Tuesdays

  

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Tuesdays

During the Summer, unless specific away-events have been organised, the club meets on Tuesday evenings, from 18:30 onwards - for a paddle at Mudeford Quay, at the entrance to Christchurch Harbour

These are informal gatherings of members, all out to enjoy a paddle. However, in order to ensure safety, allow members to develop paddle skills and provide the opportunity for newcomers to sample paddle sports, there are a number of guidelines, 'rules' and provisions that the club must maintain.

Safety

All members should read and digest our notes on Safety at Mudeford reproduced below

Group ‘Management’

For the general safety of all members we have to reinforce the need for increased awareness amongst those paddling on any given evening. Not just awareness of the hazards but awareness of other paddlers, their own abilities and experience.

All members paddling on a Tuesday must ensure that they are part of a group, that they know where they are going to be paddling and who with, and that all members of that group stay together and return safely. As you paddle, turn around and check your buddies, count heads, ensure everyone is safe and happy.

We steer away from appointing individuals to manage each Tuesday and strive to keep it informal – but this relies on all members watching out for each other.

Opportunities for skill development

The club needs to cater for members that want to develop their paddling skills. But, again, we shy away from formality. Some members have volunteered to run a few ‘skills’ and ‘safety’ evenings over the course of the summer but we have a large number of experienced boaters within our membership who are more than happy to help. Can we encourage experienced members to offer tips where appropriate and for the inexperienced who wish to develop, please ask

Try It Out for new members

It is important that the club offers the ability for potential members to try out paddling (and the club). The club wants to encourage the take up of paddle sports even if we are not actively looking to increase memberships.

If you are willing to assist in introducing newcomers to paddling than please contact Graham B. 

Should a new or potential member wish to ‘try out’ the club Graham will put them in touch with one of these volunteers. That volunteer will then arrange with the newcomer a suitable Tuesday evening, make sure all necessary kit (boat/paddle/deck/BA) is available and give them a ‘try’

Obviously, your paddling will depend on the weather / sea conditions and the ability of the new recruit. In most cases, you should be able to potter around the harbour safely. If you don’t feel happy supervising the new recruit on the evening in question don’t hesitate to tell them so and call it off / re-arrange for another week.

Safety at Mudeford

A few notes on safety at our regular meetings at Mudeford.

Because these meetings have a variable attendance, the level of experience also varies. Some club members have been paddling here regularly since the club was founded and should be familiar with all potential dangers. Those members might not be present however, and you might find yourself the most experienced paddler within the group.

When deciding where to paddle you should always take account of the following factors:-

Weather Conditions

bulletWind strength and direction. Will it blow a group out to sea after an incident? Will it tire novices, particularly on the return journey with a following wind?
bulletAir Temperature. Are all the paddlers dressed to endure the trip?
bulletWill the weather deteriorate? Watch it constantly.

Sea Conditions

bulletWill everyone be able to cope with the waves?
bulletWhat will the waves be like where you are going? e.g. the other side of Hengistbury Head, or out of the lee of the head towards Highcliffe. You may need to assess them as you proceed.
bulletWill the sea state change, perhaps with a change of tide or because the wind is increasing?

Tidal Conditions

bulletWhat time is high/low tide? Check the tide tables posted on the parking attendants' hut.
bulletWill novices be able to paddle back against it?
bulletWill there be any water in the run when you get back?

Daylight

bulletWill it last long enough for the slowest paddler to get back?
bulletIs there any leeway for delays or will an accident have to be coped with in darkness?

Equipment

We are normally close to civilisation here so the equipment required is minimal, but nevertheless important.

bulletAre you adequately equipped to cope with any foreseen problems?
bulletIs everyone else adequately kitted out?

Size and Strength of Group

bulletHow many are there? Keep checking!
bulletWhat other experience is there in the group? Will you have to cope with an accident on your own?
bulletHas everyone got sufficient stamina for the trip? Keep an eye on the group and watch for signs of tiredness.

This might seem to be a long and tedious list of things to check through mentally before you go out for a casual evening paddle, but when you are fully aware of these factors it takes only a minute or two to assess the conditions. Some members will doubtless be unaware that these things are given consideration, but I can assure you that they are - at least by some of the more experienced members - and that the safety of the group is constantly on their minds.

In addition to these general considerations, you should always be wary of the following hazards at what is otherwise a very safe canoeing playground

Boats moored alongside the quay

These are potentially lethal in a strong tide. A canoe swept against one will capsize and the paddler will probably become pinned or entangled in the propeller, out of reach of rescuers. Keep away from them unless you are fully confident in your boat handling.

Boats passing through the run or harbour

Don't get run down - it will hurt!

Surf, particularly when dumping (normally the case around high tide)

bulletWear a helmet and know your limitations.
bulletKeep away from rocks and groynes.
bulletKeep away from surfing boats when you are paddling out
bulletBuddy up with someone and keep an eye on each other.

Strong Off-shore winds

It might look calm outside the harbour but it won't be calm further out in the bay. Stay close inshore with novices and make sure you have your towline.

Clarendon Rocks

A line of rocks placed by Lord Clarendon who was planning a new harbour entrance. They extend more than 200 metres out from Mudeford Spit towards the Isle of Wight. They are unmarked but exposed at low tide, and usually shallow enough to bang your head on if you surf and capsize over them. Turbulence in the water usually indicates their location.

Beerpan Rocks

A shallow ledge just beyond the end of Hengistbury Head Groyne. Steep breaking waves occur here when the wind is against the tide.

Fishing Lines

Difficult to see, particularly at dusk. Using tall rods and heavy bottom tackle, the anglers often keep their lines taut and therefore above water for an amazing distance off the beach. A line across the throat may panic and upset an unwary paddler.

This is by no means an exhaustive list but includes the most common dangers. Remember that Canoeing is a very safe pastime compared with the combination of the pub and the drive home...