Dear Paddler
I am delighted that the club is able to offer some fantastic opportunities for our members.
Please see below for details of four courses being organised by the Club, two of which specifically support safety on the White Water course.
We know that many people are now starting to access the course and many parents are coming down to watch, so there is also a course designed for you. Whilst you can take a swim to understand what the experience is like to be rescued it isn’t compulsory and you can do this activity from the bank.
Swim / throwline workshop Date : Friday 17th September Time : 7-9 (kitted up ready to start at 7) Cost : £5 Kit : Wetsuits, Helmets and BAs are available from HPP however you must bring a pair of trainers. Spaces : 20 on each workshop
Swim workshop – ideal for anyone starting out on their White Water journey, or those not yet comfortable swimming down the course. We will teach you how to safely swim down the rapids as well as techniques to self rescue.
Throwline workshop – ideal for anyone who is looking to learn how to help their paddling buddies during a swim, as well as those who spend time bankside watching family/friends and want to learn how to help should they get into trouble. We will teach you different techniques of how to throw a throwline, as well as talking through sensible locations on the white water course to use it. There will also be an opportunity to swim sections of the course for others to practice rescues, however this isn’t essential.
There will be no craft on the course during this session, ensuring that everyone stays safe.
We know that demand for these sessions will be very high – if you go to book and find that it is already gone then we will start a waiting list – please email Raftracing@hppcc.co.uk <mailto:Raftracing@hppcc.co.uk> to go on the waiting list or drop out list. If you do have to cancel please let us know at the earliest opportunity so someone else can take your place.
The Club would like to thank the Watersports Centre for making helmets and wetsuits available for this event to improve your safety.
We are also looking for a few willing volunteers to act as swimmers for the throwline workshop, however you must be confident at self rescue should the need arise. If you are interested in volunteering, please email raftracing@hppcc.co.uk <mailto:raftracing@hppcc.co.uk>.
Raft Racing Introduction Weekend This is a full weekend of coaching with our fantastic coaches, which will help give you all the skills needed to join our Wednesday night club sessions. We will start out on the flat learning all the basics of paddling as a team, and will then move onto the white water course to test those newly aquired skills. This course is open to anyone 14+, with no previous paddling experience required. Date : 25th/26th September Cost – £40 (+ temp membership) Time : 9:30 meet at club compound (1st session 10am) Spaces : 16
Raft racing development weekend This full weekend of coaching is open to any established teams looking to prepare for the upcoming season. Our team of coaches will help you build on skills useful across all 4 disciplines, with a heavy focus on Slalom throughout the weekend. Where possible, your team will need to come with their own raft, however please let us know in advance if this isn’t possible. All paddlers must be members of British Canoeing, or purchase a temporary club membership (available as an add on to your ticket) Date : 16th/17th October Cost : £240 per team ( +£30 for a 5th paddler) water fees included. Time : on the water for 10:00 Spaces : 6 rafts
Our thanks go to all of the coaches and volunteers who have offered their support for these events.
Don’t forget that there are no sessions on Saturday, and that the Slalom and Freestyle competitions are happening at the centre.
Happy paddling.
Dawn Scott Chair of Trustees.
