tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31311541210884469612024-03-13T10:12:25.078+00:00ARKayakingShropshire based kayaking instructor.Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15062585593392421529noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3131154121088446961.post-34463500326441263632019-03-29T20:27:00.000+00:002019-03-31T13:10:55.176+01:00Euro Paddler<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you’re a Brexiteer and
easily offended, stop reading now as you’re not going to enjoy the first blog
of the year. An email earlier today announced a protest to oppose Brexit taking
place in France. Ok so you’re not worried yet, only it’s not just the French
protesting. It’s the British who work there – ski industry in the winter and a
mix of water sports and mountain professionals in the summer.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_41518278"><br /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.boardsportsource.com/2019/03/29/anti-brexit-demonstration-in-bourg-saint-maurice-eurostar-gateway-to-the-alps/?fbclid=IwAR1K5Vw-_byH_T-yolP5yTOI0Q63bbyC0IDR4G7Df47tA19rPzhSLZvVVso">http://www.boardsportsource.com/2019/03/29/anti-brexit-demonstration-in-bourg-saint-maurice-eurostar-gateway-to-the-alps/?fbclid=IwAR1K5Vw-_byH_T-yolP5yTOI0Q63bbyC0IDR4G7Df47tA19rPzhSLZvVVso</a><a href="http://www.boardsportsource.com/2019/03/29/anti-brexit-demonstration-in-bourg-saint-maurice-eurostar-gateway-to-the-alps/?fbclid=IwAR1K5Vw-_byH_T-yolP5yTOI0Q63bbyC0IDR4G7Df47tA19rPzhSLZvVVso"><o:p></o:p></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;">6th April being chosen as
this marks the date of the last Eurostar of the season in the direction of
London</span>. Highly symbolic, we may lose our last connection with the
civilised world. Let’s face it, the UK is no longer a civilised country, not
since the far right has been allowed to grow something nasty between its legs
and become legitimised. Neo-Nazi has gone mainstream.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Bourg Saint Maurice holds
special memories for me – both on and off the water. It is traditional for paddling
Brits to head to Briançon, back in 1992 Bill and I headed for Bourg instead.
What a trip! The weekend before leaving we had just failed our BCU two star
test. Proof that the new British Canoeing Personal Performance Awards are long
overdue and much welcomed. How could we fail a flat-water test and then go off
to the Alps and paddle grade 3 and 4 water? Just shows how poor the old test
was. I failed on support strokes – couldn’t scull with my ear on the water.
Screw that, if I’m that low in the water I’m setting up to roll or bailout.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We survived Bourg without
much money and with only one car. We also paddled with some amazing paddlers from
the UK and France. It was with the local club we ran the lower gorges. Alpine grade
IV was terrifying to someone more used to Jackfield and Llangollen Mill. I ran
it in my old white dancer, Bill in a Master – hardly performance boats. When I
later sold the boat, I threw in the paddle and deck. A colleague called Lynn
thought she had a bargain, but couldn’t understand why the paddle had a bend in
it and it sent her in circles. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In the gorge, the only
option was just to keep paddling and not swim as rescue would be near
impossible. This was the first time I had seen slabs of water slide over rocks
and still rates as one of the most intense experiences of my life. We shuttled
with a French kid’s parents and devoured a packet of rice cakes without the
need for butter. Paddling turns you into a food monster and I’ve seen anorexics
demand chips after a hard paddle. We then turned to pizza and beer in Bourg and
the waiter laughed that the English were in town because of the amounts we
devoured.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My next trip to Bourg was
in 2001. Only in May rather August. This gave snow melt and high levels. The
gravel quarry with a friendly wave where Bill and I played was flooded. The
bacon slicer unseated three of our team of five. The two of us that made it did
so more by luck than judgment. I got off the river after this.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, the anti-Brexit protest?
I can’t be there; but you have my full support. River don’t respect borders, so
why should paddlers. Which brings back to the UK, we are now into an access
battle on the River Severn. A Landowner in Ironbridge has decided to exert her
rights over the river bank. If you need further details or would like to fill
in a Rights of Way form, please contact me.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Plans for this year’s
paddling haven’t materialised yet. I missed the winter season due to illness
and injury, but I’m biting at the shed door to get the kit out and back on the
water. I’ve spent a lot of time underwater playing with the sea creatures and
now feel it’s time to get back in touch with the spirits of the water and
caress their gentle flow once more. Call me if you want a guiding on the river,
learn some skills or just want to paddle.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15062585593392421529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3131154121088446961.post-84892735458888112232018-07-24T16:32:00.002+01:002018-07-24T16:32:32.525+01:00Back in business!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Paddlemaster’s blog, star date….. Well it feels a bit like
that. I didn’t realise it has been so long since the last one. No, I haven’t
been travelling at warp speed and arrived five years before I blasted off, but
some days it feels like it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The main reason for no blog is I haven’t been doing much
paddling. I did have the opportunity to go a bit further with paddling and
finally realised it’s the being outside I enjoy and not placing myself in
immediate danger - that is my reason for being on the water. That’s one reason
I also go underwater when ever there’s an opportunity. A chance to meet some
wonderful creatures, rather than pushing the limits of physics and biology.
This has resulted in me becoming a PADI Divemaster.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The second reason has been the ARK accountant. As posted on
Facebook – no soul, a swinging brick for a heart and profit/loss spreadsheet
for guidance. She works on the basis of no profit, no business. Funny how she’s
the one who attends church on a Sunday!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For me it’s spiritual. I could paddle without the business,
but it is one way of broadening my coaching. At work and in a club, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would be stuck with kids all the time. Many
of whom don’t want to be there and the activity offered becomes so watered down,
it doesn’t resemble the kayaking as I know it. When training as a L2 coach I
hated the ‘games’, just learn to paddle the boat or go home was my philosophy.
That’s probably why I was crap at sports at school, what is the point in
chasing some ball around a piece of flattened field? Get out and explore, there’s
no rules beyond the gate.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Also coaching privately has bought me into contact with some
wonderful people. Many who have become friends and it has also given me the
chance to introduce old friends into a new world. Come join the darkside where flowing
water is revered rather than feared!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I would like to thank a number of people out there for their
support and encouragement, but can’t publish names for legal reasons. Phil H –
thanks for your business advice, you put the soul back into it. Phil T we
paddled far too many rivers together, shame he’s defected to bikes. Billy H – we
just can’t go there and finally Pam, where can I even begin? Not only has she
supported me through life and 10 years of AR Kayaking, but if it hadn’t been
for Pam threatening to burn the boat 20 years ago, I would have been out of
paddling, growing a beard and wearing pink trousers. The last one being grounds
for divorce! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Seriously, if life becomes too serious – get a boat and
paddle.</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15062585593392421529noreply@blogger.com0Telford, UK52.678419 -2.445257999999967152.6399015 -2.5259389999999673 52.716936499999996 -2.3645769999999668tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3131154121088446961.post-7980256685056676922016-04-25T15:48:00.003+01:002016-04-25T15:50:07.710+01:00First blog of 2016<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I know I’m legendary for leaving long periods between blogs,
but this time there was good reason. 2015 is one year Pam and I were glad to
see the back of! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">After saying good bye to Meg, we then had Mike’s death to
deal with. His funeral was especially traumatic, so the next day we went to
Cannock Chase for a bike ride and to begin my ease down to the London ride.
This ended in disaster with Pam having an unscheduled trip in an ambulance and
seven months off work. We probably now know more about nerve damage recovery,
MCP structure and alternative therapies than most GPs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I did eventually ride the Prudential London Surrey 100 mile
bike ride and what a fantastic day it was. So, good that I’m doing it again
this year! I didn’t get a place through the ballot and will instead be riding
for Children With Cancer UK. We chose this charity due to Pam‘s work - teaching
children with cancer in their own homes when they are unable to attend school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope to complete the ride in memory of one
very special young lady and will make details public once we’ve had chance to
speak to her family.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">In the meantime if you would like to make a donation, please
click on the link at the top of the page.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15062585593392421529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3131154121088446961.post-82382623332378970992015-07-11T15:37:00.003+01:002015-07-11T15:41:54.531+01:00Bad week, hard tarmac<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">Training for the <span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Prudential
RideLondon-Surrey 100 took a bit of a knock this week. On Saturday (4<sup>th</sup>)
I had a minor crash which has caused a bit of damage to me and the bike. Then
on Tuesday I was literally about to go out the door and picked up my phone to
find a message that said a close friend had taken his own life.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pam and I spent the rest of the evening in
a state of shock. Training was off, Wednesday wasn’t much better and after a
day at work we just went out for tea as we weren’t even motivated to cook. I
finally got out on Thursday and had only gone two miles when the gear shifter
came lose and I couldn’t brake or change gear. So Friday the bike went into
dock. A big thank you to Shrewsbury Cyclelife ( </span><a href="http://www.shrewsburycycles.co.uk/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://www.shrewsburycycles.co.uk</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"> )
for turning the bike around so quickly.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">Friday night saw us meeting an old friend
for mutual support, sharing of memories of a lost friend and lots of alcohol to
try and reason out what happened. Hence Saturday’s training ride with a
hangover and on the old heavy bike was hard work. Average speed of 10mph was a
disgrace, but at least I was out there.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="color: blue;">On a plus – sponsorship money is now
starting to appear and I hope we can make a difference to the dogs and cats at
Grinshill. Apologies for all those Facebook messages and emails, but we do need
to raise enough to make the Just Giving fees worthwhile.</span> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15062585593392421529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3131154121088446961.post-17348500386269237842015-03-30T15:32:00.001+01:002015-03-30T15:32:04.352+01:00Raising money for Grinshill Animal Rescue Centre<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">On Monday 16<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> March my wife (Pam) and I had to
make the difficult decision to have our Border Collie Meg put to sleep. Meg had
a poor start to her life, having to live with a cruel farmer somewhere in the
North of England (location withheld for legal reasons).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Meg had become a problem dog and frequently escaped the
farm, only to return to face a near starvation diet and frequent beatings
(verified by damage to teeth and arthritis). After numerous complaints from
local people the farmer was threatening to shoot Meg. However, a very brave old
lady who lived locally decided to rescue Meg and removed her from the farm and
sent her far away to the Grinshill Animal Rescue Centre in Shropshire. Meg was
never reported as missing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">On one fateful Sunday evening in April 2007, Timmy Ten
Bellies and I were climbing at Grinshill. While our wives (Pam and Maz); walked
Maz’s three dogs and Megs soon to be lifelong friend – Freddie the Jack Russell
(mother-in-laws dog) around Grinshill.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When dogs arrive at Grinshill they are taken for a walk in
the woods before being bedded down and fed. This is where Pam, Maz and the dogs
first met Meg. Her fate was sealed – she was coming home with us. As it was a
Sunday evening we had to wait until the next morning before contacting the
centre, but after home checks and a brief time in kennels Meg came home with
us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was then we found her major passion – football. She was a
hit with the local teenagers for her ability to chip and head balls and she
even made an unscheduled appearance at a local Sunday league match where she
was met with nothing but praise from the fans and players.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Having never slept in a house Meg quickly adjusted to
sleeping at the bottom of our bed and Pam walked her for miles during those
first few weeks as Meg adjusted to life in Dawley. Her coat also started to
grow and we discovered we had a glorious rough coated Collie. There was also a
final surprise – Meg went into season. Jenny at the rescue centre couldn’t
believe this as Meg’s rescuer had paid the farmer to have Meg spayed a number
of years previous. It now appears he pocketed the cash believing the dog would
never live long enough for anyone to know.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Meg grew into a fantastic dog; she became a real companion
as I trained to become a Hill and Moorland Leader. When Pam and I travelled the
country to gain experience on the hills, Meg would always accompany us and has
climbed hills and mountains all over the UK. We often joked if we knew the
farmer’s address we would send him a postcard from Meg. Meg got to sleep in nice
hotels and had afternoon tea at some of the better establishments throughout
Britain – while the farmer still wallowed in his own filth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In her final years Meg suffered a number of episodes of Canine
vestibular and possibly a stroke at Christmas. In addition to this she started
to suffer from dementia and her arthritis started to impede her mobility.
Despite the best efforts of some wonderful vets at Wrekin View Veterinary
Practice, old age overtook Meg and she reached that awful point when owners
have to decide what is best for the animal. So she was finally put to sleep
with dignity by Rob the vet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As a result of all the years of pleasure and unquestioning
companionship Meg has given, I will be taking part in the London Surrey 100 mile
cycle ride this summer and will be raising money for Grinshill Animal Rescue
Centre. Donations can be made using the sponsor bade above or at </span><a href="https://www.justgiving.com/andrew-rudge1/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">https://www.justgiving.com/andrew-rudge1/</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
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Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15062585593392421529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3131154121088446961.post-71803623782454317362015-02-12T20:36:00.000+00:002015-02-12T20:59:05.244+00:00DNA<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; mso-themecolor: text2;">What a couple of weeks I’ve had. I don’t really want to
talk about the day job, but needless to say I’ve been appointed centre manager –
starting after Easter. Two weeks ago I was at the point of walking out.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; mso-themecolor: text2;">Then there is the bike ride! The Prudential RideLondon 100</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; mso-themecolor: text2;"><a href="http://www.prudentialridelondon.co.uk/">http://www.prudentialridelondon.co.uk/</a></span></div>
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; mso-themecolor: text2;">YES! I’ve have a place! I still can’t believe it, hence
why this blog is called DNA. I think both Pam and I have a little bit of
cycling in our DNA – if that’s possible.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; mso-themecolor: text2;">Unfortunately Pam didn’t get a place on the ride and Pam’s
link to cycling is direct - her granddad was a track cyclist. For me it’s a bit
more complex, my dad always claims we have links to the Rudge bike family. I’ve
never found any proof and would love to be corrected. However, according to an
election website there are less than 4000 voters named Rudge in the UK, so I
suspect we’re all related somewhere along the line.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; mso-themecolor: text2;">Preparing for the ride started on Saturday with a bike
fit at Bicycles by Design in Coalport. In photographs of two events I rode last
year I didn’t look quite right on the bike – I rode with extended arms. It wasn’t
uncomfortable, but might be when attempting 100 miles. So I thought it was best
to get a proper fit. So the saddle has gone up, a new stem fitted and cleats
adjusted. On a test ride on Sunday I was averaging 2mph faster on freewheel
sections of road. Therefore I recommend everyone gets a proper fit before venturing
out for any distance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; mso-themecolor: text2;">My cycling really started when I was about seven; I found
it difficult to learn to ride a bike. I think in part due to stabilisers being
popular in the 1970s, my parents had fitted them in good faith to a very old
bike my dad had bought from someone at work. When I say old, I really mean
vintage – it had rod brakes! Eventually losing patience the bike was about to
be sold on. Stabilisers off I was given one last chance to try it before it went
off to a new home, off I went around the garden like a rocket. Swung around the
garden shed, through the apple trees and only realised my dad wasn’t holding
the saddle when I turned for home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; mso-themecolor: text2;">My dad went off up the road to give the new owner his
money back while I carried on circuiting the garden with increasing speed. My
parents have a picture of me in 70s dodgy Sunday best riding over the Priorslee
banks after chapel. They couldn’t keep me off the bike that day. The great
thing about having a 1940s bike was it could go anywhere. It was built for
potholed roads and cobbles, I guess I was mountain biking before it became
recognised.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; mso-themecolor: text2;">My dad completely stripped the bike, repainted it and
fitted it out for my birthday. I really did love that bike. It was heart
breaking years later when my mum thought she was helping out a local destitute
family by giving it to them so the boys could have a bike to get a paper round
and earn some cash. They got the paper round – took the wages, burnt the papers
and trashed the bike. Never trust chavs!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; mso-themecolor: text2;">The next bike was a Chopper - another salvage job. This
time a neighbour’s son had snapped off the bottom bracket. My dad worked for a
small engineering company with a brilliant fabricator who managed to weld it
back on without any trace of a join. Once again my dad worked wonders with this
bike. Perhaps this was Rudge DNA and bikes meeting - not for the first time. We
spent hours one Saturday night fitting new shiny parts and truing wheels when
we could have been watching Jim’ll Fix It. Even at the time, watching dad with
chalk and a spoke spanner was more interesting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; mso-themecolor: text2;">That bike really was something to behold. 1970s turquoise
blue with hand painted green snakes. Money couldn’t buy anything that looked
remotely similar. Even the gear change was white vinyl (salvaged puller from a
curtain system). A truly unique bike! Some of the posh kids around passed the
odd comment because it was a MK1 chopper and built at home, but I really didn’t
care. It rode as good as it looked. My dad really should have been a bike
builder and not an electrician, the world would have been a safer place.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; mso-themecolor: text2;">At primary school we weren’t allowed to ride bikes to
school, except for cycling proficiency training and <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the subsequent test. This would be my first
act of rebellion – I had a great Aunty Nelly who lived by the school and agreed
daytime parking in her coal shed. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Headmaster
and his rules for limiting the mobility of the proletariat completely stuffed!
There were some unhappy faces on the school walk when I cruised past. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; mso-themecolor: text2;">Aunty Nelly and her husband great Uncle Edgar were on
my Nans side of the family. A long and proud family of miners – rules were for
breaking. At work I’ve run into the trust fund socialists who talk about
helping the miners under Thatcher, I shock them when I reply I helped the cause
in the 1970s strike and the 80s. Yes I was only 7 years old when Uncles Edgar,
Harry H, Harry T and cousin Dennis used to call and see my Nan after the daily
punch up with the police and scabs outside the pit. My mum and I were on tea
duty, in addition to that I was even sent to school in red football socks to
wind up my infants teacher who we suspected was a tory. My granddad (Nans side)
had died in 1957 due to a coal industry related illness, he had been
fundamental in unionising the Shropshire coalfield – hence the daily visits
during the strike and regular weekly visits from a member of the extended
family during the rest of the year. Then people wonder where my politics come
from!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; mso-themecolor: text2;">Back to the bikes! My Chopper finally gave in around 1981
when the bottom bracket finally succumbed to metal fatigue. Before it died it
had one surprise for dad, it nearly killed him and would have been YouTube gold
today. While I was away at school he decided to borrow it to cycle to Beverley
(about two miles away) to buy a part for his marooned car. Dad didn’t know
that the MK1 Chopper had a design feature – it pulled wheelies really easily.
The MK2 had extended wheel stays to take the danger or fun away (depending if
you’re a parent or child).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; mso-themecolor: text2;">The M54 extension hadn’t been built then and the
Snedshill Furnace junction was very busy, complete with HGVs, cars and the odd
tank road testing from COD Donnington. Into this maelstrom of traffic ventures
my father, who decides in order to get across the junction he has to push down extra
hard on the peddles. Picture my turquoise mean machine with a Hitler look-a-like
(he does) in brown nylon flares pulling a wheelie across a T junction on a busy A
road - while trying to stay on the saddle. Something he failed at as he landed
arse first in the middle of the road. Of course it was my fault!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite being locked up in school some 20
miles away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; mso-themecolor: text2;">The next bike also had history – a Black Hawk 10 speed.
My mum worked at Woolworths, a customer had paid a deposit for the bike but
failed to collect it. So the manager let mum have it at cost price as the
deposit covered the mark up. This bike would carry me for 100s of miles. One of
the few advantages of being locked away in a dingy boarding school was a bike
mad form tutor - Mr. Devy. He would organise youth hostel trips to avoid
weekend duties. We started local venturing to South Shropshire and built up to
further afield. One weekend we got as far as Malvern – 125 mile round trip. He
also started a tradition that I have continued with my own pupils – when hillwalking
every summit is a chocolate stop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Following the trips with Devy I haven’t really been off a bike since.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; mso-themecolor: text2;">As a teacher I don’t think I would be allowed to run some
of his trips today – main roads, no support vehicle, no mobile phones, only a
vague idea of a route and as for risk assessment; did they ever exist before
1995? Well he did teach us to ride defensively, so we didn’t have accidents and
I have evolved to become the mamil that drivers just love to hate!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; mso-themecolor: text2;">Therefore <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>as I
train for the London 100, if you feel intimated by a large lycra clad cyclist
who will not allow you to own the road, who will try and chase you down and who
has a very prominent middle finger. Just remember it’s nothing personal, I have
cycling in the DNA!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15062585593392421529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3131154121088446961.post-65778958630112744402014-09-15T20:36:00.002+01:002014-09-15T20:36:42.188+01:00A new way of seeing your three star!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ok I decided it was time for a blog when I couldn’t fit all
the news onto the Facebook page. Firstly I’ve been on my three yearly coach
update course – which is always painful and I normally don’t achieve much apart
from getting revalidated for three years.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This year did have some high points, mainly standardising
what is expected for a pass at 3 star WW kayak. The BCU are looking for a more
holistic approach, rather than performing a set of well drilled strokes / tasks
– an approach we’ve always favoured at AR Kayaking.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So here’s the low down.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Why use a low brace for turns? Impedes forward
motion. Read the water and go.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Draw on the move only as a correction. I still
have reservations about the use of draw strokes, but this is used more as a bow
draw when things are about to go pear shaped.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hanging draw – as taught to our clients!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Skulling – why bother? Paddler gets tired and
falls in anyway. Release pressure on blade and PLF out of stopper.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">High and Low brace – active use of blade.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rolling. Be able to roll up from a capsize on
either side, this doesn’t mean roll on each side - just if you fall in on any
side you can get up. This reflects real paddling, unless you’re performing at
the highest level you will always go for your strongest side.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Surfing stroke – higher angle of paddle, can be
adjusted to suit water.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bow rudder – anywhere that is effective for your
boat and is forward of the hips.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Run the river!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">To help anyone who may have been trained under a previous
three star syllabus or anyone who just wants to be a better paddler; we’re
running a Three Star Tune Up on 11<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> October – probably at
Llangollen.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If any coach doesn’t agree with the above, don’t bother
complaining to me – talk to the WM BCU coaching rep. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Other news is we're looking to run a Stand-up For Cancer Day around the 17/10/14. We'll announce details once we've got the ok for river access.</span></div>
</div>
Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15062585593392421529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3131154121088446961.post-20827399602456121742014-07-07T22:04:00.002+01:002014-07-07T22:08:38.113+01:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today I saw a business consultant. I remember as a very
bored 14 year old lying around feeling ill, I read a computer magazine cover to
cover. It was in 1982 when computer magazines were orientated towards business
and not gamers, it said. “… A consultant is someone who gets paid for telling
you nothing about your business and supplies worthless advice.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Looks like no change there in 32 years! Just glad the
government were paying her wages and not me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m just glad the river awaits and will always be my friend.
It can deliver a good kicking when you least expect it, it can give you great
joy, but it will always help clear your head and put life into perspective.
Doug Ammons said it’s like a band of brothers on the water, I think he might be
right. There are two types of people in the world – those who paddle and lower
life forms. At present I feel that I have more in common with the little
furry creature we saw playing in the river last week than all the office bints
I have encountered with their lacquered hair and plastic lives over the past
week..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, see you on the water all you higher life forms! Water
dwellers do rule the planet - just ask any Cetacean.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15062585593392421529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3131154121088446961.post-65626354753095132012013-10-21T21:30:00.001+01:002013-10-21T21:30:29.922+01:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Okay, I had written a 720 word blog for this month to celebrate the whitewater season kicking off. After Pam had a read it and talked reason, I decided not to post for legal reasons. There maybe an edited version out soon, or if you're really interested I may consider email requests for a copy.</div>
Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15062585593392421529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3131154121088446961.post-48462262110773459092013-05-20T17:36:00.003+01:002013-05-20T17:36:43.584+01:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: blue;">Rivers have been a bit high. So yesterday we took Phil abseiling. 140ft wasn't bad for his first go.</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;">See</span><br />
<a href="http://youtu.be/4Kga9wCmwds"><span style="color: blue;">http://youtu.be/4Kga9wCmwds</span></a></div>
Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15062585593392421529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3131154121088446961.post-80989900228146185522013-04-18T17:08:00.001+01:002013-04-18T17:08:24.834+01:00Quick update.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I promise a full blog to come later, this is just a quick news update.<br />
First we've had to put our prices up, but don't worry - we're offering 10% off course prices with a Telford Loyalty Card or membership of a TUC affiliated union!<br />
<br />
Also:-<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Now there weather has warmed up we're back out on the water!</li>
<li>If you live in London look out for our new advertising campaign. One free place on any course or with any group booking for the first person to return a cut out advert with a booking form.</li>
<li>Anyone fancy a whitewater paddle in Scotland this summer? Give me a call for details.</li>
</ul>
See you on the water.<br />
<br />
Andrew </div>
Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15062585593392421529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3131154121088446961.post-23906439131760684292012-12-17T21:33:00.000+00:002012-12-17T21:37:33.522+00:00A blog at last!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I've been told it's about time I post another blog. Okay, I admit it's been a time since the last one! To be honest I hate computers, I really loath the time spent on them - if I'm sat at a computer it's because something is stopping me from doing something more interesting. This is usually weather, darkness or pressure from an outside source such as the day job or HMRC.<br />
<br />
I believe most of the stress in modern life is computer generated. They don't labour save, they create work - either because we now have to complete work on line, produce documents that previously were the domain of specialist printers or simply because some bureaucrat can now produce virtual paperwork faster than trees could have produced real paper in times gone.<br />
<br />
Where does all this lead? There are millions of people living in identical houses, driving identical cars and slaving away at jobs they hate for bosses who should have been lobotomised years ago in order to protect the population. That's why I live in a house built around 1880, drive a van to work and a 33 year old car for fun. Mondeo man? Never!<br />
<br />
<em>Who publishes the sheet-music of the winds or the music of water written in river-lines? </em><br />
<em> Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wildness is a necessity; and that mountain parks and reservations are useful not only as fountains of timber and irrigating rivers, but as fountains of life. </em><br />
<em> Nature is always lovely, invincible, glad, whatever is done and suffered by her creatures. All scars she heals, whether in rocks or water or sky or hearts. </em><br />
<em> No dogma taught by the present civilization seems to form so insuperable an obstacle in the way of a right understanding of the relations which culture sustains to wildness as that which regards the world as made especially for the uses of man. Every animal, plant, and crystal controverts it in the plainest terms. Yet it is taught from century to century as something ever new and precious, and in the resulting darkness the enormous conceit is allowed to go unchallenged." <br /> - from </em><a href="http://www.sierraclub.org/john_muir_exhibit/writings/wild_wool.html"><em>"Wild Wool"</em></a><em>, John Muir 1875.</em> <br />
<br />
So whatever you pledge to do next year, just go outside - walk a mountain, paddle a river or lake, just go outside!<br />
</div>
Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15062585593392421529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3131154121088446961.post-11057945697878265542012-08-02T21:30:00.002+01:002012-08-02T21:30:42.893+01:00Coach or instructor?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">UKCC Paddlesport coach
or canoeing instructor? I understand the title is causing confusion and frustration
among some water sports professionals out there. Being labelled instructors is
becoming a derogatory term used to describe those of us who qualified before
the BCU went down the UKCC route of qualification. Four letters don’t make a
coach, it’s the years of experience and depth of knowledge that we bring to our
sport that defines a coach. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Just for the record I
started coaching in 1992, in cricket and not paddlesports! There’s a revelation.
When I was a young newly qualified teacher the </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Lord's
Taverners put money into schools to pay for coaching and to train teachers to
teach cricket. We had a very inspirational coach come to our school in the form
of Gordon Lord – a former Worcestershire player who would go onto to coach the
England under 21 side. Gordon not only taught our pupils how to play cricket,
but instilled into them the values of fair and sporting conduct. Values that
were sadly amiss out on the housing estate where most of the pupils came from. Gordon
also taught me how to assess movement and adapt coaching models to meet
individual needs. The most dramatic of these adaptations was a tiny 10 year old
girl who could bowl fast, but always bowled wide. Solution? Bowl round the
wicket, rather than over the wicket – Shane Warne style! This resulted in some
ball tearing deliveries that put fear into even the hardest year 6 boy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Gaining a teachers certificate in cricket
allowed myself and a likeminded colleague (who coached cricket and ice hockey)
to feed into the National Coaching Foundation courses available locally. These
courses gave us a basic grounding in physiology and sport psychology. Okay, we weren’t
going to be Olympic coaches, but at least we now knew what made an athlete tick
and how to motivate.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It wasn’t long after this that I returned to
kayaking – one fateful Friday when Pam threatened to burn my boat if I didn’t
paddle it again. I then ran into a coach called Tim who laid down the basics
that I still incorporate into my coaching. Tim also gave me the confidence to
go after coaching awards and I entered the BCU scheme directly at level 2 –
like many experienced paddlers at the time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Once qualified I met Phil Russell and was
dragged into founding Shropshire Paddlesport Club. Phil and I didn’t always see
things the same way, but the club would go on to dominate the youth competition
scene for many seasons and produced several British team members. I perhaps
didn’t appreciate Phil’s input at the time, but he certainly gave me breath of
experience. Phil’s philosophy was simple – if you’re coaching, you should be
able to paddle any boat put in front of you. You should also give your athlete
the best possible chance of success. Watching the Olympic slalom this week Pam
and I joked that we’ve finally found out what happens at the end of the start
countdown. 3-2-1-GO! We were never around to hear GO! We were on our way to the
first gate after 1.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Phil encouraged us all to take part in
competition and I think every paddler should try it at least once. It gives a
different view to the sport – just ask Pam what it’s like to tackle Jackfield
in a white water racer. Competing in slalom made me learn to use river features
to get around the river, rather than just trying to power down it and paddling
a sprint C1 was just ridiculous.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It is this “can do” ethos of coaching that I’ve
now taken into AR Kayaking. Some mornings I take a complete novice and put them
in a boat, usually by the afternoon they’re running their first grade 2. Steep
learning curve? Or just 20 years of coaching experience coming into play? Coach
or instructor? You tell me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15062585593392421529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3131154121088446961.post-69289855103046400872012-06-19T17:06:00.001+01:002012-06-19T17:06:56.640+01:00Llangollen trip<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://youtu.be/niRoR1ZvqYw?hd=1">See video of the day out to Llangollen</a><br />
<br />
Not much work with customers due to high river levels. So Saturday saw Phil and I head off to Llangollen for a bit of high water paddling. Use the link above if you want to see what is so good about paddling a river in spate!</div>Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15062585593392421529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3131154121088446961.post-33145393077696511642012-06-05T16:07:00.000+01:002012-06-05T16:07:01.450+01:00Wild wet weekend.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Firstly congratulations to Chris and Teresa for passing
their NNAS Silver Award in dreadful conditions at the weekend – gales, rain and
hill fog! You had it all and if you could navigate through that, you should be
able to find your way through anything.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Conditions were so bad we even had to take a detour to The
Bog Visitors Centre – which does some of the best home baked cakes in Shropshire!
Usually I manage to avoid a cake stop on assessment courses, but this one was truly
earned and the opportunity gratefully received by all, including Derek from
NNAS who had come along to moderate the course. Poor Guy, he had left near
perfect conditions in Cumbria to take a battering from our beloved Shropshire
weather. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I enjoy teaching the NNAS awards, quite often I get people on
courses who have done a bit of hillwalking but are put off by the prospect of
how serious getting lost could be. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
hope our approach to teaching navigation leaves them confident and competent to
go off and explore our amazing hills and mountains for themselves. I’ve always
enjoyed going into the hills, just to see what’s there. This goes back to
spending what felt like endless Sunday afternoons as a bored child looking out
of my Aunty Beryl’s cottage at the Welsh mountains (namely Cadair Idris and
Bird Rock) and wondering what it would be like to be up there looking down at
these boring people so engrossed in The Weekly News. The wondering lead to me volunteering
for the Ten Tors Expedition at school and the rest is history. I’m definitely in
the lets go explore fraternity, rather than the how vast can we do it, is there
a certificate or how much are you going to sponsor me camps? Visiting wild
places really should be about enjoying them for their own value and despite not
having any great technically difficult terrain locally, Shropshire does have
some great places to visit and would urge you all to park up and go for a walk or
a paddle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Paddling kayaks, canoes and boards are just a different way
of traveling through a landscape and I wish people could see the potential of
crossing disciplines in order to get the most out of an area. Particularly with
SUP boards – okay I have a vested interest here as I sell boards, but they are
so versatile. They are light, cruise like a canoe and a large board can carry a
substantial load when fitted with the correct dry bags (available from us). SUP
really is like an extension of walking, but on water! Something I should have
mentioned to the Jehovah’s Witnesses who called today.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My own fault really, last time they called I swapped them a
Watch Tower for a Socialist Worker and never expected to see them again, well
they came back to see how I got on. This time I did try selling them a kayak lesson,
but they weren’t game – despite some strong arguments taken from the book of
Revelation. So my message is to get out and enjoy the wilderness, or as John
Muir once said – make the mountain smile.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15062585593392421529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3131154121088446961.post-19884793809316724362012-04-17T20:44:00.000+01:002012-04-17T20:44:02.308+01:00Websites uploaded - at last!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I've finally finshed the <a href="http://www.arksurfing.co.uk/">www.arksurfing.co.uk</a> website and done a quick tart up on the <a href="http://www.arkayaking.co.uk/">www.arkayaking.co.uk</a> websites! The main reason for splitting them is that the original website was getting a but too big for its self, also people coming from the adverts in Carve (and on their website) were a bit put off buying surf equipment from a a kayak site.<br />
<br />
Yes it was abit confussing. Ideally we would like to be selling boats as well, but most of you know the story of the manufacturers, the estate agent and the little rich girl! If not, buy me a pint and prepare for a long night.<br />
<br />
I did intend to have an Endless Summer this year, but timing a trip to Lanzarote in February with the arrival of spring in the UK hasn't quite gone to plan. I can recommend a good SUP school in Lanzarote and according to Pam and her mate the instructor down there isn't bad either. Going down there has made me see the ocean in a new light, part repect and part awe. Hence I hope to get some sea kayaking in once the weather gives! My last attempted trip didn't happen due to adverse weather in the Irish sea, this wasn't a matter of just whimping out - a ship got washed onto shore in North Wales only hours before I attempted to open the car door in Holyhead. I was so glad when my instructor for the day suggested a cafe instead.<br />
<br />
Anyway, the Severn still has some water in it despite the pictures in the Shropshire Star saying otherwise, it's amazing what can be achieved with a low camera angle! Summer on the river should be interesting this year as there appears to be an increasing number of Ironbridge cowboys plying their trade out on the water. I wonder how many of these so called instructors are actually qualified? Last summer I had one of them ask me to do his 1,2 and 3 star courses back to back. Turned out the HSE were interested in him for offering instruction to under 18s without proper training. I'm sure many of the operators down there arn't registered companies. They go out with little or no insurance and put any money they take in their back pocket to buy another substandard boat off the internet! Next time you hire an instructor ask for the paperwork!<br />
<br />
We've also had a spate of customers not turn up. Until now I've been reluctant to ask for money up front as most people do turn up and thoses who don't usually have good reason and re-book for another date. This lot didn't, just phoned me at 5.30pm on Friday (the day before paddling) to say their plans had changed - no apology. On the Sunday the next set clients just didn't turn up, resulting in Phil and I waiting around for a hour in the Dale End car park. Hence from now on it's payment before paddling! I believe in part it's adventure sports websites and the sort of people who feel a need to use them. We've been listed on one such site without our consent, I only stuck with it because some of compeitors are on it. I have yet to get one firm booking from the site, the people who go through such sites are usually in search of adventure in cotton wool and don't like the thought of cold water, physical exertion and the usual stuff that goes with learning to paddle! They just want photographs to impress their colleagues (they don't have friends) on Monday in the office; learning a sport and loving the outdoors doesn't figure.<br />
<br />
Anyway, client no show = good session for instructors! Phil, Jim and I all went down to Jackfield for a play - and what a play it was! Shame I didn't have the Kaos with me, but it's still a little cold for the micro boat as I can't fit in it with my drysuit on.<br />
<br />
See you all back on the water!<br />
<br />
Andrew<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15062585593392421529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3131154121088446961.post-80290411155824674032012-01-09T19:53:00.000+00:002012-01-09T19:53:13.005+00:00Winter Blues<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So far not a good winter! Head full of snot, followed by sinus infection, followed by another cold as a result of being around unhealthy people. Visiting hospitals can really be bad for your health!<br />
<br />
Now the head is clear I might even get out and paddle - especially now the rivers are back down into the relms of being padlled by us mortals. Any Smurfs ready to get wet?</div>Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15062585593392421529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3131154121088446961.post-73832294608827803952011-10-02T17:04:00.000+01:002011-10-02T17:05:23.935+01:00Turned out nice again!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The weather has been outstanding! While looking at the home page on the
website I realised that the video of the Smurfs heading off to Jackfield was
shot on 2<sup>nd</sup> October 2010, how different the weather is a year on. We
headed down the <st1:place w:st="on">Severn</st1:place> prepared for a cold
session and were quite happy not to be freezing. Yesterday I went to Burton on
Trent for a FSRT provider’s course and wearing a drysuit became more an act of
endurance that the necessity it had been last October. I could have got away
with sharing intimate contact with the water, but there’s probably a very good
reason that the water of the <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Trent</st1:place></st1:city>
became famous for being turned into beer and not taken for its healing
properties.<br />
<br />
Hence today has become a rest day, much needed after spending Friday night listening
to the traffic on the A38. Why do hotel chains put their buildings on industrial
estates? Certainly isn’t for the benefit of their guests. Rest day means the
course calendar has finally been updated and I may even make a start on the
staff profiles. As for the shop prices, this may take a lot longer as I’m not yet
suffering from the sort of downward spiralling geekery that motivates me to
spend hours producing PayPal button scripts. Just the thought of it is a cure
for insomnia, so if you’re after a bargin checkout the shop. The prices are
listed still haven’t had the VAT updated on many items.<br />
<br />
I know we’re still not as cheap as some of the outdoor superstores, but
there is still a degree of ethics in our lines. We do source from <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">UK</st1:place></st1:country-region> companies
(even if they choose to get the stuff made up aboard – their choice not ours)
and paying a little more to the manufacturer helps pay for continuing research
and development. Something that is being eroded by the big stores buying in
bulk, the amount they buy means they could be stocked for up to two years and
the price they pay means less funding is available for R&D. This why boat
design may not be changing a fast as it was ten years ago and why designs have
ceased being radical. So next time you see a cheap piece of kit at a large superstore
just off the motorway – just think about what you’re buying into. As for ebay –
don’t even get me started on that one!<br />
<br />
Anyway, back to the weather. The dry spell may have seen some rivers at an
all time low, but it has meant no summer floods for the first time in years and
a summer season without any courses being rescheduled and no dodging day boats
on the canal. It has also meant more clients out on the water and hopefully
more people deciding to take up paddling as a sport. <br />
<br />
As the long days of summer drop into the dark depths of winter the rivers
will once more fill and begin to flow. When this happens expect to see us out
on the water and hopefully you will feel inspired to join us!<o:p></o:p></div>
Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15062585593392421529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3131154121088446961.post-24795968888131875732011-08-24T12:46:00.000+01:002011-08-24T12:46:29.700+01:00Busy time out on the water!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> When the school holidays started, activity certainly cranked up! The usual diet of BCU Star Awards were supplemented by some unusual family days on the water. Firstly c<span style="background: white;">ongratulations to </span>Greg and Patrick on passing their three star award. Not only did they have a rewarding day at Llangollen, but I think they may also have joined the darkside - short boats, steep waves and fast moves.<br />
<br />
One of the family days had Ray and his family join us to celebrate his 60th birthday. This saw us taking out a mixed fleet of open canoes, kayaks with much laughter as we guided the group of 9 around Ironbridge. Such a large group of novices was a new experience for us and I'm glad we were able to make Ray's day such a success.<br />
<br />
Another first was taking Jamie, Jed, Zak and their parents down Jackfield. Nothing new there, except I think the 8 year may now hold the record for the youngest person to paddle down Jackfield under his own steam. We've certainly never taken such a young paddler down the rapid and I don't know of any other 8 year olds who've paddled a kayak on their own down there. Please let me know if you know otherwise! From a safety point, paddling young children down simple white water works if there are enough competent staff to guide them and the child feels safe and confident. All three were in place for our trip.<br />
<br />
This summer has also seen us take the decision not to renew our AALA Licence. This is because AALS will be wound up next year as part of government savings. To renew I would still have to pay for a full 3 year licence with no refund for the time after abolition.<br />
<br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"There is a fee of £715 to be paid when you submit your application – unless the fee is sent with your application, it will not be processed. You should note that the licence fee covers some of the costs of processing your application, carrying out the inspection and preparing the report that must take place before a licence is issued. It is the stated intent of Her Majesty’s Government that the adventure activities licensing regime will end at some point, and it is anticipated that licensing will remain at least until autumn 2012. You should be aware that in line with HM Treasury rules, there will be no refund of any fees paid in respect of any unexpired duration of your licence at the time the regime ends You are reminded that you must have a valid licence at any time you are providing in scope activities – it is an offence to provide activities without one ." <o:p></o:p></i><br />
<a href="http://www.hse.gov.uk/aala/apply-for-a-licence.htm"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.hse.gov.uk/aala/apply-for-a-licence.htm</span></a><br />
<br />
The only difference not having a licence will make is that under 18s will have to be <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>accompanied by a responsible adult - something we have always encouraged and a situation that happens for the majority of sessions as parents usually want to paddle with their children. The lack of licence will not affect any aspect of our work as we already adopt safety standards from the BCU and the local educations authorities with whom we have close contact. Many of the standards we work to are in excess of those laid down by AALA and our staff are far more qualified and experienced than many of the centres and companies operating locally. To reiterate this point I’m going to be adding staff profiles and some detail about us to the website. I hope this will showcase the high standards we work to and help make the point that some of the cheaper activity providers do not always offer the same high standards of service.<br />
</div>Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15062585593392421529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3131154121088446961.post-41776084239399598332011-07-25T20:58:00.000+01:002011-07-25T20:58:35.313+01:00Open boating!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AUYn60nMvg0/Ti3HoR6SfxI/AAAAAAAAACo/CCg7sSvvnwY/s1600/beard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AUYn60nMvg0/Ti3HoR6SfxI/AAAAAAAAACo/CCg7sSvvnwY/s320/beard.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After years of trying to avoid getting in open canoes, I've finally wasted a weekend getting to know them and passed my 3 star for canoe. As a confirmed kayaker I've always held the view that such boats are for beardie weirdies - well if you can't beat them.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Despite getting some criticism of my stroke work, I did get a compliment for running ballsy lines, well no change there then! So if anyone fancies a play this week, I'll reach deep in the shed and dust off the Kaos. I may also have a shave.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Happy paddling - what ever your craft!</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div>Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15062585593392421529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3131154121088446961.post-12226755337493915032011-07-05T20:20:00.000+01:002011-07-05T20:24:13.120+01:00Blog at last!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">With a busy summer, writing the blog has been at the bottom of the priority list! Loads of time on the water has resulted in many happy customers getting the training they need and those much deserved certificates!<br />
<br />
Since last time of writing, I've also had a visit from the karma police and a much heralded swim in the Tryweryn. The water spirits get us all eventually! Just nature's way of reminding us who is in charge out there. Talking of nature, the river levels have been up and down this last month, although luckily not enough to cancel sessions, but a two star course nearly had to look for a new venue.<br />
<br />
The big news since the last blog has been we nearly acquired some premises in Ironbridge, I say nearly because we have been badly let down by the freeholders who were going to lease the site to us. After all the hard work put in by ourselves, the support staff at Natwest bank and our accountant this has been quite a deflating experience. One thing I have learnt from the experience is that rich people really are bone idle and I don't like estate agents.<br />
<br />
So here's to a summer on the water and see you all out there paddling what ever floats!</div>Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15062585593392421529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3131154121088446961.post-19198640619603765152011-05-27T19:15:00.000+01:002011-05-27T19:15:06.441+01:00Getting ready for another busy Bank Holiday<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9TsXwEezIZI/Td_p-hIxy1I/AAAAAAAAACk/nrWl6AZ_34s/s1600/Photo0060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9TsXwEezIZI/Td_p-hIxy1I/AAAAAAAAACk/nrWl6AZ_34s/s320/Photo0060.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Friday night at AR Kayaking!</div></div>Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15062585593392421529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3131154121088446961.post-87254708502986714542011-05-16T20:50:00.000+01:002011-05-16T20:50:26.814+01:00What no blog?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Yes folks, I know it's been a long time since the last AR Kayaking entry, but we've been kind of busy out on the water. The good weather saw an influx of paddling customers over Easter for both kayaking and paddle boarding; plus we had to take some time out to enjoy a paddle ourselves.<br />
<br />
The weather may have been warm but it's played havoc with water levels and a trip down Jackfield was slowly becoming a lesson in rock slalom. Hopefully a bit of rain might be now falling in the right place just to top things up a little. Only problem could be a repeat of the summers of 2007 and 2008; this was when we were just starting out and we don't want that much water falling from the sky again - as a company we nearly had to call it a day before we'd started.<br />
<br />
The only problem now is after a warm spell is that returning to thermals, fleece, dry tops and pants; feels horrible! So that takes me to yesterday's trip down the Tryweryn. Yes it was back into the winter gear, okay we didn't need to dress like the Michelin man, but neither was it a rashie and shorts weather.<br />
<br />
The trip posed the question -what do you call a wet smurf? Anything you like - cos he can't hear you when he's swimming. Yes folks - team Smurf was unleashed on the Tryweryn and a few swims were endured by some of our members and more more swims by some than others! I was meant to be having a quiet relaxing paddle, but I ended up chasing more boats than on one of our client based whitewater trips. To protect the guilty I'm not going to name the swimmers, but some of us may enjoy some gloating until it's our turn!<br />
<br />
The difference was that yesterday's trip was mates in boats, the sort of trip that allows people to take a few risks, try a few new lines and generally push themselves beyond the safe containment of an organised course. That's why I often recommend that following a training course people go off and do some paddling with either like minded people or good club. Courses will outline the skills you need to attain certain level of competence, assessment will even provide evidence of skill, but it is time spent out there getting to grips with the water that counts and changes you from someone who paddles into a paddler.<br />
<br />
That's why I'm a real fan of playboating and slalom. Both disciplines will help you build a set of skills that could one day save you from a cold swim. It's never too late to buy a ridiculously small boat and spend many an afternoon on your favourite wave or to start along the path of disciplined learning that will take you faster around the poles. Both disciplines are guaranteed to train your mind and body to achieve a Zen like relationship with the water you paddle.<br />
<br />
Before I go on for too long the message is simple - get out there and take the swims! They are all part of the learning curve. Well done to Simon, Stiffy and Tothy (The Smurfs) for taking the plunge on the path to enlightenment that is the Tryweryn.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: navy;"><em>Water is the best of all things.<small> </small></em></span><br />
<em> </em><br />
<span style="color: black;"><em>PINDAR (C. 522-C. 438 B.C.), Olympian Odes</em></span></div>Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15062585593392421529noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3131154121088446961.post-88595284241109644822011-04-13T13:06:00.000+01:002011-04-13T13:06:18.548+01:00Spring at last!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Congratulations to Matt, Max and Jack on passing their BCU Two Star Award. Well done guys, not only did you complete the award, but had a good clean run down Jackfield Rapid! Enjoy your trip down the Wye and I hope you get to use all your new skills.<br />
<br />
A first for AR Kayaking was our first all ladies group last Saturday - and what a course it was. I don't think so much fun has ever been had on the River Severn. A big thank you to Jackie, Amanda, Jane and Chris; for making a morning in canoes and kayaks so enjoyable. I hope the pictures appear on the web!<br />
<br />
Now we're well into BST the Thursday Night Sessions will be starting on 28th April. There has already been a lot of interest shown this year and we may have to run a booking system this year, so get any requests for favourite boats in early!<br />
<br />
See you on the water.</div>Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15062585593392421529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3131154121088446961.post-64224233740428768792011-03-21T20:57:00.000+00:002011-03-21T20:57:26.133+00:00Busy old month!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/pqXxgDn0WFk?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>With Welsh river levels on the rise Paddlemaster and the Smurfs headed off to the Banwy to get in what was to become a late season paddle. The Banwy is one of those strange rivers that needs loads of rain to make it do-able. Once the spring arrives it becomes a stone beach full of nettles, so this may have been the last chance to get down it before the end of winter.<br />
<br />
When we got to the river, the water level was already dropping and the sun poking out from behind the clouds. Although the trip was a bit of a scrape - Team Smurf acquitted themselves well with no major dunkings or swims. The video isn't our most exciting, but it does how beautiful the Banwy can be and how powerful the floods were this winter. Just take a look at the trees that have washed down and remember to respect the river, for even the mildest stream can become a raging giant.<br />
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Around this time a young man called Chris booked in for some coaching towards a Two Star assessment, after some intensive training I can congratulate him on passing his assessment.<br />
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March has also seen the return of weekly paddle sessions, until the clocks change these are going ahead on Saturday mornings. Once we're back to BST, regular Thursday night service will be resumed.This week saw the signs of spring on the Severn and an eager team of old and new paddlers heading upstream to the Buildwas play pot. This might not be a full on rapid, but it certainly gives newcomers a taste for playing the river.<br />
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Talking of playing, we've had a new addition to the AR Kayaking fleet - a little red Bigdog Kaos! At only 6'2" this boat fits nicely in the back of the car, giving plenty of opportunity to sneak a play session after work. So if you see someone on the Severn paddling what looks like a plastic bucket, it could be me!</div>Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15062585593392421529noreply@blogger.com0