All posts by Ben

Wishing you a Happy New Year 2023!

We hope all members have had a fantastic Christmas break and wish you all a Happy New Year for 2023!

We celebrate new paddlers participating in the sport, newer Paddlers tacking white water for the first time, River trips, cleanups and general sillyness – all with fantastic people. Have a look at some of our key moments throughout this year!

We still have some whitewater kayak trips planned in the diary, however look out for information of our regular trips and taster sessions when the weather get warmer, from around Feb/Mar.

From all the trustees of the club, thank you for a fabulous year!

New Years Day Paddle Postponed

All

Due to high river levels and persistent heavy rain predicted in the area throughout the night, the club coaches and leaders have made the decision not to paddle at slenningford watermill on New Years Day, opting to move our new years paddle to the same location the following week.

We have updated the event page to now paddle on the 7th of January 2023.

River Forecast taken from https://riverpredictor.uk/ure_slenningford_water

We’re sorry for any disappointment caused, but we didnt want to cause wasted trips on the day. Paddler safety is paramount.

New Year Day Paddle – Slenningford Watermill

As per club tradition, on New Years Day paddle we will padleagain this year. We’ll be paddling the River Ure from Mickley to Sleningford Watermill.

More details on the route we’ll be taking are here:

https://www.ukriversguidebook.co.uk/rivers/england/north-east/river-ure-hack-falls-to-west-tanfield

Conditions will be expectedly very cold, both on and off the water, so it is imperative you are dressed appropriately for the environment. A proper wetsuit and CAG Jacket or dry suit with underlayers will be required.

We are monitoring the river levels very closely, however at the minim required levels the trip will not be suitable to beginners to moving water. At higher levels, the club will make a decision on individual competency.

Please note: There is a £6 charge per paddler paid to the site on arrival (for parking and maintenance of the river at the campsite). Payment by cash only, as the office is closed on the day we are paddling.

Please book online (below) to confirm your attendance.

AGM & EGM Meeting – Venue and Date Change

The club was due to hold our AGM and an EGM on Wednesday 23rd November 2022 at Ossett Cricket & Athletic Club. However, we were only recently notified that the Kitchen area is undergoing renovation which would mean it would not be possible to host our Pie and Peas supper.

As such, we have sourced an alternate venue – Slazenger Sports and Social Club (address below) – however we have had to move the date of the meeting a day before originally scheduled to Tuesday, 22nd.

** Slazenger Sports and Social Club, Southfield Ln, Horbury, Wakefield WF4 5BH **

The club committee apologises for the short notice of this change and hopes you are still able to attend. We will circulate a Teams meeting link to registered atendees ahead of the new meeting time.

Thank in advance for your understanding
West Yorkshire Canoe Club

Christmas Eve Santa Paddle!

For the first time this year, we are going to organise a Christmas Eve Paddle, free to all club members.

A flat water paddle suitable to all paddlers, we will have a range of craft available (Paddleboards, Canoe’s and Kayaks), which we will decorate with tinsel, Christmas lights and other seasonal merriments!

Some of us are planning to dress up as Santa, Elves and Reindeers. We’ll have some Santa hats available for all to wear on top of our helmets too!

Conditions will be expectedly very cold, both on and off the water, so it is imperative you are dressed appropriately for the environment. A proper wetsuit and CAG Jacket or dry suit with underlayers will be required.

Two routes are currently being considered. We’ll decide closer to the time, but please register on our event page!

Option 1: Meeting at Stanley Ferry Boat Marina and paddling up and down the canal

Option 2: Meet at Horbury Car Park (usual paddle spot) and paddle down the Calder to Ruddy Duck Pub, Wakefield. (Will require a shuttle run to be organised)

Upcoming Club Trips

As we begin to wind down our regular training and taster sessions at Horbury and Pugneys Lake, we have planned a number upcoming special trips.

Please click the links to view the event page and see more information and register your attendance.

  • Saturday, 5th November – White Water Trip on the River Tees – Event Page
  • Saturday, 3rd December – White Water Trip on the River Wharf – Event Page
  • Saturday, 24th December – Santa Paddle – (Stay tuned for more details!) Event Page
  • Saturday, 31st December – White Water Paddle on the River Ure – Event Page