Marlow

Canoe
Club

Newsletter 144 Summer 2014

www.marlowcc.org.uk

INSIDE YOUR
SUMMER 2014 ISSUE
3 St Pat's and Hennerton tour

Michael lures a small group of lunatics

through floodswollen Thames backwaters
and somehow they all survive.

4 A place to stop for tea

A completely separate bunch of lunatics

follow Shades out onto the sea. What is
with it paddlers named Michael? Why are
they all so crazy and why do we follow
them like sheep? Whatever the reason the
entire flock fails to spot any seals.

6 A paddle that still Ouses charm

The thing with navigation is that it is kinda

useful to have a map and to be able to
read it. Four paddlers lose their way and
one goes swimming.
Deidre comes to
their rescue.

8 Wye divorce

Divorce boats test relationships to the limit

in South Wales.

10 Ainsworth do the splits

It is cheap, black and yellow, and comes

apart in two pieces. And it's not High
Wycombe's resident rugby union team.

11 Committee members & Retailers

Let's get real, nothing on this page is ever

accurate or up to date so what's the point
even looking.

12 Calendar

But is it Julian or Gregorian?

COVER PHOTO

The cover photograph for this newsletter was

supplied by Ceri Harris from the Wye canoe
trip (see page 8) and is entitled "Blue skies".

EDITORIAL

Submit an
article to win a
paddling prize
Any club member can submit articles for
the newsletter.
You do not need the
literary talent of Shakespeare or the
photographic skills of Annie Leibovitz.
Just send us your raw words and/or
photographs and the editor will apply the
necessary polish.
And there is no maximum or minimum
size to articles. A single page with a
photo would typically be only 350 words
or so. But our sport is very visual and
often it is good to have lots of photos with
just a few lines of text in support.
Equally if you do have plenty of text but
no photos then that is OK as photos are
often either not essential or the club can
supply something suitable.
Every
member,
young
and
old,
experienced and newbie, is encouraged to
share your paddling experience with
others via the newsletter.
And remember that every year a
decent prize is awarded at the club
AGM for the best newsletter article.
But you have got to be in it to win it so e
mail your words and/or photos to the
editor at rbcasbierd@yahoo.co.uk

A little legal stuff....

This newsletter is a free publication for the
Marlow Canoe Club.
Whilst every care is taken, the newsletter and
the Marlow Canoe Club do not accept respons
ibility for the opinions expressed or the goods
and services mentioned in this publication.
2014.

TOURING

Our Spring navigation of

St Patrick's Stream and the
Hennerton Backwater
by Michael Day
The Reading to Henley inland tour was the first of
the year's flatwater trips and because of lots of
rain on the Friday the river was a bit high.
However it did not put off Catherine, Kelvin and I
from making the trip and we were rewarded with
good weather for the trip itself on Saturday.

Rodney was also intending to join us on the

water but illness meant he was not reliably
paddlefit. Nonetheless he was able to help
with the carshuttle for this oneway paddle,
taking both Kelvin and I back to the start from
the Marsh Lock car park.
We had a good paddle down to St Patrick's
stream and only encountered one tree across
the river. It took a bit of work to get past it and
in the end we all made it without having to get
out. We took a break at the George & Dragon
for a drink and pushed on.
As we approached Hennerton Backwater
Catherine called back to say she did not think
we would make it under the bridge at the start
of the backwater. I took a closer look and just
slipped under so Catherine and Kelvin followed.
For me this is one of the prettiest backwaters
we have in our bit of the Thames. With the
height and speed of the river that day we were
soon out and on our way down to Marsh lock
and the finish.

SEA

A place to stop for

tea
by Ceri Harris
There was a stiff breeze whipping up the waves at Langstone Harbour as our band of
hardy souls huddled against the rain, looking dubiously out at the flow that was still
motoring through The Run. Our Sea Kayak rep had promised a pleasant bimble around
Hayling Island to go sealspotting and we werent about to let a Force 45 wind and
driving rain dampen our determination, particularly after the early start and having
driven all that way
We set off in a clockwise direction which meant we would be heading up the harbour, paddling
against the wind and tidal flow. The more gungho amongst us wanted to head straight out across
the bay, but Mark wisely led us off to tuck in close to the island and get some shelter from the
wind. We slowly paddled around, passing beaches full of nesting birds, as Mark stopped every now
and then to fiddle with his footrests and complain about his shoes.

Seems our fate was sealed

As we rounded the top of the island,

we passed under the roadbridge
and decided to stop for a quick
break. As we sipped gratefully at
our tea, Tom broke out the
chocolate brownies and we debated
whether we would be able to fully
circumnavigate the Island. There
was some difference of opinion over
the time of the tides, tidal flows and
the seastate we would be likely to
find once outside the shelter of the
harbour. On Spring tides, the race
in and out of the harbour reaches
five knots, and the outlying stretch
of water is peppered with sand
banks and is wellknown for being
rough, particularly when the wind is
against the tide, as it was this day.

Opinion was split, with Tom keen to crack on, confident in his sea faring abilities being able to cope
with a few waves. Undeterred, Toby was also keen to go and have a look, so we all decided to
continue paddling until we could get a better view out of Chichester Harbour before making a
decision and it was something of a relief to leave our busy layby rest spot behind. Wed paddled
past many quiet beaches to get there, but it was pointed out that given the proximity of the
adjacent garage, this would have been the perfect spot if anyone had forgotten their lunch,
although everyone did seem to have come prepared!
We then paddled on for another 30 minutes before stopping for lunch. Our Secretary produced a
pair of binoculars in the hope of spotting some local wildlife, but after a quick glance towards the
open sea declared she would definitely be paddling back the way we had come. Tom took a look
through the binoculars and said '%&*%$ and $%&* I'm not paddling that'. As we all took a turn

SEA

to peer out at the enormous breaking waves at the harbour entrance, it was generally agreed that
this would be a sensible plan.
Meanwhile, the tide was quickly heading out and Penny suggested a hasty retreat lest we found
ourselves stranded on the mud flats. As she started to push her kayak out through the mud, I
decided to follow her example and launched off just in time, as Toby wistfully recounted memories
of a previous trip to the same area, where he had found himself stranded and having to wade
through stinking mud for an hour or more, dragging his kayak behind him.
Once safely back on the water we watched with interest as the waters continued to recede. For
reasons known only to themselves, the others were playing it cool and seemed determined to
finish their tea before setting off......
30 minutes later we were all
back in the open water and
heading back beneath the
bridge. The sun had come
out, there were blue skies all
around and the wind and flow
were at last helping us along.
It may not have been the
besttimed stop and we didnt
see any seals, but we all
agreed it had been a most
enjoyable trip.
Besides, it
could have been much worse,
with a further 6 hours to wait
for the next high tide

TOURING

A paddle that still

Ouses charm

by Rodney Casbierd
Last year several members of the club enjoyed a club trip to Huntington to paddle the
Great Ouse. John Norris wrote about it in his amiable meandering to nowhere in par
ticular article in newsletter 140 and, encouraged by this, a handful of us decided to re
peat the trip in 2014.

the prettiest launch site ever...

Well sort of a repeat. We paddled the

Great Ouse and some of its branches
but did not quite follow the same
course as 2013. This was mainly be
cause our trip leader, Michael Day, had
not packed a waterproofed map and
those of us that had done were utterly
incompetent at reading ours. Except
Deidre, who, despairing of the clueless
men, eventually took charge and led
us safely around the inland waters
and away from the Norwegian Fjords
that
we
might
otherwise
have
reached.

But I digress. Only two boys

and two girls on this trip, with
Catherine making it a four
some, but great fun nonethe
less and just as enjoyable as
last year I am sure.
The
weather was fabulous for the
time of year and the scenery
equally so. As John pointed

out last year the locks here are un

usual, although we never went
through any, we portaged around.

Fancy a cheap split paddle see page 10

Portaging was fun, even at Houghton

Mill, where the put in was basically a
mud slide and we needed a good
push to ensure that we reached the
safety of water. We took a spot of
lunch there, three of us took packed
lunches but Catherine had not, much

TOURING
to the delight of the National Trust
cafs till. Kerrrching!!!
Further round one of the side chan
nels we found ourselves cut off from
the main river by a weir. With no
obvious portage points, your corres
pondent thought he had found a safe
place to get out and beckoned the
others over. After a quick swimming
demonstration the others elected to
get out at an alternative spot found
by Deidre. Putting back in on the
main channel was also tricky, al
though we eventually found a spot
that we could all cope with, and
there was no further immersion.

By this time Deidre, still recovering from a prolonged absence from paddling, was starting to
struggle in her short boat against the rest of us in tourers and sea kayaks and so decided to return
to the start point. The rest of us
agreed, we had all had a grand
day out and for some of us the
prospect of paddling without our
pilot was enough to make us
stop!
On the return home
someone managed to take a
wrong turning on the A1, but
luckily my car share partner
Catherine was sworn to silence
on the matter.
A good trip all round, thanks Mi
chael for making the arrange
ments, ensuring good weather,
and thanks to Deidre and Google
navigation for getting me round
the Great Ouse and home again.

Just some of the fabulous scenery here

OPEN CANOE

Wye divorce when you can

sing the song of the paddle?
By Ceri Harris and Penny Newton
We arrived a little after 9am to bright sunshine and blue skies at the arranged rendezvous. The
others had travelled down the night before and camped at the Radnor Arms pub. We found Mark
still in his pyjamas lying outside his tent complaining about the quality (quantity?) of the cider he
had been drinking the evening before.
The plan was to leave from Glasbury, overnight at a campsite at Whitney Toll Bridge and then
continue on to Byecross on day 2.
The trip had been organised through Song of the
paddle and the Marlow contingent were teaming up
with some friends of Mark. All were in Canoes of
various shapes and designs except for Sally and
Michael who opted for sea kayaks. This would be the
first time that Penny and I would paddle an open
together, amidst much speculation from others about
their reputation of being divorce boats.
Undeterred, after a shortish delay we had offloaded at
the put in, run the shuttle and were eager to set off.
Penny (aka Raft Guide) strapped on her towline, throw
rope, safety knife, etc ready for the rigours of the river
ahead, Adrian commented that he hadn't even
bothered to pack his and would just wade to the bank
in the event of trouble.
Shortly after the first corner we were confronted by
fearsome (grade 1) rapids and for some inexplicable
reason one of the tandem canoes (not Marlow members) decided it was all too much and somehow
fell into the torrent. Standing up in the river they managed to right their craft and continue the
journey.
As we paddled along, sand martins
could be seen flying in and out of their
nests built into the mud banks of the
river. In fact the bird life was varied
including a peregrine falcon, spotted
woodpecker, red kite, reed warbler
and swallow to name a few. A couple
of otters were also spotted by a few
keen eyed paddlers, although Michael
was disappointed not to have been
one of them.
On the flora front, Adrian was
delighted to have spotted a Pink
Purslane, something he hadnt seen
before!

OPEN CANOE

9
As we approached more rapids I
looked
for
the
line
to
take.
Unfortunately it was the midge line as
we held our breaths and careered
(floated gently) down the river letting
the swarm pass.
After 11 miles of gentle paddling we
arrived at our campsite, hauled the
boats up the steps and set up our
tents on an undulating site. The
facilities only allowed for an outside
and refreshing (very cold) shower for
those brave enough.

Having had a relaxed paddle it was time to

slake our thirst and headed off for dinner
at the local pub, a short walk down the
road. 1 mile later we arrived at the Boat
Inn, located further downstream. This
boasted a bowling green flat campsite, full
facilities (incl hot showers) and of course
was located next to the pub. Mark was
quick to let us know that he hadnt been
responsible for selecting the campsite...
The menu was extensive (even for
vegetarians) and we sat on the patio
soaking up the late afternoon sun.
The second day was just as sunny, but the wind had picked up a bit. The river meandered its way
through the pretty countryside as the birdspotting count steadily increased. Fish could be seen in
the clear waters, or turning on the surface as they surfaced to catch insects.
There wasnt as much flow on this stretch of the river and Mark was obviously bored, so inspired
by Michael decided to invent Canoe Greenland style by using his pole to paddle. Adrian asked
where he had managed to get such a giant toothpick?
After a lunch stop we set off again, all reenergised following a helping of Adrians pancakes.
Paddling at pace, the canoe police (Mark) were soon on our tail as we heard a whistle to slow
down and wait for the stragglers.
Eventually after a few more stops, having paddled 12 miles, we arrived at the get out. We had
heard the fearsome Monnington falls (grade 2) were just ahead and those so inclined eagerly set
about unloading our boats for a quick blast down. Adrian and Mal were ready first so went on
ahead to inspect them. Unfortunately they returned shortly afterwards to report that after running
the falls we wouldnt have been able to portage our boats back to the get out at these levels, so
we shall have to save that for another day.
We all agreed it was a great weekend and all the better for the glorious sunshine. Its a beautiful
stretch of river, a relaxing trip with lots of places to stop and take your time as you travel down the
Wye...oh and we didn't get divorced!

REVIEW

Ainsworth do the
splits

10

By Phil LevacantPage
Back in March a message was posted on the clubs Yahoo group announcing that
Ainsworth were running a special offer for club members. The timing was excellent for
me as I was looking for a budget splitpaddle to use on club inland trips and as a backup
sea paddle. So I swooped and purchased a split paddle from their value range.
The model I went for was the ABS108
which is a 225cm sea paddle with a two
part shaft.
The plastic blades are
shaped for sea rather than touring
which has the advantage that they
should not catch the wind too much.
The blades may not be the thinnest and
most efficient at slicing through the
water but they are pretty robust and
should put up with a fair amount of
abuse.
The shaft is titanium enriched alloy and
that will not suit everyone, especially those sensitive to cold hands. But for me, wearing gloves all
year round, that is not a problem. And, despite the construction of the blades and shaft, the
paddle does not feel especially heavy, mine weighs in at just 1.25kg.
My main concern was how rigid a joint the two
parts of the paddle would make. The paddle uses
a simple button and spring mechanism to clip the
two parts together. So you slide the right hand
paddle tube inside the left hand one and let it click
into the desired position. And thats it.
The button allows the feather to be adjusted
between 0, 45 and 90 which is very limited for
those used to the unlimited feather options of
more expensive split paddles. However for inland
touring use, 45 is just fine. Do note though that
you still have to buy right or lefthanded, the
feather adjustment does not allow you to switch
between them with the same paddle.
When clipped together there is inevitably some pivot slack which results in about 4mm of to and
fro relative movement between the opposing blade tips. That is not bad on a 2250mm paddle.
You do notice it at first, but far less than you might imagine, and you soon find yourself not really
noticing at all once you stop focussing on it and just get on with enjoying the paddle.
For 35 my expectations were not especially high, but the Ainsworth has more than exceeded my
expectations. Definitely recommended as a backup sea paddle or for travelling paddlers on a
budget.

11

COMMITTEE
President

Chairman

Secretary

Treasurer

Membership

Coaching

Equipment

1* Course Coordinator

Women's Representative

Youth Representative

Social Secretary

Whitewater

Touring

Sea

Newsletter Editor

Website Editor

Tim Ward
01494 482959
wards@btinternet.com
Penny Newton
secretary@marlowcc.org.uk

Rod Edmonds
01753 671389
r.edmonds@etoncollege.org.uk
Tom Bailey
blast1102@ymail.com

Catherine Harris
harrc014@rbwm.org

Melinda Livett
melinda.livett@yahoo.com

Michael Day
michael.day53@btinternet.com

Rodney Casbierd
rbcasbierd@yahoo.co.uk

Andy Maxted
andymcoaching@gmail.com

Kelvin Abbott
01753 654923
kelvin.abbott@btinternet.com
Alex Shiell
shiellalex@yahoo.co.uk

Simon Knowles
07786 836012
simonknowles16@googlemail.com
Vacant

Chris Weston
chriskayaks@gmail.com

Mark "Shades" Steel

07900 900302
shadescanoe@gmail.com
Chris Porteous
chrisps@marlowcc.org.uk

Feel free to contact us to discuss a relevant issue or share your views

LOCAL RETAILERS
Marsport, Reading
01189 665912
http://www.marsport.co.uk

Paddlesport, Warwick
01926 640573
http://www.paddlesport.co.uk

WWC, Shepperton
01932 247978

http://www.whitewaterthecanoecentre.co.uk

CALENDAR

12

Sunday 27 July

CLUB
SESSIONS

Hamble inland tour

10.00 am, Swanwick (SU495093)

Saturday 2 August
Pool session
7.00 pm 8.00 pm

Weekend 23 August

Every Sunday

Sunday 24 August

Doors open at 9.30 am.

On the water for 10 am.

Introduction to Paddlesport
9.30 am 4.30 pm

Arun inland tour

10.00 am, The Black Rabbit (TQ025085)

Monday 1 September

Committee meeting
7.00 pm 8.00 pm, Marlow Donkey PH

Weekend 67 September
Introduction to Paddlesport
9.30 am 4.30 pm

Saturday 6 September
Pool session
7.00 pm 8.00 pm

Saturday 20 September
Rolling Clinic
6.00 pm 8.00 pm

Sunday 21 September
Kennet & Avon inland tour
10.00 am, Newbury Wharf (SU473672)

Saturday 4 October
Improvers Kayaking
9.30 am 4.30 pm

Every Tuesday
Doors open at 6.30 pm.
On the water for 7 pm.

POOL
SESSION
Once per month
Saturday 7.00 8.00 pm,
see calendar for dates
Chalfont Leisure Centre, Nicol Road,
Chalfont St Peter, SL9 9LR.
5 adults, 3 juniors

Saturday 11 October

2014 Award Winners

Saturday 18 October

Most improved paddler

Jack Wataranan

Improvers Canoeing
9.30 am 4.30 pm

BCU Two Star Assessment

9.30 am 4.30 pm

MEMBERSHIP RATES
Adult 42 Family 65
Junior 23 Senior 23
Storage 19 per boat

Most improved Junior paddler

Seb Ison
Newsletter article
Karen Moyse
(for Intro to Whitewater course)
Swimmer of the year
Tim Ward
(for Open Canoeing on Marlow Weir)