Blog Posts - Duddon Canoe Club

2021.6.25 DCC POLO

25/6/2021

On Thursday morning at 9.00 am club polo rep. Michelle, was joined by John to set out the polo court at the docks. Winter storms had done their worst but the corner anchorage points had survived so it was soon up and ready for action. Michelle will be working round her work shifts to provide polo coaching every other Friday.
The first polo session of the season was held on 25th June with on shore ball work followed by water based training. To round off the evening a match gave the opportunity to put the leaning into action. A greatly successful first session- work needed with understanding the rules!!! John will be bringing his refs. green and red cards next time expecting the sin bin to be seeing some action!!

20216.22 DCC MID WEEK PADDLE

22/6/2021

Tuesday saw the midweek touring group out on Thirlmere for a few hours of very pleasant paddling. Even the wind was in a calm mood - no strong huffing and puffing as is usually the case on Thirlmere!!
(The midweek paddlers go out a couple of times a month - usually during the day. it's peer group paddling, not training/coaching. Short notice of paddles often enables good condition. If you wish to join the email list for this group let John know - johnsherwen@hotmail.com )

2021.6.19 dcc paddlesport training

19/6/2021

As part of our instructor training, John has had us experiencing different boats. Once we had mastered sea kayaks in the docks, we were invited to try them out on the sea for real.
On Saturday 19th June, Claire and I joined John and Ray at the Ferry slipway. We paddled down to Piel and stopped for some lunch. As the tide started to turn, the sun came out and the wind died down.
Feeling more confident on the sea, we decided to venture further round to South Walney to see the seals. We kept a respectable distance from the colony but some of the seals were out to play and popping up in the water all around us. You don't get an experience like that on dry land. Both Claire and I described it as the "best day ever" and maintained our big smiles on the long paddle back, even as we were bobbing about on the wake from the windfarm vessels passing us on their way back in.
We paddled over 10 miles and were out for 4.5hrs and the favourable weather and tide conditions were in our favour. It was a really relaxed afternoon.

It felt like a massive gamble for me to take up the offer of instructor training and I don't think I believed that I was capable, but the extra time and patience from the Duddon canoe club coaches, particularly John, has brought skills and experiences that I'd never expected so a massive thank you to you all. This trip was absolutely amazing and we definitely fulfilled the criteria of experiencing different boats and water conditions out paddling in Morecambe Bay.

Sarah

2021.6.18 dcc nancy's pics

18/6/2021

Young DCC member Nancy borrowed Nana Carols camera to capture Friday evenings session at the docks. Thanks for the pictures Nancy.

2021.6.16 dcc paddlesport instructors

16/6/2021

Wednesday evening saw the Paddlesport Instructor group take to the water in a variety of craft. To be able to give advice on the capabilities of each boat then the only way to find out was to try them all. Fun was had by everyone which was captured by Fran.

2021.6.7 dcc mid week paddle

7/6/2021

Monday evening saw a group of DCC paddlers set off from Brown How and paddle down to Allan Tarn and back on to Coniston water. It was a lovely evening giving everyone a chance for a catch up.
Before lockdown I organised midweek day time paddles a couple of times a month. Now things are opening up a bit I intend to start again- with some in the evenings to avoid crowds/ parking fees.
These are peer group social paddles- not coached sessions-
You will need to transport your own canoe / kayak- any type welcome. If you need to borrow club kit it will need to be collected when dock sessions are on and booked and signed out.
You must let the trip organiser know if you intend to come so any last minute changes can be communicated.
If you wish to be on the mailing list for these paddles please let me know at johnsherwen@hotmail.com

2021.6.4 dcc river practise

4/6/2021

On Friday evening while some members were down the docks Andy took a group up to the Crake at Greenodd. This session gave members the chance to improve on their river skills and to try going over the wier with or without a boat. A great evening was had by all.

2021.5.29-30 DCC BANK HOLIDAY

30/5/2021

On Saturday John, Jane, Alistair and John, a friend of Alistairs paddled on the Esk estuary/river. They put in at Ravenglass and caught the tide up the river. You can see Muncaster Castle in the background. Then on Sunday it was out again for John but this time with Geoff and Jenny. They paddled around Piel Island paying a visit to Sheep Island which can be found opposite Snab Point Walney. Barrow Borough Council built a small isolation hospital on the island in 1892 but it was rarely used and was abandoned in 1922

2021.5.29 dcc paddle explorer award

29/5/2021

I have just been told that Tia, Fin, Martha, Sarah and Claire who took part in the Paddle Explorer Awards have passed with flying colours. Well done to all and what they have achieved. Well done to DCC who will now benefit from their experience and dedication to the club. Brilliant.

2021.5.15 dcc fsrt

15/5/2021

Over the past weeks a group of the clubs She Paddlers - and a couple of He Paddlers - have been coming down to the docks for skill training on Wednesday evenings.
On Saturday 15th May, while Furness cowered under rain filled sky, the sun shone for the She Paddlers at Talkin Tarn in the north of the county. They were there for their FSRT (foundation safety and rescue training) provided by Antony from Border Kayaks and I went along to see what was new since I did my FSRT on Aug.2nd 1992!!
I did pick up a few handy nuggets.
The day started with land based training but things gradually got wetter and wetter with tows and rescues using kayaks, sit on tops, SUPs and open canoes. All enjoyed and did well with the training and came away with information on their successes and where, when the docks warm up a bit, more practice is needed. Most importantly they are more aware of how to ensure safe paddling and what to do when a boat shows its bottom!!
Thanks to Antony for a 'great day out', to Fran for help with skills training, for funding from The Outdoor Partnership and British Canoeing and most especially to the She Paddlers - Tia, Sarah, Martha and Claire for giving up 2 or 3 evenings a week to train so they can give more time volunteering for Duddon Canoe Club.
John