Denford to Oundle - 17/May/2014

 

  

We came (to Denford) and

we pootled and
we powered,

we portaged and
we cheated (. .  well, mostly we cheated),

we paddled under a blistering sun and
we glided over glistening pools,

we crashed and
we grounded,

we camped and
we picniced.

It was all right really.

Thanks to all; Ron and the girls, Mike, Lynette, Trevor, Christine, Richard, Judi, Ben, James and Vivien.

More photos here.

Paddling the Newark Loop

An eclectic mix of open canoe, sea kayak, five wavehoppers, two short boats,  and a tourer took to the water for the Newark loop on a fine day better than forecast.  It was an interesting  paddle taking in the sights of Newark – complete with castle, industrial heritage, pretty countryside and waving children.  We had to concentrate in parts to follow the current and anticipate the swirly bits.  Most elected to portage the first weir although James and Lynette chose to shoot it in a rather bumpy style, with James finding many rocks on which to wedge himself.

Ben managed to salvage a snail encrusted wheelbarrow which he loaded into his boat alongside the group’s helmets and packed lunches. It was hard work in places against the wind and current and Richard gallantly towed Ben and wheelbarrow to get past the worst of it. 

There were two or three capsizes at the weir, but Ken, Dom, Lynette & Richard had some successful rides;  Richard being so elated with his success that he turned straight back to face the weir again and promptly capsized.  James was as usual the first to throw himself headlong down the weir and Mike was expertly proficient with the throw line.

Thanks to all – Vivian, Judy, Steve, Ken, James, Mike, Dom, Ben, Lynette & Richard for a great paddle.

 

Dove Tour 2014

Last Sunday 8 paddlers from RCC enjoyed a sunny paddle down the River Dove. The event, run by Burton Canoe club, allows access to this pretty stretch of river for one weekend only.

More photos can be found here.

Whitewater Racing - Barrow3 - 11/Jan/2014

From the following photos it looks like the weather was pretty sunny for a handful of paddlers from RCC who took part in the third wildwater or whitewater race near Barrow-Upon-Soar.

"Down River Racing is the purist form of Canoe and Kayak Racing in that the paddler is free to find their fastest route down a stretch of water, blending physical conditioning, skill and harmony with the river and their craft, against the clock"

 Much skill and harmony was on display when the physical conditioning came to be tested on the turbulent, swollen waters of the River Soar last Saturday!

Thanks to Dom for some great photos of our 'wildwater warriors', more of which can be found here.
Results can be found by clicking here

RCC Matters - Autumn 2013

Ahhh the summer of 2013 – when the sky was always blue and the sun always shone; when every kitbag contained a tube of sun cream and a sunhat; and when every paddler wore a smile.

A busy one too with a National BCU Award; 2* and First Aid certificates; a RCC member the first person to have rowed solo from Japan to Alaska; high jinks on the Nene and in the white foamy water of Holme Pierrepont; and fun with the birds in Mull………………Read on here.

Inner Sound sea kayaking trip - Raasay, Rona and Scalpay

Wild camping, midges, some fishing, kayak repair and variable weather enjoyed in late June by 8 club members.

 

RCC Matters - Summer 2013

The sun is shining – summer is officially here.

Read about the coaching we have planned; catch up with club member Sarah Outen in the North Pacific; and revel in the stories of high jinks on the River Nene.

Download the latest copy of RCC Matters here.