Fun at Bracklesham

Ageing die-hards "The Probe" and "Westy" enjoyed a knackering couple of hours at Bracklesham on Saturday afternoon. "Westy Jr" decided to be photographer this week. The surf wasn't that big, and was messy with a very strong on-shore wind, but great fun was had nonetheless.

The strong wind had brought out the windsurfers 

and kite-boarders, which made for some interesting moments!

It was hard work paddling out, but there was some good surf in amongst the mess. Well we had fun anyway. As usual, Andy B slept most of the way home and commented how it had got dark so quickly .... it was light when he fell asleep, and dark when he woke up!

FCC Paddler makes reserve on GB Freestyle Team

Congratulations to Ben (Westy Jr) who came 5th in the Junior Men category at the GB Freestyle Team selections in December. This means that he is the reserve for the team, and will travel to the European Championships in Spain next July.














Selections were held at Hurley on the Saturday (where Ben came 5th despite 2 out of 3 runs being poor) and at HPP on Sunday (where Ben came 4th with a great middle run). The standard in the Junior Men category was very high and closely contested.














But it was a fun weekend nonetheless, with a good atmosphere, vocal support from the spectators, and some wonderful entertainment from the OC1 paddlers at HPP who all decided to jump from their boats at the end of their 3rd runs, with the boats getting stuck in the hole and having to be "rescued"!

Competition round-up

We've been to three competitions since September. Ben did well at the Mighty Nene Competition in September. Ben got through to the final of Boater X where he beat local boater Ben Stone in a very closely fought race. On Sunday Ben had a really good day, finally finishing 3rd behind James Reeves and another local paddler Chris Chapman.

















Next up was the Alpkit Challenge at HPP in October. Ben didn't quite make it to the final of the Boater X this time, but came 7th in the British Champs freestyle and 3rd in the Squirt.















Finally came the Hurley Classic in December. Ben didn't do as well as he had hoped, but his new boat looked the part!

Trent Lock surf-fest

Junior stayed with me in Nottingham last week. HPP was flooded, but we caught Trent Lock at 3.1m and 3.3m. Not quite high enough for playboats, but steep and green and ideal for surf boats. We met up with Danny from Desperate Measures, his brother and some of their mates, who kindly let Ben have a go in a couple of surf boats. Everyone had great fun, as you can see from the picture and video.

Back from the Alps ....

.... and knackered. Left Briancon yesterday mid-afternoon after a spot of lunch and some gift-shopping with Andy B and Andy F. After an interesting drive up over Col du Galibier (scene of some famous Tour de France stages) we hit the autoroute and pounded northwards through France towards Calais and home. We arrived back at Chez West to find the Fenster's car looking all pink and girlie! Needless to say he drove home with boats on top and ribbons still in place; never one to shy away from the limelight.

Anyway, a trip report will follow soon, but all in all we had a great time. Thanks to Dave for sorting out the accommodation, and to everyone for their company on and off the water.

1* and 2* training

Andy Fenney is running 1* and 2* training sessions on 15th, 22nd and 29th May 18:30-20:00 at Southwater Lake. Cost is £20 for 1* and £25 for 2*, to include assessment.
There will be further sessions in June and July if needed.

If you're interested, please reply to this Blog, reply to the thread on our bulletin board, or email fatblokesonrocks@forestcanoeclub.org.uk

Beulieu River trip - 19th May

Martin and I are going to paddle the Beulieu river on 19 May from Beulieu
dept about 11am - to the coast and back again - about 12 miles.

Martin is the contact: (01243 574269). HT is 15-20 at Lymington.

Tim Smith