Earlier in the year Crouch Kayak Club (CKC) applied for funding through the Essex Community Fund (ECF) for additional equipment. We particular felt that purchasing river boats would lengthen our season and would help introduce more people to our sport.
We subsequently found out that we had been successful with the ECF securing funding from the Turncole Windmill Farm Benefit Fund.
Our Paddle UK - Quality Club status achieved for the third consecutive year undoubtedly strengthened the success of our application.
Unusually of late the weather was perfect, sunny, light cloud and little wind, so it seemed like a great day for the river boats maiden voyage.
We arrived at Bures, completed the car shuffle followed by the pre paddle chat which was led by Jerry with Adrian giving advice and encouragement.
The group of Jerry, Adrian, Dee, Alan, Clare, Newton, John, Andy and Dan were a mixture of first timers and old hands paddling river boats. A couple of us decided not to use spray decks as the river was calm.
As we started off it was clear who the first timers were, river boats take a different kind of concentration to our usual sea kayaks and a couple of us spent the first few minutes graceful spinning around 360 degrees. We soon all got the hang of it.
The first porterage was not long after we started but working as a team we soon were back on the river, which was stunning, plenty of wildlife, no road noise, perfect conditions. We carried on and passed Smallbridge Hall which is an impressive Elizabethan house. Shortly after we arrived at another weir, so we walked the boats to the other side.
On getting back on the river some of the team inspected the fast-running water from the weir and unfortunately one of those people who didn't have a spray deck went a bit too close and took on a little too much water. Of course, it is very much a case of following the no name, no pack drill and what happens on tour stays on tour!
As soon as I had finished pumping the water out of my boat we continued along the Stour. We encountered kingfishers, ducks, geese, a young swan and many other birds. We then reached the next porterage where we had lunch, it was a very peaceful place with just the noise from the weir as a back drop. Dee kindly handed out Jaffa Cake bars which helped spur us on for the final stretch to Nayland.
As you approach Nayland there are some lovely properties on the river bank and after you navigate under the road bridge someone has thoughtfully put a pub there. So of course, we enjoyed a quick, refreshing well-earned drink.
Many thanks for all that organised the paddle, Jerry for leading it, Adrian for the instruction and encouragement and for everyone who took part and enjoyed the day.
" We extend our gratitude to the Essex Community Fund and the Turncole Windmill Farm Benefit Fund for their invaluable assistance in acquiring the new equipment."
Andy Coppin
Photos supplied by: Dee, Dan, John & Newt0n
