globe 360 newsletter - vol.1 #1 - dec '10

Globe 360 Club NewsletterVolume #1 - Issue #1 – December 2010

Globe 360 Club Newsletter – Dec '10

What's In This Issue?

RegularsChairman's Chat 3

Splinter's Small Talk 5

I Learnt About Canoeing From That!: Planning 12

Caption Competition 16

All The Gear, No Idea 23

Diary Of An Apprentice 3* Paddler: Boat Fittings 28

Next Issue 31

Future EventsGlobe360 Christmas Party 7

Winter Paddling Programme 7

What We've Been Up ToNight Paddle 9

Our First River Trip 15

Cardiff International White Water Centre 20

Teifi Tour 24

ArticlesPaddling With Your Eyes 17

Top Tips: Roof Bars 18

Top Tips: Going On A River Trip 26

InformationPublishing Policy 30

Dyslexia Information 30

Contact Details 32

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Chairman's Chat

By Paul Bodman

We have had a busy year with lots of new

members and new coaches. As a result it may

be of benefit for me to clarify how the club

works and the few rules that we have.

Our vision of the club was to allow any club

member the ability to paddle in a group of

three or more at their convenience, obviously following the rules. This meant they did

not have to wait for instructor availability, unless booking on a course.

Tuesday's club night is a novice session. It is predominantly led by competent paddlers

and coaches. New paddlers are offered a “taster” session without needing to commit to

joining. We do, however, need a membership form to be completed. Competent

members are welcome to attend, though will need to paddle in a group of at least three

if not participating in a coach led activity. Whilst coaches will obviously look out for

other paddlers, they cannot be held responsible for club paddlers unless under their

direct supervision.

Wednesday Club night is an improver's session. The evening is designed so that you are

able to practice and improve your skills. This session is not instructor led. You will need

your own kit unless you are able to collect and return club kit from the garage. There is

the possibility that instructors may be present, however this is not guaranteed.

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As part of the winter programme, club members organise trips. Globe360 does not

always use qualified instructors, as per your membership form this is explained. When

you go paddling you need to follow these rules:

• You Must be in a group of no less than three

• You must know the river that you will be paddling

• You Must Email the group detailing where you are going, FULL names of people

attending and a brief plan of the day / weekend.

• If you follow these rules you will be insured by the club.

• Tuesdays and Wednesdays are a little different as they are organised by the club.

However these still can only run with a minimum group of three.

Once the member organising the paddle emails the group, I can then assess the trip, If I

feel it is too dangerous or the participants are not to the standards required for the

selected river (this is the importance of full names) then I will contact them and advise

a more suitable destination.

If you require boats or kit from our store, you can contact me on 07771 997396 and I will

arrange access to the club kit (I will require notice).

I will be happy to answer any questions.

Paul Bodman – Chairman

[email protected]

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mailto:[email protected]


Splinter's Small TalkBy Splinter

splintergoespaddling.blogspot.com

Wow! What a year it has been. This time last year I had just

joined Globe360 and we'd just been to the Dagger factory in

Clevedon to make the purple, green and white Dagger GTX

club boat. Back then I'd only just done my BCU 2*, I was a

newly qualified UKCC Level 1 coach (with a very poor

moving water track record!) and didn't yet have my own

boat.

Since then I've been privileged to meet and paddle with some great people (that's you

lot!) who've helped give me the confidence and plentiful opportunity to improve my

skills and experience.

Through Globe360 I've been lucky enough to: coach at Saltford (you learn more by

teaching someone else), get experience of canoe lifeguarding, provide safety cover on

Symonds Yat rapids at The Palm Big Paddle, work my way through owning 3 different

boats, celebrate my birthday on the Teifi Tour, learn to roll, attend Cardiff International

White Water Centre (a number of times, I think I need to start earning frequent flyer

miles!), go kayak surfing (what a great weekend we had in Newgale!), do some great

rivers and, most importantly, make some great friends.

This year has been one of the busiest I can remember, but here's to 2011. I reckon it'll be

even better!

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http://splintergoespaddling.blogspot.com/


Compulsory gratuitous White Water shot – Me on the Teifi – Oct '10

So welcome to the first edition of the new club newsletter. I'm hoping that it will take

off and you guys will contribute to each edition. If you've been paddling for years, then I

want you to share the benefit of your experience. If you've only just started, your input

is just as valuable – think of what your first time was like might help others with

conquering their fears and “pushing their limit”.

What I need is articles, trip reports, funny stories, tales of derring-do, photos, jokes, kit

reviews, how-to guides, top tips, admissions of guilt and anything else that you think

may be of interest to other members.

Please can I have your submissions for the next edition by 14th January '11 via email to:

[email protected]

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Globe360 Christmas PartyFriday 17th December 2010

By Jayne Shipp

Thank you to those who have replied and would like to come

to the Christmas get together. It will held at Ebeneezer

House, Tower Road South, Warmley, BS30 8BJ.

Food and soft drinks will be provided. Cost will be £5.00 per

person. Please bring a bottle if you would like something

stronger than pop! An ideal time to catch up with fellow

paddlers.

Lee has set a ticket sales on the Globe 360 shop. Please pay £5.00 per person to cover

cost, which will include a buffet and soft drinks - you are welcome to bring a bottle if

you would like something stronger.

I plan to organise more social events after Christmas, please feel free to email me

suggestions.

Jayne Shipp - Social Secretary

Winter Paddling Programme By Mike Wilkes

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http://shop.globe360.org/


We look forward to seeing you out on the water over the coming weeks. A more

frequently updated version of the programme is also available online. Please check this

regularly.

Day Location Organiser Pre-Requisites

Friday 17th Dec '10 Christmas Party @ Ebeneezer House

Tickets from Jayne Shipp or via online shop

Saturday 18th Dec '10 Dart Loop Mike Wilkes 2*+ standard

Sunday 19th Dec '10 Usk – Sennybridge to Aberbran

Mike Wilkes 2*+ standard

Saturday 1st Jan '10 Exe – Bolham to Waldrons

Mike Wilkes Paddlepower Level 4

We need more people to step forward and volunteer to lead more trips. If you would like

more information, please get in touch.

All trips are dependant on water levels and weather conditions, please check with trip

organiser for up to date information. Please show your interest to the trip organiser in

plenty of time. This makes organising trips that bit easier.

Mike Wilkes – Secretary

[email protected]

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https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AhF1MKirnewKdDlkWDR5a21DVVN5RTFXV0JNODREY1E&hl=en_GB&authkey=COiGl6oM


Night PaddleSaltford Shallows - 13th October '10

By Dan Kelly

This was my first ever night paddle I have led and it went

very well. Was a bit spooky with a ‘Heron’ swooping over

us whilst paddling. It was more fun turning the torches off

and paddling under the moon light. We came across a

large narrow boat heading for us which we didn’t expect

in the dark, and was very misty on the way back, but still

managed to have a little play in the weir by the Riverside

Inn.

We ended up with eight of us: Paul & Tish, Lee Coles, Samm & John, Nick S, Kate French

& me!

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If you stare hard enough, you can just about make us all out paddling in the pitch black!

The night paddle was at the Shallows – so we were all familiar with our surroundings

once it got dark!

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Please note where the night sticks should go, if you are paddling in the dark:

• One on the front and rear of the boat

• One on the middle of the paddle and one on each shoulder. But you must have a

different colour stick on your right shoulder, so others know which way you are

facing – and of course a head torch.

• [You could go one step further and adopt nautical rule (COLREGS) of showing a

red light on your port (left) side and a green light on your starboard (right) side.

The white light of your head torch is the only legal obligation whilst paddling a

canoe or kayak at night, as long as it is less than 23ft in length. You should

always pass another approaching vessel to starboard (your right). - Ed.]

If you are planning on doing a night paddle, you will need [to be in a group of at least 3

members and be competent paddling on the river you have chosen – Ed.], you will need

to arrange with Rob or Bryony to collect the night sticks and [the Quartermaster, Mike

Wilkes to borrow the] head torches. I suggest you don’t paddle when the river is running

fast as it’s obviously a lot more difficult in navigating with just a head torch! I will be

organising some more night paddles in the Spring, when it’s warmer, as it was very cold

on the night paddle which did spoil what was otherwise a fantastic trip. Please note if

you are interested in organising a night paddle, you need to wear thermal socks, as once

the sun has gone down – your feet get very cold in the boat – as most of us found out!

Also I have been organising local trips down Saltford for those who don’t feel ready to

tackle the Winter Programme, or who may just feel like a short local trip. I will be

organising more of these early Spring.

Dan Kelly – Members Rep

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Regulations_for_Preventing_Collisions_at_Sea#Part_D_-_Sound_and_light_signals


I Learnt About Canoeing From That!: Planningby Andrew Manister

Everyone knows about checking the UK Rivers Guidebook before you take to a river;

doing appropriate planning; perusing a map; getting some local info; asking questions;

seeking advice (from trip advisor); etc...

I was on a trip in N Wales. The leader was expert; the group excellent. I had been told

we were doing a G2 river.

Because of my confidence in my leader and the group - I had neglected to look into the

above. I thought - 'it'll be ok'. I was looking forward to it.

We did the river. It was a lovely day. The river pretty easy. High but nice flow. Not too

challenging.

Suddenly, on a wide, flattish, picturesque bend in the river - the leader says we are

getting off the river to walk a while....?!

I questioned this. "couldn't we just paddle around the next bend and see what the river

does" It all looked so serene; pretty; flat; easy. (Even though it was quite high water.)

The coach said nothing, smiled and walked off the river. Bemused - I followed (I noticed

the leader MADE SURE I had).

Around the next bend - the river disappeared. A grade 6 drop. Several hundred metres

of near vertical mayhem! I've never seen so much water being SO angry, so suddenly.

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It would have crushed a Volvo. In my opinion, it would have beaten up a double decker

bus. Seriously! My memory is of 10 tonnes of water/sec in a stopper. I wouldn't have

gone down it in a small warship.

If I'd have read the UKRG I'd have read this bit:

I hadn't checked or done enough planning. I was asleep.

http://www.ukriversguidebook.co.uk/nwales/llugwybrenin.htm

A couple of quotes from the UKRG:

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James Tarver adds…'Just a quick note to say that all the paddlers in

Bangor Uni canoe club, consider the last fall on Pont Cyfyng,

unrunnable and practically suicidal.

Andrew Fell agrees: 'Pont Cyfyng is a killer.

Another easy stretch follows, but be WIDE AWAKE as you must get

out on river right way before a stone bridge which is above the

lead-in to Pont Cyfyng, a series of waterfalls with a horrendous

final drop.

http://www.ukriversguidebook.co.uk/nwales/llugwybrenin.htm

http://www.ukriversguidebook.co.uk/nwales/llugwycyfyng.htm


I seem to recall - it was higher than this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZN-

g4N9TrYE

Do your planning. know your river. Ask ask ask.

I learned about paddling from that! I learned about planning from that! Learn from my

mistake. I got off lightly.

(Watching the drop from the portage-bridge was wonderful though. Amazing.

Memorable. I loved it.)

Andrew Manister

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZN-g4N9TrYE




Our First River TripThe River Exe - 2nd October '10

by Fiona Joseph and Sue Murphy

Sandwiched between a cold damp Friday and a torrential downpour on Sunday we had

lovely sunshine for our trip on the river Exe. Thanks go to Martin for driving us all there

in the minibus, Mark and Jayne for the lovely bacon butties before we got on the water

and all the coaches for their time and patience!

It was decided that the first weir [Bolham] may be a bit too tricky as a starter due to the

volume of water going down it so we walked a short way across a field and got back on

to the river just past it where there were some hefty rapids to negotiate. I think we

were glad we had not looked at the rapids before attempting them as the waves looked

pretty big but we were past the point of no return and made it which, was a great start,

and put big smiles on our faces!

Amongst other things we learnt all about ‘eddies’ and how to enter and exit them from

the river and practised that along the route. It’s a lovely river and we had some peaceful

stretches to enjoy before coming across some more river features to challenge us! The

salmon steps – a series of about 7 short drops was good fun – we were pretty nervous

about doing them but they proved to be quite manageable.

The coaches were incredibly supportive and helpful at all times, it certainly makes you

appreciate the need for safety and how you can inadvertently get yourself into ‘deep

water’ (Excuse the pun), if you don’t know what you are doing! We learnt a lot and

gained confidence, we are both looking forward to doing another river trip.

Top Tip: Be absolutely sure that you have all your necessary equipment – boat, helmet,

life jacket and really important if you want to paddle anywhere – a paddle! Sue was very

grateful to Mike who pulled out a spare paddle from the depths of his boat which is a bit

like Mary Poppin’s bag – full of everything you could possibly need!!

Thanks Guys for a really enjoyable day

Sue and Fiona

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Caption Competition

Since this is the first issue, I have used an image from the internet. If you have a

caption, or a funny photo for the next issue, please email [email protected]

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http://www.thomaspeschak.com/


Paddling With Your EyesBy Rob Evered

When you hold your breath the first thing to go is your eyesight. You can prove this right

now by trying to concentrate on reading this and holding your breath. As you do so your

body has to make a choice, it has limited oxygen and needs to use it wisely, eyes are the

first to go. If you are holding your breath you will soon start to skip words, then

sentences and very quickly be skimming to the bottom of the page. OK that’s all good

but why do we care as canoeists?

Well one theory is that as your eyes get less effective then your head has to move more

in order to see, that’s the first problem, your head and shoulders make up most of your

weight which is now being moved about, probably OK on flat water but not ideal for

moving water.

Next problem, because your head is moving your legs, arms, in fact all of your body has

to start to compensate. At best you will start to get tired faster at worst you will take a

swim. If you swim that takes a massive amount of energy, sometimes causes shock and

aggravates the breathing. A good trip leader is trying to avoid people swimming where

possible.

The point here is that just by relaxing and trying to breath will help you get though a

trip.

Rob Evered

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Top Tips: Roof Barsby Mat Nicholls of Thule

Paddles at the ready… You’ve just spent your well

earned money on the latest accessories for the Autumn/Winter season and you’re ready

to load everything onto your trusted Thule Roof rack system in search of some decent

white water.

Having spent money on top of the range transport system from the world’s number one

Lifestyle Company – Thule… Here are a few tips to ensure you get the most from your

equipment and your roof bar system.

• Check the tightness of your roof bar system this is best done by rocking the car. If

there is any movement of the bars then re-tighten.

• Drive according to the road conditions and the speed limit. Remember you have a

load on the roof and this may affect the handling of the vehicle, particularly

during high winds.

• Long loads, such as Kayaks

and canoes MUST be

secured to the front and

the rear of the vehicle. This

prevents any unnecessary

force on the load and the

bars.

• If you are transporting

Kayaks/Canoes please make

sure they are secured as

per the safety instructions

and the fitting instructions

provided with the product.

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http://www.thule.com/en-GB/GB/

http://www.thule.com/en-GB/GB/

http://www.thule.com/en-GB/GB/Products/Watersports.aspx


• Always read the safety instructions provided with the system before you use it.

These are designed to help you use the system correctly and will help prevent any

damage to your expensive equipment. If you require a new set of instructions

please contact Thule.

• If you are not using the bars and the accessories then remove then from your

vehicle.

• If you require a copy of your fitting instructions please contact Thule.

Should you require any spare parts for your system please contact your local dealer who

can order these for you.

If you require any help with your Thule system please contact us on 01275 340404 or

email [email protected]

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http://www.thule.com/en-GB/GB/Products/Watersports.aspx


Cardiff International White Water CentreSunday 3rd October '10

by Roger Hammond

Paddlers: Roger Hammond, John Townsend (J.T.), Samm Townsend, Andy Follows, Iain

(Splinter) Woodcock, Michael Wilkes

The day began early, due mainly to the fact that I was worried about getting lost again!

The heavens had opened and it looked like it was going to be a wet, grey day. Thanks to

my great navigational mind I made it to Keynsham, from Bath, with no trouble at all.

Then thankfully Splinter took the helm, as they say, and transported us, via McDonald's,

the rest of the way to Cardiff.

Once we arrived at the white-water centre we had a briefing, which included a walk

around with instructions on the various parts of the course from Mike; a few of us,

myself included looked slightly nervous. The centre itself was a clean modern place, the

staff helpful and friendly, this did nothing to stop my nervousness. Once our dues had

been paid and our lives signed away we headed off to get changed, which apart from the

small issue of a fish hook in the thumb, went smoothly. We were now ready to paddle

white water!

We all headed towards our destination, the lake at the bottom of the white-water run, I

was still feeling very nervous and looking for an excuse to bail out, no such luck. It was

time to start edging practise which all went reasonably smoothly, only one swimmer but

Mike and Splinter were happy to let us loose on the real thing.

We paddled in slow procession towards the conveyor belt, which in turn carried us

upwards towards white water rapids. Lean away from the waves, lean into the rocks,

keep paddling and remember you have right of way, all this is spinning around inside my

head whilst my stomach is doing leapfrogs, there really was no way out now.

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The first run commenced, I forgot everything except keep paddling, a pretty important

piece of advice as it turns out. I hurtled full speed through a succession of rapids,

amazed at myself for staying upright, until the paddling at full tilt took me flying past

Andy, and Splinter, whom I heard bellowing “Keep Paddling!”, I’m not sure what he

thought I was doing. I’d made it I was at the bottom and upright mission accomplished

and boy did I feel good. The adrenaline was pumping and it felt great, time for run

number two once my fellow paddlers had caught up with me.

My second run started similarly to run number 1 although due to overconfidence blazing

a trail at full speed no longer seemed to be the way forward and as I hit the first corner

without enough edge on my kayak tipping over commenced. I lifted my paddle into high

brace position as the water rushed upwards towards me, only to forget to use it, swim

time. Amazingly all those capsize drills on the flat water had sunk in and I exited the

kayak smoothly turned onto my back and stuck my feet in air as instructed earlier in the

day, within 30 seconds a member of staff had thrown me a line and was smoothly guiding

me to the side, rather than knocking my confidence I felt good, I had capsized but was

still alive to tell the tale.

Run number three, my final run of the day. I was asked by Splinter to lead this time, I’d

finally got my confidence and now I had no one to follow, here goes nothing. I sprinted

full tilt until the first corner managed to edge slightly in turning whilst the waves tried

to throw me over, but this time my brace worked, I hit corner two and again waves tried

to capsize me but again I braced and recovered pushing myself hard but not as fast as

my first run. I’d made it 2 out of 3 ain’t bad as meatloaf would have said. I felt good the

things I’d been taught had actually sunk in and could be put to use effectively. It was

time to retire whilst I felt this way, plus I’d heard a nasty rumour they were going to

turn up the flow.

Roger Hammond

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Andy, Mike and Splinter – Cardiff International White Water Centre – Oct '10

(Photographer Roger Hammond)

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All The Gear, No IdeaBy Splinter

Over the last year I've gone through a process of selling various bikes and bike-related

stuff that I no longer need now that I am completely obsessed with paddling. The result

being that I've made some good, and some bad, investments on paddling gear.

When it comes to buying gear I have always worked on the basis that if you buy cheap,

you end up buying twice. So I was particularly disappointed when, on the first morning

of the Teifi Tour, Mike pointed out that my £2.99 ASDA flask was hot on the outside once

I'd filled it with hot chocolate. I realised that it had the insulating properties of a

cabbage leaf and needed to be replaced with something far more capable.

After talking to Roger I opted for the Primus 0.75l C&H Vacuum Bottle. It comes with a

choice of either quick stopper (pour without unscrewing) and screw stopper (extra long

heat retention).

I can vouch for it doing exactly what it says on

the tin, which in this case is “Excellent insulating

properties, compact and lightweight without

sacrificing durability. Liquid filled at 95oC is still

warm at 60oC after approx. 16 hours.” - Put it

this way I almost scalded my lip at 5pm on a cup

of chocolate from a flask that I'd made at 7am.

That's pretty good considering that I'd spent at

least 4 hours paddling down the River Dart, with

the temperature struggling to reach 0oC.

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http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/primus-primus-0-75l-camping-flask-p141601

http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/primus-primus-0-75l-camping-flask-p141601


Splinter

Teifi Tourby Bryony Howard

You may have heard people use the phrase “I uni’d it!”. Where did it arise from….The

Teifi Tour!

The River Teifi runs from Llyn Teifi through mid Wales entering the sea in Cardigan Bay.

The tour is an event run by Landysul Paddlers, they provide shuttle buses and bring in

Lifeguard cover to make paddling parts of the picturesque grade 3 river easier, safer and

more convenient.

Taking part in this event has become a bit of an annual trip, born from Rob and myself

staying with my parents in a family cottage by the sea in Pembrokeshire 4 years ago.

Determined that this would not be a paddling free weekend we looked at guide books

and scoured the internet for local rivers that might hold a bit of easy fun. Low and

behold it was the weekend of the Teifi Tour, my parents were thrilled, it meant we

wouldn’t need to steal their car for shuttles!

A good paddle on the Saturday, the river providing some nice features. A helping hand

given by us to our fellow Lifeguards as the university groups full of first time paddlers

piled down features with their eyes closed, 50% facing backwards! 99% or more

swimming! Throw lines galore, never sure if you had caught a swimmer! Kit catching

marathon going on pulling the boats onto the bank as fast as you could before the next

one had a chance to float by, the words ‘for pool use only’ catching your eye as you

tossed another boat onto the growing pile! No time to puzzle these things out or find

logic or reason.

Finally the rush of paddlers eased and after a shuttle back to our vehicle we drove back

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cardigan_Bay

http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Llyn_Teifi&action=edit&redlink=1


to our cottage by the sea where a fire had been lit and the smell of some hearty food

was coming from the kitchen. A walk along the sea wall feeling the spray of the stormy

waters to make sure we were 100% ready for bed. The Sunday morning always causes

some confusion…. With poor phone signal and the clocks changing you can never be

entirely sure if devices have changed themselves automatically or not. I find though that

being confused can result in mother preparing a cooked breakfast and a cup of coffee

before it is time to head back to the Teifi. Winner all round really, can’t go wrong…..an

extra hour in bed or a hot meal to send you on you way.

Typically you will be shuttled to a different stretch of river to paddle on the Sunday,

always picked well and with a bit of leniency if you want to do particular sections again.

After that first year we have always taken a Globe360 group along to the tour, we cram

people into the cottage and the atmosphere on and off the water has always been great.

Here's to next years Teifi Tour! Hope to see some of you there! (unfortunately not room

for all of you!).

Bryony Howard

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http://www.llandysul-paddlers.org.uk/club/teifi_tour.htm


Bryony on Henllan Falls – Teifi Tour – October '10

Top Tips: Going On A River TripBy Rob Evered

• Get a good night sleep; you have to think about canoeing more then you realise.

• Cooked breakfast releases energy slower than a sweet one, but have it early, not

too soon to getting on the water.

• Don’t wear gloves... If your core body is warm then the warm blood keeps your

hands warm. If you get cold hands then that’s a good sign that your layers on your

core are not right.

• Quick access chocolate - able to eat without getting out your boat, a zip pocket

on a buoyancy aid is essential.

• Drink – ideally have pure water with you. This is because most other people can

drink it if there is an issue, it can be used for first aid and quenches thirst fast. I

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carry about 1L.

• Lunch may need to motivate you, make it interesting. Seal in different bags so

that if one leaks you’re not left hungry. Buying from the service station on the

way down is expensive!

• Understand the trip. The trip leader will be carrying a map and probably a river

description. Ask to see it, know what to expect, however remember that all river

descriptions lie so don’t trust someone else’s description. Know what you’re

looking out for as signs of features and know what side of the river to get out if

there is an issue.

• Don’t carry kit that you have not been trained to use, there are many examples of

kit being used wrongly, creating a worse situation than if it had been left at

home.

• Lastly remember that you may feel that you’re the least competent person there

but you’re probably not and you're probably as worried as the others. Pushing

yourself too hard can be the slowest way to learn, build up skills on smaller water

and have fun!

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Diary Of An Apprentice 3* Paddler: Boat Fittings

By Rob Malone

As a beginner to the sport I feel that I’m continually

trying to absorb as much kayak knowledge as I can, so

when Splinter asked if I would like help to fit out the

Dagger Mamba for a trip down the Usk I jumped at the

chance (Little did I know that he had an ulterior motive

of getting me to write this!!) So as mentioned in the 3

star meeting with Rob Evered that week I was in need of a boat that I felt comfortable

in and wouldn’t have to be continually changing the fittings for every trip.

So what was I looking for in the comfort of a boat? Splinter gave me 4 points to

remember, sadly all I can remember of the four is connectivity and comfort; actually I

don’t even think comfort was one of them but I believe it is an important one as I later

found out the following day. The connectivity certainly is one that is needed whilst

paddling down a grade 2 river (or in fact any river) I need to have control of the boat

and by having your hips wedged to the kayak and thighs firmly locked in this would give

me the upmost control of the kayak ready for any unexpected wave the river throws at

you. For comfort I find getting cramp whilst half way through judging a river is one of

the frustrating things of not having the boat fitted right, it seems to be such a common

problem amongst paddlers. What it comes down to is merely experimenting with

different positions of seating and finding the correct position for your thighs and hips to

be in (I have still not mastered this one myself yet!!).

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So what can we fit out on our kayaks? So as far as I know majority of new kayaks come

with the backrest which assists your back into that correct paddle posture that I believe

the 3 star focuses so much on, this can be adjusted with quick straps by your knees.

Again majority of new boats have new hip padding to give you that much needed

connectivity for when you’re in desperate need to attempt the “C to C” roll. You have

the obvious foot plates and for some boats the seating; now I believe this is where my

problem (and many others) of cramp lies, what you need is to find the ultimate position

for your thighs to have that connection but not to have the constant cramp from what

I’m guessing is lack of circulation between moving the position of your seat and foot

plates would possibly be the answer.

What I have found out that this all takes time of trying what works for me, with a

combination of the already fitted supports and a little extra padding purchase from a

kayak shop I reckon I may get there.

The bow of Rob's borrowed Mamba, now with correctly adjusted footplates. Notice

the experimental padding inserted on the right plate.

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Publishing PolicyBy Splinter

It should be made clear that this newsletter consists of submissions from, and is edited

by, volunteer members of Globe360 Canoe Lifeguard Unit, a community amateur sports

club affiliated to the British Canoe Union (BCU). The comments made and views

expressed are those of the individual members and do not represent the official policy

of Globe360 or BCU. Every effort has been made to seek permission for any copyrighted

images or text to be included. In the event that copyright is infringed, please contact

the editor and this content will be removed immediately. Any content submitted may

also be published on the club's website and in other club material.

The editor can be contacted via email at [email protected]

Dyslexia InformationBy Splinter

It has been said that you need to be dyslexic to be a member of Globe360! I'm not sure

how true this is but, after watching a recent BBC Three documentary, I have tried to

think about our dyslexic members when designing this newsletter.

I am following a few key points from The British

Dyslexia Association:

• Avoid white backgrounds for paper,

computer and visual aids. White can appear too dazzling. Use cream or a soft

pastel colour.

• Use a plain, evenly spaced sans serif font such as Arial and Comic Sans.

Alternatives include Verdana, Tahoma, Century Gothic, Trebuchet. Font size

should be 12-14 point. [I use Trebuchet MS 12 Point – Ed]

For more information, have a look at the BDA's Style Guide.

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http://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/about-dyslexia/further-information/dyslexia-style-guide.html


http://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/about-dyslexia/further-information/dyslexia-style-guide.html


Please do let me know if you have any suggestions to help improve the readability of this

newsletter.

“Don't Call Me Stupid” with Kara Tointon is available to watch on iPlayer until 14th

December '10.

Next Issue

Is down to you guys. I hope you enjoyed this one? Get your suggestions, comments and

submissions in to me via email before 14th January '11 via email:

[email protected]

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http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00vy8c7/Kara_Tointon_Dont_Call_Me_Stupid/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00vy8c7/Kara_Tointon_Dont_Call_Me_Stupid/


Contact Details

Useful contact details:

Paul Bodman Chairman [email protected]

Mike Wilkes Secretary /

Quartermaster

[email protected]

Lee Coles Treasurer [email protected]

Bryony Howard Assistant Secretary / Trip Advisor

[email protected]

Rob Evered Training/Coaching Advisor

[email protected]

Tish Baylis Child Protection Officer

Dan Kelly Members Representative

Phil Sturgeon Webmaster

Jayne Shipp Social Secretary

Vacant Lifeguarding Representative

If you would like to find out more about Globe360 please visit our website, or email us

at [email protected]

globe360.org

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http://www.globe360.org/







globe 360 newsletter - vol.1 #1 - dec '10

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