Autumn Slalom

This year's autumn slalom was a storming success, literally. Heavy rain produced a damp first day of racing with a first place in Div4 K1M for Keldon, and first team entry for several years coming second place the icing on the cake. 

Overnight the river rose by 70cm resulting in a delayed start and some hasty course changes on Sunday. The racing that followed was exceptional and both days were well attended.

Thanks to all who came to race and especially to those that volunteered and helped out. There are too many to mention here.

Paddle UK Quality Club

Over the summer, and last 9 months, the committee have been hard at work. We have been accreddited by Paddle UK in to their Quality Club programme. 

This award recognises the professionalism and rigour being applied to the running of the club. It is a great acheivment and with work to continue these standards we should be able to stay within the Quality Club programme for years to come.

Nene Whitewater Cente

Two weeks ago eight of our members did the Nene white water centre. Great fun, especially this drop pictured. Some good play waves further down. The weir is a very friendly drop you just need to keep paddling on the way down.  A brilliant day finished off with a nice coffee.

Waggon Lane Slalom

Racing

SCC April Slalom

The club's April Slalom race weekend, 20/21st April, was a great success; thanks to such a big turnout of racers and support from club volunteers and the wider slalom community. The Saturday racing included the usual slalom disciplines as well as a teams event and wildwater race. Our catering was highly praised by visitors and volunteers alike, keeping us fueled all weekend. Thanks all.

White Water

Tyne Tour 2024

This is perhaps the UK's most anticipated Kayaking event. We collected our tickets on the friday and on the Saturday went up to the start above Hexham and joined the river for the seven mile trip. It is a big river with lots of features, and angry water. The level was a bit low and that made it more challenging: we had to avoid rocks concealed in the dark water. The rocks were also dark and so there were some sudden surprises for all of us. The rapids were exciting and challenging. The accepted wisdom was to keep straight, keep paddling, and look for rocks in the distance. Boofing over them worked sometimes, but sometimes leaning right over the rock and some vigorous paddling was enough to free one.