More Bonfire Paddle Photos

Thanks to Mark of these pictures of Jonathan, James, Shohanaa, Beth, Kath & Mick, plus the raft that had over 40 paddlers in it!

Gunpowder Plot meets Cockleshell Heroes!

It was a great idea of George's to paddle up to the Toll Bridge in the dark on the evening of the Wilford Bonfire. There were 44 paddlers altogether, from the Pool sessions, Holme Pierrpont Canoe Club, Dave's Casual Paddling sessions plus a handful of club members. Mark & Rachel brought Jonathan who had the grandstand view from the front of the Topo Duo, Gary was in a plastic GP, Ricky & James paddled playboats & we took the open canoes, some hot soup, fresh home-made bread, biscuits and cakes with a few Doritos, plus quilts and groundsheet and made a picnic of it. It was a lovely evening for paddling - even better for watching fireworks and picnicing! Kath & Shob paddled one boat, while Beth and I were in the other. George & Dave rode shotgun and signalled for help with a variety of parachute & hand flares and eventually the Nottingham Princess came to the rescue. Meanwhile, James was the only casulty when a paddle blade took out his tooth in the middle of a Mexican wave. However it did not limit his ability to out-shriek the "screamer" fireworks.
Thanks to George for organising it assisted by Dave & thanks to the rest who contributed to a different and enjoyable way to do Bonfire Night.

Trent K2

There was a fair entry for Trent K2 last weekend. Unusually there were more in the C Race (Div 9 or more total ranking) than there were in the B Race (5-8 total ranking). This may have been due to the unusually low river conditions. The weather was a bit odd too. It started fairly bright at the start at Castle Donington, but by the time we were reaching Sawley, the wind was whipping up quite a chop and the sky was so black it seemed as though dusk was approaching. By the time we reached the club, the sky was blue and the sun was shining.

I don't know how other people's races went, but ours was as mixed as the weather. We got a reasonable start and Beth set a good pace, steering past the shingle banks, the groups of rock and the "clag ups" until a random rock leapt out and got us after about a mile. The rudder got bent and although we had a spare stowed in the boat, I was reluctant to stop before the first portage, so we lurched from side to side of the river on the most "technical" bit of the course. However, Beth did a good job and although we dropped gradually back until we were down to about 13th or 14th place, we didn't lose sight of the group ahead. A quick straighten and a good run at Sawley brought us back up to the second group. Once Beth discovered that the rudder was once more functional, she burned my arms off until we reached the group and not satisfied with that wanted to take the work up straight away.
After that, things went well again with some good runs and a bit of local knowledge on the portages and yet again an attempt to kill me off by Beth, we improved our position considerably.
It was a bit of a drag from Beeston to the finish, and not an impressive time compared to other years, but an enjoyable paddle.
I hope everyone else enjoyed the race too. Full results http://uk.geocities.com/nottinghamkayakclub/resultstore/trentk207.htm

First Winter Race

A beautiful day with perfect conditions was a good way to start the Winter Race series for the 2007/8 season. Fortunately Steve was there with his camera although I know he would sooner have been able to race. There were 40 starters with the club ranks being added to with entries from the National Junior Wild Water squad and coaches in addition to the World Class Fast Track Women's squad all of whom aquitted themselves well.

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But wouldn't you know that Kath would find a way to outwit the handicapper and paddle with Donna to be first back over the line to clock up yet another win! Mind you as she started doing Winter Races 37 years ago, she obviously has it completely worked out!

At the other end of the experience spectrum, special mention goes to Leanna in her first race ever, as she only started paddling in August and partnered by Beth managed to take the 19 points for second place. Tom Kay also doing his first Winter Race took 3rd place.

Max deserves special mention as he was probably the youngest competitor so far this year. With his dad Rex they were 7th boat home, picking up 14 points apiece. It was good to see Alice back after her enforced lay off. It was also very pleasing to see 7 of the club juniors racing considering that at least 4 of them were away on holiday! That doesn't count guests that were also juniors.

Full Results (Unofficial) here http://uk.geocities.com/nottinghamkayakclub/resultstore/winter_races_07_08.htm

K2 10Km Race - Saturday 13th October 2007

The annual K2 10Km race took place on a slightly dreary Saturday afternoon although on the water the conditions were near perfect. It was good to see entries from both Soar Valley and Lincoln to swell our numbers. The 9 boats in the A race started so fast that the cameraman failed to get any pictures of them although we have the B/C start and the Lightnings.
Neil Blackman and Jon Folland of Soar won the A race, Norman Mason and Craig Duff won the B race, while Des Storey & Tony Malcolm took the 5 Km C race by default. Ziggy & Tadek Chmiel topped off their great season with another win, this time in the same boat! Full results at http://uk.geocities.com/nottinghamkayakclub/resultstore/K2_10_07.htm

Clifton - Tuesday

The nights are darkening, but the conditions (apart from the midges) were excellent for some serious racing! Younger juniors partnering old fogies and World Champions added to the interest. Tadek had the pleasure and privilege of paddling with Tim Brabants, World Champion and did 36:36. Great to see that the very best amongst us can spare a little time for the rising stars of tomorrow! Everyone else there was envious and would have swapped places with Tadek. Kath paddled with Tadek's brother Ziggy and Mick paddled with Ricky. A good time was had by all. The Chmiel family cheering section was on the bank to keep us all going & Geordie discovered the secret of how to get the best club boats, by paddling with The President! Marish paddled with Heather, thereby giving the cheerleaders plenty of crews to offer their encouragement to.

Fladbury 2007 in Pictures

Lightning finishes









Div 7 K2s





















Div 8 K1s

Div 9 K1












Div 6 K1















Div 5 K1