Y Paddle Canoe Club

Y-Paddle is a sociable and active canoe club, based at the Central YMCA in London's West End

We have pool sessions every Monday, and run introductory courses three times a year. We have regular outdoor sessions, participate in slalom competitions and go wherever the water takes us.

Shepperton social paddle nov 2006

Martin about to lead the group

Alice on the rapids

January 18th, 2007

Winter Course: Eskimo Rolling and Rescue

A four week course to learn, or refine, kayak rolling and rescue skills in the warmth of the pool. There is an optional outdoor session at end of the course.

This winter we’re running a four week rolling and rescue course starting February 5.

It’s a great opportunity to learn or refine kayak rolling and rescue skills in the warmth of a modern, well equipped pool.

We are based at the YMCA in Great Russell Street a throwbagâ€™s throw from Tottenham Court Road station.
~~To book phone â€˜the Yâ€™ on 020 7343 1700.~~ ~~Monday evenings 8:30-10:00pm. Â£36 for the 4 weeks.~~

Sorry, the course is now fully booked.

This is a non-assessed course aimed at paddlers of 2-3 star level (however there is no prerequisite to hold any BCU awards). Ask any questions via the comments or the email form

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November 21st, 2006

Social Paddle to Shepperton - Nov 06

Shepperton social paddle nov 2006
Another good turnout for the traditional end of course social paddle

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September 28th, 2006

Shepperton slalom report

Saturday 23rd Sept 2006 was a very pleasant and warm late summer day as Patrick, Richie, Mirkka, Jemima, Simon and Roger made their way to Shepperton for possibly the last slalom event of the year. It was for Div 2, 3 and 4 paddlers, so everyone was eligible to compete.Â

There was a reasonable flow of water down the left hand side of the course: more than usual for a Shepperton summer event - presumably as a result of the main weir at Shepperton still being closed for maintenance.

Indeed the organisers deemed the water challenging enough for Div 4 Paddlers to be told not to tackle the two gates most in the flow (gates 9 and 10). Everyone found that whilst the first eight gates of the course were relatively easy, the flow of water made all of the gates on the second half interesting.

It didn’t take long in practice for Richie to find that his back was still troubling him and he decided not to compete - contenting himself with gentle paddle up the Thames, instead.Â

Patrick practised hard but decided not to bother entering. Judging by his practice runs, had he entered heÂ would have done well and would have beaten many established slalom competitors.

Simon started the day saying he didn’t want to do too well, least he ends the year being promoted into Div 2. However, his sound runs put him second in the Div 3 men’s event - so a year-end promotion is still a possibility, even if he doesn’t compete again.Â

Roger - competing in Div 2 for the first time since April - had a poorÂ first run: he didn’t paddle hard enough in the moving water and was swept past gate 10; and after that his performance went off, so his time was slow too. He did a much better second run, although still not really fast enough for a Div 2 man. However it was fast enough to beat three others (final positionÂ 14th out 17 - his best result of the season) and was the fastest Y Paddle time (he would have been placed second in the Men’s Div 3 event - just ahead of Simon).

Mirkka was our best lady with two sound runs, although (like everyone else) she seemed tired by the second half of the course and had to take the long way round some sections.Â

Jemima started the day saying she felt too rusty to go for the two most challenging gates. But on her first run she did. Unfortunately she didn’t get them, and the eddy line at gate 11 then caught her out and over she went; and as she didn’t roll (or even try) - she swam. But she wasn’t put off and she tackled the moving water much better on her second run and so collected some points in Div 3.Â

So no trophies were collected, but everyone came away having had a good day and feeling they’d achieved something; apart from maybe Richie who came away saying he needs to get the weakness in his back sorted.

Roger

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September 11th, 2006

Beginners Course - Autumn 2006

Learn to kayak with Y Paddle in the comfort of our Central London pool.

The six week course leads to BCU 1 and 2 Star qualifications, and starts Monday 25th September.
To sign up contact the Y on 020 7343 1700 or http://www.ymcaclub.co.uk

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August 24th, 2006

Outdoor Paddle at Jubilee

Time: 6.30pm - 8.45pm
Location: Jubilee Centre, King’s Cross

Fortnightly paddle on the Regent’s Canal

http://www.jubilee-centre.org.uk

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August 24th, 2006

Slalom trip to Cardington

We’re planning a trip to the 2/3/4 slalom competition at Cardington on Saturday the 2nd of September.

It will be a day trip leaving London around 7am and returning early evening.
This is an entertaining little artificial course with moving water that is safe enough for beginners and a technical challenge enough for intermediates.

For more information contact Simon via the form or group email.

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August 16th, 2006

Kayakojacko Visits Y Pool - Sept 4

Top-notch coaches and all-round good eggs Kayakojacko are visiting Y Paddle in the pool on the first Monday in September.

They reckon they can teach you everything you need to know about paddling: turning, rolling, playboating, open boating, whitewater, surf…

Okay, maybe not all in a single session.

… and maybe not in the pool.

Space is limited, make sure you don’t miss out - email the group, or leave a comment

Oh, find out more about Jacko and co. at http://www.kayakojacko.co.uk/

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August 10th, 2006

Outdoor Paddle at Jubilee

We go for a paddle along Regents Canal. Please make sure to bring appropriate clothing, including footwear. A hat is advisable during the colder part of the year.

There is a charge of Â£3.50 for each session, payable in cash on the day.

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August 1st, 2006

Social Paddle to Shepperton - July 2006

Martin about to lead the group
Marking the end of our summer beginners’ course, Roger, Jon and Martin took the six out onto the Thames at Shepperton.

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July 27th, 2006

Outdoor Paddle at Jubilee

Time: 6.30pm - 8.45pm
Location: Jubilee Centre, King’s Cross

Fortnightly paddle on the Regent’s Canal

http://www.jubilee-centre.org.uk

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