​Congratulations go to DCC member Victoria Longstaff on becoming one of DCC's youngest level 1 coaches at the age of 16. Tori has been canoeing since the age of 7 and is a very experienced paddler winning many medals and trophies as well as being a National Wavehopper champion for several years. She has recently added a SUP board course to her CV. Tori is following in the footsteps of her father Andy and sister Emily who are also coaches at DCC and her mother Sue who supports the weekly sessions on shore.
Well done.

Thursday saw several members of DCC paddle on and in the River Eden. Old skills were improved on and new skills were gained as the paddlers found themselves being challenged at times by the river. A great time was had by all with pictures of the day by Sue Longstaff. For more pictures and a video of what they got up to click here.

Todays family paddle was well attended by members of all ages. Once the boats were unloaded it was straight onto the water and we set off paddling up towards the M6 bridge that spans the canal about 3 miles away. Here we stopped for our lunch and a well earned break. John tried out his emergency bivouac ( yes I had to look that up) on one family who ended up nice and cosy sheltered underneath from the wind that was beginning to pick up. Last time we visited this stretch was in July 2012 for those trying to work out when. Thanks to John for organising the trip and transporting the boats along with Lee. Thanks also to Nancy for some great photos again and to Kirsty for great cake.

 ​The first Saturday session of the winter months was like a summers day, not a cloud in the sky. The afternoon was well attended by members who because of restrictions in the dock paddled across and up to the bulls nose for fun and games. Little did they know Scott had arranged a wave machine in the form of the local police rib who ran circles around everyone. Great fun was had by all bobbing up and down on the waves with only one casualty who was rescued by Carol. Thanks go to the police who made it a session to remember by the club.