Abbey Stream trip report

News, Trip, Trip Reports
On the 10th of December arctic weather conditions and a heavy snow fall conspired to reduce the 13 people signed up on the trip to just 2 at the Thames at Laleham. Undeterred, Matt and Andy elected to be responsible for their own safety and paddled anyway on a quiet and slack Thames literally steaming in the freezing air. The water was low as we paddled down the Abbey Stream past the caravan site into woodland. From a mile in there was even more choking weed than usual requiring us to pull our boats along with our hands in places. A gentle snowfall started as we arrived at the lunch stop for welcome cups of hot  tea, but despite the beauty of the scene we didn't delay in eating our…
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Ivel Trip Report

News, Trip, Trip Reports
On Sunday 15 Nomads led by Ian Walker traveled to Sandy in Bedfordshire to paddle the beautiful river Ivel. It was a cold but sunny morning as we started off through bright green fields and split up above the first weir with some more experienced paddlers following a side cut to run a chute and the rest following the main channel over the first weir. Regrouping in the pool below the chute everyone had a chance to enjoy the faster moving water and practice their ferry glides with Anthony showing how it should be done.   After a little play we moved on through pretty countryside against a growing headwind with only those who'd paddled the river before knowing what was in store. Little did the first timers on this…
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Spanish Pyrenees trip, 3rd-10th June 2018 – book early!

News, Trip
 From the 3rd to 10th of June 2018 Nomad Kayak club in conjunction with Kayak Campo is running a week's trip to sample grade 3-4 Spanish Pyrenees whitewater similar to this video. We'll be picked up by Kayak Campo from Zaragoza airport where our Ryanair flight from Stansted lands and who'll provide English speaking guide(s) and transport for 4 days on the rivers Esera, Cinca and Ara, depending on water levels. Accommodation will be half board in a 3 star hotel in the village of Campo and boats are available for rental from Kayak Campo at €32 per day (see rental boat list at the end). The trips is currently limited to 8 people with 6 places taken so far. Please contact Matt Greenshields as soon as possible if…
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Symonds Yat Trip Report

News, Trip, Trip Reports
On the 9th and 10th of September 17 Nomads and two guests led by Matt and Peter spent  the weekend, or part of it, on the Wye at Symonds Yat. Based at Symonds Yat West Leisure Park campsite, on the Saturday we descended from Kerne Bridge back to the campsite through stunning Welsh marches scenery with kingfishers accompanied by various stag parties and team building hire groups, two of who's sunken canadian canoes we rescued mid river as an impromptu display of Nomads' skill. We couldn't ask for more as the sun came out for our lunch stop, after which everyone completed the nine miles back to the campsite. Well done especially to Maria on her first club trip, who paddled in fine style. After the day's 'warm up' the…
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Tryweryn Trip Report

News, Trip, Trip Reports
At 11 a.m. on Saturday 12th August 3 Nomads assembled at Mile End Mill for a weekend of white water adventure.  This began with a warm up session under the watchful eye of Trip Leader Nick Moore, who was keen to assess the ability of the group before we ventured onto the Tryweryn.  He wasn’t kept waiting long, as Ian soon discovered that the back deck of his Prijon Kaituna had not been designed for swift escape from the bottom stopper.  Fortunately, Nigel was on hand to tow him out and a seemingly inevitable swim was thus avoided.  Thereafter, the bottom wave provided ample opportunity for further practice and a combination of rolls and stabbing off the bottom kept everyone safely in their boats.  After a couple of seal launches…
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St Patrick’s stream Trip Report

News, Trip, Trip Reports
Twelve Nomads, two on their first club trip, had a glorious, sunny paddle and picnic in the Oxfordshire countryside above Wargrave. Water birds were abundant, and though we managed to avoid being attacked by swans, Pier was attacked by a fisherman and only narrowly slipped away aided by a water like coating on his body. Everyone had a good time and got good experience of moving water away from the aquadrome. Well done to Sarah and Pier on their first trip and thanks to Peter and Anthony.  
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Symonds Yat Weekend – 9th/10th September

News
 Sign up Matt Greenshields, Peter Scott and others will lead a variety of activities in and around picturesque Symonds Yat the second weekend of September. Symonds Yat is a great place for a gentle introduction to whitewater for all skill levels and equally good if you like flat water trips and beautiful scenery - we'll be doing both! The weekend is suitable for 1* level paddlers and above and can be a great family weekend away with Goodrich Castle and walking in the Forest of Dean both within a mile. If you're coming for both days, please arrange your own accommodation at River Wye Caravan and Camping Park, the Saracen's Head Inn or the many B&Bs in the area (note: Symonds Yat East / Wyedean Campsite is full this weekend). Alternatively…
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Lea Trip Report

News, Trip, Trip Reports
On Sunday 13 Nomads, some on their first trip with the club, went to Hertford to paddle the beautiful river Lea loop. Led by Peter and Matt and ably assisted by Anthony and Chris, everybody had an enjoyable and varied paddle taking in an introduction to moving water at the two step weir, a scrape up the crystal clear river bean and lunch on the bank before touring the picturesque town and returning via a very long tunnel. Well done to everyone on their first trip and thanks to Peter for his expert local knowledge. Some video from Anthony to follow shortly ...
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British Canoeing Personal Performance Awards & FSRT Courses

British Canoeing Personal Performance Awards & FSRT Courses

Courses, News
The following courses will be running at the club this summer: BC 1 Star – Introductory course consisting of 2 ½ hrs training + attendance at a minimum of 2 recreational sessions (£25 members, £50 non-members) Dates: Saturday 3rd June 10am – 12.30pm – (further dates will be published on the website) BC 2 Star – Fundamental Paddlesport Skills consisting of 1 day kayak training, 1 day canoe training and 1 day river trip including assessment (£50 members £100 non-members) Dates: Kayak training Saturday 17th June, Canoe training Saturday 1st July, River trip/assessment Saturday 29th July FSRT (Foundation Safety & Rescue Training) – Saturday 5th August (£35 members £70 non- members) Course Aims 1) To provide the paddler with the necessary skills which will enable them to ensure the safety…
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Tryweryn Trip Report

News, Trip, Trip Reports
Eight Nomads spent the weekend of 13th-14th May in North Wales, concentrating on paddling the River Tryweryn. We were lucky as the weather was excellent. So Peter Scott, Ian Walker, Ian Williams, Anthony Vecchio, Ben Varnals, Martin Edwards, Richard Hilson and Chris Fabb, with Chris choosing not to paddle due to a neck injury received 2 days earlier. We stayed in the Bala Backpackers Bunkhouse which everyone agreed was good accommodation and was excellent for walking out in the evening to get food and drink. On the Saturday morning some people paddled the high grade rapids of the Top Tryweryn. The highlight was watching Ian Walker surfing a recirculating rapid / stopper. He put his paddle down for support but it slipped between 2 rocks and would not come out.…
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