Liverpool University Canoe Club

Words: Andy Brammel Pictures Various 

Another awesome trip to the Alps took place in June, a big thanks to everyone that helped put it together; Ade and Will. The drivers; Dom, Chris and Ade, and the river gods for giving us Big Rivers, Lots of Water and Plenty of Beer, provided by the swimmers (cheers Will).
 

We left the pool on 8th June picking a few guys up near London on the way, 24 hours later tents were up in the valley and we were on the Lower Durance having a seal launch on the way, the rab wave claimed a few victims and 2 on the roll count for me.

Sunday we hit the Middle Guisane, everybody ran the top section, nice run with everybody dropping into the S bend rapid at the same time and some how no carnage, some guys ran the Lower Guisane too.

Monday we started with the Briancon Gorge, an awesome river, followed by the Claree. Some guys ran the top section, it looked good but a little out of my league. We all ran the bottom in the rain and it claimed a few swims.

Tuesday we all ran the Onde, a steep, fast and furiouse boulder garden river! It was like a game of pinball wizard! Later a few of us played pinball again down the Gironde, while some of the group ran the Durance Gorge. It looked pretty good after doing the Via Ferrata above it that night, one for next year!

Wednesday we hit the Ubaye, everybody ran the upper 2 sections, pretty uneventful. I joined the hardcore group and ran the Ubaye Racecourse, got to be the best river I did all week and another 2 on my roll count, PLF seemed to work well!

Thursday, a good day for swimmers, the Upper Giel claiming 5 I think followed by Chateaux Q claiming the first big fish, Will and Chris. A few of us the shot the Middle Giel from Letterbox down, hole dodging and another 1 on my roll count. A good night for beer, 14 crates I think

Friday, I hit the pub with Kev, Andy Ince and team Oz, chilled with a few beers for the afternoon while some guys rafted Chateaux Q and Guardian Angel in VERY high water!

Saturday we ran the Guisane again I shot both section but pulled out halfway down the lower after getting a beating while rolling, awesome river though and a deamon to beat next year!! Left the valley at about 2 getting in back in the pool for 9:30 Sunday morning a member of team no swim along with Lloyd, Lindsey, Aussie Dave, Cath, Ade, Dinny, Menzies, Matt C, James T, Andy I, Martin, Ben, Celia, and Wigan Andy. Respect to all and a big up to the swimmers and donkeys, you guys know who you are.

Great paddling trip, good group of people and lots of beer, awesome, will be back next year.

Cheers Andy

By various 

A really enjoyable tournament down at the docks, with teams from all over the country and abroad, and a good atmosphere. Lucc started off with 4 players, which made games really tough, but nevertheless, managed to put up some good resistance, with Andy rushing around like a demon.

Jo (Manchester) joined for the last 3 games - certainly feels better playing with a full team, thanks Jo! Eventual outcome lucc came 8/10 in their minileague, well done guys.

My name is most certainly down for next year, this tournament was the most lighthearted serious one i’ve ever seen, played in really good spirit (for the most part) and even hosted a rather embarassing swim from a certain person……!

Cheers to Alison for all the solo organising and for the trip to the library, Claire for driving, and the lending of 4p for cake and Rob for providing humour throughout.

Anyone wanting some extra polo practice over the summer and next term, check out FOA website for details of training sessions - several folk are planning to head there so watch forum and email.

As you know, Scotland DVD is Finished!, with review and preview here. Its very marvellous. It includes what Riverdance should really mean, i.e. a strange Wiganite dancing at the side of a river. DVD costs: 1 blank DVD (or 50p) + one beer. Email Dave to place your order. Print your own choice of CD cover.

So next up is Alps DVD. Email / ftp / snail DVD any footage or photos to Aussie Dave once team Peaches / Oz is back from the extended trip.