Return to Paddling?

We as of Wednesday of this week we now able to paddle the river Thames. The PLA have released their recommendation of not paddling during the crisis, however the Pier house and all its facilities are still on lock down as are the pubs and hostelries, hence access to toilets etc isn’t possible at this time.

CPCC are mindful of our social responsibilities and cannot at this time open the club up for general paddlers. That includes guests, friends passers-by and most importantly even our own club members.

We currently running some experimental sessions to discover what is possible.

The advice from British Canoeing is we may paddle but only in pairs, also keeping the two metre social distancing even when on the water.
The British Canoeing latest info on cleaning both boats and equipment which can be read by clicking here.

There is more info from British Canoeing how  we may limit access but still start to paddle again – details can be found by clicking here

In the Short Term we are not able to offer our normal Sunday Sessions probably not until June, however that is dependent on any governing body changes.

CPCC are able to run one to one sessions for competent paddlers who have their own kit. Should you thus receive a communication as an individual asking if you wish to go paddling it is most likely from one of our coaches.
We are uncertain if this system will work at this time, but like most things if you don’t try you don’t get.

To recap we are trying to run some experimental paddling session, but at this time they are coach led. More permutation are to complicated for my aged brain to workout. Safety is important and we appreciated the rule is never less than three, but the limitations of Covid 19 limit what we are both safely and permitted to do.
Only two people on the pontoon at one time and no physical contact, so no assistance launching, fitting of spray decks, even lifting boats off the racks onto the pontoon. With the pier house and garage closed we are rather limited in how we can sanitise other than to leave used kit for 72 hours before reuse.

Hopefully our coaches having run a one to one session can report back their findings.

Finally please don’t contact us requesting I’d like to go to a paddle, for all the reasons given above.

Apologies for this long winded description of what is possible at this time.

There is progress.

Best wishes and keep safe and well

Steve

A Message from our Lovely Sunday morning meet and Greeter Sarah Hodgson.

I continue to miss my Sunday morning coffee making at the Pier House. I hope to see you all again soon fit and well.
I look forwards to life after lockdown.
Love to your all.

Sarah