Newsletter November 2006

Word from the Chair[back to top]

Many thanks to everyone who attended the AGM we had a very good turn out. As elected at the meeting your new committee is:

Position	Name	Telephone	Email
Club President	Andy Noblett	01254 248457	andyn@bluecarrot.com
Chairman	Neville Wilkinson	01254 246971	neville.wilkinson@clitheroecanoeclub.org.uk
Vice Chairman	Sarah Nock	01200 427530
Treasurer	Mark Byrne	01200 427852	ccfarm1@btinternet.com
Secretary	Kirsten Platt	01200 444856
Membership Secretary	Marie Heyworth	01254 822440	brymar@talk21.com
Ordinary Member	Louise Casson	01253 313818	lhcasson@uclan.ac.uk
Ordinary Member	Euan Clouston	01282 813251	e.clouston@virgin.net
Youth Rep	Andrew Coultherd	01200 440209	andrewcoultherd@hotmail.com

The committee has had its first meeting and is currently in the process of organising the club's business for the coming year. This year we will have a number of sub-committees charged with various areas of responsibility. These are:

Sub-Committee	Chair	Responsibilities
Coaching	Euan Clouston	Saturday sessions, trips, strategy, training and competition
Events	Sarah Nock	Open-days, North West Weekend, Awards Night and Socials
Facilities	Andy Noblett	Buildings, grounds and equipment
Finance	Mark Byrne	Accounts, bills and fund raising
Communications	Kirsten Platt	Newsletters, web site, press publications
Accreditation	Louise Casson	Top club / Clubmark scheme

The sub-committee chairs are looking for help, so if you feel you would like to contribute to the running of the club, please talk to one of the Chairs, who look like this:

Euan Clouston 01282 813251	Sarah Nock 01200 427530	Andy Noblett 01254 248457	Kirsten Platt 01200 444856	Louise Casson 01253 313818

Those who attended the AGM heard that club finances were in a health state. This was largely due to the hard work of the coaches, reduced overheads and no significant expenditure. As a result fees are likely to remain the same, for the 5th consecutive year. Also, as our club is a not-for-profit voluntary organisation the committee has decide to fund improvements in 3 main areas: equipment, training and facilities.

Equipment - Those of you paddled in the last 3-weeks will have noticed that we have taken delivery of 60 brand-new asymmetric paddles of various lengths and 45 degree feather angle. It is the committee's belief that the replacement of our venerable Ainsworth 90 degree feather paddles with this modern design will greatly assist paddler development, particularly when it comes to moving water. So far feedback has been very positive.

Training - We will continue to fund the training of members who are able to commit their time to the club as BCU coaches. It is going to be a busy time for the coaches this year as the BCU is changing the entire coaching structure to fall in-line with Sport England requirements. The BCU have had to do this in order to continue to qualify for Government funding.

This will mean some retraining for existing coaches, and completely new courses for all of us. I say all of us because the BCU star testing syllabus will also see changes, particularly at 3 and 4 star. By the end of 2007 it is my hope that we will have another 4 or 5 level 2 coaches and up to 6 coaches well down the path to becoming a level 3. This will be great news for those of you who wish to experience regular river trips.

Funding coach training is the second biggest expenditure we are likely to have this year.

Facilities - It is hoped that over the Xmas period work will commence on major alterations to the banking in front of the clubhouse. We will be replacing the wooden sleepers with concrete equivalents set in solid foundations and back filled with stone. This will create safe, stable and level terracing to aid access to the water and spectating. Additionally we will be tarmacing in front of the clubhouse to provide a flat warm-up area and the car park will have 40+ tonnes of aggregate applied and rolled flat. This will be the largest expenditure we have in the current year and it is my hope that when you see the improvement, you will agree it money well spent.

That's all from me for now. I will finish by repeating what is becoming my mantra, this is your club, if you have any ideas, suggestion or wish to help in anyway both on and in particular off the water, then please share you ideas with any of the committee members. Neville Wilkinson - Chairman Clitheroe Canoe Club 01254 246 971 neville.wilkinson@clitheroecanoeclub.org.uk

Saturday Sessions [back to top]

The weather is getting colder, nights are drawing in, it must be time for the winter shut down!

Well not this year. Many of you will be aware that we are no longer running fun-sessions on Saturday. This is because the water is now very cold. However, in a break with tradition we will continue to run coaching sessions (with a some fun elements) on Saturday's from 1:00-2:30pm for the foreseeable future, i.e. while you are prepared to turn-up!

Additionally, as an alternative for those paddling at 2 star level, it is hoped to occasionally run river trips, for small groups on either the Calder or at the Burrs. Though, in addition to 2 star skills, to attend you will need appropriate clothing such as wet-suits (or better) and fleeces. If you are interested then talk to Euan Clouston (01282 813251).

Finally, there has been considerable interest in learning open canoe skills. As open canoeing has much less emphasis on getting wet and having a second discipline is now mandated for coaches. From now on an open canoe coaching session will run on Saturday's from 2:30-Dark.

As the water can only cope with a limited number of opens, priority will be given to those wishing to acquire skills for coaching purposes and those doing Duke of Edinburgh Award. If you are interested open canoeing then talk to Neville Wilkinson (01254 246971).

Pool Sessions [back to top]

Activity on Chatburn Water is winding down, evenings are drawing in and water temperatures have taken a definite turn for the worse. It is almost time for many of us to retreat to the warmth of the pool. We have confirmation that our pool session booking request has been accepted by Ribble Valley BC, sessions will begin on Saturday January 13th.

This year we have booked 10 sessions from 5:00-7:00pm. The format will be as per last year and consist in the main of 3 40-minute sessions. A variety of courses will be run, and each will run for 3 consecutive weeks.

Courses are likely to include: rolling, rescues, recovery, water confidence, basic skill and fun. The dates are as follows:

Date	Activity	Time	Duration
13-Jan-07	Pool Session 01	17:00-19:00	3 X 40 minutes
20-Jan-07	Pool Session 02	17:00-19:00	3 X 40 minutes
27-Jan-07	Pool Session 03	17:00-19:00	3 X 40 minutes
03-Feb-07	Prize Night
10-Feb-07	Pool Session 04	17:00-18:00	1 X 60 minutes
17-Feb-07	Pool Session 05	17:00-19:00	3 X 40 minutes
24-Feb-07	Pool Session 06	17:00-19:00	3 X 40 minutes
03-Mar-07	Pool Session 07	17:00-19:00	3 X 40 minutes
17-Mar-07	Pool Session 08	17:00-19:00	3 X 40 minutes
24-Mar-07	Pool Session 09	17:00-19:00	3 X 40 minutes
31-Mar-07	Pool Session 10	17:00-19:00	3 X 40 minutes

Booking forms and a description of the process were included with the paper version of the newsletter. These are also available on the web site from the front page [here], November newsletter page [here] and forms page [here].

Canoe Polo [back to top]

A polo event has been organised for the Saturday 16th December 2006. This is a Fun Novice Polo event at Horwich Pool Near Bolton. Boats, paddles and helmets will be provided. There are two sections to the competition under 15's and over 16's (NB: age on the day of the event), with prizes available for all teams.

Teams consist of 5 members but substitutes will also be required. We want to try and "field" a team in both events. Registration will be at 4:00pm and the event will finish about 9:30pm The cost per team member will be £3, payable in advance, as the club is subsidising this event.

The closing date for entries is the 1st December 2006. Want to give it a go? Talk to Euan Clouston on 01282 813251 or email e.clouston@virgin.net.

Finally, a reminder of the ongoing Sunday polo sessions at Colne pool. The booking is for 12 weeks from 1st October through to the 17th December inclusive. Sessions run from 8.00-9.20pm. Arrive 7.45pm to get changed and set up by 8.00pm. The cost is £3 on the door, £1 for use of club kit.

Everyone is welcome! For the maximum enjoyment of all, it is recommended that paddlers are a confident 2* standard and spectators are welcome. Or if you prefer come and see what goes on at our sessions before giving it a go.

Contact: Peter Stobbs on 01282 862247 or peter@pstobbs.freeserve.co.uk.

Prize Night 2006 [back to top]

Another date for your diary. As is now customary our presentation evening will be in February, to avoid Xmas overload. The date is Saturday 3rd February 2007 from 7:00-12:00pm. The venue will once again be Langho Community Centre and the format will be as last year, with a Ceilidh and live music by The Old School Band, hot food and various refreshments.

The presentation evening is light-hearted occasion with entertainment, refreshments and the presentation of prizes to club members, for their outstanding, and not so outstanding, performances throughout the year. The evening will be very much a family occasion with all members their family and/or close friends welcome. Tickets will be available on Saturday's at the club, at the pool sessions and from Sarah Nock on 01200 427530 or Neville Wilkinson on 01254 246971. Prices are:

• Family ticket £20
• Adult ticket £6
• Children £5

North West Weekend 2007[back to top]

Once again Clitheroe Canoe Club will be hosting the BCU North West Weekend (NWW). The venue 2007 will be the Nene Whitewater Centre in Northampton (http://www.nenewhitewatercentre.co.uk). The Dates are now confirmed as Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th May 2007. As we discovered last year the Nene is an excellent introduction to whitewater, with plenty of features to entertain experienced paddlers, yet forgiving enough to give novice and young paddlers a very positive whitewater experience. Unlike the Tees barrage, the Nene is controlled by a series of pumps, therefore we will not be restricted to tidal release times, and throughout the weekend, paddling will not be interrupted by the unexpected appearance of rafts. The weekend's competitions, courses and coaching is intended to provide to be fun for all with the emphasis on getting paddlers and spectators to enjoy themselves. Keep watching the website for up to date details nearer the time. Details of last years event can be found [here].

Canal Trips [back to top]

Jem Lees our level 4 open canoe coach has kindly agreed to organise a series of sheltered water trips mainly on our local canals. The first trip was on Sunday 19th November and was from Foulridge Wharf to Greenberfield Locks. This trip was well attended with over 10 opens and a smaller number of kayaks. The trip was typical of the other planned trips. We met up at the club around 09:30am to load up, travelled in convoy to the start point, paddled a distance of about approximately 6km, and returned back at the club around 3:00pm. If you would like to go on future trips then please sign up for the trip at the club, email:info@clitheroecanoeclub.org.uk, or let a committee member know.

On these trips please remember to bring a picnic lunch, wear clothing appropriate to the predicted weather conditions and bring a change of clothes. Both kayaks and canoes will be used, so parents are encouraged to come along and help with transport, enjoy a walk or even have a go at paddling a canoe.

Jem may be able to bring a trailer to transport the opens. However, in case of unforeseen problems we will be seeking a volunteer to tow the club trailer on each trip. If you feel able to volunteer please let me Neville Wilkinson (01254 246971) know.

Trips are not only a fun day out, they are also a requirement of the BCU star syllabus, which requires a trip of 6km (or 2hrs) at 1 star and 10km (or 3hrs) at 3 star. If you are interested in going one of these firsts put you name down on the list in the clubhouse, email the site or ring Neville.

Other trip dates for your calendar are:

• Sunday 17th December
• Sunday 21st January
• Sunday 18th February
• Sunday 18th March

Neville Wilkinson - 01254 246971 email:neville.wilkinson@clitheroecanoeclub.org.uk

What am I doing here? - Reflections on a trip down the Calder and Ribble [back to top]

The water was quite shallow that day and the features were few although there were still moments when my heart was in my mouth. As we made our way down the Calder and joined the River Ribble the weather improved we had to weave our way round fisher men who were also making the most of the late autumn sun shine, as I looked around at the beautiful scenery I could not think of any where I would rather have been. Luckily all the coaches passed their assessments and I was very grateful for their patience and encouragement. Liz Brown.

My first river trip [back to top]

Towards the end of the trip we paddled through two weirs and did some surfing on the slippery shoots ...the coaches helped me to use the correct style and movement, THIS WAS SUPERB. We finished the trip at Whalley near the railway big viaduct in the centre of the Village. The equipment then had to be transferred by back to Cars, before we made our way back to the Club. I really enjoyed the trip and it has given me the encouragement to get involved in the next trip. Particularly knowing the coaches and others members are very helpful and fun to be with . Reuben Hirst [ Aged 9]

The Teesside Experience [back to top]

Overall our performances this year have been very good. I think that everyone who has visited the course got a lot out of the experience and had a really good time. To put that in context having a good time meant in most cases a couple of OBEs (Out of Boat Experiences) and more than a few unplanned rolls. If you are paddling at a 2-Star level, are comfortable on our local rivers and would like to give try Teesside, then talk to Euan Clouston and we will endeavour to take you along next time we go. My personal recommendation, from all too frequent experience, is that you need to be comfortable swimming in whitewater! Neville Wilkinson

One last OBE at Teesside?

A Coaches Away-Day on the Leven and Kent [back to top]

River Leven

Tom Turner at Mills Falls

Bonfire night saw the first of the official access day for the River Leven, so some of the level 2 and 3 coaches plus a few others, went to try out the river and have some fun on moving water. By 11am, we were ready to get on the water for our first run of the day. We ran the 'brick chute' with no problems, but Mills Falls managed to claim an early victim! The rest of the river posed no problems, and with the water level being fairly high, it was an easy grade 2/3 run with some time to stop and play along the way. We tried some different lines down some of the falls and by the time we reached the end we were ready to go again. Second run, and everyone survived Mills falls this time! We decided to blast down without stopping, and then go over to the nearby River Kent for a late afternoon run.

River Kent

The River Kent was a new challenge for some of the level 2 coaches, and everyone was looking forward to it. The river level was fairly low and this made it an ideal first run for the 'beginners!' After getting in at Kent Gorge, we all managed a small fall before carrying on through some flatter sections with some beautiful scenery. After some short grade 3 sections we came to the falls above Sedgwick bridge. A couple of rolls later, and we were all safely in the eddy and enjoying every minute. Everyone ran the next drop, an L-shaped natural weir, without any problems. A series of more small drops led us to the final drop - Force Falls. A blind drop, I wasn't sure what to expect, but a couple of the others had seen it from the bank on previous trips and were a little apprehensive! We ran it in pairs, with the more experienced paddler showing the line. Everyone made the drop and the adrenalin was well and truly pumping! Sadly, though, it was time to get out. We were happy to get down with no swims, just a couple of good rolls! Meanwhile, Tom T. and Andrew C, were cartwheeling their way down (intentionally of course)! We now can't wait to go again. Big thanks to John Turner and Alison Tapley for taking us and showing us the lines.

The falls above Sedgwick bridge

Force Falls

Club outing to the river Leven Sunday 12th November [back to top]

For the second week running, we visited the River Leven; this time as a club trip with paddlers of mixed ability. The river was once again quite high, which would make for a good day of paddling. The level 2 coaches from the previous week, now full of confidence, went down first for some play-time, and to take photos of the two other groups as they got to grips with moving water. Jonathan Downing and Mark Schofield, our level 3 coaches, took one group each. After warming up above the 'brick chute' with some easy ferry-gliding, we all had no problems going through the chute and into the eddy below. Mills Falls however claimed a few early victims, but with everyone safely back in their boats we carried on down the river.
Ben Goodwill at Mills Falls	The survivors of Mills Falls
Both groups took their time, and some valuable time was spent practicing surfing, ferry-gliding, breaking-in and breaking-out etc. The groups approached each of the drops slightly differently, and everyone seemed to enjoy the challenge. The notorious 'graveyard' section posed little difficulty, and was a long but bouncy ride down to the eddy. After only a couple of swims, it was time to get out and make our way back to the top or our second run of the day. With the level 2's off to take pictures again, everyone else made their way down as one big group. This time, everyone was more tired that on the first run, and this led to a few more swims, with some tricky obstacles causing problems. More time was spent practicing our river skills, and the groups picked some different lines to run, but with dusk approaching, we were quicker getting from top to bottom this time.

Mark Schofield on the Graveyard

Abi Woodhouse finds an obstacle

All the novice paddlers did really well, with some having never been on a river before. A good day was had by all, and had the pub not been closed on the way home, some after paddle drinks would have gone down extremely well.

Thanks to Jonathan and Mark for leading the trip.

Louise Casson

Coaching Courses 2007 [back to top]

Coaching is a vital part of what we do. Without BCU qualified coaches it would simply not be possible for the club to exist in its current form. Due to the hectic and often unpredictable nature of modern-life, for the club to be effective we need to maintain a high-ratio of coaches within the club. This means that to continue to thrive we need a steady stream of volunteers prepared to give up their time to undergo coach training for both Kayak and Open Canoeing.

If you paddling at a 2 star standard and are able to volunteer some of your free time to coaching then Euan Cloutson (01282 313818) would like to hear from you.

For members that have already begun coach training, we have received dates of courses run by Calder Canoe Centre for Spring 2007. These are:

Course	2007 Date	Cost
BCU Aquatic 1st Aid (8 Hour)	11th February	£50
Canoe Safety Test (Open or Kayak)	25th March	£45
Level 2 Kayak Coach Training	17/18th February	£100
Level 2 Canoe Coach Training	3rd/4th March	£100
Level 2 Kayak Coach Assessment	18th March	£70
Level 2 Canoe Coach Assessment	18th March	£70
Level 3 Coach Assessment Kayak	9th/10th11th February	£125

More dates will be published as the UK Coaching Certificate (UKCC) rolls out.

Other Courses (run on request subject to demand - normally minimum 3 people). Courses can be validated as Coach Updates - Please call to discuss your requirements. Examples of recent courses are:

• BCU Young Paddlers Workshop
• 4 Star Open
• Intro White Water
• Basic White Water Safety
• River Running Skills
• Assessor Workshops
• Video Workshops
• Junior 1st Aid (4 hour)

All course fees include BCU Certification and will be based in the Clitheroe area, unless otherwise notified. Funding assistance for Voluntary Youth Leaders / Coaches may be available through Lancashire Council for Voluntary Youth Services - see www.lcvys.org.uk for eligibility and booking form.

The cost of courses to aspirant Clitheroe Coaches with lcvys funding is £10 per course.

To book contact Andy Noblett 01254 248457 or andyn@bluecarrots.com or
Martyn Hartley 01282 771011 (Office hours) or Mhartley@mhartley.fsbusiness.co.uk.

Calder Canoe Centre - The joint Training Unit of the East Lancashire Canoe Clubs.
BCU Affiliated - Reg No 86117.

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