Firstly we would like to thank all club members for their patience over the last few months. It has not been a great start to the year paddling wise due to the current pandemic situation. I’m sure you are all just as frustrated as we are especially given the fantastic weather we have seen during the last few weeks. We have been following Government guidelines and as such had to suspend all club activities. 

It would appear that the light at the end of the very long tunnel is now beginning to burn a little brighter and offer some glimmer of hope.

The Government have now relaxed the lockdown conditions allowing groups of up to 6 persons to gather together. In line with this British Canoeing have today released new guidelines that will allow us to begin to look at reinstating some form of club sessions. The basis of this at the moment would be in groups of maximum 6 persons (1 coach and 5 participants). At the moment we can’t use Pugneys but in theory we could look to run sessions on the local river for members with own kit and potentially members wishing to borrow kit.

We are putting together the relevant risk assessments to comply with British Canoeing to ensure sessions will be covered by insurance etc.           We will also be putting together an online booking system where members will be required to book online if they wish to join a session and borrow kit etc. 

While we are hopeful to get back onto Pugneys in the near future one positive that has resulted from the lockdown is that the river Calder is the cleanest we have ever seen and actually a pleasure to paddle at the moment even though it is a little low at present.

Any members who are keen to get back out on the water please drop us a message on Facebook or email: club.secretary@westyorkshirecanoeclub.com

Once again Thank You for your understanding during this difficult period. Hopefully we are slowly moving towards a “New Normal”

Andy Walker