier, but hey! "I'm worth it".

A gentle paddle back to the club concluded the day, which fortunately turned out to
be one of this summer's better offerings.

But what of the competition. It's my view that the disposable barbeques were pretty
much alike. That said the Asda one seemed to be burning longer than everything
else, though it took longer to get going and didn't look like it was as hot. Top tip -
buy the cheapest and if they're on offer buy a couple - we might well repeat this
sometime.

John Norris July 2008

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter -6- Autumn 2008/01

LOCK IMPROVEMENTS
The Environment Agency spent £6.5m on various improvements to the Thames last
winter which included a new canoe portage at Sonning Lock. This winter sees an
equally extensive programme with 17 locks between Grafton (near Oxford) and
Sunbury due for upgrades and repairs.

Local locks due for work over winter 2008/09 are:

Hurley 10/11/2008 – 12/12/2008. New out of hours public power.

Temple 05/01/2009 – 06/02/2009. New out of hours public power.
Marlow 03/11/2008 – 16/01/2009. Cut bank protection and lock gate re-
sheeting.
Cookham 10/11/2008 – 27/03/2009. Head lock cut bank protection and new
out of hours public power.

Each of the above locks are planned to be closed on these dates, although canoe
portage is usually still possible during these types of works.
The programme is subject to change and the most up to date version can be found
at www.visitthames.co.uk/winterworks.

Andy Maxted August 2008

________________________________________________________________________

WE TRIED TO TELL YOU

'Qu'ils mangent de la brioche' (let them eat cake) said Marie Antoinette when told
there was no bread for the populace to eat. History is written by the victors and
today we tend to think upon this as a 'them and us' reference. There is evidence to
suggest that this is not so, and that the comment was made to support the populace
during a flour shortage. MA may not even have been the author of the quote, but
then, that's history for you.

I mention this because during one of my sea trips with BADCC my sandwiches,
carefully prepared that morning, were looking rather sorry when the time came to
consume them. During a rather hot morning the spread on the sandwiches
had……..well you know what happens to spread when left out of the fridge. But I
was hungry so I ate them and thought about a way around this for the next
weekend's trip.

Many a year ago, when I used to cycle a lot more than I do now the old boys in the
club I rode with always made sure we stopped (sometimes several times) for tea and

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter -7- Autumn 2008/01

CAKES. Despite my advantage of youth over many of the riders I was never able to
shake off the 'oldies'. They tried to explain, but I wasn't having any of it - not until
youth began to wane. About that time a lot of research on the effects of foods was
being undertaken and the results made available via advertisements for new 'energy
bars' etc.

Then it all clicked. There are a lot of calories in CAKE, and every one of them taste's
nice. Quick fix calories and slow burn calories, thousands of them and all yummy.

So for the next trip, I just packed a Waitrose GENOA slab (£1.09) and a flask of
coffee (I still took my preferred SIS bars in case of a real emergency) and ate half of
that for lunch, washed down with some coffee. At times it was a slog back but I
never tired and felt like I could have driven home without the need for a food stop.

I'll be doing this in future, possibly even on cooler days as well. It's relatively
cheap, this sort of cake is available in all main supermarkets, it can take a lot of
abuse during packing and is good for days after should you not eat it all. Just
remember though, it needs to be a 'heavy' cake such as GENOA. You're missing the
point if you take a sponge or similar and you're missing it entirely if you take a
'calorie reduced' version of anything. If you are paddling with a group check the
ingredients before you remove / dispose of the wrapper for nuts etc. It's always
possible that someone might need some of your cake more than you do.

I expect the old boys are up there now - maybe having a chuckle. 'We tried to tell
you' they might be saying.

John Norris August 2008

________________________________________________________________________

JURASSIC COAST PADDLING

A shortish story in two parts featuring, in no particular order, Peter Mansell (L3 sea
coach); Janella Mansell (TL3 sea coach); Hilary Booth; Karen Gully (L3 coach);
Wendy Stopford; Dave Gully and Terry Farrell, all of BADCC and me, an outsider
looking in from Marlow Canoe Club.

In my attempt to re-establish sea kayaking as an addition to the club's current

offerings, I turned to other clubs with successful sea sections to further my
experience. One such club was BADCC (Basingstoke & Deane) whose L3 sea coach
was organising some club events for the forthcoming season. An exchange of e-
mails established my suitability and I was in.
I can't remember why but the first trip was cancelled so by the time the second
came around I was more eager than ready. This trip was to be a paddle along part
of the Jurassic coast (recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site) from Bowleaze
Cove, just to the east of Weymouth, to Lulworth Cove.

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter -8- Autumn 2008/01

In its entirety, the Jurassic Coast is the coastline from Exmouth, Devon to Swanage,
Dorset and then a little further north to 'Old Harry Rocks'. Its importance to the
geological types is immeasurable: hence it's status, revealing rocks and rock
formations from the Mesozoic era (Triassic; Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods)
documenting 180 million years of geological history. And a kayak provides one of
the cheapest, easiest (when conditions are suitable) and least intrusive ways to
view it.

The coach had worked overtime on this, even dialling in one of the year's hottest
days thus far. The journey down was reasonably quick and after shuttles etc. we
were ready to go around 11:15. As we had met at Hilary's house before departure
introductions were minimal and after a short, but important, safety chat we headed
east.
High pressure and minimal wind led to flattish conditions, but not mill pond like as
seen in many arctic photos. The tide should have been working for us but it didn't
feel like it. I later learned that the water always flows west here. West when the
tide's going out and west when it's coming in. The theory behind this is that
Portland Isle effectively causes a large eddy for some distance along the coast. I
can't vouch for the authenticity of this, but I know my boat and I know when I'm
paddling with or against the flow. I'm prepared to believe there's an element of truth
in there.
Leaving the beach at Bowleaze you can often see a number of large merchant ships
in the bay. As you paddle around the bay these ships never seem to get any further
away and a look at the map shows you are paddling an arc around the ships and not
putting any meaningful distance between you and them. I thought that we might
escape the sound of the infernal combustion engine as we headed east, but
Weymouth Whitewater would have none of it, treating me to the sound of a poorly
tuned V8 attached to large RIB. I suppose it gave a thrill to those that like their
excitement 'engineered'.
For the first part of the trip, I was finding my way - settling in with a new bunch of
paddling buddies. I was never 'alone' for very long as someone would paddle
alongside and introduce themselves followed by a short chat. A very amiable
approach (admittedly easier to do with just the one new face) and one that we might
make more effort to adopt ourselves, particularly if we wish to retain a higher
percentage of new members. Fortunately this part of the coast was one of the less
dramatic, though we paddled past a number of important features without realising
their importance. We stopped for lunch on a reasonably well populated beach just

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter -9- Autumn 2008/01

past Ringsted, having missed a coast made up of a 'complex sequence of rocks,
jumbled up by geological folds and faults formed from Upper Jurassic clays,
limestones and sandstones'. I must have blinked.
After lunch we moved on toward Lulworth, and the coast became more interesting
with many opportunities to see various strata in the predominately limestone cliffs
interspersed with what might have been fine layers of Jurassic clays. There's many
a small beach on this section, often with people who have got to them via small
inflatable's or sots.
Google satellite shows an odd shaped
piece of cliff sticking out into the sea,
maybe a slightly harder limestone than
its surrounds, but underneath is a
small passage offering some cooling
relief from the heat and sun. Bit like a
junior Durdle Door, it frames the real
thing some 1300m distant. The area
around the Door is somewhat more
commercialised than I remember and a
paddle through the door has to be
taken cautiously as there are a number
of swimmers and airbeds around. Duly
completed, it was on to 'Stair Hole'.
Stair Hole might well be the 'new'
Lulworth Cove. Collapsing caves and
arches have allowed the sea to get
behind the protective limestone and in
millennia to come will work on the
softer clays to form a new bay. In all
likelihood the new bay will join with the
existing and probably leave a stack
similar to 'Old Harry'. A paddle into
Stair Hole and you'll likely see some
kids tombstoning and others rock
scrambling. The main feature though
is the Lulworth Crumple, a complex
fold formed by major earth movements
that occurred around the same time the Alps were forming. The Lulworth Estate
has provided a viewing platform, but take it from me; the best view is from a seat
that floats.
The trip finishes with our arrival at the Cove but the day is far from over. Some
coaching has been requested and several methods at self rescue were
demonstrated in the clear warm water. Following many attempts Karen succeeded
in a re-entry and roll while others were equally successful in getting back into their
boats. For my part I admired the lean and turn demonstrated by the coach and tried
improving this technique for myself. It's coming on, slowly, but I need to combine
lean, trunk rotation, and a better bow rudder for it to become truly effective.
It's busy at the Cove and it takes an hour to get the boats up the road and loaded
onto the cars. The BADCC members are off for a meal to which I'm invited. Sadly, I
have to turn it down as I've an early start the next day and an hour's further driving
than they. Unfortunately, the fan belt went on the way home and me and the car had

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter - 10 - Autumn 2008/01

to be rescued. Still it saved me £15.00 in fuel, and was the only blot on a very
enjoyable trip.
Here's to new friends.

A week has passed and I'm back at Hilary's loading up the car for PART 2. The
forecast was for doable water that might verge on the slightly more technical later
on in the day. On arrival, it seemed the forecast was a little overdone as the rain
stopped, the wind dropped and all looked a little easier than first thought. The coach
rightly advised that the group should stay closer together as the conditions were
somewhat more difficult than those enjoyed the previous weekend. Leaving the bay
was not that difficult and the breaker crashing to the east side of the Cove subsided
to a general swell of probably no more than a couple of feet, with occasional waves
half that again - sometimes made a little worse when the bounce back from the cliff
face met with the incoming water. We moved a little further out to minimise the
effect and the swell settled a little as conditions improved with blue sky
approaching from the west and the
possibility of an appearance by the currant
bun.
A reasonable pace was easily achieved
and we soon reached Worbarrow Bay, a
large bay with several subsidiary bays
contained within. The more adventurous
took a line close to the cliffs through Mupe
rocks, others stayed clear and I went
somewhere down the middle. At the other
side of the bay we took the opportunity to
take a 'floating' rest break. There are a few
rocks on the end of an outcrop here and
the incoming tide hit them impressively. It
soon became apparent that the waves came in a sequence and I looked for one of
the larger ones. I waited for 'my' wave and broke through in one of those boat half
out of the water styles.
I hadn't felt this good in a boat since Paul Hazelhurst sent me over Marlow weir just
1 second after giving me a few seconds to make up my mind. Heading east again
we paddled a little way out from Gad Cliff, an impressive feature where the strata
have broken from below leaving extensive overhangs above. Gad Cliff continues
into Tyneham Cap and below here the shelving into Kimmeridge Bay starts. A large
surf could be seen from some way off so we moved out to sea to go around this and
then entered Kimmeridge Bay direct. I went in first, accompanied by Dave and Terry
with orders to look for a good landing spot. I picked up a couple of waves and
surfed some of the way in hitting almost 10mph on the GPS. Skirting around the
edge of the bay I settled for a slipway that looked like it had an ice cream shop, but
this turned out to be a small marine centre.
Lunch was taken under a blue sky and a quick visit to the marine centre proved
worthwhile. Heading back we set off out to the open sea to avoid the surf on the
ledges, which seemed to have diminished a little with the slight rise in the tide. I
have many faults but perhaps the worst is forgetting good coaching practise when
not actually coaching. Settling into my usual rhythm I steadily pulled away from the
group such that the coach felt it necessary to call me back with a whistle. A wise
call, because if anything had happened to me it would have been a good few

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter - 11 - Autumn 2008/01

minutes before any assistance arrived.
A gentle breeze had been building since
we left our lunch stop and this enhanced
the swell which had become more
'playful' by the time we reached
Worbarrow Bay. Some went around the
headland and rested whilst Peter, Karen,
Hilary and I played in the small bay
adjacent, in particular the small cave to
the side. Helmets were necessary as the
rise and fall of the water was such that it
was all too easy to acquire a bump on
the noggin. The cave also served as a
place to practise extricating stricken paddlers and a waist belt towline did the job
well.
After we had enjoyed a short break we set off on the final leg home. By now the sky
was hazy, the air warm, and the gentle breeze had maybe increased a little. The
plan was to skirt around the edge of the bay, but the stacks at the far end seemed to
take forever and a day to get to. A lone rock surrounded by a pounding surf offered
an exercise in turning, the idea being to keep as close to the rock as possible. I
followed the coach round keeping track on the first turn but losing it thereafter. A
second attempt was much improved using the peak of a wave to turn the boat
sharply. On the way across it was obvious the conditions were intensifying, but not
worryingly so, however
conditions became more acute
as we left the bay and a few of us
played around Mupe rocks. The
swell came in at a slight angle
and in no particular sequence, at
least as far as I could see.
Several times I came close to
losing a few lbs. quite quickly.
Leaving the rocks behind us we
made slow progress toward the
cove along the foot of Bindon
Hill. The swell had increased
dramatically now, and there was
little chance to admire the scenery as safe progress required much concentration.
The coach asked Karen and me to back mark whilst he offered assistance to a tiring
paddler by way of a tow. We were in for a bumpy ride as the swell continued
increasing as we closed in on the Cove. What landmarks we could see took forever
to reach and pass, possibly because we were making more distance vertically than
horizontally. 1m swell had long given way to 1.5m swell and this in turn to almost a
2m swell. Sitting at the back we kopped an almighty wave and judging that we were
still going down for some time after we lost sight of the coach and his tow I'm
thinking 2.5m would not be too great an exaggeration. It proved to be a unique
wave, a one off, as we never saw its like again. To avoid the breaking surf on the
east end of the Cove we paddled some way past the mouth before turning in and
landing safely on the beach. Not one swimmer, which surprised me - but pleased
me. Journey's end.

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter - 12 - Autumn 2008/01

Boats loaded and persons changed we headed into Lulworth for a bite to eat and a
drink or two, finally departing a little after nine.
When I made my initial request to BADCC it was to gain experience. I may try for a
star award or even a coach, but I'm thinking it'll be more for my personal benefit
though I'd be happy to pass on the skills I acquire on the river or possibly a
relatively calm sea (F2 or F3). And I still intend to push for sea paddling to be an
alternative for members. I've really enjoyed my time with the BADCC boys and girls
and hope to continue to forge links with them. A great bunch of people!

John Norris
Marlow canoe Club.

P.S. What's wrong with licking plates?

________________________________________________________________________

QAJAQS
As I said in the 'Editors Piece', Nancy Hill (who kindly provided our cover picture
this issue) is into qajaq's. As we have members who seem to like 'original' boats
(I'm thinking the Chairman's coracle here) and others with a historic interest in the
sport I thought I'd include a few links with reference to these particular boats.

QAJAQS are traditional skin on wood frame boats as used by the Inuit, particularly
those from the west coast of Greenland. Think Kevlar, 1/2 the weight and knock of a
few lb's for good measure, that's how light these things can be! Today's 'modern'
GF Greenland style canoes can trace their pedigree back to these designs
developed over many centuries by the Inuit. They also use a paddle that looks more
like a canoe pole than our conventional blades but having tried one out I can
confirm they work and work pretty well. To use a qajaq properly, one needs to wear
a tuilik. A tuilik is best looked upon as a spraydeck and anorak all in one and I'm led
to believe the Inuit might have been sewn into their boats so rolling was essential -
and in lot's of ways. I've looked through these sites and found much of interest.
Why not have a look for yourself. I think it unlikely we'll see these on the Thames
any time soon, but then I didn't think we'd see the Chairman in a coracle either.

http://www.qajaqusa.org/
http://www.bughead.net/
http://www.capefalconkayak.com/

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter - 13 - Autumn 2008/01

VOLUNTEER NEEDED
After completion of this year's courses I'm intending to step down from co-
ordinating the new starter enquiries and 1* course organisation. I'm hoping this will
leave me more free to take up sea paddling opportunities as when they occur,
having missed out on such a chance during one of our earlier courses. It's pretty
much free to do what you want with but I think I've got a reasonably easy to use set
up organised and I'll explain it to whosoever takes over.

Most new enquiries to the club come via. the website. Dave Goddard has it set so
that enquiries come to me but it's just a formality to change the receiving address.
On receipt of an expression of interest just reply e-mail with a list of attachments.
Should the enquiree follow this up he / she will return the application form with a
cheque. You add their name to a course register and leave the cheque at the
clubhouse (in the little blue tin) and the treasurer will collect it when next at the
club. Liase with Tim Twitchen if the no's on a course exceed 8 and that's pretty
much it. Before the course commences, provide Tim with a register / details and
after completion e-mail the membership secretary with the new member details.

If at all interested, please give me a call and I'll be pleased to show you how
everything goes together, but like I said, there's no reason why you can't do it your
way.

________________________________________________________________________

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter - 14 - Autumn 2008/01

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

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

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

09/10 AUG. IMPROVER COURSE 1 - 2* AWARD PART 1 (+TUESDAY 12th) TT

16/17 AUG. IMPROVER COURSE 1 - 2* AWARD PART 2 TT
23/24 AUG SYMONDS YAT - RIVER WYE CP
30/31 AUG. SURF TRIP CP
01 SEPT COMMITTEE MEETING @ MARLOW DONKEY (DATE T.B.C.) AM
06/07 SEPT NOVICE COURSE 5 - VOLUNTEERS PLEASE TT
20/21 SEPT GET INTO WHITEWATER - RIVER DEE CP
05 OCT. COACHING UPDATE FORUM - LONGRIDGE BCU
06 OCTt COMMITTEE MEETING @ MARLOW DONKEY (DATE T.B.C) AM
18/19 OCT RIVERS WYE & USK CP
03 NOV COMMITTEE MEETING @ MARLOW DONKEY (DATE T.B.C) AM
01 DEC COMMITTEE MEETING @ MARLOW DONKEY (DATE T.B.C) AM

KEEP A LOOKOUT ON NOTICEBOARDS AND THE YAHOO GROUP -

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

EVERY SWIMMING POOL SESSIONS AT GURNELL POOL, WEST LONDON

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

ORGANISER / MCC CONTACT FOR ABOVE EVENTS

AC ADRIAN COOPER 01844 344580 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 - 15 - Autumn 2008/01

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

POSITION NAME TELEPHONE E-MAIL (all hyperlinked)

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

CHAIRMAN ADRIAN COOPER 01844 344580 adriancooper@googlemail.com

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

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

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

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

EQUIPMENT CHRIS PORTEOUS 01628 485049 chrisps@gmail.com

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

WOMENS REP. TOR EDWARDS 01494 dianne.ward@tesco.net

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

SOCIAL SEC MELINDA LIVETT Melinda.livett@yahoo.com

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

WHITEWATER CHRIS PORTEOUS 01628 485049 chrisps@gmail.com

TOURING VACANT

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

OUR NEAREST RETAILERS / SUPPLIERS

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

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

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

PADDLESPORT COMPTON VERNEY 01926 640573 http://www.paddlesport.co.uk

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

Marlow Canoe Club Newsletter - 16 - Autumn 2008/01