Cambridge Canoe Club

Cam water quality…

You may have heard on the radio this morning, or read on the BBC news website about the UK’s designated bathing areas, and how most of the inland bathing spots are none too clean. Unfortunately our own river, the Cam, is one of those that are not great: the water quality is generally rated as “poor”, although it can vary a great deal from day to day.

Check out
https://environment.data.gov.uk/bwq/profiles/profile.html?site=ukh1201-09801
for the latest results. Testing for the swimming season has just begun, so at present the most recent results are from last year.

That being said, with some precautions we can enjoy being on the river with little danger - most of us have never had any issues, even after capsizing multiple times (e.g. during rescue practice). Club activities will continue to take place as usual, and paddlers can make their own judgments. We advise you to take care (try to keep mouth closed when in the water) and shower and certainly wash hands after paddling.

Kathleen and Marianne demonstrate the heel hook sea kayak rescue as part of the ongoing Sea Kayak Award Course. So exciting to see people learning specialist skills!

ENGINEERING WORKS TO JESUS LOCK AND RIVER BANK BELOW

Works to repair the sinking Jesus Green river bank below Jesus Lock commenced last week with the placing of steel pontoons that operatives will use to do the repairs. As works get fully underway this will without doubt effect portaging along the usual routes at Jesus Lock. We are not at this point advising any particular alternative route or advice other than to always portage at a safe place away from any obstacles or barriers associated with the works or any other obstruction on the bankside.

The works are likely to last for at least a year and may extend to the full repair of the much publised Jesus Lock Island issues.

Dates for your diary for May. Always something happening at the Cambridge Canoe Club!

Next pizza paddle May 13th!
If you want a pizza, order before noon May 11th using this link:
https://tinyurl.com/CCC-Pizzas-May

On the first bank holiday weekend in May we have our annual River Wye trip. The weather has cooperated and we have had some great paddles!

Come join us!

This Saturday (2nd of May) we are hosting two kayak taster sessions. On them you will learn how to get in and out of a boat, paddle forwards and steer. We will also play some kayaking games.

Taster sessions start at 10:30 and 1pm and are 1 1/2 hours long. Cost is £20 for adults, £10 for kids/students. See
https://www.cambridgecanoeclub.org.uk/Events/Calendar/View?id=540
and
https://www.cambridgecanoeclub.org.uk/Events/Calendar/View?id=541

Pass this on to anyone who might be interested!

Today was the Cam Marathon Hasler race, based at the CCC clubhouse. We had entries from 8 clubs besides our own! This is a yearly event but usually happens earlier on the season, in February or March. Having it later resulted in great weather, but the large number of random boats on the river made it tricky going for the racers in some places!

Congratulations to all racers who participated! Thanks to Gwilym for organising everything, and to the army of volunteers for making it happen.