Wednesday 21 March 2012

Mother's day paddle - boats big and small

A delightful A-grade paddle on the upper Hamble on Mothering Sunday saw club 9 paddlers meander their way up to Botley.

It was a day of boats big and small, boats old and new and a different view or take on the sport/pursuit of kayaking.

Compare & contrast! Safety gear - what's that? No BA, no cag, no tow line, flares, VHF or spare paddles - just a supermarket carrier bag with some energy bars and a drink! Our competitive brothers take a very different view to the risks, especially as they paddle very tippy, super light K1 race boats.

Easy does it.

Last one to the head of the river's a sissy!

The all important briefing. Note the pre-ordered Sunny Weather appearing on command!

A new boat for some - the first few paddle strokes.

Making our way upstream. Sadly (?) we couldn't afford the big blue boat on the right.

A cheaper alternative?

Turn around at the top of the river before an easy tide assisted early return to Swanwick and home in time for Sunday lunch.