AquaPaddle Leighton Buzzard 11th May 2025

Another warm and sunny day greeted us as we arrived to set the event up at the Grove lock pub in Leighton Buzzard.

With what was 9 paddlers at 7am soon changed to 6, and 5 marshals, that also changed to 7 paddlers at 9am with a first timer singing up.

Welcome aboard Mike to the Aquapaddle family and especially as the new vice captain of the Tring and Leighton Buzzard AquaPaddles.

Mike delivered the safety briefing and we were all set to go.

09.30 we set off with a few hard boards a few touring SUP’s and dave in his beloved kayak.

Graham had replaced Phillip and the doggies this time by driving to the Tesco turn around point and did a great job of informing the marshals of the turn around progress.

Dave was sweeping and generally taking it easy as he and Sue meandered along the waterway in the beautiful sunshine without a care in the world.

Chris was looking after the 1st section and also enjoying the weather.

Mike had gone on ahead to look after the turn around section with 2 hardboards chasing him.

THEN. it all happened, “Paddle lost” he is doing a breaststroke! came over the radio.

Initially we thought we may have had a swimmer, and as Dave was all set to spring into motion, it came to light that Tony had lost the bottom half of his paddle and it had sunk so no recovery was achievable.

Tony being Tony didn’t need a rescue or a tow, he was soon in the prone position (more like a terrapin with no rear flippers) going like the clappers refusing help as he needed his time to be bonified. (good effort Tony) that’s AquaPaddle dedication. (and LIDL paddles for you) 🙂

7 paddlers on the water plus 3 Marshals, and 2 on the bank, We all had a great day with great company, fantastic weather and a nice pub at the end.

Well done to Graham F with a 41.06 and (turtle) Tony with less than an hour 🙂

A photo gallery is below.

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