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A very brief review of CPCC’s Taster Training Session with Andy Course Leader and Tudor and myself (Steve). Six people were signed up for the course and on Saturday they each arrived at the pier house some more apprehensive than others. but all willing to give this kayaking malarkey a try. We all gathered outside the pierhouse and chatted about what experience our attendees had. We were very pleased to hear the several had paddled … Read more

A simple Sunday paddle with Hammersmith Bridge closed indefinitely, our only option is to paddle in the Richmond direction. So looking forwards to some tough paddles in that direction for the future. It was a flood tide as we got on the water, so a float and boat Sunday. Our pod of two MJ and myself bobbled into the middle of the river, leaving a suitably large gap such as the rowers could approach and … Read more

The lesson plan was to teach poling, however when the flow is right as it was on this day then a quick practice of S turns on the wave. We followed this up with canoe poling and then how to sharpen our turns. It was then a quite paddle and a bit of larking about and then a sail back to the pontoon. With a low tide at the get on for the club’s Sunday … Read more

Sunday paddle with CPCC was another epic affair. Having lead and coached for such a long time, my colleagues and fellow coaches are sharing the load and allowing me the opportunity to paddle as I wish. This week’s paddle was into the ebbing tide from Chiswick Pier in the direction of Kew Bridge. An easy paddle in variable conditions, rain sunshine and occasionally a degree of wind. Oh! Forgot to mention at one point lack of … Read more

The club was contacted by English Heritage following an assessment of a historic bridge over the ornamental lake in the grounds of Chiswick House. The bridge had lost a couple of facing stones on the underside of the arch and to be sure that it was safe, needed to be assessed by a structural surveyor. Luckily he was a 2 star canoeist but health and safety required a safety boat – enter Dean stage left! … Read more

Do you have any spare bed linen? They are being made into scrubs for the NHS. Liz Dodgson ( ex club coach and now returning new member) is looking for spare bedding. There is a fabulous project of over 60 people ( mainly around Barnes and Putney) sewing scrubs at home for the local hospitals.  The scrubs have been well received with Surgeons seemingly being delighted to operate with Thomas the Tank Engine or flowers … Read more