Belfast Kayak Club Newsletter
Issue 3 - March 2003
Club members on the Surf Weekend
In This Issue
- The Portrush Surf Weekend
- BKC Fun Day
- Discovering the Copelands
- The Open Boater
- From the Chair
- Team U4EA in Knoydart
- Christmas Dinner
- Advertising
- About Us
Contributors in this Issue:
P. Dew, J.Napier, C. Coffey, J. Cunningham& R. Hollinger
The Portrush Surf Weekend
You can organize everything but the weather! This was certainly true for the surf weekend at the end of January. I'd posted the event, booked the accommodation, and arranged the meeting point. All sorted without a problem, all we needed was the Gods not to have the weekend off and show their favour, and that they did. Poseidon and Apollo must be big surf fans for the played their part and gave us a perfect setting for a days surfing.
We met in the car park on the A26 roundabout as usual and headed for the north coast in convoy stopping for a few essentials not to mention several detours or to be honest....... getting lost.
Arrival in Portrush found Gregg already in the pub, a good start by anyone's standards I'd have to say. Bedrooms allocated, wine and beer opened we decided to stay at home and save ourselves for the next day and so to bed.
An early start seen Graeme and I tour the beaches in search of the best surf and a first inspection it looked good. Phone calls were made to those traveling up on Saturday morning with a positive forecast. A cup of coffee later it started to look different and I was ready to blame the Gods for forsaking me when a third inspection from Chris Astles said the best surf was at White Park Bay.
Everyone started arriving and the numbers increased to a whopping sixteen, a great turnout without a doubt. Off we headed to White Park Bay on a sunny January morning with high hopes of good surf and we weren't to be disappointed.
The surf was fantastic, big, clean waves were coming in at a regular rate and everyone was showing off their skills from Ronan's cartwheels to Gregg's very impressive 360's. The morning session flew past, with late arrivals John Napier and Paddy Boyle still to venture out into the big Stuff. although Paddy did impress with roll after roll after roll.
Time for lunch and we all headed back to the car park for ham and cheese sandwiches and discuss the mornings events. Claims of 360's cartwheels, meant or not ,and those stories of relief at staying upright during their runs.
After lunch it was more of the same. I have to say that the only down side was the effort it took the get out to the bigger waves off shore. However once out there the run in was fantastic. I watched several people including Clive Coffey on the same wave as myself make great runs toward shore and others getting pounded when large waves swallowed them up while paddling out or capsized them on their run toward shore.
 As the day ended and people got cold and tired, John Napier, Graeme Kerr and myself were left in search of a big wave to finish the day. The weather had been great and the surf better and the sixteen paddlers took full advantage and had a great day.
After a hot shower we regrouped and headed to the pub for a meal which was first
class. It was time for those who were traveling home to say goodbye and the rest of us went in search of good music for the evening.
Karaoke!! Massive respect must go to Graeme Kerr who was first if a little too eager to strut his stuff on stage. Angie Beggs soon followed giving another impressive performance. I was pressured into making a duet with a Gregg when we sang "This Life" much to the delight of the audience who I suspect belonged to the workshop for the deaf .With the fun over we headed home for a quick game of janga and bed but not before the decision had been made to swap surfing for a run on the Roe.
The following morning we were taken on a site seeing tour of the north coast by a dazed and confused Ronan. Finally arriving at the Roe country park we found Keith Dalzell who was to join us for the day.
 With the water levels high Keith had concerns about the ability of the group but his caution was equally matched by Ronan's enthusiasm and it was decided we would all go. Angie made her own decision which was to sit in the car. All on the water and with the first drop approaching Keith took the lead and headed river left into the most difficult line. A fast flow with a large standing wave and the bottom soon took it's first victim. Gregg hit the wave and capsized Keith and I watched as he made a couple of good attempts to roll but finally pulled out and swam. Chris Astles was next and met the same fate only this time breaking a paddle in the process. Ronan very wisely sent the rest down the Centre without incident. I was fearing Keith could be right, within 500m we had two swims and one broken paddle, not a great start to a days paddling. Keith ran back to the car and returned with a spare paddle and we set off to the next weir which was just around the bend. We all got out for a look and it was decided to portage as it looked quite a dangerous stopper.
Several sets of easy rapids later we hit another drop. Two routes down, river left, with a diagonal line and a small sanding wave or river right and a straight line but a massive standing wave. Keith straight for the big wave on the right followed by Ronan river left on the small wave. I chose river right and got a shock at how deep the trough was was the top of the weir, but it was too late by then and was glad to smash through and into the flow. The rest of the group went river left which turned out to be a great surf wave, and was enjoyed by most of the group.
Moving on through some more easy rapids we came to the "Dog Leap". It was decided earlier that Peter McStay, Adam get out here, Graeme also called it a day. That left Gregg, Ronan, Keith, Chris and myself to run the last section.
With Ronan and Keith safely into the first eddie it was my turn. Taking the worse line of the day I was pushed too far right was capsized a the top of the drop, a quick roll and I was in time for the next drop and broke out river right. Chris came in right after followed by Gregg, Ronan and Keith.
The rest of the rapid section saw an excellent roll from Gregg which I'm sure done his confidence world of good after his earlier swim. The rest of the trip went without indecent as we all made the get out point in one piece. However the trip home proved to be anything but ordinary.
 After we changed and had a quick bit to eat we headed for the Glenn Shane Pass and home. All seamed well until we hit the top of the pass then the traffic slowed to a stand still. A quick inspection found several cars in front of us broad side as a result of snow. This caused us to do a 360 and head back back to Limadvady in search of a route home.
After a quick re-group and look at the map we were on our way again, with no more obstacles we all made it back to a Burger King outside Ballymena for a quick bite and then down the motorway and home.
I would like to thank all of those people who turned up and supported the weekend. Without doubt the weather, surf and water level made it a great weekend. That aside, it's only with the support and participation from club members that day trips and weekends like this will be a success.
The clubs next weekend trip will be a touring and camping weekend to Lough Erne on Friday 18th to 20th of April. All are welcome.
Peter Dew
Paddle IT - Belfast Kayak Club - Cross Community Fund Day
On Saturday 22 February 2003 Belfast Kayak Club organized a Canoeing fun day which attracted local children from all sections of the community in the Castlereagh borough area. The event was aimed at the paddlers of tomorrow and the Club's five instructors provided an action packed agenda of games with older children and a few adults receiving formal coaching.
The Robinson Centre, Montgomery Road, Belfast provided a safe environment for novices to really enjoy the sport. Activities included rafting and running along the decks of boats, tig, Mr Wolf, junior polo as well as expert demonstrations in the art of play boating from extremely accomplished paddlers.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the forty-five people who supported the event, and hope that they will not see this as a one off but will continue to support club activities, and I look forward to similar events in the future. I would also like to thank the Council and centre staff for their support.
John Napier
Discovering the Copelands
 No sea kayak? "no problem" says Peter, " I'll bring the Neckie"; Forgot my lunch? - "no problem" says Peter, " loads here for two"; Great trip Pete "no problem" says Peter, " by the way, did I mention... your turn to write the report for club mag" And so the moral of the story is...!!
The forecast suggested Thursday would be the best day of the week. The ridge of high pressure would subside that evening, chased east by an all too familiar Atlantic low. And so it was, a beautiful still bright morning with hardly a ripple on the water when Ivan, Peter and myself met at Donaghadee to paddle out around the Copelands one Thursday in late January.
Do paddlers need a gentler start than mountaineers to their days' pursuit? Peter insisted on coffee and hot scones in the local coffee shop before we could go near the water.
It was a day for testing our new toys. Ivan was testing his new cag, complete with super versatile pockets on sleeves, and double seal waist that did work once it was layered properly. Peter was testing his new wind anemometer, complete with more scales than a fish. I was hoping to determine speed and so time per 100m through the water using my GPS, complete as it turned out, without batteries. The result would have been totally inaccurate anyway as it would not have separated out the effect of tide.
 And so we finally got onto the water, leaving Donaghadee in just about a force 1, Ivan in his fine looking 1-man Prijon, Pete and myself in the 2-man Neckie. This meant I had to steer "good practice for the Rush" he said. And after seeing my efforts he reckoned I need a lot more practice; lets just say it had fierce over steer - I reckon his rudder needs new track rod-ends.
We were planning to head round the islands clockwise, and so set off north towards Carn Point, the nearest landfall to the mainland from the nearest and largest of the 3 main islands, known as Copeland Island. A debate soon ensued as to what direction the tide was running and when it should turn. "Ah yes" said Peter, "I printed that off the web last night; pity I left it in the car..." We resolved the first part of the debate when we reached the Foreland port buoy there was a good 2+ knot tide running against us!
The paddling was good we went on out passing round the north side of Light House Island and then on to its near neighbour, Mew Island, the most easterly of the isles, upon which the current lighthouse stands at its NE tip. We came ashore here at a little landing jetty and had lunch at the base of the light. It was an untidy place bits of old huts, concrete and other materials lying about what I expected to be an uninhabited isle unspoilt by man: not so.
The weather was changing looking back towards the mainland the sun was being swallowed by a very distinct cloud line of the warm front fast approaching. Peters' new toy now suggested a good force 4 SW blowing and the numerous white horses confirmed this. This would make for a bit more effort on the way back maybe?
And so it was what took a little over an hour to paddle the longer side out took more than 2 hours to return. Ivan was convinced he was holding us back waiting for him; Peter was convinced I was steering towards Snowdonia; I was convinced he was altering his stroke rate to throw my timing off! As we rounded the south of Mew Island we were pushing into a swell of over a metre. This reduced a little as we then crossed the open water to Copeland Island. However as we rounded Horse Point on its south tip things got very interesting the mix of tide which was now running north and very much against us, the waves reflecting off the shoreline, and the added wind effect, made for a very complex patch of sea. In it the  waves seemed to come from all directions and were breaking over the boat on all sides! Thankfully it was relatively short-lived as we got back into open water it settled down again, albeit very much running against us. Infact as we neared the coast at Foreland Point we had to work really hard to maintain any forward direction at all.
This additional effort required to get back to our starting point was not helped by our discovery on coming ashore. Ivan had commented how low the Neckie appeared to be sitting very low in the water towards the bow. Peters' weight obviously I thought... Not so the forward hatch had completely filled with water, 30 litres maybe? The plastic cover was in place, but not the neoprene seal under it! don't forget those the next time!
All good experience! thanks again to Peter for organising another great day out.
Clive Coffey
A Religious Experience
" The conversion of a kayaker to an open boater, or why are we on our knees? Is it to pray or paddle?" The story so far, John, a very experienced kayak paddler express a desire to paddle an open boat in white water and I had a need to get up to speed for a Level III Assessment after a lazy Autumn. We started with a quiet paddle at Shaw's Bridge on Monday week ago and as that went so well we ventured on to the Six Mile Water on Friday, both at quite low water levels.
These outings were so successful that we felt ready and able to have a go at something a bit more challenging. On Monday we were join by two kayakers Pete and Chris on the Upper Bann, the weather was fine and the water was up and with the increased flow we found that the river was quite unforgiving of mistakes and could change our canoe into a bath but we were dressed for it. With practice we were able to do most for the things that an ordinary kayak can do, surf and do 360s on wave tops, waltz on eddy lines and swim.
 This again was great experience and set us up for the Battle with the Boyne on Tuesday, again we were joined by Pete and Stevie and the Boyne was really pumping, the increased water level and flow really tested our partnership
to the limit, reactions had
to be instantaneous and co-ordinated as there no time for discussion. The Boyne seems to specialise in big V weirs which at that level could be very unforgiving, if not to say dangerous. At one, which has now been christened Pete's Folly, he gave a wonderful impression of a submarine, we took the safest option and walked it, this always seems an easier decision to make in an open canoe. There was a beautiful standing wave at the weir at the foot of Slane Castle, it went all the way across the river and it was possible to surf it both ways. For anyone interested in design we were paddling a "Harmony River Tourer" by Mobile Adventure. It has a flat bottom and a lot of rocker, i.e. when sitting on flat ground both the bow and the stern are well clear of the ground, which makes it very manoeuvrable, also it is symmetrical fore and aft so that it can be paddled as easily backward as forward.
 It is generally recognised the open boats are limited to grade three rivers but at that level they are a real challenge and great fun. Paddling open boats is really an art form with a choice of four forward strokes and five reverse strokes and the option of carrying out each stroke four ways, on either hand and cross deck. There are many transferable skills between paddling a open canoe and a kayak and much to be gained by having a go at something different. Anyone interested can let me know either at the pool or by e-mail and we'll see what can be arranged.
John Cunningham
From the Chair
The last few months have been extremely difficult for the Club with the threatened closure of the Robinson Centre. Thanks to the campaigning efforts of centre staff and the public support from you the users the pool will remain open for the next year. This is not the end of the matter and during the next ten months the Club will have to look for an alternative home. In addition, I will be setting up a committee `Friends of the Robinson Centre' to lobby the Council to adopt a similar action plan to that proposed for the Grove. In this scenario the pool would remain open until the new pool is built and we would automatically transfer at this point. However, in view of staff redundancies I think we will have to be realistic and this will require the Club to actively seek a new venue and to acquire boats so that we will have greater flexibility when we move. I would therefore urge all members to support the Club at this difficult time and I hope that outstanding membership fees and polo subscriptions are paid as soon as possible.
John Napier (Chair)
Team U4EA
As preparation for the Adrenaline Rush 2003, Team U4ea (Paul, Clive, Keith and Ruth) travelled to the Knoydart Peninsula on the west coast of Scotland for four days of training. The plan was to catch the 4.15am boat from Larne, meet Keith in Glasgow, drive to Kinloch Hourn, paddle the 10kms to Barrisdale Bay, take in a few Munros and then paddle back.... and so the adventure began.
"I'll collect you at 3.15am" said Clive. Bleary eyed, I waited patiently for the car headlights to appear in the driveway. At 3.20am I got a text "we're on r way". At 3.35am the phone rang. "We're at ummm... the dog kennels." Realising they had overshot my house by 3 miles (night navigation needs a bit of work before the Rush) I directed them back. At 3.43am I bundled my kit into the car, tried to ignore the overpowering smell of brakes, took my seat (fortunately in the back) and fastened my seatbelt. As we sped towards Larne I figured that if the two neckies and single kayak strapped to the roof hadn't come off by the time we got to Larne, they weren't going to.
 At Larne we were directed to the freight office, adding minutes to our already tight schedule. Fortunately, after a few smiles, the lady unlocked the gate and we weaved our way around container lorries and made it on board the ship. Now wide awake I got my breath back and settled down for the rest of my night's sleep.
We met Keith in Glasgow who had done an all-nighter and driven from London to meet us and then went for a hearty Scottish breakfast (or chicken tikka baguette if you're not into sausage, bacon and lorn). This was the first meal that our team shared together! Next stop was Tiso to buy a spraydeck (we were bound to forget something) and then we all jumped back in the car to head north.
We stopped in Fortwilliam for what we thought to be our last visit to a porcelain toilet and to buy a 5kg bag of coal to warm us in the bothy (either that or to add some extra weight to the boat for training). "Have you got enough jungle juice?" asked Keith as we pulled out of the forecourt. "We'll be fine" said Clive. As we made our way down the 24 miles of winding single-track road from Invergarry to Kinloch Hourn the dashboard bleeped and the petrol light came on. We'll worry about that one on the way back.
The Knoydart Peninsula is renowned as one of the wildest parts of Scotland `steep almost everywhere' with an abundance of crags and cliffs, and high annual rainfall. "The character of this peninsula is such that it is one of the most delectable goals in the western highlands for those who seek wilderness, solitude and adventure, whether it be in climbing the mountains, making long cross-country walks or canoeing round the coast- line." (SMC Guide). We sought adventure, we wanted to climb, walk and canoe, the Rush is going to be remote; this sounded like the place for us. There are no motor roads in and visitors either have a long walk, or a boat trip from Mallaig or Arnisdale. "On foot, people reach Barrisdale from the road end at Kinloch Hourn by a famous 9-mile right of way along Loch Hourn. There are many other possible ways in from the hinterland..." We chose to paddle.
 We loaded up the neckies this time remembering to seal the holds (see report on trip to Copelands) and took advantage of the easterly wind and the tide to help us down Loch Hourn towards Barrisdale. Seals popped their heads up above the water surface and kept us company in an area that seemed to be living up to its reputation of remoteness. Therefore, it was somewhat surprising to see a woman and her dog coming to greet us as we (well Clive and Keith) floated the boats up the shallow river, towards the bothy.
Phylis lives in the little house next to the bothy with her husband Steven, the (deer) stalker (apparently unless you say `deer' there's a danger people misunderstand you). We hauled all the gear (including the coal) to the bothy, only to find that the open fire was boarded over. The consolation was a flushing porcelain toilet and tap water. We enjoyed a good feed (thanks to Keith's culinary skills) and then got a good nights sleep in preparation for the Munros.
Ladhar Bheinn (1020m) (pronounced Larven meaning forked mountain) is the most westerly Munro on the mainland, and the SMC Guide reports that it is "Probably in most climbers' list of the best dozen mountains in Scotland". This was to be our first peak of the day. Fortunately, the peninsula's reputation for high rainfall and cloud did not materialise and the spectacular views more than compensated for the long slog to the summit. We descended SE onto Mam Barrisdale at 450m and decided to head for the summit of Luinne Bheinn at 939m. Paul's cup, borrowed from his daughter's play tea set proved handy at streams and replaced fluids that we had sweated off. From Luinne Bheinn (where we had great views over Ben Aiden and Sgurr na Ciche) we descended to the Carnach River as night fell. We still had a 6km walk to Sourlies bothy but as we have come to say "all good training for the Rush". Paul's body had taken a bit of a battering during the day, and approaching the bothy he mistook a wire fence for a badminton net (they say exhaustion makes you hallucinate; more good training for the Rush). As I got water from the stream (no taps in this bothy) and Keith and Clive prepared dinner, Paul peeled his socks off his badly blistered heals and curled up in his sleeping bag.
Next morning we were annoyed to find that our lunch for the day (fruit loaf) had been munched during the night by mice it pays to read the visitors book when you arrive. Clive obviously not content with the prospect of climbing Meall Buide scaled the length of the bothy without touching the ground, while Paul attended to his feet and Keith and I packed up. We set off in glorious weather, noticing all the mussel shells along the shoreline, and headed for Meall Buide (946m). Clear skies allowed us to see out to the islands of Rhum and Egg and helped make it another great day in the hills. We returned to Barrisdale via Mam Unndalain and got back to the bothy just as it began to rain.
The final day was a paddle back to the car, and research by Clive ensured we took advantage of the tide once again. However, low tide meant that we had to float the boats out quite a bit further than we had paddled them in which meant that Keith and Clive got their feet wet once again and helped us when we got marooned on a sandbank (thanks guys). Most people would be happy to take home memories of a great weekend, but not Clive. His fascination with collecting driftwood meant that we spent about 45 minutes trying various methods to attach a huge antler shaped piece of driftwood to the back of their necky. Sadly(?) we had to cut the towline and with the drag removed, we were able to paddle back up Loch Hourn with relative ease, enjoy the beautiful rainbows and laugh at Paul's rather bad joke about Ron (the) Seal.
We loaded the gear into the car, secured the boats to the roof and drove to Fortwilliam, relieved to find that there was enough in the tank to get us there. And so as the journey had begun, so it ended; the race was on to make it to the boat in time. Despite Clive's stories of road accidents as we sped towards Cairnryan, I soon became oblivious to our speed. I was lost in the music of the car CD and as the scenery whizzed by I reflected on a four great days with three great guys. Roll on the Rush.
Ruth Hollinger
Belfast Kayak Club Christmas Party
December 17th saw BKC hold it's first Christmas dinner. A well organised and attended affair at Benidics night club in Belfast.
We all met in the crowded down stairs bar around 7pm for pre-dinner drinks and a chat, or shout as it turned out. Several drinks later we headed upstairs to cosy table for 16 at the back of the restaurant.
The service was good but the food was even better. A few went with the traditional turkey and ham but those who through tradition to the wind were rewarded with excellent looking and even better tasting steak.
The conversation of course was dominated by paddling , rivers, sea and surf trips, polo, boats and gear all got there fair share of debate.
As the evening went on the craic got better and the climbing influence emerged. There was no shortage of volunteers when it was Helen's turn to circumnavigate a 360 on someone on all fours (surprised there's no pic's of that).
As the night ended we all headed our separate ways home after enjoying several hours in good company having had a great night's craic.
The BKC first Christmas dinner can only be described as a great success. For those that turned up we had a great night and a special mention must go to Gregg Lennon who took the time and effort to organise the whole thing, well done!
For those who missed it you'll just have to wait until next year when I'm sure it'll be even better.
Peter Dew
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