David Kitching Trustee of both Wey Kayak Club and Samson Centre
We will be putting a regular feature into this newsletter so you can be aware of the many other things that happen to Clubs in our building when The Samson Centre is away.
The Centre is used by the Wey Kayak Club (WKC), The Guildford Branch of the British Sub Aqua Club ( GBSAC), The University Canoe Club (USCC), Guildford Lions Club (GLC) and on occasions other Community Groups. If we total that up with the Samson members that is over 1000 people which not only maximises the use of the building but also means that the operating costs are shared which helps us all and during your silent hours the building is busy, so as a taster below is a summary of what just WKC will be doing in the following months.
Most of the winter kayakers train on several evenings during the week using the main hall, gymnasium and exercise by running around the area but this is reduced once the clocks go back and the river becomes useable. Monday Time Trials, Tuesday is a busy training and gym session with Thursday being the main Club night. The weekend is just manic.
As well as regular coaching throughout the week. Other activities include water and training sessions for
After School Learn to Kayak Course
- Parent/carer Introductory Sessions
- 2-day Paddlesport School Holiday Camps
- Refresher/conversion courses
- Family Learn to Kayak Course
And on Thursday 28th April there will be a talk to kayakers and parents by Bernadette Dancy on Training stress and life stress: “getting the balance right”
In March the Club was awarded the British Canoeing Clean Access Clean Water Club Champion. This is testament to the river cleans, Pennywort Clearing and various talks on the subject. These give the youngsters, friends and parents a chance to help the Wey Navigation keep the river environmentally friendly.
Some of you may recall in World War two a number of brave canoeists who were known as the Cockleshell Heros. They were led on the raid up the Geronde River by Colonel Blondie Hasler. This event is recognised every year by a national marathon race (up to 14 miles) involving all the Clubs in Great Britain with many Clubs providing elimination races to earn a place at the final.
The Wey Hasler, race to be held on Sunday 24th April then as part of their 50th anniversary celebrations they will host the National Hasler Championships on the Thames at Runnymead in September.
