Shropshire Paddlesport Blog

The 2009 flat water racing calendar has now been published. Selected highlights have been added into the club calendar on the blog. I have included all of the Midlands hasler races, the Sprint regattas, the descent races for next autumn and I have also included some extras - including some North West 10k races, the NW lightning events and fun races like the Ross Warland and the Reading K4s.
If anyone can provide me with entry level slalom and WWR events I will happily include them on the diary too.

Among the stack of awards for the British olympians I see that Dr Tim picked up an MBE for “services to sport”. Of course whether getting an MBE is recompense enough for everyone finding out that your full name is “Dr Jules Timothy BRABANTS” is questionable …

Now that the piles of wrapping paper and ribbon have been safely consigned to the bin (or the recycle pile if you’re being good), it’s time to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas…

OK, who got any really neat canoeing stuff then ?

Mike is organising a club open canoe trip on the 28th (Sunday) December at the Poachers Pocket near Chirk. This is a beautiful bit of canal and should be well worth doing. And it involves a pub so it must be good. Please contact Mike by the 27th if you’re interested.

Deb and I are both struggling with “the lurgy” so we won’t be out paddling this week. We hope you all have a pleasant and restful Christmas however and wherever you are spending it, and we’ll see you all in the New Year.

The last race of the year takes place at Soar Valley on 28th December - the Resolution Race.

A 12 mile course which seems to involve a choice between the river and the canal. Use of the river is dependent on water levels and obstructions and an overstern rudder is recommended.

Briefing is at 10.45am and the race starts at 11.00am.
***All boats Welcome ***
***Many Prizes***
***Refreshments***
Only £5.00 per Seat.
Including Soup and Mince Pie!!

Notice of intention to attend is much appreciated, please let Deb know if you want to go and she will forward an entry list. This event is held mid-winter, the weather can be adverse. Please wear appropriate clothing for the conditions of the day. Usual marathon rules on Buoyancy Aids. Inexperienced paddlers are encouraged to accompany experienced paddlers in double Canoes/Kayaks.

An excellent chance for those of you who wish you had done the Ross Warland.

Hopefully most of you have seen the email from Nigel (via Mike) but we’re currently putting together the coaching rota for the next two blocks of Saturday evening pool sessions which will be running after Christmas.

Anyone who is available to either lead (counts towards the pay-back hours on your coaching contract) or assist with any of these sessions can you please get in touch with Nigel as soon as possible please.

Dates for the Midlands Duathlon series have just been announced.

There are 4 races each of which comprise a short run, a short paddle and an even shorter run. Distances are based on divisions so div 7, 8 and 9 paddlers do a 2k Run – 4k Paddle – 1k Run.  Lightnings do a 1k Run followed by a 2k Paddle (normal lightning distance). Div 1-6 paddlers go further - 4k Run – 6k Paddle – 2k Run.

There are points for competitors - like hasler races, the person who comes first gets 20 points, second gets 19 etc.  Prizes are given for the first 3 places in each event.
At the end of the series there will be overall prizes for the first 3 clubs and first 3 competitors in each category.: The overall prizes will be based on the best 3 results from the 4 races

Dates & Times
ANKER VALLEY - SATURDAY 10th JANUARY 09
FLADBURY - SATURDAY 24th JANUARY 09
SHROPSHIRE - SATURDAY 7th FEBRUARY 09 (in Shrewsbury since we’re currently shedless)
BURTON - SATURDAY 28th FEBRUARY 09

Lets see if we can pull together a reasonable club presence.  If you don’t want to compete, I’m sure Bruce would appreciate some help in organising our race!

On Tuesday the section of canal infront of the shed, between the bridges was free of ice.

Today it is totally frozen.

If the canal is frozen on Saturday like it was tonight, the bellboat might get through but racing boats would take serious damage.

Can somebody living near the canal check it tomorrow and post an update here. (You don’t have to be registered to post comments.)

cheers!

When Deb and I used to belong to the Potteries paddlers in Stoke on Trent, one of their trips was a “sociable” paddle on New Year’s day morning - a nice gentle couple of hours paddle ending up in the pub for a warm up (or a hair-of-the-dog) depending on how alcoholic your previous night’s partying was.

Does anyone fancy doing the same this year somewhere around here? Something not too strenuous (and which hopefully doesn’t involve breaking any ice)…