Leaders/helpers’ day success

More than 60 of Adventure Dolphin’s leaders and helpers came together for their annual training event (Sunday 28th January 2108) which included a range of outdoor activities and club updates.

The morning session, run by Outdoor Academy reminded coaches and helpers alike what it’s like to try something new for the first time as they introduced participants to a mobile caving system, field archery (like clay pigeon shooting), kelly kettling and the climbing wall.

Following a superb lunch whipped up by our volunteer catering team, the afternoon covered a series of topics including DBS checks, volunteer hours, the future of Dolphin Centre, amends to coaching qualifications from British Canoeing and the latest marketing initiatives that are being undertaken.

Helper, Ollie Hatchett said, “It was my first training day and I was surprised by how good it was. The caving was brilliant, I loved the chilli and the updates were really helpful.”

The day was organised and run by Trustees Kevin Dennis and Ed Edwards with input from Group Co-ordinators, , Chairman – Clive Williams, Trustee – Tim Metcalfe, Coach – Claire Hardwick and Marketing – Donna Hatchett.

 

Snow Sunday

Well even with the snow falling 6 of us hardy paddlers took to the water on Sunday for a paddle down river. Fantastic views of the snow covered hills around us.

Kayak/Canoe Basket Ball

This week’s Sunday Paddle took on a different look as we all tried our hands (and Paddles) at our new version of net/basket ball.

Everyone had a great time trying to understand the rules as we chopped and changed them allowing the game developed. It was great fun, a good work out, and all in preparation for the curry lunch back at the centre .

 

Proposed Trips for the upcoming months

The trips planning group are proposing the following trips, please can you let us know if any of these take your fancy for a paddle

New proposed trips:

Sunday 22nd April – Ed
Trip Leader
Local Paddle – Oxford Paddle
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Sunday 6th May
Trip Leader Ian B and Ed assisting
Thames including St Patrick’s Stream and Hennerton
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Sunday 20th May
Trip leader Ed
Oxford – Wolvercote Circuit
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Sunday 17th June
Trip leader Claire
Coastal trip – circumnavigation of Portsmouth Island
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Sunday 1st July (date change from last night)
Trip leader Ed
Abingdon Circuit
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Saturday 21st July
2 star assessment
Scampi and John B
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Sunday 22nd July Claire
3 star touring assessment
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Sunday 5th August
Trip Leader Ed and Adrian
Thames Tideway
Putney to Tower Bridge and return.
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Pangbourne Paddlers

Pangbourne Paddlers did very well yesterday (Sunday 7th Jan) at the Annual Frank Luzmore Memorial race from Elmbridge to Richmond CC.

Peter and James won the Senior Mens C class while our junior K2 crew, Tommy and Owen put in a good time despite fairly nasty conditions… a cold day with a northerly wind creating waves

Janet and Adrian Moon in C2, despite a swim at the start, also finished , overtaking several other c2 crews along the way… Janet’s comment was that the water was COLD!

New Years Day Paddle

Eight kayakers, one canoeist and three walkers braved the cold weather to see in the new year with a paddle from Bisham Abbey to Maidenhead on 1st January 2018.

Thanks go to Grant Burrup for organising and running the trip, which was successfully completed ahead of time due to the fast flow and dedication of all concerned, who naturally took full advantage and floated part way along the 6.5 mile stretch of the River Thames, through Marlow, onto Cookham Lock, past Clevedon and onto Boulters Lock.

The Sunday paddle resumes after the festivities on 7th January with a social paddle – our normal trip out, followed by tea and cake in the Dolphin Centre. So, whether you’re a kayaker, canoeist, or marathon boater, do come and join us.

Don’t forget to visit our calendar of events for an overview of what’s planned in the weeks ahead.