As we travelled up for the family day there were calm waters on Windermere and Grasmere was like a millpond so fingers were crossed for the notoriously windy conditions on Thirlmere. The car park was wind free and well populated with midges that were undeterred by the fine drizzle.
Out on the water white horses were seen gently cantering down the centre of the lake.
The shore line was fairly  sheltered from the swell and we made good progress skipping from bay to bay and in the lee of the islands. Some ventured into the waves for more exhilarating sport.
On reaching the final headland before open water leading to the head of the lake we suddenly realized the sun was about to breakout from the clouds and we had just passed a perfect sheltered picnic spot.
After a sun drenched lunch stop we made our way gently back to our starting place. Following seas made directional control a bit tricky for some and an opportunity for surfing for others!!
Once the 16 club members were all safely ashore we wended our different ways home, some stopping off for ‘afternoon tea’ to put the cream on a great day out. Thanks to all for making this such an enjoyable trip.
john

 ​Sandside Lodge School have made great use of the docks these last few weeks. Several classes have been down to the docks where apart from learning how to paddle or improving on skills already learned they also found out how to keep their environment clean by having a litter pick. Some students were lucky enough to spot a baby fox. Great fun was had by all who attended.

DCC members met down at Canal foot, Ulverston at 9am on Saturday morning. They portaged their boats down the pier and on to the water before setting off up the Leven Estuary. Brew time was most welcome as getting off the water gave everyone a chance to stretch their legs before continuing up towards the old rail way bridge on the River Leven. Here they made their turn for home.

Rain, wind and sun greeted 7 Duddon paddlers following the long journey down the M6 to Trentham Gardens. It cleared a little for the races and Duddon paddlers gained 3 x 1st  and 3 x 2nd place medals. In spite of a team depleted by other bank holiday commitments  and alarm clock failure!! Duddon came second in the team placings. In the Junior K2 event, Ryan and Riley raced over the finish line in 2nd place.

This brings to an end the North West Hasler league races for this season. The next season starts in September so come on down to the docks and train for the most successful Marathon team in the North West. 
John Sherwen 
Great pictures of the day by Sue, John and Carol.

The Friday evening session was a busy one. Once on the water it was over to the other side of the dock before paddling up towards Morrisons for a game of tig. Michelle had relations visiting from Australia so they, along with other members of her family, came down to the docks for a paddle. Carol coached one young lad who'd decided to give canoeing a go and he found out he like it and John and Holly decided to give paddling the sit on top a go. 

Today saw DCC race at Chester on the River Dee.  After briefing it was straight on the water for an 11am start closely followed by the lightnings. Lee, who had walked the C2B yesterday didnt race but escorted Teigan along her 2km course where she came first in her age group. Ryan and Riley came second and third in their lightning race. Keiron, who walked the C2B in under 4 hours, raced with Connor in a K2 and came second. They were closely followed in third place by Michelle and John. Daniel and Carol came first in the div 9 K2 with Martin and Jacky following a bit later in 2nd place. Andy just missed out on a medal in his catergory and new member Paul also gained a medal in his group. It was a great day for all involved.

Scott, Julie, Lee, Owen, James, Keiran and Neil Heywood (friend of Scotts) all set off on Saturday morning to walk or run their way back to Barrow from Coniston to raise money for local charities. They joined hundreds of others either making their way from Keswick or Coniston back to the finishing line at Hawcoat Sports centre. They were supported on their way round by other members of DCC who kept them supplied with drinks and snacks at various points along the route.  Everyone passed the finishing line with Keiran arriving back in under 4hours. Well done to all and a big thank you for all money raised.

"21 Members of Duddon canoe took up the chance to visit the RNLI lifeboat station at Roa Island. We met on a beautiful spring night with amazing views
The visit started off with The John Flavey giving us a short talk about how the RNLI was formed and how the station works. Splitting off into 2 groups we got an extensive tour of the Tamar and D class lifeboats. We looked at there saftey equipment with some younger members dressing in there equipment. Then finally we were shown a video of the lifeboats in action
This was a great chance to see the great work they do and how to help our selves to keep safe on and around water."
Rob Hitchmough

 The arrival of the 8 person sup board caused great excitement at the docks this evening. It took four pumps simultaneously working to blow up the board but all the hard work was definitly worth it. Pictures of the fun were taken by Sue who over the course of the evening captured the confidence that was gained by those on board. The stability of the SUP really showed when the youngsters started to play fight and ended up in the water only to climb back on board with out the board changing position. To say all had a fantastic time is an understatement, especially Scott.

DCC held their South Lakes Marathon on Lancaster Canal this year starting at Borwick. More details to follow.