On Sunday 26th Jan 2025 with 7 people signed up for the new and the latest location for Aquapaddle, 5 paddlers were at the start line for 09.30, The Grove lock pub was our starting point. 2 paddlers seemed not to have turned up, but we will come to that a bit later.
The wind was a tad of a worry ahead of storm Herminia as we set up and it was added to the safety brief as we were initially paddling down wind, we would have to return into the wind and therefore the paddle may be abandoned if the wind picked up.
However everyone was eager to get going and warm up as it was also the chilliest Aquapaddle we have ran so far.
Off everyone went without delay and the wind behind them. about 300 meters into the paddle Dave in a canoe this time decided to turn back and walk the towpath, as the other marshals stayed with the group, Dave was joined by one of the regulars Winny on the bank and decided to moor the canoe and marshal from the bank with Winny instead of paddling the ship into the wind.
Dave and Winny met an LBCC member as they had an event as well today but between us all we were well aware of each other and avoided clashing in any way.
Not long walking the bankside 2 Aqua paddlers appeared mentioning no names. but they seemed to be in the lead and smashing the times. all be it on hardboards.
YEP THESE TWO. mentioning no names.
Who it turned out went to the GLOBE pub and checked twice and as no other aquapaddlers were there decided to paddle anyway, as they thought the event had been cancelled, they did get to the Grove Lock Pub for a coffee before returning to the Globe.
Everyone enjoyed the day, and every entrant finished with a time. (apart from two).
We all retired into the Grove for a nice Coffee Coke and Tea as well as a nice chat and networking.
Phillip eventually arrived after litter picking the canal that will surely decorate a tree or two next Christmas. (well done Phillip)
All packed up Zoe and Dave went to retrieve the flag from Tesco, before meeting up again with Winny for a well earned macce d’s then finalising the event and returning home by 2pm.
A great 1st time at this location, thanks to all the marshals and Mark from the grove lock pub for hosting us.
Pics below
[ngg src=”galleries” ids=”26″ display=”basic_thumbnail” thumbnail_crop=”0″]blurb by Dave