Liverpool University Canoe Club

Monday March 10th 7.30pm - Lowri Davies - “Canoeing with the Cossacks” - Reading Room - Derby and Rathbone Hall - Greenbank -  £3.50 Adults / Students / Children - Note different venue to other talks - see Maps page for directions to Greenbank

Really looking forward to this talk. We’ll be going out for supper beforehand, great if you can make it to that too, and for drinks afterwards at Kelly’s. Tales of Russian whitewater, should be good, Helen.

“Lowri Davies is best known as one of the World’s top female freestyle kayakers including being European Champion. However, making small boats spin on every axis while flying through the air is not her only paddling proficiency…

Last year Lowri was selected as one of 8 top white water paddlers for the British Universities Expedition to explore some of the wild rivers of Siberia, Mongolia and Kazakhstan. The team paddled big volume multi-day rivers through inescapable gorges and ticked off first descents. However, they faced as many obstacles off the water - guns, bribery, arrests, and car crashes to name but a few! Come and share Lowri’s life and adventures - paddling for 10 weeks in central Asia.”
www.lowridavies.co.uk

Many thanks to Pete Knowles of rivers publishing for coordinating all these speakers to tour the country.

Photos here are borrowed from Fatcatproductions, see more on their blog.

Really enjoyed Si Tapley’s talk, great to see what amazing kinds of whitewater there are in Greenland, and to hear about his trip.

Simon was really down-to-earth about the problems they encountered, and gave us a feeling for what its like to be so isolated from everywhere.

Greenland seems to be  a country that challenges even the best-prepared-plans - Si and Ali’s schedule, carefully measured with Google earth, set an itinerary of some 20 or so rivers, with hiking and sea kayaking to get between them - there is only one real road in Greenland, and it isn’t handily along the side of a river. In fact, that, and any civilisation, is about 200 miles from where they were paddling.

The steep terrain actually meant that they simply could not hike as far each day as they had planned, and they had to scramble every section double as it was just impossible to carry the boats loaded the way they had practiced, given the extreme landscape.

They were surprised that locals seemed not at all interested in what they were doing, in terms of exploration of their country. But folk were kind to them and friendly. And one thing which really saved the day for them was not actually having to sea kayak more than a day - it would have been a hard slog in their creek boats - friendly fishermen, seal hunters and survey boats gave them lifts along the coast, Greenland communities being so connected to the sea.

It was interesting hearing about things that shaped their trip - eventually setting off with only two of them made them have to plan carefully and added a dimension to their decisions about what to do. Despite warnings from others about the dangers of being only 2 small kayakers in a large landscape, they had faith in their own skills and abilities to make their own choices. Their decisions meant they were able to paddle a great deal of super, (and new), white water, incident free.

Some of the closest calls were from the environment - seeing them interview one another after a huge storm swept their tent and all their dry belongings into the fjord gave some idea of the miserable conditions that Greenland can throw at humans. As well as the elements, the insects also seemed to have it in for them - what do they eat when there are no kayakers?
To me, the most amazing footage was of gusting wind blowing a waterfall back up the mountain, so that none of the water was falling into the riverbed - see 3:05 on this Youtube video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XH8PEw3GVCU

All in all a super evening. It was inspiring to see someone who had the drive and ability  to get out there on basically their student loan and determination, and tick off first descents in a remote location.

If anyone would like to watch the DVD I have a copy - as well as the Greenland stuff, it actually has a whole bunch of other stuff from all over the world -  or you can get one for yourself from

Fatcatproductions.co.uk

I would guess that Si’s paddling buddy did film or media studies or some such, the DVD is very professional.

Big, big thanks to everyone for coming along and especially for making Simon feel so welcome, cheers everyone.

Really looking forward to the next talk too - another student-white-water-type (you probably paddled against her at BUSA). Lowri Davies, currently at Aberystwyth uni, is a well-known top freestyler. In this talk she will be telling us about expedition white water paddling in the far corners of Russia.

Pics from Mary H , Stanley pics

So Saturday morning saw Stu,Helen,Dale and Joe arrive early morning at my house, where i had prepared pre-trip bacon sarnies. Then off we went to meet up with the guys that had set off the day before and stayed in the camping barn. We convened at the Llugwy at the Plas-y-Brenin centre, but alas no water. The decision was made to paddle the Conwy from the main road bridge through to Penmancho Bridge, with an alternative get out at Rhydlanfair Bridge if preferred.

It was a sunny day with a good group of us on the river. We split into several groups, and in order to have aproductive day decided to take the opportunity to work on skills, including river leading. Everyone did well, and the trip passed without much incident until Bryn Bras Falls, which inevitably unseated a couple of the less experienced of the group, however they were quickly extricated from the cold water and reunited with boats and paddles none the worse for their dunking.

 A few people egress-ed at Rhydlanfair Bridge, whilst the rest of our depleted number continued down the shorter ‘middle’ section. Before long the first Grade 5 was upon us. Stu was the only one to fancy the run, and bashed down it unscathed, though not sure he would recommend it to anyone at such low levels, bony to say the least.

 The portage saw us launch just upstream of a tree lodged in river left, exposed at this level. Safety was set, with everyone passing safely through, even though Erica took the opportunity to take another dip to cool off after the portage in the winter sun. Most of the group got off river right some fifty metres upstream of the second Grade 5 to enable easier access to the road, prudent as the ladder river left allowing access to the seal launch avoiding the Grade 5 is no more, making access back to the river awkward.

 Myself, Stu and Andy Raho continued to the next rapid. Having briefly inspected, i decided to go for it. Having made the first part of the move to the right i failed to get far enough left after and glanced off the rock wall before being held against it sideways by the flow. Briefly managing to hold my edge by bracing against the wall with my head, i was then flipped. I rolled up in the river left eddy-bonus, before breaking in for the drop into the pool below.

Andy followed next, only to end up vertical against the rock after not making it far enough right at the top, the proceeded to do the rest of the rapid upside-down before eventually rolling up in the pool below - kudos for staying in the boat and continuing to attempt rolling that many times.

Stu took the ’paddle into the rock that’s in the way’ route and came off better than the rest of us, fair play.

Sunday brought no rain, and the group split into a Stanley and Tryweryn trip. The Tryweryn was on a relatively low release, but a good level for practice nonetheless. Well done Claire P for her first roll on moving water. Some of our party then headed off to the Dee, where they also met up with the Stanley guys.

 An excellent weekend rounded off with a trip to Kelly’s sunday night.

Squirrel

By Martin 

LUCC: Liverpool University Canoe Club

Committee Meeting Minutes

07.02.08

Present: Martin, Phil, Vanny, Laura M, Laura G, Claire, Andy, Nick

Apologies: Tamsin, Lil Nic, Lloyd, KimNext Meeting: 06.03.08

I. Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the previous meeting were unanimously approved as distributed.

II. Announcements

1. AU Update
a. Captain: We no longer have use of the top room by the pool
• Note - new not so sympathetic manager of the sports centre
• We are now not allowed to communicate with the cash office, all money collections now proceed through the Base, after PV forms have been submitted to the Sport Liverpool Office.

2. Reports

a. Secretary’s Summary
• Number of fully paid up members 61
• Increase from last meeting 0
• Other announcements -
b. Treasurer’s Summary
• Total amount in the club account 1146.53
• Expenditure since last meeting See Martin
• Other announcements
c. Polo Communication issues with FOA (wrong email address) means that both of the next two tournaments will probably only be able to get out a mixed team (one on N.Lakes weekend, the other on the 1st weekend of the holiday)

CHRISTIE CUP – due to be organised – Wed afternoon games? Hopefully at the docks
Pool as back up?
ALDI are sponsoring  lunch and t-shirts to be provided. (need to get this sorted so it can come over to us as all other teams will be going to Leeds!)
d. Slalom [Training status – going well/badly]
• Events entered
• Ranking
e. Whitewater [Training status – going well/badly]
• Events entered
• Ranking

III. Discussion
1. Open Issues
a. Sessions
•
b. Trips
• N.Lakes – hut is booked near the get out for the Crake. Rivers to be arranged with Nev and Andy
c. Socials
• Beer fest
• Next AU…. Unanimous decision in Lloyd absence that he shouldn’t choose the next theme!!
d. Equipment
• Paddles – Ainsworth have requested Serial Numbers, warranty cards and purchase dates for paddle replacement. Contact point at Ainsworth – Bernadette
• C1/C2 buying – AU were offering for the slalom but now this has passed with boat intact extracting money may be more of a challenge. Contact Libby ASAP
• All the items on the shopping list still to be bought;
Group Shelters – from V12 on sat morning
Straps - DOM PHIL

ANDY
e. Other
• Shed kit use guidelines still pending
DOM

2. New Issues
a. A Martin request EVERYONE
• For everyone to write a brief job description for anyone considering taking up committee positions next year.
b. AGM EVERYONE
• Sport Liverpool has booked various rooms in the Guild for AGMs, need to book into one of these, Stuart Wade to Chair MARTIN
c. Deniollen
• Requests have been made to run a proper Deniollen trip later in the term
• 8th/9th March
• Use the Warwick mountaineering hut (Ask Dom)…. Cheaper and more sociable hut but still in Deniollen MARTIN

IV. Any Other Business

1. Hoodies
Poll on designs due in a couple of days
Aim to be ready by BUSA polo
2. Talks
Two further talks by Si Tapley and Lowri Lewis
LUCC characters talking/showing film of their experiences was suggested LAURA G
HELEN
3. Demo Days
Organising for Jackson and/or Pyranha to come to the pool or preferably a polo at the docks to demo their boats FLIC
ANDY

V. Dates for the Diary
Trip Time Date Person
BUSA Polo 11th April CLAIRE + NICK
Si Tapley Talk 7.30pm 20th Feb RACHEL
Lowri Lewis Talk 7.30pm 10th March RACHEL

VI. Adjournment

Meeting drew to a close at 19.04
Next Meeting: 06.03.08
Minutes Submitted: Mary
Minutes Approved: Martin

LUCC: Liverpool University Canoe Club Committee Meeting Minutes28.01.08 Present: Vanny, Laura M, Laura G, Martin, Stu, Andy, Lloyd, NevApologies: DomNext Meeting: 07.02.08

I. Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the previous meeting were unanimously approved as distributed.

II. Announcements

1. AU Update
a. Captain:

2. Reports

a. Secretary’s Summary
• Number of fully paid up members 61
• Increase from last meeting 2
• Other announcements
b. Treasurer’s Summary
• Total amount in the club account
• Expenditure since last meeting
• Other announcements
c. Polo Christie cup – MARCH
To be organised [CLARIE, NICK]
Link with a docks tournament?
• Games Played
• Games Won
• Games Lost
• Ranking
d. Slalom
• Events entered BUSA Slalom
• Ranking 10/24
e. Whitewater [Training status – going well/badly]
• Events entered
• Ranking

III. Discussion
1. Open Issues
a. Sessions
• Dates of Wed sessions are on the web!
b. Trips
• 2nd Feb, Will’s pre Scotland trip
• Deniollen – minibus is sorted, hut…. Pending, (use of Stu’s hut?)

• N. Lakes – hut sorted, minibus… ?, needs to be checked

• Alps – Helen and Ade to drive
LLOYD + KIM
KAY + LAURA G
c. Socials
• 6th Feb – AU night, YMCA theme
• Annual Dinner – weekend after BUSA Polo (Fri 18th April)
d. Equipment
• Paddles – Check status with Phil MARY
e. Other

2. New Issues
a. Safety kit – the shopping list!
• X5 group shelters (6 man)
• X2 large 1st aid kits (money to come from the AU??)
• X5 small 1st aid kits
• X2 roll duck tape for distributing among the 1st aid kits and for sealing them
• X 3 diff coloured duck tape for helmets and paddles to make sizing more obvious
• Receptacles for kits
• X3 Palm 15m bullets
• X2 Palm 20m alpine line
• X1 N.water 25m DOM +NEV
b. 1st aid training
• further first aid training for those who haven’t done
• Check with Hannah Whitton LAURA M + MARY
c. Mobile phone holders
• To be lent for trail LAURA M
d. Locker
• To be put into sheds with combination padlock to store small most losable items of kit, duck tape, 1st aid kits etc VANNY

IV. Dates for the Diary
Trip Time Date Person
Alternative Deniollen 9/10th Feb LLOYD +KIM
North Lakes 23/24th Feb. KAY + LAURA G

V. Adjournment

Meeting drew to a close at 19.25
Next Meeting: 07.02.08
Minutes Submitted: Mary
Minutes Approved: Martin

By Martin

LUCC: Liverpool University Canoe Club Committee Meeting Minutes13.12.07 Present: Martin, Nick, Claire, Laura G, Andy, Lloyd, Tamsin, KimApologies: Dom, Vanny, Laura M, Rachel, Little Nic, PhilNext Meeting: 24th Jan

I. Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the previous meeting were unanimously approved as distributed.

II. Announcements

1. AU Update
a. Captain:
• There is to be no fresher’s fair this year – a stall for Sport Liverpool will be set up in the guild at the beginning of next term which we can contribute to

2. Reports

a. Secretary’s Summary
• Number of fully paid up members 59
• Increase from last meeting 10
• Other announcements
b. Treasurer’s Summary
• Total amount in the club account £7 (ish) – not inc. grant
• Expenditure since last meeting
• Other announcements Account still with some expenditure to be taken out
c. Polo [Training status – going well!]
• Games Played Guys – 5, Girls – 4
• Games Won Guys – 5, Girls – 3
• Games Lost Girls – 1
• Ranking …… Claire please correct if I’m wrong!
d. Slalom None to report
• Events entered
• Ranking
e. Whitewater None to report
• Events entered
• Ranking

III. Discussion
1. Open Issues
a. Sessions
• Wednesday afternoons – still would be ideal to swap with water polo for their Friday evening session… under discussion with Stuart Wade and the Water Polo club
b. Trips
• First trip – Bus with trailer hook needs to be booked!
• BUSA Slalom – 15 individual entrants and 5 others for C1 and C2 races, final names TBA next term [26th -27th Jan] LIL NIC
• 2nd Feb. – day trip to somewhere exciting depending on the Rain Gods
• Deniollen – [9-10th Feb] LLOYD + KIM
• North Lakes – a different brownie hut location was discussed?! KAYLA + LAURA G
• Scotland – check details with Will LLOYD
c. Socials
• AU nights – 6th Feb, 5th March……. LLOYD
• Beer Festival – [14th-16th Feb] in the Met Cathedral Crypt….. Did everyone buy tickets that wanted to be going!? Some tickets are still left for Fri 15th 12am-4pm
• Polo Gathering – into town with Bangor around the next polo tournament CLAIRE + MARY
d. Equipment
• Paddles – still bent and still under warrantee
• Coloured duck tape to be put on all paddles to distinguish from other clubs PHIL
• C1/C2 Repairs LAURA, VANNY< MARTIN
• Straps – new ones have been bought recently
• Try hooks for these to make it more obvious when some have disappeared
LAURA G
e. Other
• Shed/Kit Use Rules DOM
• Key List – email those who have still have boats in sheds MARY

2. New Issues
a. Alps
Transport possibilities –
• Bus hire out there, drive van with boats over, everyone else flies (will possibly be most expensive option?)
• Ade and Helen to drive bus out, trailer ok again!
• Pending alternative minibus drivers? MARTIN
b. The Fun Police (i.e. Health and Safety officers)
• Currently using them to persuade the Guild to fight for our getting rid of the barriers to shed car park
IV. Any Other Business

1. Hoodies LAURA G
2. Montanes MARTIN
On sale now!!
3. Buffs DOM
4. Equipment to buy
• Paddles for river running – of the Nylon variety basic but solid
• Check throwlines in sheds (was generally decided most people who will use one should have their own)
• Straps – still need a few more
5. Polo goals for pool VANNY
Shiny new ones being made by Vanny out of aluminium for ease of handling
6. Rachels Talk RACHEL
Dave Manby is coming to talk next term (23rd Jan), she would really like some help publicising it and support on the day…. EVERYONE

V. Dates for the Diary
Trip Time Date Person
ALPS! – final dates n/a 13-22nd June MARTIN
N.Wales 19th Jan BAGOT ST + Friends
Stanley Session 20th Jan As above
Dave Manby talk 7.30-9.30pm 23rd Jan RACHEL
BUSA Slalom 26-27th Jan LIL NIC
Magical mystery tour 2nd Feb
1st Polo Tournament of term 3rd Feb CLAIRE + NICK
Deniollen 9-10th Feb KIM + LLOYD
2nd Polo Tournament 17th Feb CLAIRE + NICK
N. Lakes 23rd-24th Feb KAYLA + LAURA G

VI. Adjournment

Meeting drew to a close at 19:00
Next Meeting: 24th Jan
Minutes Submitted: Mary
Minutes Approved: Martin

“Greenland Whitewater” - Simon Tapley - Wed 20 Feb - 7.30pm - International Lounge - 2nd floor Liverpool Guild of Students - £3.50 (Adults / Students / Children)

LiverpoolKayakTalks.info website.

In the summer vacation of 2007, students Simon Tapley and Ali Marshall undertook the first ever expedition to explore the white water rivers and waterfalls of South West Greenland. Basically, they asked a fisherman to drop them off in the middle of nowhere, and then they explored the granite-and-gnarl rivers of the SW. Luckily, they also got fetched again. Handy for us, as they returned with stunning video footage and photographs for us to enjoy. Simon will be telling us about adventures in this spectacular and unspoilt wilderness.

Like the last talk, we’ll be going to the bar before - the shiny downstairs bar in the student-onion - the talk starts at 7.30pm

 

photos: fatcatsproductions

At the end of Jim Hargreaves’s talk, he gave details of how you can go on such a trip! Join his next expedition to the Mountain River, Canada, Aug 2007!

Full details: MountainRiverExpedition.pdf

Its a 2 week canoe trip through wilderness, taking everything you need with you on the boats. Experience of a lifetime type stuff.

This should be some incentive for you to get a nice software job or similar, and start saving your pennies for perfect holidays!