Whilst the air is still crisp, and the water levels remain high… fear not! For Spring is round the corner. And with Spring comes the return of our midweek paddling sessions. (Can we get a “WOOP WOOP” ?! π π)
Sessions currently continue to run to our winter schedule:
πͺ Saturday & Sunday (on the water for 10am) – Keep an eye on the Facebook page for updates. Subject to river levels, we will either paddle up to Hurley and back, or arrange shuttles for a downstream paddle. Remember your own flask and a snack if you fancy.
…then come 9th/11th April, our Tuesday and Thursday evening sessions start up again.
ποΈ Club News
Click on the βΆ arrows to read more.
π Finally! Tuesday and Thursday Club Sessions
Preferred to stay under a blanket than brave the Thames over winter? We don’t blame you… but the time is nigh to slip on those sexy neoprenes and get yourselves back to the club for the return of our midweek sessions.
From 9th April, our Tuesday and Thursday sessions will start up again. Depending on who shows up and what people are keen to do, we might have a go at marathon paddling, practise safety skills, shoot the weir… there’ll be something for everyone and every ability.
π Her Royal Coachness: Congrats to Chloe!
Huge congratulations to Chloe for achieving her coach qualification. If you’re interested in becoming a coach or would like more info on exploring the coaching pathway, drop Chloe an email.
Pssst…might get first dibs if you address it to “Her Royal Coachness”.
β‘ Marathon Paddling: Are you an enthusiastic amateur?
Barry, our new Head of Marathon – self-proclaimed “enthusiastic amateur” – would love to share his love for marathon paddling with anyone who’s keen this year. No prior experience required, and all abilities welcome. Catch him on our Thursday sessions and give it a go!
π Pool prices, safety and spond
Due to increased costs from the Chalfont pool, the decision has (reluctantly) been made to increase Pool Session prices to Β£9 for adults and Β£4.50 for children – the club do not make a profit on running these sessions, but do speak to one of the committee if cost is the only obstacle to you paddling.
Our Health & Safety manual has been updated by the heroic Mr Ted Ley. Uploaded to our website should you be in between books and need something delightful to read.
Finally, a little reminder to anyone keen to take part in whitewater trips to sign up using the Spond app.
π Welcome to our new committee members
Huge welcome to Sophie (Head of Welfare), Steve (Equipment Officer), and Barry (Head of Marathon). Do drop them a message if you have any concerns or thoughts for the year ahead.



Exciting paddling opportunities for you below. Save the dates! π
MARCH
Sat 23rd β Sun 24th Whitewater Trip (UK)π North Wales (TBC)
New to whitewater? Get in touch with Dave if youβre keen to get started. Frequent paddlers, sign up on the Spond App and email our equipment officer to reserve a club boat.
APRIL
Sat 6th Pool Session (18.30-20.00)π Chalfont Leisure Centre
The perfect opportunity to practise capsizes, rolling, and rescue skills in a clear, warm pool. Book your place on Membermojo. Boats are first come, first served. You will need to bring your own clean boat and equipment or arrange with others in advance.
Sat 20th β Sun 21st (09.00-17.00) Discover Course π MCC, Marlow
An introductory course to kayaking which – upon completion – means youβre welcome to join us on future club paddles. If someone you know is interested in signing up to a future Discover Course, get in touch. Existing member keen to assist with coaching? Contact Chloe.
Sat 27th β Sun 28th Whitewater Trip (UK)π North Wales (TBC)
New to whitewater? Get in touch with Dave if youβre keen to get started. Frequent paddlers, sign up on the Spond App and email our equipment officer to reserve a club boat.
MAY
Sat 4th and Sun 5th May First Aid Course – Outdoor Pursuits 16 Hour First Aid Level 3 (VTQ)π Maidenhead 9.30am-6pm
Outdoor Pursuits 16 Hour First Aid Level 3 (VTQ) – This course is open to all our coaches, leaders, existing DOs and aspiring DOs (who have booked or completed DO training and/ or assessments).
The club are subsidising the course fees, and only charging Β£20 for the full course, as a way of saying thank you for volunteering your time to help us keep our club sessions running smoothly. You will need to attend both days.
In this course you will learn how to deal with accidents and medical emergencies. It is tailored to our paddling environment and will include application in different scenarios. Sign up on membermojo.
Sat 11th (09.00-17.00) Paddlesport Safety & Rescue Course 2 (PSRC) π MCC
This practical course (you will get wet!) is packed with safe practical solutions, whether you have limited paddling experience or have been a member for a while, this course supports your knowledge and raises your awareness of your personal safety. Contact Chloe to sign up.
Tues 14th & Tues 21st Forward Paddling Masterclassπ MCC
Timβs signature coaching session is aimed at anyone who would like to improve their forward paddling. Youβll use marathon boats as they offer the most freedom of movement to develop good technique.
We paddle forwards for more than 99% of our time in a boat so any improvement pays big dividends. It is also the most difficult skill to master well. Drop Tim an email to reserve your space: timwardcoach@gmail.com
Sat 18th β Sun 19th (09.00-17.00) Discover Course π MCC, Marlow
An introductory course to kayaking which – upon completion – means youβre welcome to join us on future club paddles. If someone you know is interested in signing up to a future Discover Course, get in touch. Existing member keen to assist with coaching? Contact Chloe.
Sat 18th β Sun 19th Whitewater Trip (UK)π North Wales (TBC)
New to whitewater? Get in touch with Dave if youβre keen to get started. Frequent paddlers, sign up on the Spond App and email our equipment officer to reserve a club boat.
JUNE
Thurs 6th, 13th & 20th (evenings) Paddlesport Safety & Rescue Course 2 (PSRC) π MCC, Marlow
This practical course (you will get wet!) is packed with safe practical solutions, whether you have limited paddling experience or have been a member for a while, this course supports your knowledge and raises your awareness of your personal safety. Contact Chloe to sign up.
Sat 8th β Sun 9th Surf Tripπ Gower (TBC)
Surf trip and camping on the beach at Hillend Camping Park. Sign up on the Spond App and email our equipment officer to reserve a club boat.
Sat 15th β Sun 16th (09.00-17.00) Discover Course π MCC, Marlow
An introductory course to kayaking which – upon completion – means youβre welcome to join us on future club paddles. If someone you know is interested in signing up to a future Discover Course, get in touch. Existing member keen to assist with coaching? Contact Chloe.
JULY
Sat 6th β Sun 7th (09.00-17.00) Intro to Sea Kayaking (On the Thames!)π MCC
An opportunity to learn some of the skills you’ll need on the sea, from the comfort of the Thames! Andrew and David will take you through wet exits, manoeuvring/toeing the boat, amongst other skills. Keep an eye on your inbox for sign up details.
Sat 6th β Sun 14th Whitewater Trip (Abroad)π Slovenia
Grade 2 β 4: Suitable for people comfortable on the Lower Tryweryn and Dart Loop. Speak to Alex and sign up on the Spond App – email our equipment officer to reserve a club boat.
Sat 13th β Sun 14th (09.00-17.00) Discover Course π MCC, Marlow
An introductory course to kayaking which – upon completion – means youβre welcome to join us on future club paddles. If someone you know is interested in signing up to a future Discover Course, get in touch. Existing member keen to assist with coaching? Contact Chloe.
Sat 27th β Sun 28th Whitewater Trip (UK)π North Wales (TBC)
New to whitewater? Get in touch with Dave if youβre keen to get started. Frequent paddlers, sign up on the Spond App and email our equipment officer to reserve a club boat.
AUGUST
Sat 3rd β Sun 4th (09.00-17.00) Explore Course π MCC
The Explore Award aims to develop skills to a level that will allow independent paddling based on sound judgement and skills (instead of blind hope and luck). This is the British Canoeing award above the basic Discover award and is designed to build on the foundations laid during the Discover award and some experience and practise following the basic qualification.
Sat 17th β Sun 18th Whitewater Trip (UK)π North Wales (TBC)
New to whitewater? Get in touch with Dave if youβre keen to get started. Frequent paddlers, sign up on the Spond App and email our equipment officer to reserve a club boat.
SEPTEMBER
Sat 14th β Sun 15th Whitewater Trip (UK)π North Wales (TBC)
New to whitewater? Get in touch with Dave if youβre keen to get started. Frequent paddlers, sign up on the Spond App and email our equipment officer to reserve a club boat.
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