On Sunday we met at the pub for a 10am start for our free 5K paddle.
7 signed up. Graham O walking the bank and Zoe as a timekeeper, Phillip in his new electric canoe was our turn around marshal and Dave and Chris looked after the paddlers on the water.
It was a misty, foggy start but the water although rather a mercy colour was almost still and we had no wind, that made a nice change for this paddle as the return leg normally produces a headwind for the last 200yds or so.
Graham F was trying to jump the start but was soon reigned in by Dave and after a 3,2,1 they were off, Graham F leading the pack followed by Brendan, Sam, Dave and Chris.
It was overcast but as always on Dave’s trips no rain was scheduled throughout the day,
Brendan was going for it like Dennis the menace chasing Gnasher looking for a bone as he was hot on the tail wake of Graham F, Tony R was absent from this paddle otherwise the result may have been a bit different.
Chris looked after the 1st half of the course and Dave paddled with Sam, many cooking tips and picking up Brendans litter from the water kept them busy.
With a superb, last minute undertaking manoeuvre Brendan picked Graham to the post resulting in his personal best time. (Well Done Brendan)
Todays Results Were:
1st, Brendan M, 40.49
2nd, Graham F, 41.00
3rd, Sam L, 65.56
After the paddle we retired into the pub for a nice coffee, chat and debrief.
Thanks to all our marshalls and thanks to the Grove Lock Pub for accommodating us.
We return here in March 2026.
Our next Hydro5Kpaddle is at The Grand Junction Arms pub in Tring In February.
Photos of today’s event are in our galley HERE