Newsletter 133 Autumn 2011.03

8/3/2019 Newsletter 133 Autumn 2011.03

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A little legal stuff....

This newsletter is a free publication for theMarlow Canoe Club.

Whilst every care is taken, the newsletter andthe Marlow Canoe Club do not accept respons-ibility for the opinions expressed or the goodsand services mentioned in this publication.

2011.

INSIDE YOURAUTUMN 2011 ISSUE

3 Devizes to WestminsterBig deal, so you paddled a long way, whatdo you want, a medal?

5 More thrill of speed

The club's attempt to kill off some of it'smore gullible members fails miserably.

6 Why it's better to be openIf you paddle a kayak, Kelvin thinks youare a nut-case. Of course it takes one toknow one....

8 Jaws versus Marlow MobyJonathon Garner rides an blow-up whale.Still, it makes a change from the inflatablesheep.

10Woodmill sea symposiumJohn Norris gets the needles. Not for thefirst time.

13Alps tripThe hills are alive to the sound of kayaks?Or drunken whitewater louts more likely,not that I'm insanely envious youunderstand.

15Committee news

OK, nothing to see here, move along now.

15Contact detailsMel thanks you for all the calls, but AdrianCooper has become jealous of all theattention and now desperately wants youto phone him at all hours of the day.

16CalendarOK so you've binned your iphone. Quiteright too, their sooooo last season;Android is so much cooler and easy tosynchronise with the club calendar. Here'swhat we have planned, so just point yournew phone at the back cover and press"synchronise". Of course it'll work, wouldI lie to you?

COVER PHOTO

This month's amazingcover photograph waskindly supplied by KelvinAbbott and is entitled"Mid-air". See Kelvin'sarticle on page 6 tounderstand just why heloves open canoes somuch.

EDITORIAL

Well here we go with mysecond newsletter for the club.Thanks to everyone for your pos-itive feedback and encourage-ment after my first newsletter hit

the waters back in June.And clubmembers haveonce againsupplied somefabulous art-icles. The vari-ation of oursport never

ceases toamaze me andit is capturedby this edition of the newsletter.

Marathon boats are once again tothe fore, and John Norris hasprovided a fabulous advertisementfor the Sea symposium that haswhetted my appetite for this trip in

2012. After some nagging Kelvin hasexplained just why he loves the opencanoes and, courtesy of Alex Shiell'srecent training classes, I too finallyunderstand the attraction of opens.

But perhaps the star of the showmust go to the new inflatable fish dis-cipline that club members inventedduring a particularly juvenile Sundaysession in July. Oh dear, JonathonGarner is a centrefold two issuesrunning, people will talk....

Rodney Casbierd, Editor.

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3RACING

Devizes to WestminsterHow hard can it be?

by Nicholas Hollis

This is the story of how a racing kayak newbie ended up, less than a yearlater, competing in the world's longest non-stop canoe race.

Back in August of last year, Steve & Stuart asked me to join them for a paddle fromMarlow to Hurley in the Condor and another club K2. This was my very first time in aracing kayak, so I left Marlow Canoe Club with some trepidation. It turned out to be

good fun, but it became very apparent that Steve was the one keeping the boatupright. When we got back to MCC, another friend, Tom, was waiting for us, so Isuggested that he and I went for a paddle. We managed three strokes before fallingin, in full view of the Marlow Rowing Club contingent who were present. Given thatTom was formerly Captain of Marlow Rowing Club, you can imagine how undignifiedthis episode was for us. We fell in a further three times within a distance of 100yards. Undeterred by this experience, we felt that we were now ready to enter theworld's longest non-stop canoe race the DW.

For the next five months, we continued training on an ad-hoc basis, managing todevelop a basic control of the boat but not without falling in regularly. In February,due to work and other commitments, Tom realised that he was not going to be ableto give sufficient time to prepare for the race. Having all but given up on the idea, Imentioned to another friend, James, that I had been preparing to do the DW, butthat it was now not looking good, to which he replied, 125 miles in 24 hours? Howhard can it be?

One evening that same week, we arranged to go out for a paddle. So out we wentone cold, dark February evening and fell in, in the middle of the Thames! Yet despite

the cold, all we could do was laugh and that was how our partnership was formed.We then met up religiously at 6.30 am and also often followed this up with anevening paddle. We even managed to squeeze in the last two Waterside races, C andD. This was our first experience of a race and of portaging.

Before we knew it, DW race day was upon us. We arrived in Devizes at around 9 amand proceeded to adhere to our strict nutritional regime by loading up on a hot dog,followed by a bacon & egg bap and a coffee. Suitably fuelled, we prepared the boatfor the pre-race checks and registered. At 10.40 am, we passed the start line and itquickly dawned on us that we were embarking on quite a feat.

The first section of the race (approx. 10 miles) is a rather dull slog with no portagesto break the monotony, so it was a relief to see our support crew at the end of thissection and to have an opportunity to stretch our legs. The support crew proved tobe an invaluable part of the endeavour taking care of feeding, watering, refillingbottles during portages and applying sun cream, with my brother Dafydd riding his


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bike along several extended sections until a puncture brought him to a stop. Anotherfriend, Huw a DW novice who was briefed on his duties during the car journey toDevizes stayed awake for a total of 33 hours in support, whilst Stuart and Steve who had completed the DW in the MCC Condor two years previously, did the drivingbetween them in shifts.

The weather during the day was blisteringly hot without even a hint of a breeze - this,coupled with the fact that April had seen virtually no rain meant that we knew thatthere would be next to no flow at all during the later stages. Up until Newbury, havingpaddled the section during the Waterside races, we were in familiar territory, so it wasrefreshing to pass Newbury and reach uncharted waters. Shortly after paddlingthrough Reading, we had a welcome change of clothing and another nutritionally-balanced intake of sausage and chips, bought by the support crew at Mr. Cod inReading. This was a milestone as we had now left the canal section behind us andwere embarking on the Thames Proper, with darkness falling around us.

We then paddled past Henley towards Marlow, encountering very misty conditionsduring the night and, as we were by now one of the first boats, quite often over anhour would go by without us seeing another crew. After Cookham at around midnight,our bodies were starting to shut down for sleep and things started becoming a drag,but we pushed through, knowing that the imminent rising sun would give us anenergy boost. Heading under the M25 was another milestone as we now knew that wewere entering London and heading towards the home straight.

The rising sun as we were coming through Shepperton was a very welcome sight and

we felt our energy surge, knowing that the DW medal was now a real possibility. Itwas at this point that we realised wed miscalculated our timings and having thoughtall along that the sub-24 hr. finish was in the bag, we worked out that we would haveto make up an hour in the last section. Like two men possessed, we paddled ourhearts out, arriving in Teddington knowing that the sub-24 hour finish meantcompleting the Tideway in about 2.5 hours.

We did not let our heads go down and, although it was a miracle that we managed notto fall in given the choppy waters, we were taken out by a pleasure cruiser around250 yards from the finish. By this stage, we were the first senior crew finishers and

knowing that every second counted, we quickly jumped into the rescue boat, flippedour kayak, drained it and got back in. We then paddled to the finishing line, mooredup and carried the boat up the steps. It was a huge relief to get out of the boat andthe feeling of elation was considerable, knowing that we had completed the DW inunder 24 hours. Final Time, 23:56:14.

True to nature, we finished off proceedings as we had started with a full-English.

4RACING

TOP TIPSAs all good coaches know, but rarely actually do, always warm upusing appropriate exercises before you launch.

(tip courtesy of club member Martin Oswald).


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In the last newsletter Andy Maxted waxed lyrical about the "thrill of speed"that he got from paddling the club's marathon boats. So in June weorganised a Tuesday night session to give members the chance to find out forthemselves. These rough notes and our upturned kayaks must tell the tale ofthat evening.

First in were Jeff and Elena. Despite assurances and advice that all would be well, thecombination of father/daughter (and two novice marathon paddlers in the same boat)meant that the first attempt lasted about two paddle strokes. Its something to dowith trust, and the problem that correcting each others corrections creates a resonant

wobble. Mr Maxted then took both paddlers out in turn, and (with a a bit moreconfidence in the feel of the boat) things improved significantly.

Next in was yours truly. Ihave often looked at thewobble-factor-3 Lancerswondering "how hard can itbe?"... if you are troubledby similar thoughts, I wouldadvise you choose a sunnyday. And preferably ensurethat coaches have attendedthe racing boat rescueseminar beforehand (thiswas held at Longridge theFOLLOWING Thursday, andwould have been useful).

Suffice to say, two very

short swims were followedby a relatively successfulong swim. These boats dogo quite fast, (ie. they covera long distance in a shorttime) and when they aregoing fast they are quitestable. But then you haveto turn and that is when itall turns to custard.

Thanks to Tom Bailey for his humour, and rescue attempts, and to Dave Goddard forhis demonstration of the stabilising effects of the fuller figure (or superior skill).

It was a good session. But I am not sure if it encouraged people to take up marathonboats or swimming. Possibly both!

5RACING

More thrill of speedby Richard Williams

Tony Flannery was seduced by the charmsof a Tercel during that balmy night back inJune. His Easky has now started divorceproceedings.


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6OPEN CANOE

Why it's better to be openby Kelvin Abbott

Most of you who paddle on Sunday cannot fail to have noticed that Kelvin isalways in his open canoe and never in a kayak. So at the end of onecommittee meeting we took him hostage, drove to Andy Maxted's house andtortured Kelvin with Andy's extensive collection of "Mel and Kim" LPs until hefinally cracked and gave a suitable responses to our interrogation.

Have you ever paddled a kayak?Kelvin: The only time I paddle a kayak was about 18 months ago when I decided that Iought to at least have some idea what kayaking was all about so I took one of theclubs 1-star courses. Having passed the course I havent been in a kayak since.

What is it about Kayaks that does not appeal?Kelvin: It seems so frenetic. Continually pulling on the paddle, right, left, right, leftand so on never letting up. At the same time cycling with your legs. It just seems somuch hard work, and so noisy; the paddle always splashing in and out of the water,never a moments rest. Compare this to an open where there is a gentle paddle, hardly

any splashing about just arelaxing journey along the river.Idyllic.

The other thing about a kayak isthat, at least it seems to me, youare stuck in it secured by a spraydeck. I always have the dread ofnot being able to get out should Icapsize. At least in an open youjust fall out.

Every thing I learnt on the 1-star

went to reinforce mypreconceptions of the kayak. Forme the open is perfect. Whatcould be better than a warm calmsummers day and a gentlepaddle up to the teashop on aSunday morning?

What about white water?Kelvin: I do enjoy white water, although I am known for falling out quite a bit. Perhaps

not so much now but when I first started I fell out a lot. I remember one trip on theower Treweryn when I fell out six times. I have become quite adept at self-rescue.

I suppose I enjoy technical rapids the most, dodging the rocks, provided that theriver is not too fast. Big bouncy waves I avoid like the plague. This I suppose isanother reason for not preferring kayaks. Most seem to plough through the rapids with


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7OPEN CANOE

ittle regard for what the river is doing and they always seem to get in the way buzzingaround like flies.

much prefer attempting to read the river, planning my course to avoid the obstaclesand then trying to keep to that course. I would say that probably 25% of the timekayaks get in my way, and probably they think that the great big opens get in theirway more often.

How did you get started?Kelvin: Many years ago, I must have been in my 20s, I remember being on a trainnear Bath and from a bridge I saw a small group of paddles on the river. It was in theevening and seeing these gently going along the river appeared so relaxing that Idetermined at one time to do the same.

So you have been a paddler for some time.

Kelvin: Oh no. It wasnt until I was 50 that I began to paddle. I went to the US and dida week in Vermont paddling from inn to inn. It was the first time I had been in a canoeand it was hard work but great fun. Since then I have been to Canada several times onwilderness trips and in 2010 I went down the San Juan River in Utah. These trips havemade their appearance in previous Newsletters.

And the next trip?Kelvin: I am hoping to go down the Rio Grande in Texas next March/April. For someeason this river has always appealed to me. It will be through the desert so camping

should be very pleasant, no rain.


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8NUTTERS

Jaws versusMarlow Canoe Club members inventThere's a good reason

why inflatable kayaks arenot shaped like fish. Andthat's because it'sbonkers. But no-one toldMarlow Canoe Club in thesummer...

Tom Bailey jumps in and attemptsto negotiate a truce. But Jaws justsees a tasty snack...

Very good Danny boy, butplease don't try this when younext visit Sea World

Yes Jonathon, we are all veryimpressed mate, but why not try aproper kayak like the one Charles ispaddling

It's Jon versus Simon :

Let battle

commence


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9NUTTERS

Marlow Mobya whole new division for the sport

Mel rides Jawsand puts a reallybig smile on hisface

Meanwhile Dan has jumped fish,and shows he can paddle Jaws forat least 2 seconds before falling off

Mel takes no chances...

The gals's anatural at this.

Makes you sick

dunnit?


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SEA KAYAK

2011 Woodmill sea

symposiumby John NorrisThere were two symposia on this weekend, one run by Mark R. (he of UKRGB/ UKSKGB fame). Marks bash seems to cater for those paddlers of a goodstandard who want to paddle with their equals under peer group rules. TheWOODMILL alternative catered for a wider range of abilities and, as I woulddescribe myself as a nervy UKCC 3* paddler, this was what I went for.

WOODMILL is an ex Southampton Council outdoor education facility now running as acharity under the Active Nation banner. It has a well stocked shop with possibly thebest demo fleet Ive ever seen. Its not much further in time or miles than aBROOKBANK superstore and may be worth considering if you want a new boat or somekit, but please also consider our local retailers as well.

100. What can you buy for a ton these days? Ill tell you what mine bought: 2nights camping, 2 cooked breakfasts, 2 packed lunches and a BBQ supper and 2 daysof paddling with some of the best coaches in the south. A number of options were

available for beginners to the more advanced paddler and classroom learning as well.I went for rough water handling & scenario management and a Needles trip. Sadly,llness prevented Owen Burson of I.O.W. sea kayaking running my first option so I gottwo cracks at The Needles. (This turned out to be quite fortuitous as Saturdaysconditions were evil.) I put my tent up and took a walk around the 17 acre site on theunmarked but clearly defined path, disturbing a pair of deer in the process. The sitefeatures a fishing lake, which is also used for introductory sessions. AC (our chairman)turned up a little later and after a short chat I turned in word in the field was that anearly start was the order of the day and I wanted to be ready.

SATURDAY starts withbreakfast - egg, bacon,sausage (big),mushrooms and a bapserved from a lay-bycaravan were greedilyconsumed - time to findmy coach and check outwhats happening.Nigel and Maria Hughes

run H2go coaching andNigel was our main mantoday, ably assisted byDuncan (Dunks) ofSolent Sea kayaking.The forecast was not

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11SEA KAYAK

good: a strong south westerly (F5 gusting 6/7) would be blowing over an outgoingtide adding to the confusion usually encountered in the Hurst castle tide race. Wewould drive down to Keyhaven and launch in the harbour where Nigel would take theopportunity to assess our skills before we left the channel to take a look at the race.The wind was a demon and easily thwarted the benefits of my skeg and severalothers too, but we edged toward the race. Nigels knowledge of local conditions and

his assessment of our skills had told him that this would not be a good day to do TheNeedles so the plan was revised to a play on the race to maybe 200m from shore andthen lunch. In between feeling nervy I liked this, often half the boat was out of thewater or about to go under it, turning on the crest and trying to surf in, but the chopwas too short to realise much speed. We had a couple of swimmers (both at thesame time) so we moved to relative safety and food. The coach had made a goodcall. From the bank waves that dwarfed the ones we had just experienced could beseen right across the Solent. After lunch we settled for a paddle around a few buoysthen back to the harbour for some skills update and a chance to try out a few otherboats.

The day finishes with a BBQ, a leisurely talk with new friends and as darkness falls atrip to the fire pit to continue the chat around a large fire.

SUNDAY dawns still, nary a breezeto rustle the leaves and a clear sky.I was booked on Keyhaven to TheNeedles again, with Steve Preston,acknowledged as one of the more

experienced in the ways and flowsof the Solent. Just 5 of us andSteve meant we got away earlierand were sure to catch a beneficialtide. We put in at Hurst Beach, aChesil Beach like feature just westof Keyhaven and 6km as the crow(should that be gull) flies to TheNeedles. Aiming toward Alum Baytakes us due South on a slight

ferry glide and we are soon overthe Shingles. The sea kicks up abit here as the depth reduces toalmost nothing at low water butwith the tide coming to an end itsnot much to worry about. Largeflat topped clouds can be seenheading inland further to the west,but Steve is looking beyond thatand sees nothing of immediateconcern so we continue to TheNeedles. In, out and around wecircle the two outermost stacksbeing careful not to come out asthe rocks are like razors, not goodfor boats and worse for hands.


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12SEA KAYAK

TOP TIPSMOST KIDS AND SOME (WANNABE) ADULTS : Treat your kit to awashing machine visit - or at the very least a decent airing, and thatdoesn't mean leaving the dry bag in the garden.

(tip courtesy of club member John Norris).

Lunch is taken on thebeach at Scratchells Bay,accessible only from thesea. A geological featuredetailing layers of chalkbroken by thin bands of asedimentary layerdominates the end of thebay.

Its time to get goingagain. The wind isfreshening and the tideincreasing (both expectedand allowed for) so one

more pass through TheNeedles and its a coastalhop to Alum Bay and justbeyond.

Steves knowledge tells us just when to start the crossing back and once through theshipping lane we are over the Shingles again, this time somewhat more fearsome thanbefore, but manageable. The tide is running near full now and its speed is somethingto behold. Passing the Shingles buoy on my right, I look back a few minutes later tosee its 110m to my left. Now we hit the race and it takes a steep ferry angle to keep

us from going backwards. Some make it to the end, Im making slow progress andSteve sticks with Elaine who is struggling a little near the rocks. Satisfied that all iswell Steve moves away a little and then Elaine is on the rocks, her 4 day old glassCapella looking a lot older. One second she looked O.K., the next she wasnt. I madea call and Steve was back in a flash and soon engineered a relaunch and with Elaineback on the water we decided on a smoother return to the start via. Keyhaven Lakeand Mount Lake.

Its back to the site for some packing up and farewells. AC was going home happy, butDom and Sibel were still out there somewhere and I think they enjoyed it Ive notheard to the contrary yet.

Next year I hope to go again date permitting. I would recommend this to anyonewho wants to get to the sea and for most who want to improve. A cracking weekendwith like minded people and something for all grades of paddler.


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13WHITEWATER

2011 French Alpsby various white-water yobbos

It is the first Sunday of July, day 1 in the Alps, and we have done 2 sections and noswims! We decided to do a gentle warm-up for the sake of those who have not donethe Alps and so jumped on the Lower Guil (G2) and the Sunshine Run on the Durance,G2(3).

It was a very chilled-out paddle in the warm French sun in the excellent surrounds ofthe French Alpine valleys. Incidents of note were a hurt back from Chris Westons verydodgy seal launch and a bit of a working for Rob in the Rab wave... oh and a flat waterroll for me after colliding with Dave's boat whilst chatting (ooops!).

On to Monday and who stole the sun?! Westarted off on the Upper Guisane, G2(3-) with aot of laughing about my use of a dry suit in theAlps (I think I had the last laugh on that one!).

We had one short swim on the first stretch ofthis; start of day wobbles I feel! The crux of theUpper Guisane is S-Bend rapid, on which wewere stopped upstream by a canoe club having abit of an epic multi-throw-line rescue after a lotof swims and face smashes! After initiallydeciding to walk it, we inspected and decided itdid not look all that bad and half the group rant... very good fun!

The rest of run went at G2 without incident. At the get out, Rob, Alex, Reza andmyself decided to do an afternoon run on the Lower Guisane, a local classic,continuous G3+ with a 4 here and there. Really good fun read and run action with lots

of nice boulder gardens and a few nice boofy bits. No incidents, but Reza did execute avery smooth impromptu dismount and associated self-rescue.

Really good paddling from everyone, especiallyAlex and Rob who have never done the Alps orany big white water before. Despite that, theyhad a big smile all the way down, which isdefinitely the way to paddle the Alps.

Tuesday was another good day with 3 river

sections done (got to be an MCC first?!). Thewater levels in the Guil valley were disappointingdue to the cold night on Monday, which probablyknocked a grade off the guidebook. Still, we dida nice warm-up on the Upper Guil which wasgenerally 2/3 with a nice little G3+ gorge.


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14WHITEWATER

LOCAL RETAILERS

Riverside, Oxford. 01865 248673. http://www.riversideoxford.co.uk

Marsport, Reading. 01189 665912. http://www.marsport.co.uk

Berkshire Canoes, Reading. 01189 425640. http://www.berkshire-canoes.co.uk

WWC, Shepperton. 01932 247978. http://www.whitewaterthecanoecentre.co.uk

Paddlesport, Warwick. 01926 640573. http://www.paddlesport.co.uk

Because of the long drive required, that took us to lunch, which we munched whilenspecting the infamous Chat Queyras Gorge.

This is where the whole Guil constricts into a steep sided gorge about one paddlewidth wide and contains a sporting curling stopper. Three of us did this and all stayed.

It is a great fun little run which looked

worse than it was, but was still probablyG4. Finally Reza, Rob and I set off on themiddle Guil, one of the Alpine classics.The first few km were a slightlydisappointing G3-ish, but then it reallypicked up at Staircase rapid to a nicesteady 4 with some fun little drops andstoppers. All passed fairly uneventfully,apart from my nice bit of backwardsvertical action following a rock smash.

Alex and Chris Weston joined us for the last 2 km, which was supposedly the easy bit,but turned out to be a really sweet continuous 3+/4... I think Alex and Chris found itto be a little fiesty though! Alex did an excellent series of rolls in the meat of it buttragically lost the 4 gangster shades in the process!

Wednesday saw the group go biking.

On Thursday we paddled the Upper Ubaye and theUbaye race-course. The swim count was pushedfrom 1 to 3 today! All safely rescued and no lost kit.The race-course was on a low level but still quitepushy and good fun.

And so to Friday, when some of us took on the RiverGyronde. It was a bit boney and quite technical butvery enjoyable. The river of the afternoon was theLower Durance / Sunshine Run including RabiouxWave. Congratulations to Karen who passed her

three star white water on the French Rivers today.

Le Weekend; we are all still alive and on our way home. We paddled a very low andscrapey Lower Guisane. No more swims to add to the total. Final standings are TeamBurn 2 swims and 2 technicals, Team Renault 1 swim and 2 technicals.


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15COMMITTEEDay to day operation of the Marlow Canoe Club is governed by the clubcommittee. The committee usually meets every two months to discuss allyour utterly trivial and tiresome complaints, terrify the treasurer, and keepthe Marlow Donkey public house trading.

Four brand new kayaks have been acquired to support general paddling and the club's1-star courses. We are also about the replace a few of the tired marathon boats withsomething more modern. It has been agreed to get something fast but reasonablychallenging that even Dave Goddard can fit in. And our final bit of shop-till-we-dropwill equip the club some decent paddles for open canoes, about time too!!

Feel free to give us your views.

KEY CONTACTS

PresidentTim Ward

01494 [email protected]

SecretaryJonathon Garner07765 [email protected]

MembershipRod Edmonds


EquipmentChris Porteous01628 [email protected]

Women's RepresentativeMelinda [email protected]

Social SecretaryMelinda [email protected]

ChairmanAdrian Cooper


TreasurerKelvin Abbott01753 [email protected]

CoachingGary Fletcher


Newsletter EditorRodney Casbierd07960 [email protected]

Youth RepresentativeBen Kelley07849 [email protected]

WhitewaterChris Porteous01628 [email protected]

1* Course Co-ordinatorSimon Knowles07786 [email protected]

Pool sessions organiserDave Goddard01494 [email protected]

SeaJohn Norris01494 483833

[email protected]

TouringLee Niven07824 828024

[email protected]


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Tuesday 20 SeptemberNene whitewater trip,6.30 pm 9.30 pm.Northampton, Northants, NN4 7AA.

16CALENDAR

EVERY

SUNDAYClub sessionDoors open at 9.30 am.On the water for 10 am.

Saturday 1 OctoberPool session,7.15 pm 8.15 pm.

Weekend 22-23 OctoberSouth Wales weekend trip.

Friday 4 Sunday 6NovemberTyne tour.

Monday 7 NovemberCommittee meeting.7.30 pm 9.30 pm, Marlow Donkey PH.

Saturday 12 NovemberPool session,7.15 pm 8.15 pm.

Weekend19-20November4-star training.

Weekend26-27NovemberDevon weekend trip.

Saturday 3 DecemberPool session,7.15 pm 8.15 pm.

Weekend 17-18 DecemberNorth wales weekend

EVERYMONTH

Pool SessionSaturday, see calendar for

time and dates

Chalfont Leisure Centre, Nicol Road,

Chalfont St Peter, SL9 9LR.5 adults, 3 juniors

Only jokingThere were three rowers stuckon an island. One of them founda lamp and rubbed it. Out camea genie. He said for freeing meI'll grant you each a wish. Thefirst rower said, "I wish I were25% smarter". Pow! He was25% smarter, built a raft androwed off the island.

The next rower said, "I wish Iwere 50% smarter". Pow! Shewas 50% smarter, built a canoe

and rowed off the island.

The last rower said, "I wish Iwere 100% smarter". Pow! Hewas turned into a paddler and

COMING UP IN THENEXT NEWSLETTER

Jane Oxley goes paddling on holidayin the Med and still can't stop goingon about it.

One for the ladies, as Gary "Coach"Fletcher reveals all in a full & frankconfession of his obsession with

naturist canoeing.

Hot stuff with John Norris. Nuff said.

Glamourpuss sixties-girl CatherineHarris pouts for the camera in her

Newsletter 133 Autumn 2011.03

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