Towing on Killington Lake

11 June 2024.

We were blessed with a flat calm summer’s evening for a session on towing led by John S. We started with an indoor session going through different towing systems before heading out onto the lake to try out numerous different ways of towing people short or long distance including different tandem tows. For some in the group this was their first time towing, for others a good revision of a useful skill, not often used, but good to know what to do if in a situation where it’s needed. 

Alistair H meanwhile had a go at the 4km timed course on a SUP, his verdict: A good course. Hard work but enjoyable.

The polo players were doing their stuff and there were loads of under 10’s messing about in a variety of craft, fun was had by all.

Sally

A Rubbish Day on the Kent

Sunday 9th June 2024.

It was a cold drizzly day on Sunday but that didn’t stop almost 30 people from gathering in Staveley to help clear litter from the river Kent. Organised by Lakeland Canoe Club, in conjunction with the Clear River Kent Campaign the event had morphed from Robin asking, “Can you just contact Paddle UK during the Big Paddle Clean Up week for some kit?” to an event that involved the production of posters, risk assessments,  a search for a walking leader and a photographer, approval from various local councils and the Environmental Agency, and the baking of copious amount of cake!!

One the day we had walkers of all ages and half a dozen kayakers including, thanks to Pete G, a big raft paddled by the Kendal Mountain Rescue Team. Everyone donned their walking boots, wellies and dry suits, Phil C gave a rallying speech, and after the starting photo, which the photographer complained was like herding cats, started to walk or paddle the Kent down to Burneside.

Eventually the rain cleared and although the kayakers did more walking than paddling, due to low river levels, everyone had a great time picking up items such as netting, bottles and cans and the ubiquitous dog poo bags. The kayakers somehow managed to bring back a trampoline, whilst learning about otter poo and the walkers were honoured with displays of swallows and martins. After 2 hours of litter picking everyone gathered on the Millenium green in Burneside to meet new people, compare litter picking stories and consume cake.

I didn’t actually manage the paddle but the photos are testament to a fun day enjoyed by all.

Natalie

Shore based sea kayaking safety session.

Wednesday 5^th July 2024

Kendal Leisure Centre

Eight sea kayakers took the opportunity to listen as Robin shared his experience of many years of sea kayaking, covering a range of topics with a great mixture of slides and tales of daring do. His approach was to discuss options rather than dictate what should be done and this prompted some lively and useful discussions.

Topics covered were

– understanding weather forecasts and which apps are available to help the decision process. The effects of wind, waves and swell, especially when considering beach landings. Why the answer to the question “what conditions can I paddle in?” is always “It depends”

– summoning help; radios, their advantages and shortfalls, flares, electronic flares, Personal Locator Beacons, strobe lights and of course the ubiquitous mobile phone. What happens on a Mayday call and how it can be relayed from a low power kayak radio at sea level via a larger vessel with a higher aerial and more powerful radio.

– broken boats; materials to carry to enable running repairs to hatch covers, skegs, and hulls. Tips and techniques for on the water repairs to get you to safety. Which sticky gooey stuff is the stickiest and gooiest when wet.

– navigation; map apps, OS land based v’ nautical charts, backups. OS locate.

I’m sure that everyone learned something new, even Robin; a very big thanks to him for giving up his evening and lugging a sea kayak into the meeting too.

EricD

Spring canal paddle

29 May 2024

By the end of May you would expect quite a pleasant day for a leisurely paddle from Bolton le Sands to Tewitfield along the Lancaster Canal.
The forecast was reasonable with some sunshine, light winds from the west and a slight possibility of a shower.

It started well with George, Barry, Ian Brown, John Hough, RoyG, Nicola, John&Jan, and PeteR ready to go by 9.45. Usual briefing to watch out for swans, fishermen and to drive on the right if we met a canal boat, and we were off.

Two hours to Tewitfield Marina in pleasant weather, George even stopping to apply sun protection. Wishful thinking there George!
A pleasant stop for lunch by the canal side, then the showers started.

Six sea kayaks set off back to the start before anyone got too chilly. John & Jan in an open canoe and JohnH solo in a canoe followed on hoping for a following wind to help the journey back.
The showers rolled in from Morecambe Bay and the wind from the SW made for a challenging return. Back by just after 3pm, the open boaters had a tough time.
A good day out in good company.
JohnS