Intrepid explorers Jordan M. Andra K, Pete G and Dave M jumped in their car and made a weekend adventure of in sunny Scotland, combining not only the 5k National Championships, but also the Monster the Loch race.  Food for thought for next year?

Race 1 Monster the Loch 18/9/21
A 21 mile race downwind on Loch Ness, the organisers decide the night before the race which way it is running dependent on the wind. Jordan and Andras were there in a double surf ski, along with 88 other boats ranging from rowing eights to paddle boards, in 2019 there were also 2 pedalos.
After a long sit on the start line, the race was on. They quickly settled onto the wash of a rowing 8 and stayed there until a few kilometres from the finish. The other surf skis were ready for rolling waves not wash hanging and this gave our crew the advantage and a clear run down the loch.
Having come second they then had a trip in someone’s minibus back to the start – a much quicker trip but much more nauseating.
A big event to do, something significantly different to our normal races. Jordan/Andras took 2hours 33 mins.
Row Loch Ness | Monster the Loch | Scotland

 
Race 2  5km National Championships, Strathclyde 23/10/21
This was run by Jon Schofield (Liam’s K2 partner for the 2012 200m gold medal) who is now coaching in Scotland. 
The day was set up with  K1, K2 and K4 races spaced throughout the day so everyone could do as many races as they wanted to. 
The K1’s kicked off with Andras coming 2^nd and Jordan 3^rd in the U23’s. A quick change over and Peter was out in one of the boys boats to achieve a 3^rd place in the over Over 64s.
In K2 Andras and Jordan were second to a very strong crew of Lusty and Johnson. David found a Scottish paddler who had never raced K2 before but proved to be very good (having previously completed Monster the Loch!!) and we spent the race preparing to jump into a K4 next, at times it even looked as though our boat was floating.
K4 time arrived and we were all on the same start line. A Senior boat of Jordan, Andras, Dave and Ross Urquardt and a boat with Pete taking 3 other Scots for a ride.
After setting up both boats and thinking we had checked the rudders both boats got off to a good start. However, it soon become apparent that the senior boat really didn’t have a working rudder and so some inventive steering techniques came into play! Having to drop off the wash (something you never do at this level) to avoid causing too many collisions the boat finally came in 2^nd in the open race.

A big thanks to the boys for taking me round a race at this level – racing open senior classes is something I haven’t done in a long time. Pete and his motley crew finished 1^st in their class having taken a much shorter route round the course.
The day was rounded off with Liam Heath, our multiple Olympic medallist, presenting prizes before us all adjourning to a nearby hotel for a buffet dinner and evening inside.


 

Report: Dave Martyn

Safety of our members and of others is paramount.  Accordingly, the club has developed the Wey Paddler Safety Code to clearly articulate the restrictions that are be placed on members paddling in different conditions and at different times of the day.

It is important to note that every member must make their own dynamic assessment before each paddle considering elements such as the conditions, buoyancy requirements, planned route, paddling competency, safety equipment and appropriate clothing.  When necessary consult someone else.  Every individual will be paddling at their own risk and responsible for themselves.  

Though the Wey Navigation is normally a calm and safe waterway, conditions can change rapidly and the Guildford area is subject to flooding.  

When the river is in flood the National Trust indicates that the navigation is closed by placing a RED BOARD in the frame on the Clubhouse wall. The RED BOARD is controlled by the National Trust and no Club member may remove it or ignore it. Under most conditions this indicates that no crews are allowed to paddle.   

However, there are times when the river is in flood and the RED BOARD is displayed, but conditions are not bad enough to pose an unacceptable level of risk to experienced paddlers. The YELLOW BOARD procedures have been developed with the National Trust to allow paddling to take place under careful control of Club Coaches. The Club controls the YELLOW BOARDS. 

Race 1: 21st November* 
Race 2: 6th December* 
Race 3: 9th January* 
Race 4: 23rd January*
Race 5: 6th February*


Time trial format with slowest setting off first and group finish
Any type of kayak or canoe can enter
Hare & Hounds 10km, 2 portages
Dash Hounds (U14), 5km, no portages 

*Spare dates will be announced if we are unable to run event due to adverse weather or COVID

There is also a website version which updates dynamically with the app: https://weykayakclub.teamapp.com. 


We hope you enjoy your TeamApp experience!

As always lots going in and around the club in the next month or so - for all events visit our TeamApp Events section.