If you want to take groups onto the tidal Thames, you need to be prepared. This full day workshop on 17th November is a fantastic opportunity to meet and share knowledge with kayakers who regularly paddle this busy river.
Thames kayak group leader training and sharing of good practice 17/11/12
Location: Cremorne Riverside, Lots Road, London, SW10 0QH
From: 9.30am to 5.30pm
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 kayaker understand this busy stretch of water. This will also give kayakers an opportunity to put questions forward to the Harbour Master.
9.30am: Coffee and registration
9.45am: Welcome and overview of the day
10am: Meet the Harbour Master, presentation with question and answer session (this could be PM if necessary)
11am: Break and prepare to launch.
11.45am: Depart Cremorne against the flood tide and kayak to Tower Bridge. This is will be as part of a led group looking at safe navigation. There will be two separate groups working on the river covering the same information
3.30pm: Arrive back at Cremorne
3.45pm: Break
4pm: Looking at information already out there published by the PLA aimed and safe navigation and also in the hours of darkness.
4.30pm: Lighting systems in action on the river
5.15pm: Round up and finish.
If you wish to attend spaces are limited to max of two people 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 and strong paddlers – the day will include a challenging paddle against the tide for which you will need to be paddle fit and experienced in handling a sea kayak. Kayaks provided will be a mix of plastic Valley sea kayaks; you are welcome to bring your own boat.
There is no parking onsite but there is limited and expensive pay and display parking. There are good public transport links.
If you wish to attend or for more information email cremorne.riverside@rbkc.gov.uk
