Kayak group leader training on the tidal Thames and sharing of good practice 23/11/13
Location: Cremorne Riverside, Lots Road, London, SW10 0QH
From: 9.45am to 4.30pm
The overview for the day is to meet other kayakers and club leaders whom regularly paddle the tideway; specifically those who lead other paddlers through the busy section of the river east of Putney Bridge. The main focus of the day is sharing information on good practice.
In addition an organised paddle will take place to Tower against the tide looking at safe navigation, river traffic patterns, route choice, understanding hazards that effect kayakers and also the potential hazards that as kayaker pose to other river users.
The tidal flow on the day will make for an interesting and challenging paddle whilst also giving an opportunity to see the river on what will be a busy day with river traffic and strong tidal flow.
A Port of London Harbour Master will be here on the day who can give an over view of the river from the PLA’s perspective. The river is seeing an increase in traffic both from a commercial and recreational level, having input directly from the Harbour Master may help kayakers understand this busy stretch of water. This will also give kayakers an opportunity to put questions forward to the Harbour Master.
- 9.45am: welcome and overview of the day tea coffee.
- 10am: Meet the Harbour Master, presentation with question and answer session
- 11am: Break / coffee and prepare to launch.
- 12.pm: Depart Cremorne against the flood tide and kayak to Tower Bridge. This will be as part of a led group looking at safe navigation and route choice along the way. There will be two separate groups working on the river covering the same information
- 3.45pm: Arrive back at Cremorne
- 3.45pm: Shower Change
- 4pm: Debrief and round up of the day
- 4.30pm: Finish
If you wish to attend spaces are limited to max of one paddler from each club. This event has the capacity to deal with a total number of 16 paddlers. All boats paddles and refreshments will be provided.
Please note this event is aimed at competent strong paddlers who lead groups on the river and can positively pass on information gained to their own club members . Kayaks provided will be a mix of plastic Valley sea kayaks; you are welcome to bring your own boat. This is not a come and try sea kayaking for the day event, if in doubt please contact the centre.
There is limited parking near the site, if you wish to park, priority will be given to those whom are bringing their own kayaks; Please contact the centre in advance to arrange parking. Public transport links to Chelsea are good – please use this link to find the centre – http://kayakinglondon.com/find_us.html
To gain a space on the day please contact the centre on 020 7349 9591 or via http://kayakinglondon.com/enquire_now.html
Please note spaces are extremely limited and will be allocated accordingly.
