In this update, there’s advice about paddling in winter, news about the AGM, a couple of safety alerts, and a photo competition!
Paddling in winter
There’s a noticeable chill in the air (and in the water!) as winter barrels towards us.
We keep paddling throughout the year. However as the river speeds up, you may find we run downstream-only trips or start to turn people away if the conditions are too strong for them.
Most regular paddlers should find themselves able to continue throughout the winter. But you should consider upgrading your clothing choices in preparation for the colder weather.
You can get thermal layers from shops like Go Outdoors and Decathlon which are good value for money. We usually suggest a thin wicking layer and a thicker fleece layer for maximum warmth. Paired with outer layers that are wind and waterproof will keep you very snug. There is a small selection of second-hand paddlesport jackets in the club for you to try. Some people will find that specialist paddlesport gloves or pogies help keep their hands warm.
If you are a duty officer or take part in peer paddles, you need to remember that the group should be qualified for the prevailing environmental conditions or be under the responsibility of a qualified coach or leader. If in doubt, play it safe.
The environmental conditions to consider include the flow rate, wind, weather, and temperature.
These resources may help:
- Flow rate at Marlow on Gauge Map
- Thames conditions on the Environment Agency website
British Canoeing has published its own advice on winter paddling.
Club sessions
Our winter club session schedule is:
- Club Saturday – general club session for everyone, new for this year – usually goes downstream.
- Club Sunday – the classic club session for everyone, paddling to Hurley and back.
Sessions are on the water at 10:00, finishing by 13:00. Bring your own tea and cake.
We may offer opportunities for night paddles and whitewater coaching at the weir – keep an eye on our Facebook group for these.
We offer pool sessions on the first Saturday of each month.
These are the perfect opportunity to practice capsizes, rolling, and rescue skills in a clear, warm pool.
- Venue: Chalfont Leisure Centre, Chalfont St Peter, SL9 9LR https://goo.gl/maps/pyzfhisgnW3SYyuy6
- Time: 18:30 – 20:00
- Price: £7 adults / £3 juniors
- Book and pay: Membermojo Store
- You need to bring your own boat and equipment or arrange with others in advance.
We’ve been asked to be more careful not to bring dirty or leafy kayaks into the pool. Please be considerate so we can continue to enjoy these sessions.
Duty officers
Our duty officers are vital to running all these sessions. If you’ve received DO training or have done it before, please consider volunteering for a future session by filling in the spreadsheet. This now includes our pool sessions.
Trips and social events
Touring
Contact: touring@marlowcc.org.uk
The weather may be starting to get a little cooler and we can expect the river flow to increase over the next few weeks. However, we do not intend to stop paddling and will continue to offer members the chance to do some paddles that are a little different tour usual trips to Hurley or Cookham Bridge.
If the river flow becomes too strong to enjoy paddling against it, we will switch to downstream one-way paddles, bringing boats back on cars or to canals where there is no flow.
If anybody has a paddle that they would particularly like to do please email touring@marlowcc.org.uk and we will see what we can do to make it happen.
Keep your eye on the MCC Members Facebook page as that is where any planned paddles will be advertised.
Whitewater
Contact: whitewater@marlowcc.org.uk
Dave has planned a series of monthly whitewater trips throughout the winter. You can sign up on the whitewater spreadsheet – ask Dave for access if you’ve lost the link. New whitewater paddlers are always welcome – get in touch with Dave if you’re keen to get started.
Social
Contact: social@marlowcc.org.uk
Christmas Social – Sunday 18th December after the club paddle – Save the date!
Annual General Meeting
Our next AGM will be held on Monday 6 February 2023 19:30 – 21:30 at The King’s Head, Little Marlow.
Some of our committee members have said they are willing to serve again next year, but there will be vacancies. Some would happily make way for new faces with the time, skills, and enthusiasm to take over. Get in touch if you feel you could offer some of your time, skills, and experience to help your fellow club members in 2023.
You can propose motions for consideration at the meeting. Motions must be supported by 10 members and submitted by 7 January 2023 by email to secretary@marlowcc.org.uk.
You can nominate members for the annual club awards by email to the club president.
- Most improved paddler
- Swimmer of the year
- Volunteer of the year
Safety alerts
British Canoeing has issued two new safety alerts:
- British Canoeing recognises that solo paddling is widely practiced. Paddling on your own significantly increases the risks when compared to paddling in a group. If you have a pre-existing medical condition such as epilepsy, heart problems, diabetes, asthma etc. you are strongly advised to paddle as part of a group. Always carry a means of calling for help on your person.
- From 31 December 2022, HM Coastguard will stop disposing of expired or redundant flares handed in by private individuals. From then, you will need to use a third-party service to dispose of them safely and legally.
New website and photo competition
We’ve been working on a new club website! The refreshed design aims to help members find out about club activities and get advice, as well as tell people interested in the club what we’re about.
We are now looking for some great photos of club members and activities to illustrate how wonderful we are on the website. All members are invited to take part in a photo competition. You can submit up to three photos by email to chair@marlowcc.org.uk by 6 January 2023. By submitting a photo, you are giving permission for us to use the photo on the club website. You need to have the permission of anyone identifiable in the photo.
The committee will judge the best photo and will be awarded an awesome paddling kit prize at the AGM.
Coaching and Leadership Policy
The committee has agreed on a Coaching and Leadership Policy that describes how the club will assess the competence and capabilities of an individual before allowing them to take responsibility for leading a paddlesport activity.
We will implement this policy over the next year.
Marlow Canoe Club 
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