Respect Your Clubhouse and Underground Parking

At some point on Friday a person or people in the Clubhouse broke a couple of glass-fronted pictures, and scrawled on white and blackboards. While accidents can happen without anyone coming forward it's difficult to paint a precise picture of what took place.

Please do all you can to respect our new Clubhouse and encourage others to do likewise.

Parking at the club is limited and we have to do all we can to use the space well. If you are driving to the club and using the underground car park there are several spaces that will take two cars. Please don't park across two spaces. And if you want to avoid being blocked in, use one of the single spaces (if available) or park somewhere else.

Xmas Party - Tickets and Bar Rota

Only about 25 tickets left for the Christmas Party - if you haven't got yours yet, get one from Kim Wetherall soon.

And if you are coming, we're looking for volunteers to do a stint behind the bar - contact Peter Hutchison.

DW Master Class

If for some reason you have decided to trash your Easter next year and take part in the 60th Anniversary Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Marathon, there is a Master Class being held on Sunday 25th November starting around 12, after the club 10k.

Trevor Wetherall will be providing a talk, with a few others in supporting roles, that will go through all the elements of planning, training for and completing a successful DW campaign. You can't take any shortcuts on the training, but there are plenty of ways to benefit by tapping into the years of experience stored within many club members.

If you're still undecided about taking part, it's the 60th Anniversary of the event and a big Richmond turn out would be great - one year we had 14 boats taking part. Can we top that? More details about the race at www.dwrace.org.uk

Richmond Marathon - the ups and downs of placid water paddling

Daniel Du Toit - demoted to Division 3 (springbok victory the night before is to blame for this!!)
Piran Shelley - promoted to Division 2
Tony Nercessian - promoted to Division 5
Marcus Gohar - promoted to Division 6
Rob Stainsby - promoted to Division 6
A Smith - promoted to Division 8
Rose Dunster - promoted to Division 8

Congratulations to everyone. Daniel - you shouldn't expect sympathy!

Late Halloween News

About 22 people paddled with around 60 people at the party. Congratulations to all involved... sounds like another cracking success.

PLEASE USE LIGHTS!!!

There has been some complaints about club members going out in darkness without white lights. The River Police can and will issue £200 on the spot penalties for any canoeist they catch without a white light. They can also pass photographic evidence forcing the club to provide the identity of any canoeist in question.

Please note that red flashing lights are not sufficient, every canoeist needs to have a non-flashing white light shining forward.

Rather than paying £200 to the authorities, you can use the money to buy a nice white light, pay your subs for the next year (due now, by the way) and treat yourself to something nice with the change.

Happy Night Paddling (With Lights!)

Club Christmas Party

Pleased to announce the annual Richmond Christmas Party.
19:30, eating at 8.15/30, ending 12:30, 8th December 2007
Theme. Let’s Pretend… Christmas Cracker or Character?

Tickets are £15 for adults, £7.50 for juniors. Available in advance from Kim Wetherall - cash or cheque in advance, no reservations, on a first come first served basis. You are welcome to bring partners, family and friends, but club members will be given preference over large groups of friends as ticket numbers are limited.

We are looking for volunteers for the bar rota (contact Peter Hutchison - find a partner to work with if you can), people to make desserts (Sue Peacock) and will be looking for people to help clear up on the night.

Late Halloween News

About 22 people paddled with around 60 people at the party. Congratulations to all involved... sounds like another cracking success.

PLEASE USE LIGHTS!!!

There has been some complaints about club members going out in darkness without white lights. The River Police can and will issue £200 on the spot penalties for any canoeist they catch without a white light. They can also pass photographic evidence forcing the club to provide the identity of any canoeist in question.

Please note that red flashing lights are not sufficient, every canoeist needs to have a non-flashing white light shining forward.

Rather than paying £200 to the authorities, you can use the money to buy a nice white light, pay your subs for the next year (due now, by the way) and treat yourself to something nice with the change.

Happy Night Paddling (With Lights!)

2007 Tour Season Over - Another Sign of Summer Gone

As many of us will be braving phantoms on the Halloween Night Paddle on Saturday 27th, and possibly drinking deep to steady our nerves at the party which follows, we have decided not to run the planned tour for Sunday 28th October, hang up our dry bags and call it a day for this season. For those keen to paddle on that Sunday, Peter Barnes is leading an intrepid party to the Hare and Hounds race hosted by Wey Kayak Club - see Peter B for more information.

So what have we done. Well, it's been another successful paddling season.

In April we paddled to Pangbourne, enjoying the hottest tour of the year. The beginning of another fine summer – we thought.

In May we spent longer drinking tea in the Wey Kayak Club than paddling in the drenching rain and cold of the Wey Navigation, but we were happy.

In June we celebrated Marie-Do’s birthday on the banks of the Basingstoke canal, before paddling some incredibly clear water near St John’s Castle.

In early September we were delighted by the oast houses dotted about the Medway landscape.

In late September we battled our way through the cresting waves of Chichester Harbour.

Your contribution towards costs has enabled us to pay £250 to the balcony fund. We have bought 6 sets of v-bars, spare bungees and u-bolts, and we still have a float of £112 for next season.

Many thanks to everyone for mucking in and making the tours such a success. Even at seven in the morning for the Chichester trip, we worked together like a well oiled machine to fit v-bars, load kayaks and head for the coast without delay. Especial thanks to Peter Barnes, for sorting the kayaks, all our drivers, for driving, and to Maureen, who seems able to produce hot tea for the whole party from a single flask.

We will start our tours again in April next year, after the Devises Westminster race. If you can suggest any suitable trips, please let us know.

Best Wishes and happy paddling.

Jim, Marie-Do, Sarah & Steve

Senior Circuits & 10@10

Winter nights drawing in means the Wednesday 10k isn't happening - but there is indoor training with Senior Circuits starting at 6.15pm.

But there is a Sunday 10k, starting at 10am. Snappily called the 10@10.

Not every week, because we don't want to clash with marathons (what all this paddling and training is about, remember).

Dates for your diary.
28 October
11 November
25 November
16 December
23 December

Windsor Marathon Results

The sun came out for the Windsor Hasler marathon.....with eleven Richmond paddlers there to enjoy it.

Our star of the day was Rebecca Killip who won the U-10 race in the best junior time of the day; faster than all the boys and faster than anyone in the higher under-12 age group.

In the Divisional races the fields were larger than usual with 20-30 starters lining up in each of Divisions 5 to 9 and a dozen in Divisions 2 and 4 and the K2 categories.

In K1 we had representatives at junior, senior and veteran level with Brendon Stead in Division 2, Chris Haynes in 5, Mike Piggot and Graham Stonehouse in 6, and Jack Killip in 8.

There were three K2 crews; Kim Wetherall & Claire Pople in the combined 4/5/6 division, Rob Stainsby & Rait Hartnett in 7 and Robin North with Reading’s Oliver North in Division 8.

Whilst there was little success to report it’s encouraging to see a range of Richmond ages and entries across eight different classes. Full results. But....we need more racers and it’s always more fun when there’s a bigger group of paddlers from our club.

There’s a category for everyone so give it a go....the easiest race to get to is this weekend; the Richmond marathon on Sunday 21 October - compulsory attendance unless you have a doctor's sick note. You know where it is.

Winter approaching - Lights - Training - Marathon - Shirts

With the night's drawing in, the 10k has finished - don't worry, it'll restart in April 2008. In the meantime, some hardy souls still go out paddling in the dark. Please do not put yourself or the name of the club at risk - ALWAYS HAVE A WORKING LIGHT FITTED TO YOUR BOAT!

Evening gym training for the juniors will start at 5.45pm on Tuesday 2 October 2007 with Rox and Alexis coaching.

Below is a list of winter training/marathon events from the BCU year book. The first FIVE events are all Hasler Qualifiers 2008 season. It's very important that the club attends these races and gets as many people as possible to qualify.
We MUST have a massive turnout at our own marathon on 21 October. Please do all you can to paddle at this event.

• 14 October - Windsor
• 21 October - Richmond
• 28 October - Banbury
• 28 October - Wey - Hare & Hounds 1 (ask Trevor or Peter Barnes for details if you need information)
• 18 November - Wey - Hare & Hound 2
• 16 Deceember - Wey - Hare & Hounds 3
• 6 January 2008 - Elmbridge - Luzmore K2
• 13 January - Wey - Hare & Hounds 4
• 27 January - Waterside A
• 3 February - Thameside 1
• 10 February - Wey - Hare & Hounds 5
• 10 February - Waterside B
• 17 February - Thameside 2
• 24 February - Waterside C
• 9 March Waterside D
• 16 March - Royal - K1/K2 Marathon
• 21 March - Richmond Sprint Regatta
• 21-24 March - 60th Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Marathon - 125 miles.

Much paddling to do... take your pick, and wear your Richmond shirt with pride. New stock just in - £16 each.

Trevor

Ross & Heidi Heading South

As many of you know, Ross and Heidi are leaving for their great Africa drive very, very soon.

They've asked to pass on an open invite to anyone who'd like to join them to say a sad but exciting 'Good Bye' to London after 11 years for Ross and 5 years for Heidz before they set off for their long drive home through Africa in Duzi2, their seriously modified Landy. (Their website for the trip is www.wildsightings.com)

When: Thursday 4th October 2007, 7.30pm onwards
Where: Pitcher and Piano, Richmond

Please pass on details to others that might want to say goodbye to Ross and Heidi.

Also, in getting rid of stuff that wasn't shipped back to SA they still have a a 118cm x 50cm free standing fridge/freezer for sale. "It works brilliantly and we've been using it as our spare drinks fridge. It's a Leco and is white. It has a freezer box in the top with fridge shelves below and a veggie/fruit drawer. If you are interested, please drop us a note and we can arrange a viewing." Heidi's email.

See you on Thursday
Ross and Heidz Lloyd

Halloween Paddle

Nightime Halloween Paddle on 27th October 2007, followed by drinks in the clubhouse. Full details - must book in advance, and over 18s only.

With over 370 members, Richmond Canoe Club is once again the biggest Canoe Club in England. It's a team thing, but the continued steady supply of new blood is in large part to the new Saturday afternoon reception group run by Ulrik and Sarah.

Add the burgeoning Junior group and the future is looking good.

As the biggest club, some dates for your diary where we should turn out in force, whatever your ability. Elbridge Hasler Marathon (7 Oct) and Richmond Hasler Marathon (21 Oct). Not sure about racing, what to do, how to do it. Ask Trevor, Peter Barnes, Daniel or any of the old club hands.

See you there.

Duathlon Success

Thanks to Rox, Trevor, BBQ/Catering team and all competitors who turned out for the Duathlon. Looked like fun was had by all.

Sad Rumours Confirmed - Exe Descent Cancelled

Rumours about cancellation of the Exe Descent have been around for a while, and are now official - details. For those who took part in the event, hold on to the dear memories. For those who didn't, you missed a cracker.

So like the dodo, Yangtze dolphin, and many other species recorded as footnotes to history, the Exe Descent will be a source of reflection about the evolution of the world we live in.

(who writes this stuff... euchhh!!!)

Liffey Descent

A good number of Richmond Paddlers made it over to Dublin for the Liffey Descent - largely due to the logistical maestros Ross and Heidi Lloyd who drove a trailer with 19 boats over so everyone else could fly.

Good efforts all round, and while there were no podium finishes this year, we did manage to trash a few boats, get intimate with trees, bushes and rocks, and generally have a good time.

A few photos on the official website, in no particular order: Steve (who's only been paddling for 4 months!!!) and Kelvin (#648), Pieter Malan (#243), Daniel Du Toit - flying in on Sat am, flying out Sat PM for the rugby in Paris, committment (#485), Henry Hendron - the jungle rescuer (#37), Nettie & Stu (#528), Randall and Piran (#506), Richard and Ian (#646), Brett & Claire (#671), Ross (10th Liffey) and Heidi (#589), Barry Lewin (adopted - #210), Peter - who's in control here! (#227), Ulrik & Karl (#535) and Sean - Mr Obsessed with 27th consecutive Liffeys (#431).

You can also flick through the numbers above at Action Shots.

Doug didn't make it - helping the wife to give birth is more important - congratulations to the Bitcons.

Who's driving next year?

Balcony Funds Updcate

Nudged passed the £11,500 mark, so just £8k to go. Give online, give in person, give with love, give in hope of an Indian summer.

Another Balcony Fundraiser in the form of a Fun Duathlon. Three parts. Part 1 - Bit of running. Part 2 - bit of paddling (that's the easy bit). Part 3 - sort of brain teaser requiring getting four team members, one K2 and three paddles across river to finish. All these items required in order to finish. Stopwatch stopped as each team finishes.

All makes perfect sense. Teams of four, with each having at least one female or one junior.

More information on the Limited Edition Fun Duathlon Poster.

Mongolian 10k - Wednesday 5th September

Observant people will have noticed that the website had broken down - again. Well it's back, and we're hoping to resume normal service shortly.

Another breakdown occurred over the summer, that of Nettie and Kim on that Mongolia Rally. Like the website, the are back and will be giving a talk about the rally on Wednesday (Sep 5th), with food, after the 10k, plus the opportunity to see the photos (maybe even a video) taken by Kim and Nettie on their drive through Europe and Asia.

Lots of people have asked about seeing the photos and hearing the tales so this is your chance!!! If you know that you will want some food could you please let Trevor know so that the necessary purchases can me made - cost will be about £3.50 with all profits to the balcony fund. Please pass this message on to anyone else you think might be interested

Rest assured, you'll have an enjoyable experience. And you may be pleased to know there are no plans for an evening talk about the websites journey.

RIVER CONDITIONS UPDATE - London Summer of Fun

Due to the unprecedented and dangerous flood conditions on the river after the exceptionally high rainfall of the last week, it may not be possible to actually go out onto the River Thames for every session. In these cases the sessions will still go ahead but on indoor kayak ergo machines in the gym.

A risk assessment will be undertaken by the head coach in consultation with the coaching team before every session to agree the river status and how the session should proceed.

Rest assured, we'll make sure you have an enjoyable experience.

Many thanks.

Kim & Nettie Set Off

After all the fundraising and preparations, Kim and Nettie set out on Saturday at 1.30pm from Hyde Park. As of Saturday evening, they had completed the first stage of their epic journey and reached Prague having driven all through the night! Party tonight and then off again in the morning. More news soon.

Hawaiian beach, Beautiful Sunset, Best British Bangers and Mind Numbing "Lemonade"

Another Saturday and another cracking party with The Beach Party at the club proving to be a great success. We had no real sand but we sure made up for it.....

We had an amazing floor to ceiling beach scene painted by Jo. Outside was an amazing sunset, real not painted. We ate award winning British sausage made by the local butcher..... Top Man......sausages, it was said that trounce the club Saffers Boerewors, or so the accolades went.

We had Banoffie pie, we had Pimms but most of all........... we had Brendon's "lemonade" .........

Good time had by all, topped off by close to £900 profit towards the balcony. Thanks to Jo, Brendon, Karen, Tammy and Peter Quibell, the gang of bar tenders, and everyone else who helped.

The Balcony fund now tops £10,500. For those of you too scared to come and try the party lemonade, its not too late to do you bit. Just click for Richmond Canoe Club's Justgiving Site and make a donation - you can make a one-off payment, or set up a regular, monthly payment that trickles out painlessly, without you having to think about it.

Every little bit really does help........

Richmond CC International

Richmond's international links continue to build. Some club members met with Sue Peacock's cousin Lawrence who sent a note of thanks and not finally I've got round to posting it on the web - Thanks, Thames, Fish and more...

And if you're out San Diego work, Gary Coulton's done the legwork to build a transatlantic relationship with the San Diego Kayak Club. He clearly impressed and gets the lead story in the SDK Club's February & March Newsletter. Yes, the BBP supremo man in black can sprint, stay upright and, my, look what they had him doing on page 4 and 5! Go Gary.

Summer challenge - snaps of you wearing your RCC shirt on your hols. Best one gets to organise the Club regatta in October (which as you're asking and want to put this compulsory event in your diary is on Sunday 21 October).

10K Mongolian Style

Food at Wednesday's (18th July) 10K is being provided courtesy of Kim and Nettie - their last club event before the Micragolia Team head off on their Mongolia Rally on Saturday from Hyde Park.

Please head down and say good luck, eat some food, provide a last minute surprise sponsor and say "sain yavaarai".

RCC presents: a Summer Beach Party "with a twist"

Building on the fun and frolics of recent parties, it's time for the Richmond Summer Beach Party. From black tie to boardies and flip flops (thongs, jandles ... what ever you want to call them) mix it up Baywatch Style and come and party.

Saturday 14 July - cancel holidays and save the date!

Tickets are £15. If you want tickets or can help out contact Jo Foster.

.

RCC presents: a Summer Beach Party "with a twist"

Building on the fun and frolics of recent parties, it's time for the Richmond Summer Beach Party. From black tie to boardies and flip flops (thongs, jandles ... what ever you want to call them) mix it up Baywatch Style and come and party.

Saturday 14 July - cancel holidays and save the date!

Tickets are £15. If you want tickets or can help out contact Jo Foster.

RCC at the London Youth Games

Sean Martin led the Borough's Canoeing team at this year's London Youth Games over at Crystal Palace. Click for the pictures.

RCC 2007 Tour - Guildford to Godalming - Sunday 7 July

We tried to do paddle the River Wey from Guildford to Godalming for our tour in May, but it rained so hard we gave up after about 4 miles, tempted by the warm showers at Wey Kayak Club. However, even through the pouring rain we could see it was a beautiful stretch of river well worth a revisit, and the heavy rain we have been having couldn’t possibly last another week……

So once again we will be exploring the River Wey as it passes Guildford and meanders its way through beautiful Surrey countryside to the picturesque town of Godalming. We will meet at RCC at 8.30 and return by about 5.30pm. As usual, we will pool transport and make a small charge, usually £5-£10, towards costs. Further information on the trip will be circulated nearer the time.

Just to remind you, the tour group aims to explore new stretches of water, and different paddling challenges, with picnics, pub lunches, and cream teas. The group is open to everyone, but if you are new to the club you may want to check with Peter Barnes that the paddle won’t be too challenging.

If you would like to find out more about the tour group in general and this trip in particular, please speak to Jim Mullany, Peter Barnes, Marie-Do, Sarah Jefferson or Steve Ogin at the club. If you would like to register for this trip please email Jim Mullany as soon as possible. If the tour is oversubscribed places are allocated on a first come first served basis.

Notice about River use - Richmond Regatta - Saturday 30 June

It's the annual Richmond Regatta on Saturday 30 June. There will be racing all day, starting at 9am ending around 1630. Please take exceptional care when leaving the pontoon if you plan to paddle.

Inexperienced paddlers may want to consider not paddling is a busy river would be unsettling.

Thanks.

Kathryn Hall Selected for Team GB

Kathryn Hall has been selected to race for the GB Marathon Team at the European Championships in Trencin, Slovakia on the 14 and 15th July. Congratulations to Kathryn - this is a great achievement and she is our sole international representative.

Kathryn has just returned from World Cup 1 in Skandeborg, Denmark, finishing 7th.

More details about International Marathon events at www.worldcup-2007.dk.

Richmond's London Summer of Sport

Richmond Canoe Club is taking part in the London wide Summer of Sport programme to promote sport and physical activity.

We've got activities taking place in the week of 23rd July - open to all ages, no charge, with the sole requirement that individuals are competant swimmers. Each day will have two session. 10-12 in the morning, 2-4 in the afternoon. Wednesday 25th has been set aside as a special disabled day for 2 local groups and, therefore, all coaches will be working with this group.

Participants will have to bring a full change of clothing - all other equipment will be provided.

We will be using a range of basic boats including Cygnets, Hobbies, Discoveries, Laance and Bellboats. It's a great opportunity to get large numbers out on the water from first timers through to returning paddlers.

Please do your best to encourage as many people to come down as possible.

Mongolian Throat Singing Party

Nettie and Kim are holding a party in aid of Team Micragolia and the charities they are supporting - Mercy Corps and Hope and Homes for Children.

Date: Friday 29 June. Tickets £10. Starts at 8pm until Midnight at Richmond Canoe Club, Petersham Road, Richmond. Dress: Clothes please. There'll be live music, cocktails and light buffet at the party... and everyone HAS to buy a ticket.

Non canoeists and guests are welcome. Tickets from Nettie and Kim before hand or on the door (please let them know if you're planning to go).

A little back ground. Nettie & Kim are driving to Mongolia as part of the Mongolia Rally. They'll be travelling in a donated Nissan Micra - more details. Meanwhile find out more about Mongolian Throat Singing or buy them a CD or tape to travel with.

Responsibility on the water

As users of the River Thames we share responsibility to use the water considerately at all times. A few incidents recently have led to complaints by other river users about the behaviour of Richmond Canoe Club members on the water.

All members of the Club are required to adhere to the byelaws relating to use of the river. When encountering another vessel - whether from in front or behind - please move quickly to the right of the river. When in large groups, this may prove problematic but it is still a requirement. Please also bear in mind that whilst you may think you are highly manouverable, other river users may not know that and any delay may lead to misunderstanding and confusion.

All Club members need to uphold this fundamental element of river use at all times.

Rightly or wrongly, many other river users see canoeists/kayakers as the "cyclists of the water" and somewhat a law unto themselves. It is down to all Club members to change this perception on our stretch of the water by how you behave on the water.

Note to Coaches: please make sure that you guide and lead your groups on this requirement both in action and attitude.

Paddles elsewhere

Thanks to Chris H (resident news hound) for digging up the stories that whilst Richmond we were splashing in numbers in the sunshine at Royal, Kathyrn Hall, representing GB as a junior female, was 7th in K1 and 5th in the Junior K2 - with Lena Beardsell - at the Marathon Wold Cup in Skanderborg in Denmark.

And closer to home, Paul Wells second in K1 singles - and first in his class - at the Windsor Vets on Sunday. Third best time of day across all classes. Even the 75-79 year-olds.

Pablo's Patagonian Plans

Looks like Pablos got a few busy weeks ahead with planning, paddling a sea kayak and then converting it into a sledge to cover some 660 km.

More details at www.findelmundoexpediciones.net.

Basingstoke Tour Photos

Photos from the recent Basingstoke Canal Tour. Looks like fun. Let them eat cake.

Balcony Fundraising - online donations with Just Giving

Balcony funds are inching upwards as we nudge close to £7.5k with a target of £20k to go. Thanks to all those who have given.

We need more funds and the Big Birthday Paddlers are sticking their oar in with fundraising. Or you can give direct to the club online - Give Online.

Thanks

Royal Results

Congratulations (and thank you) to the 42 club members that made the short trip up river to represent Richmond at the Royal CC Marathon on Sunday. It was good to see the club out in numbers with Richmond paddlers in most divisions. Not only did we have a lot of members racing, we also had some very good results with a number of podium places.

One result that stands out is Freddie Purcell's promotion to Div 6 at the age of 13 - keep up the hard work Freddie!

Podium Finishes

Div 9 K2:
1. Matthew Duck & Joshua Smythe
3. Rebecca Killip & Rose Dunster

Div 7 & 8 K2
2. Ben Killip & Jack Killip

Div 3 & 4 K2
3. Stuart Clifton & Netty Kelly

Div 1 & 2 K2
2. Brett Irvine & Daan du Toit

Fun Race (Here we really cleaned up)
1. Rebecca Killip
2. William Key
3. Angus Brereton

Under 10 Fun
1. Dennis Houston
2. James Dyson

Div 7 K1
2. Freddie Purcell (promoted to Div 6)

Div 5 K1
3.Chris Haynes

Div 3 K1
2. Chris van Deventer

Full list of results on the Royal CC website at www.royalcanoeclub.com

Dates for the diary, especially if you haven't done your 3 qualifying races for the Hasler Final:
24 June - Reading Race (southern region)
01 July - Wey CC (LSE region and therefore a must do for all members)

Daan - Marathon Secretary

World Canoeing Day - 10 June - Celebrate at Royal Hasler Race

Despite the best attempts of national canoeing bodies, we've managed to discover the surprise news that Sunday 10 June 2007 is World Canoeing Day. Didn't know there was such a thing? Why would you...

Celebrate with a splash and a paddle. Print out your own poster. And sign up to the spirit of the day with a note from our leaders. After all, is paddling a sport, or a way of life.

May the catch be with you.

Royal Hasler Race - 10 June

Big Birthday is kicking off on the 18th June when a small crowd are setting off to complete the length of the Thames. Starting off for fun, there's now a fundraising element to the event and you can sponsor anyone or all of the crew online. Funds raised are being split between the balcony fund and the BCU's Canoe Foundation that supports disability paddling.

Good luck to all the paddlers.

Royal Hasler Race - 10 June

Once a year we have the opportunity to race at another club without getting into our cars. A lovely warm-up paddle to Royal CC (5 minutes above Teddington lock) will get you to the start of our neighbouring club for their Hasler Race this Sunday. (It is also a lovely drive if you want to save the energy for later...)

Reasons to do this race:
1. Earn valuable points for the club to qualify for the Hasler Final
2. Complete 1 of the 3 personal qualifying races for the Hasler Final
3. Improve your paddling and racing skills
4. Have a fun day supporting our neighbours

Reasons not to do the race:
1. Doctors Note
2. Currently Abroad

The club will earn maximum points if you race K2, however if you would like to partake in the Hasler Final in a K1 and still need to do the 3 qualifying races, it would be worth more to do the race in a K1. The most important part is that you are there doing the race! It would be great if we can go up in numbers.

See you all on Sunday!

Sport Richmond Open Meeting

Richmond CC are hosting an open meeting of Sport Richmond at 6.45 on Thursday 7th June at the Clubhouse. Sport Richmond looks to develop sport, physical activity, clubs and volunteering in the London Borough of Richmond and the club is a great beacon of successful achievement.

In addition to networking with other clubs in the Borough, there'll be presentations on Clubmark, promoting disability sport and CASC (Community Amateur Sports Clubs).

Do come along if you can make it. Trevor will be there to greet you.

Richmond Junior going to Danish World Cup

Congratulations to Kathyrn Hall on making the international marathon team for the World Cup in Skandenberg, Denmark. The competition runs from 9-10 June.

Wokingham Canoe Club Hasler Race - Sunday 27th May

There is another Hasler Race for the Southern Region on Sunday. As it is not the LSE Region it would not earn the club any points, but will count for the 3 individual qualifying races for the Hasler Final in September. It is also another opportunity to race, which will improve your fitness as well as your racing skills.

Please see the Notice Board for details as well as lift arrangements. Race details.

Wednesday Night 10k food

Last nights 10k supper earned over £100 again, pushing us over the £7000 figure. Chefs extraordinaire on Wednesday 30th are Nettie and Kim. Come eat, come spend. Yum, Yum. Ching, ching.

Summer Party Tickets

Party tickets will be on sale from Sonia or available from the Galley on Saturday mornings . We hope to have them ready for the 26th but soon after it we miss that date.

All profits to go towards the balcony ... Dig deep, nearly pay day! No money, no ticket. And no request for a ticket, no tea. If you're on holiday on the 14th july we might let you off with a donation. Should be another classic night

Basingstoke Tour - Sunday 3 June

Next tour is along the Basingstoke Canal - full details. First come first served.

10K Supper Challenge

Kim and Ivana's fine food raised a whopping £100 towards the balcony. So the challenge is there - can anyone do better? In the past Lance's Bunny Chow and Grant's Dragon Curry have graced the Midweek Menu. So roll out your signature dish, put a peg on your nose so you sound like Antony Worrall Thompson and get working on that snazzy new Galley cooked.

If you're up to the challenge please speak to Alison to get your name on the rota.

Hasting Canoe Club Race (Held at Tonbridge)

This weekend is the next Hasler race for the London South East Region. The club needs the points, so if you have Sunday free and fancy a paddle on a beautiful canal then Tonbridge is the place to be. Paddlers that have not done their 3 qualifying races, need to get out there racing as the races are running out.

It is (obviously) narrower than what we are used to, but it is a beautiful tree lined canal for most of the way.

Full details of the race can be found at Paddle Point May 2007 section or on the club notice board. There will also be a drivers list on the notice board, so please add your name and phone number if you can offer or need a lift.

RCC presents: a Summer Beach Party "with a twist"

Following the fun and frollics of the sold out rocket fueled (other wise known as a certain south african yakka drink) opening party ... summer party planning is underway.

From black tie to boardies and flip flops (thongs, jandles ... what ever you want to call them) mix it up Baywatch Style and come and party.

Saturday 14 July - cancel holidays and save the date!

Tickets will be £15, and only available in advance. Jo Foster is leading on this one, and with Kim in Devon, and a rather hectic race calander, she needs some party helpers. If you're able to help and lead an area email Jo. Particular help will be needed around ticket sales (the moment they're printed!)

Your Big Birthday Paddle Needs You!

If you're in the Big Birthday Paddle, latest news in a cut out'n'keep poster. It's not too late to join!

London Youth Games - Team Richmond

Latest Info: Paddlers are eligible ONLY if they either live or go to school in LBRUT and are not competing in any other LYG event.

Selection Process: Tuesday night training sessions on the 15th and the 22nd May will be used to decide the team, with entries going in on the 23rd. If you are interested in taking part please attend these sessions. Please contact Senior Head Slalom Coach, Sean Martin.

London Youth Games flyer and Further Information

Richmond's Four Tops - Basingstoke Results

8 May 2007
Richmond took four prizes at the Basingstoke Marathon this weekend.

Nine paddlers represented the club with honours for Daan Du Toit (3rd in Div 2), Stu Clifton (3rd in Div 3), Chris Haynes (2nd in Div 5) and Karen Triegaardt (best placed senior female).

Piran Shelley (also known as Diran Sheuey!) finished 4th in Div 2, just 5 seconds behind Daan, whilst Randall Watson battled in Div 3, completing his third K1 marathon to qualify for the Hasler Finals.

Tony Nercessian and Ian Hague both fought in the 15-strong field of Division 6 and were separated by one place and just under two minutes over the 8.8 mile course, taking 8th and 9th. Colin Stent finished in 1:30:18 at the rear of the 15-strong field.

Full results here.

Next marathon in our Hasler region is Hastings 1066 on Sunday 20 May followed by Royal (just 3 miles up the river from us) on Sunday 6 June. See Paddlepoint for all the details.

Everyone can take in flat water racing as divisions group paddlers into groups of roughly similar quality. Please do what you can to get to races - talk with Trevor or Daan for more details.

Hastings 1066

2 May 2007
Hastings 1066 Hasler marathon is on Sunday 20 May. Start planning your entry now. Full details, including entry forms, on Paddlepoint.

What a party!

2 May 2007
Party pictures on the Gallery - cracking job to Neils Muncey and Thomas with a few snaps from Fran.

What a party!

29 April 2007
Cracking party - congratulations to all concerned. Pictures will be coming to a Gallery in due course. And if you've got any to share, email them through.

Touring Group - Guildford to Godalming

27 April 2007
The second tour of the season will soon be upon us. This time we will be exploring river Wey as it passes Guildford and meanders its way through beautiful Surrey countryside to the picturesque town, Godalming. We will meet at RCC at 8.30 and return by about 5.30pm. As usual, we will pool transport and make a small charge, usually £5-£10, towards the cost of petrol, parking etc. Further information on the trip will be circulated nearer the time.

Just to remind you, the tour group aims to explore new stretches of water, and different paddling challenges, with picnics, pub lunches, and cream teas. The group is open to everyone, but if you are new to the club you may want to check with Peter Barnes that the paddle won’t be too challenging.

If you would like to find out more about the tour group in general and this trip in particular, please speak to Jim Mullany, Peter Barnes, Marie-Do, Sarah Jefferson or Steve Ogin at the club.

If you would like to register for this trip please email Jim Mullany as soon as possible. If the tour is oversubscribed places are allocated on a first come first served basis.

Paddling Opportunities in May

27 April 2007
The racing season is in full swing. Not to be missed are the races on the Basingstoke Canal on 6 May and Reading on 27th May. You don’t have to be a paddling super-hero to have a great deal of fun and enhance RCCs reputation for being one of the best racing clubs in the country. If you haven’t raced before, speak to Daan du Toit, Marathon Secretary, Peter Barnes or one of the other coaches, who will tell you all you need to know.

Also to look forward to in May, Peter is planning a trip on the tidal Thames, either from Richmond to Putney or from Putney to Tower Bridge. This is one of the best paddles in South East England, and an annual favourite. It will be held on Sunday 20th May. Further information from Peter Barnes.

For those planning to take part in the “Big Birthday Paddle” along the length of the Thames (18 – 24 June) these are invaluable opportunities to build up the stamina and endurance.

New Pictures on Gallery

25 April 2007
New photographic evidence of the paddling malarkey that goes on at this club here.

The next race for our region is Basingstone Canal on Sunday 6 May. Buy a vest, enter the race and help the club qualify for the Hasler Finals at Pangbourne on 16 September.