The River Lynner Trip - Saturday 24th November<top>

On Saturday the 24th of November we set off to Newbridge Callington to canoe the white water of the river Lynner.

Our day started with loading the trailer, and after double-checking the equipment we set of for the river.

Upon arrival at the car park we unloaded the canoes, sorted our stuff and changed. To start with it looked just like a little stream as it was not very deep, but when we got on to it and paddled down stream it not only got deeper but faster as well.

When we stopped for lunch we had to drag the canoes up a bank to get to the footpath before we could eat.

After lunch we set off lowering the canoes down the bank to the river. We then paddled further down stream through twists and turns and over some rather fun rapids. With myself getting stuck on more than one occasion, but needless to say it was good fun.

Our exit point from the river was at Clapper Bridge and although I was tired I would have liked to have gone on further. After packing the canoes on to the trailer we got changed and headed back to Falmouth.

Back at the club everyone helped to put the kit away and after saying good-bye we all left.

Jack Herriett.

Helford Marathon Report <top>

Falmouth Canoe Club were in a class of their own (quite literally) when they took the Cornish Kayak racing circuit by storm at the Helford Marathon.

Taking the top five places in the general purpose single kayak category, they came in well ahead of a number of double racing crews who had only covered 50% more distance than the GP kayaks.

In a close finish, Dave Henry shrugged off the crowding tactics of Ross Cant to finish the 5 mile course first in a time of 65 minutes.

Dave’s win was all the more impressive, considering the number of stops that he needed to adjust his woolly jumper and designer shades.

Steve Petherick, who miss timed his push for the line by about 500 metres finished third, with the field being completed by Dale Scarr in fourth and Shamus in fifth.

Shamus finished with particular enthusiasm and was heard to say "I thought this was a *!$*!! bit of fun."

Dale had graciously sacrificed his race position to come to the aid of a passing motor cruiser that was caught on a line.

Club President, Steve Petherick, was pleased with the victory and is now making plans to race more frequently – the next race will be entered as soon as an extension has been built to the club trophy cabinet.

Freak Marine Life Brings a Stop to Paddling on the Carrick Roads <top>

Paddling was suspended for 10 minutes on the 3^rd of October when a paddler was capsized by flying fish.

The group were returning from a quiet drink at the Pandora and were enjoying the photoluminescence spectacle when the aquatic beast struck.

Reports on the size of the fish vary - the victim of the incident declined to comment.

Paddling resumed once a text book deep water rescue was completed.

Footnote <top>

For those so tight that they haven’t yet paid up subscriptions remain at the every reasonable rate of £25 (£20 Juniors) per year, April to April. Speak to Dale and he will do the deal.

Paddler and Coach Development <top>

We all know (or should know) that Coaches are the life-blood of our canoe club.

We currently have six BCU qualified coaches (Steve, Neil, Richard, Steve, Andy, and Dave) and have five more who are pushing through the preliminary requirements to take the coaches training.

As you will see from the winter programmes, gaining the development awards is the key to more exciting paddling trips.

We look forward to seeing you all pushing for Star grades this winter.

A laminated copy of the 1 to 3 Star syllabus is now hanging in the cage so you can check how you are progressing.

If anyone is interested in going for coaching qualifications then speak to Neil or Ross.

Swallows, Amazons or Indiana Jones? <top>

6 'young' adults, 11 even younger adults (i.e. juniors) and 6 large open canoes set off from Falmouth Water Sports Association at 9.30 am sharp (some organised, these juniors!!) on a sunny, calm day to paddle from Tregony to Ruan Lanihorn.

Neil informed us it was a 'good fun' trip with maybe the odd tree in the water to negotiate, so we were looking forward to a gentle paddle with a bit of a difference.

The coaches estimate was that this part of the river could be completed in 40 minutes but it might take us a little longer with a stop for lunch.

We had a slight hiccup to start our trip, due to the lack of a key to open the access gate – no problem, we just manhandled the canoes over the gate – easy!

The water was low but flowing swiftly so we made good progress initially, some really shallow patches required us to 'abandon ship' and push the canoes into deeper water and away we went again.

Well when do we start?	Time for lunch?
Are you sure we can park here?	Who put that in the way?
Double Click on thumbnail for a larger version in a new window

We soon came across our first obstacle – a tree across the river, easily negotiated by pushing canoes over.

Before long there was another tree across the river, and another, and another – they just got bigger the further we went!!

Team discussions took place to decide the route through the branches - up, over, around, under or through?

All helped, pushing, pulling, lifting or guiding the canoes and then the paddlers past the trees—that’s where Dave and his trusty machete (okay it was a saw) came in.

Again and again we ended up to our chests, necks and beyond in muddy water as the river bed seemed to disappear from below us (thank goodness for the wet suits).

All this added to the fun – yes we actually enjoyed it.

Three and half hours later we reached our destination and the general opinion (mostly from the juniors I hasten to add) was 'Why can't we do this every Saturday?'

Thanks to the organisers, Neil and Steve, for giving up their time yet again for a very successful trip enjoyed by adults and juniors together.

Early Announcement of AGM <top>

The AGM will be in early to mid March as usual.

If you have any ideas for the club or want to get involved in any capacity then speak to one of the committee listed below.

Liz Shailes (01872 862901), Mike Hopwood (01326 376410), Ross Cant (01872 223440), Andy Bertzen (01326 372889), Steve Lewis (01326 375570), Steve Petherick (01326 317353), Dale Scar (01326 374123), Becky Lister, Debbie Harris.