Macclesfield Canal - 22nd May 2010

Decided to do a slightly longer paddle, but didn't feel like pushing too hard since it was hot. Launched as usual at Clarke Lane, but by time I got to Higher Poynton I was quite thirsty - luckily I had some money in my waterproof cay key holder, so I bought some water and a chocolate bar from the canal side shop and sat for 5 minutes before carrying on to the A6 junction. Turned around and paddled back at a steady pace. On the water for about 2hr 40min. Lots of barge traffic, and there seems to be a large number of herons on the canal this year - must have seen at least 3 different birds. Not seen any kingfishers yet this year - I hope the cold winter did not wipe them out.

Macclesfield Canal - 18th May 2010

Training paddle Clarke Lane <=> Higher Poynton Marina.
Very pleasant in the evening sunshine combined with a bit of warmth for a change!...
Out in 52.28, back in 53:58. (new PB for the outbound leg, and most likely best aggregate too)

Conwy Ascent - 15th May 2010

Annual race up the river Conwy from the Beacons to Dolgarrog on the incoming tide. Finished 4th overall in the singles, 1st sea kayak in a time of 1:08:30. Nearly a couple of minutes slower than last year, but I think this was because the guy in front was quite a way ahead and I no one to chase or push me along. I didn't realise that Glen was bearing down on me though and he finished 7 seconds behind me. He had a poor start, so if we had set off together it might have been more interesting.

Paddled back once the tide turned and took a leisurely couple of hours in the pleasant sunshine.

Macclesfield Canal - 7th May 2010

Clarke Lane <=> Higher Poynton Marina
Out in 54:58, back in 55:30.
Felt a bit tired!... was going to paddle again on Sunday but I think I'll rest so I'm fresh for the Conwy Ascent on Saturday. May be helping out with a cubs group on Tuesday night too.

Macclesfield Canal - 2nd May 2010

Clarke Lane <=> Higher Poynton Marina
Out in 55.10, back in 53.40. Headwind on the way out explains the reverse split. No major barge delays.

Macclesfield Canal - 25th April 2010

Clarke Lane <=> Higher Poynton Marina
Quote a lot of boat traffic, but seemed to avoid passing barges at bridges, apart from one delay on the return. Out in 55.40, back in 54.40. Nice to feel fairly strong on the return leg and put in a good time.

Ravenglass Seaquest - 17th April 2010

My 3rd Ravenglass Seaquest took place in very nice sunshine and very little wind. Annette and Phil made the course slightly longer this year and with the high tide they predicted that no-one would clear the course getting all the controls... however I managed it along with John Willacy and a couple of K2 teams. I got around with 4 minutes to spare in 2h 56m, but John W was well ahead of me and cleared the course in a time of 2h 39m. So I was the second male K1 - same as position as last year! It was pleasing to clear the course, the first time I've managed to get all the controls in the 3 hours allowed.

John W was paddling the prototype Taran boat from Rockpool. John has designed this boat as a fast 18ft touring kayak - not quite as full on racing style as my Epic 18X, but more of a fast boat that can be handled by most people in a range of conditions. It has slightly more hull rocker than the Epic and a bit of a flat section on the hull that gives it a little more stability compared to a racing hull that is U in cross section. It will be interesting to see the production versions - possibly a more "rounded" boat for me?...