Hare & Hounds 2

Following on from H&H 1, held in what could only be described as unpleasant conditions, with wind and flow combining to make life hard; what a pleasant change to find last Sunday's weather and river conditions being almost optimal for racing. If anything, it was almost too sunny and the race finish line officials found reading boat numbers particularly difficult (club issue Shades perhaps?). A few leaves had been around and in the river on the Saturday, but even these seemed to obligingly disappear for the following day. As a result, a nearly 100 strong turnout largely beat their target times and hardly any paddlers felt the need to swim.

Notable performances were too many to list in full with two course records being set; but for club veterans, Paul (Fish) Thompson stayed dry for a change and Michael Luck smashed the hour barrier for the first time in 10 years (his words!). Reports reached me that there was some havoc between a K2 quietly minding it's own business and a number of K1s taking up valuable river space - I can't think who they mean. A number of the juniors posted personal bests, led by Robert Harrison with an impressive sub 46 minutes time, whilst the junior K2 of Tom Goldsack and Samantha Martyn also showed up well. For the more experienced paddlers, the scratch K2 of Vicki Croucher and Calvin Freebody, despite prior protestation of not being in shape, still managed to limp home in 45 minutes. It wasn't just Wey members to the fore; Richmond provided a strong presence with over 25 paddlers and there were good turnouts from Royal and other local clubs. All in all a good day with thanks as ever to the team officiating and especially those manning (or perhaps more accurately womaning) the kitchen who all did a sterling job.

HASLER FINAL ENTRIES

Entries for the Hasler Finals at Wokingham on 30th September must be in by this Thursday 13th Sept at the very latest.
I have put entry form on the notice board please ensure we have your name on it.
With you coaches Mike and I will sit down and suggest you is doing K1 or K2.
This is event is very different to all the other marathons as the winning club is scored on its best 6 singles and best 3 doubles results.
Please make sure we have your name on the list.
In order to enter you need to have competed in 3 Hasler Qualifying races these can include the Marathon Assessment Races or the Norwich National Championships
If you have any doubts put your name on the board and see you coach or Mike or myself.
Thank you

Peter Gorman

Raft Race Mayhem !

The junior section of the club certainly came out in force for the annual Lions Raft Race last Saturday. In fact the club entry picked up no less than 8 awards - well done all !

From the younger paddle groups we had Pam's crew 'The Wey Wannabees'  a mixed crew who ran into trouble from the start - Pam nearly sunk the raft, she's only just turned 50 but we think there could be some middle age spread going on !

Then there was the all boy crew of 'The Wey Olympic Hope' who started off well but then ran into trouble when hijacked by another rowdy crew & Miki & Tom were thrown over board, Tom scrabbled back on quickly but Miki had a long swim on his hands in order to get  back to the raft - but they forged on !

The 'Wey-Ward Angels'  (looking anything but angelic) started well but by the end of the race looked like they were running out of steam - probably due to being weighed down by flour bombs which by the finish of the race had turned into dough !

All seemed to have a great time & seem to be keen to do it again -  but next time we need more 'amo' & less baggage (that counts you out Pam).

Results
The long standing speed time of 23 mins 30 sec, was broken by the Boys Team "Wey To Go" wining the Champion Raft Trophy with a time of 20mins 30secs. They also won 1st place in the Super Raft category. First place for the girls raft "Wey Girls" in the Ladies category and also won the Ladies speed Trophy with a time of 31mins 45secs. The Ladies were also the first raft to cross the finish line, after overtaking numerous rafts. Best Presented Youth Raft and Crew Trophywere won by "Wey Olympic Hope". The U16s rafts won 2nd, 3rd and 4th in the Youth Category, a mammoth task, well done.

Following blog written by Oliver aka O.B.S

We had a really fun day rafting down the Wey for team Olympic Hope... OBS, Felix, Jack, Henry, Miki, Tom, Alex and Jordon with Eric as our captain. We had great fun throwing flour bombs at the girls and splashing all the other competitors that dared to come in our way. We were hijacked half way down the river by a raft of pirates that pulled Miki and Tom off our raft and made them swim back to the safety of team Hope.

Captain Birds Eye Eric also throw buckets of cold water on to our raft from A3 bridge, we think there might be a bit of a pay back due next time we see him!!

A huge thank you to all of the coaches, Pam and parents that helped us build the raft so we share our trophy with you all. Thank you Captain Birds Eye Eric arrghhh!!

Club Colours !

Now that's what I call devotion to your club - when Tom had his 'train track' braces put on he asked for them to be blue & yellow - Wey to go Tom !

C2 Brave the Waves at Royal Marathon !

Saira who was competing in her first ever marathon canoe event at Royal yesturday looked incredably impressive along with her crew member Max - they stormed the start but due to the very challenging conditions were unable to maintain their lead, but both coped magnificantly, coming in a very credable 4th place. Big well done to all those that competed !

Hasler Trophy 2012 Update

Well done to all who went to Maidstone last weekend, it was great to see so many happy faces, good results as well.

This coming weekend 24th June is the Royal Marathon this is always a well attended event, and we can expect good to see a large number of competitors from Royal, Richmond and Elmbridge Canoe Clubs competing. The event is very well run, and refreshments are available before, during and after the race.

The river conditions at Royal can be a bit more demanding than the Wey so if you have any concerns please have a chat with your coach and maybe do K2 with a more experienced paddler.

Wey Kayak Club is currently leading the London and South East region with 36 points, but do under estimate the efforts that Royal, Richmond, and Elmbridge will make this weekend.

If you have not yet qualified for the Hasler final as an individual ie competed in 3 Hasler qualifying the following may help:-
1st July Wokingham
8th July Richmond
15th July Huntingdon, Ironbridge, and Bradford on Avon
19th August Tonbridge
25/26th August National Championships at Norwich
Please remember that if you want to race in the singles classes at the Hasler Final you need to have competed as a single in at least 3 Hasler qualifying races in year.

Happy paddling and look forward to seeing as many as possible Wey paddlers at Royal this weekend.

Maidstone Marathon

“the race was amazing, the river boats at Maidstone went really fast and we had to compete with big waves. Nearly fell in 5 times, but still a good laugh and went home with a medal and points for the club!!!” Jack Roadley

Lots of fun to be had at the Longridge activity weekend !

All present & correct - Oli,Felix,Sami,Jasper,Henry,Tom,Jack,Miki,Alex,Adam,Isla,Holly,Lucy,Ella J,Ella B,Sophie,Helen,Samantha & Emma

Ten boys & nine girls from the club spent the weekend trying their hand at team raft building, rock climbing & the 'awsome' giant swing all under the watchful eye of Pam & Eric - who are now lying down in a darkened room with sleep deprivation !
A fun time was had by all & here are some pics to prove it !

Boys it's supposed to go the other way round !

Miki just could not resist getting in a bit of 'Canoe'practice - Eric says "come back Miki !"

More pics form Longridge activity weekend !

Spiderman eat your heart out !

Attention !

Don't jump Ella !

Holly & Helen race for the top !

Ella B 'velcroed on '!

Longridge cont.....

Girls just like to have fun !!

Spot of sunbathing Helen ??

Decisions ,decisions & some sitting down on the job !

Can't resist a splash about - Ella J doing the blind fold challenge !

More pics from Longridge

Glad it's all over thumbs up ?

Is that pain or fear boys !?

Looks like a white knuckle or two !

Ahhhh smiles all round ...

Well not for long !

Hasler Marathons 2012 update

Well done to all our paddlers who have been competing in the Hasler Marathons this year. Its been good to see so many of you entering the races, as well as standing on the bank shouting support.
By my calculation (unofficial) the South East Regional Hasler Points are

Wey Kayak Club     681
Elmbridge                641
Tonbridge                629
Royal                       492
Richmond                477
Maidstone                369

As you can see pretty close.

We have 4 races left in our region and it is important that we maintain our focus on these races.

Maidstone    17th June
Royal           24th June
Richmond    8th July
Tonbridge    19th August

Please put these dates in your diary as well as the Hasler Final which is at Wokingham on 30th Sept.

I will put entry forms on the Club Notice Board and please talk to me and your coaches about K2s.

Rovers go Sea Kayaking

Fourteen intrepid explorers set off to Cobnor in Chichester Harbour to go sea kayaking on Sunday.  Andy Hall from the activity centre hosted the day for us.


What a day!  Clear blue skies, hot, but with a pleasant breeze.  Only a few of us had tried sea kayaking before, so there was a little trepidation as we sussed out the equipment and got the boats ready.  In reality the biggest worries were having enough water, enough sunblock and a big enough packed lunch to sustain us through the day.


We set off as the tide was beginning to come in and made our way out in to the harbour.  


Chichester is a large natural harbour to the south west of the city. It has wide expanses and intricate creeks, and lots of wildlife including fish (that jump out of the water all about you), birds (all sorts, and everywhere) and seals.


We paddled out along the sand banks towards Thorney Island. As the tide was low this took us right out into the harbour.  Pleasure boats and yachts were out and about, but we kept near to the sand banks out of their way.  The scenery out there was stunning, and so changable.  There were shimmeringn mists and mirages over the sand banks.  Boats and buoys appeared alternately in the water or high and dry on the sand.


Andy took us quietly up one of the small inlets with the hope of seeing a seal or two basking on the sand.  As we wound along the twisty path we could make out not just one or two, but about half a dozen lazing about in the sunshine.  There were more in the water too.  Their heads popping out of the water every now and again to stare at us. We must have been as much a sight to them as they were to us.  We drifted around them for about half an hour - close enough to hear them snorting and moving about.  Quite special.


Close by was a shingle beach, so we stopped for lunch on Thorney Island.

While we ate, the breeze died away and the water became as flat as a pancake.  The tide rose, so the route home got shorter and shorter.  We got back on the water and ventured over towards West Wittering beach.  Now, about halfway over we got to a shipping lane of some kind.  It was like the equivalent of the M25 in boating terms, and we had to get across it.  Apparently 12,500 craft regularly use the harbour including boats from 14 sailing clubs.  I think they were ALL out on Sunday!  We made a dash for it between yachts.  Made it; phew!  Mark celebrated with eskimo rolls, and the rest of us went for a swim at the beach.


With the help of the last of the incoming tide we slipped back into Cobnor.  What a great day!  We finished off by finding a nice shady spot at the Bosham Inn where we got nosh and a beer.  Brilliant - thanks for a great day Andy!

1066 and all that

Well done to everyone who turned out to race at Tonbridge for the Hastings Canoe Club 1066 marathon.

The juniors who stayed on after their race to cheer the competitors in the later races were especially appreciated. The instruction from Jordan (Hey Mike get onto Dad's wash!) was well intentioned but as I had done that twice already, once when said Dad had overtaken me from the following race, then tragically just before the last portage, I really had no oomph left. On reflection, I had no oomph start with!!

Mark George of Hastings Canoe Club sent me this message,
Please pass on my thanks to your paddlers that entered today's 1066 Marathon at Tonbridge, I hope everyone enjoyed the event. We had 98 entrants making for some good racing and the weather was much kinder than the forecast! The results are available on our website. Thanks to Tonbridge CC for once again allowing us to use their excellent facilities.

Consider the good wishes passed on!

David and Rachel Cooper's DW adventure

 The DW was an epic race.

We knew before we started that it was going to be tough as we had had less than optimal training and the conditions (specifically flow and tide times) weren't great. However we set off in good spirits and kept to our race pace, just ahead of our Teddington cut off time and were feeling in  by the time we got to dreadnought reach. Getting back on the river however it was apparent that the small amount of flow on the Thames that we had hoped for just wasn't there, and despite going all out we started to fall behind our cut off times, so came of the water at Old Windsor lock. We decided to take a long break then paddle slowly to Teddington and wait for the next tide. Paddleing down the tideway was nice to have a little bit of help from the water at last and for the first time I was glad for the stability of our Kirton Tasman as narrower boats were precariously knocked around by the wash from the big boats in London. By the end of it my body was broken but I wouldn't have missed it for the world.

Look forward to getting back to training once my shoulders working again and maybe next year I'll catch the first tide. Thanks ever so much to our support team and to all of the encouragement we received.

Mark Powell and Matthew Toye's DW adventure

You might have seen Matt and I paddling like the ugly ducklings up and down the Wey in preparation for the DW.  We knew we weren't pretty, 'rotation' remained a secret art form and our Condor, having completed the DW with James Warren the year before was within our comfort zone but ever so heavy!

But before we get to Devizes we almost had to pull out as Matt's left wrist flared up very badly and a week before the big day he got a cortisone injection to help us on our way.

So we knew we were ugly, lacked technique, were not 100% fit, had a heavy boat and were over a year into a drought.  No flow on the K+A and nothing to rely on on the Thames. But we had been adopted by James and Phil Gunney so what could go wrong?

We gathered at Devizes on the Easter Saturday afternoon, aiming for the Sunday afternoon tide as we weren't that quick and wanted to avoid the expected chaos at Devizes  at 7am on Saturday morning.

We started well - cautiously but confidently, in the knowledge that the 'Pound' was shallow and slow.  Too true but we got to the first lock, Wootton Rivers, half an hour ahead of schedule.  At this point our cycling support duo kicked in and they led us down into the darkening night.  And it was raining hard with a headwind, something we had little experience of over the past 18 months.

The K+A stretch went well - the Bruce Tunnel and Crofton locks were dealt with easily and we got to Hungerford (25 miles) and Dreadnaught (54 miles) on time.  So we lost our early 30 minute lead but were still on time, after all those locks and in the dark.

Matt's left hand was now starting to cause real trouble, so he was hardly drawing the paddle on the left side which brought him out of time with the right hand stroke.  Phil however appeared out of the gloom like some mystical beast, handed over some very sage advice and let us get on.

The longer Thames stretches were a relief in that we could build up some momentum after the stop-start nature of the K+A.  But Matt's hand was getting worse and our speed started to falter and we were slowly falling behind schedule.  However morale in the form of following the K1's start their Third day at Marlow, being told that Redgrave had pulled out and coming across a lone swimmer in the River helped us catch up some lost time.

But by Boveney (82 miles) we were exhausted, I put a call through to the wives at this unsupported lock.  A pep talk later and we were off to see our families (and our 5 young children) who were meeting us at Romney (Windsor/Eton).  Their faces said it all as we climbed pathetically out, Matt's arm worse than ever, and we were now an hour over schedule.  If we didn't find some speed we would never make the tide at Teddington!

We got going and were greeted by about 30 familes and friends near Runneymede, such an amazing and emotionally charged morale booster.  Phil returned on a bike and told us he was taking us to Teddington and Claire Gunney also appeared, giving us a massive lift.

So the three of us set off, occasionally joined by Claire running along the towpath, but we couldn't close the gap.  Matt's hand was worsening beyond comprehension, we had the odd caffeine 'reviver' to keep us going but Matt couldn't keep stroke.  Our wives were taking it badly, seeing us arrive in a worsening state but we didn't give up.  Our portages were also taking far too long as we were prepped for the next few miles and ibuleve was rubbed into Matt's worsening hand.  By now the whole forearm and wrist was red and swollen.

So at Sunbury and with 2 locks to go and 1 hour behind schedule, we battled on and brought the time in, but we were heading for a 6.45pm arrival at Teddington and outside the 5-6.30pm tide window.
Up stepped Mr and Mrs Gunney at Molesey, advice parted (Phil telling us he wanted us to get the earlier flow of the high tide but we knew we had to come up with a miracle).  So for the last 5 mile stretch to Teddington we 'sprinted' (club sprinters please excuse this term but we really went for it!), going through all previous levels of exhaustion.  Phil was our constant companion, with Claire appearing now and again, and somehow we made up half an hour on the last 5 miles, not bad when you had already done 103 miles, and arrived at Teddington at 6.15pm, 15 minutes to spare.

Another feed stop, lights and light sticks on, water change, yellow beanie hats on, and we were off down the Thames.  We had agreed to take it easy but the thought of spending at least a further 3 hours in the boat, with no rest, brought no joy.  And with all the eddies and swirling water we had to keep the paddle speed up just to remain stable and pointing in the right direction.

We counted down the bridges - Richmond, Twix, Kew, Chiswick, Barnes, Hammersmith, constantly talking and trying to keep each other going.  But Matt was in real trouble and just outside Putney he    said he needed to pull over as he was about to pass out.  We all know you don't stop on a tidal river but given the option of your crew passing out or trying to stop, we opted for the latter.  But we misjudged the speed of the tide on the moored line of boats 15m from the bank and we capsized.

Luckily all our support crews were there as was a rescue boat which was meant to be at Westminster but had engine problems.  So they dragged us to shore, we stripped off and shivered in front of the whole of south west London, and changed into dry clothes and took on hot soup.

So what now?  Give up with just 6 miles to go?  Both Matt and I made the same call at the same time - it was too dangerous to get back on the water given our state so we would walk to Westminster.  What followed was Monty Python-esqe, the bizarre sight of a very heavy blue Condor being carried by two exhausted blokes with 2 support crew walking alongside and 2 support cars nearby, shadowing our crawl down river.  Some very strange looks along the way!

Race control were our constant companions, keeping the finish open for us well after the last paddler home.  We eventually crossed the line at 11.32pm on Easter Sunday, flanked by about 20 family and friends.  Medals and cuddles, and also tears from the DW marshalls.

Final stats were 31 hours 47 minutes (nearly 5 hours over schedule) but in our class we were 76/164 starters, of which only 90 finished.  4 Olympians also gave up.  Add in the many dark places we visited during our struggles, emotionally exhausted wives and family, one very mangled arm, and the bodies that wanted to give up their owners, we believe we can hold our heads up high.

We definately couldn't do it with out our amazing support crew but it was Phil and Claire who got that final bit of energy and determination out of us, and to Teddington on time.  Bottle it and sell it, you will make a fortune!!

We hope this hasn't put anybody off even thinking of the DW, we were starting from a much lower technical level than almost anyone else at the club.  If you want to experience the high highs (and the lowest lows you have ever imagined) then doing this full on marathon is for you. We would love to build a core DW crew at the club, so if you are interested let us know.  Trade in those white craft tops and let's see how far you can really push yourselves......

Sport Relief Mile - Team Wey ran & raised £1,800 !

Team Wey came out in force on Sunday 25th March at Surrey University by taking part in the Sports Relief Mile.

The weather was glorious & all had a great time - Sam, Ella B & Freya all did the 1 mile circuit, Jasper did it too & decided he was enjoying himself so much he carried on to finish the 3 miles instead - in fact we had to stop him from doing the 6 miles !

Lucy, Alex, Tom, Isla, Ella, Helen, Emma, Olivia, Felix, Miki, Josh & Holly all completed the 3 mile circuit with Kuba, Oliver B & Max completing the 6 miles.

The team collectively raised a staggering £1,800 to go towards good causes here & abroad - so BIG WELL DONE to all who took part.

Thanks to all the 'oldies' who ran & raised as well, Dave, Julia, Denise, Graham, Angela, Paul, Andy C, Caroline, Andy, Eric & Pam - great team effort all round.

March Marathons
Sorry this is a bit late.
Nice to see and meet so many of you yesterday at our lunchtime meeting.

March 11th Waterside C This is a 24 mile race with 35 portages predominately for competitors preparing for the DW. The start is at Pewsey Wharf and finishes at Newbury and takes in the Burbridge Tunnel and Crofton Flight which can involve long runs between locks. Lights are needed for the tunnel and lifejackets are compulsory. Parking, changing facilities, and refreshments are available at the start and finish. Entries are accepted on the day.

March 17th (Saturday) Royal K1/K2 marathon starting at Runnymead, and finishing 19 miles and 6 portages later at Royal Canoe Club. Good race on good water, the portages are all well managed. There is good parking, changing facilities and refreshments available at the finish, however very limited facilities at the start. Entries accepted on the day. If your a keen coach it is possible to follow most of this race on a bike the towpath is pretty good but please take care when passing walkers.

March 18th (Sunday) Mothers Day

March 25th Waterside D This is a 34 mile race with 35 portages. The 10 miles to Pewsey is without any portages, then its 4 miles from there to the 1st portage. This is really only for dedicated DW competitors.
No changing facilities at the start however good parking and refreshments are available along with great hospitality from the organisers.
Don't forget the clocks change this weekend to British Summer Time.

March 31st (Saturday) Wey Sprints.  See you all there. This is an all day event and you will need lots of kit and warm dry clothes between races.

April 1st (Sunday) If your keen there is Cambridge and Gailey Marathons both races are well run and managed. I will post more details about these races before the end of March.

Peter Gorman

Alex,Lucy & Oliver finish the H&H's season well !

Well done to Alex for winning the clubs H&H's junior trophy !

Congrates also go to Lucy for winning the U12 award.

Great paddling from Oliver too who has gone from strength to strength .....

Well done !

P.S sorry the pics are a bit old - but Dan yours were a bit blurry !!

Dash Hounders end on a high !

The Dash Hound winter series ended with the much anticipated awards & goodie bags ! Sadly Rachel Cawthorn was not able to make the prize giving this time but Jim stepped in to do the honours & Rachel very kindly signed 40 + photos so all had one to go with their medals!

Holly Hellyer & Jordon Martyn took away the U10's most improved awards, with Kuba Cranmer taking the u12 C1 most improved.

Special merit awards also went out to Ella Banks for being the youngest paddler to complete the series along with merit awards going to Oliver Ben Said, Henry Fieldus, Jasper & Felix Morgan. Oli Etheridge & Jack Roadly picked up awards for their determined efforts in a K2. Kuba was also awarded the special merit award on behalf of Eric for his true grit & determination in completing the series in C1.

(On later inspection of the times Josh Davenport u10,Samantha Martyn u12 & Tom Goldsack U12 have also been give awards, although Richmond paddlers won the most improved over all it was felt that Josh, Samantha & Tom should be awarded for there great gains over the series.)

A MASSIVE well done to all who took part you ALL did really well !

Fun on the slopes !

The u14's had loads of thrills & spills on their half term skiing & donutting day.

The group of 30 were split into two & enjoyed an hour of donutting & then an hour of skiing !

WATERSIDE & DW PADDLERS
Waterside A (12th Feb) is cancelled due to the canal being iced up.
Please refer to the Waterside website for latest info.

February Marathons

12th Feb Waterside A 14 miles 21 portages.  This race is run as a time trial and is a must if your proposing doing the DW this year. The race is only open to pre-entered crews, starting at Great Bedwyn and finishing at Newbury. The event this year is already over-subscribled There are changing facilities, with basic refreshments available at Newbury. The club does a great job running this series of races, and if you are competing I wish you well, and please ensure that your support crews observe the race officials instructions and park their cars considerately at portages.

18th Feb Marathon Training day at Norwich, specifically aimed at paddlers looking to represent GB in International races,

19th Feb Hare & Hounds and Dash hounds. Great winter series and preparation of the season 6 miles and 2 portages or 3 miles with no portages. These races suit all ages and ability of paddlers.

19th Feb Thameside 1. This is a 12mile race with 8 portages. Starts at Aldermaston and finishes at Reading Canoe Club. A good race like the waterside series this is run as a time trial, and is a good race to do if your doing DW. Reading Canoe Club. The portages generally are not to difficult however care is needed getting in at County Lock due to the high walls and there is a long run at the last portage. Support crews need to get to the finish early as the parking there is a bit limited. There are good changing facilities and refreshments available at the finish.

24th Feb Waterside B 19 miles 14 portages. This is hard race starting and finishing at Newbury, and often requires extended running on the return to Newbury. There are very low bridges and the canal can get very bumpy as you approach the turn, watch out for the returning crews. Parking at Newbury is a bit limited so get there early. This race is really for dedicated DW crews and experienced paddlers.

Have fun

Peter Gorman

U14's New Year's Eve Fancy Dress Paddle !

The U14's braved the cold to dress up on New Year's Eve & go for a paddle - the costumes were all fantastic !
Special mention should go to Roy Fieldus who brought a touch of class to the occasion wearing black tie & serving drinks - yup they were attached to the front of his kayak !

But everyone agreed that the outright winner should be MIKI for his fabulous ensemble & throwing himself into the spirit of things - your my kinda guy - um girl Miki !

Harry Potter looking rather glum as we had told him he had to ditch his broomstick !

U14's Christmas Party went with a BASH !

The u14's had a 'bashing'time at their Christmas Party -

lots of fun & games along with a giant 'Pillow Bash' which always goes down well !

Not sure if the head gear is going to catch on though !

Looks like lots of 'E' numbers have been consumed !!

Alex & Ella show what happens when you eat too much junk food !!!!!!