Deprecated: get_current_site_name is deprecated since version 3.9.0! Use get_current_site() instead. in /data04/c5932385/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 5347

Deprecated: Function create_function() is deprecated in /data04/c5932385/public_html/wp-content/plugins/our-team-by-woothemes/classes/class-woothemes-widget-our-team.php on line 324

Deprecated: The called constructor method for WP_Widget in WooDojo_Widget_Tabs is deprecated since version 4.3.0! Use __construct() instead. in /data04/c5932385/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 5418

Deprecated: The called constructor method for WP_Widget in WooDojo_Widget_Tweets is deprecated since version 4.3.0! Use __construct() instead. in /data04/c5932385/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 5418

Deprecated: The called constructor method for WP_Widget in WooDojo_Widget_TwitterProfile is deprecated since version 4.3.0! Use __construct() instead. in /data04/c5932385/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 5418

Deprecated: The called constructor method for WP_Widget in WooDojo_Widget_Instagram is deprecated since version 4.3.0! Use __construct() instead. in /data04/c5932385/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 5418

Deprecated: The called constructor method for WP_Widget in WooDojo_Widget_InstagramProfile is deprecated since version 4.3.0! Use __construct() instead. in /data04/c5932385/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 5418

Warning: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at /data04/c5932385/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php:5347) in /data04/c5932385/public_html/wp-includes/feed-rss2.php on line 8
OCA Canoefest Rally https://rally.singleblade.co.uk Open Canoe Association Symposium Sun, 26 Apr 2015 06:39:57 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.9.9 Let the Festivities Begin! https://rally.singleblade.co.uk/2015/04/26/welcome-2/ Sun, 26 Apr 2015 05:41:40 +0000 http://canoefest.info/?p=420

Greg Spencer - Drôme

That photo was taken just a few weeks ago in France, but organising Canoefest 2015 has pretty much taken over my life since then. Fortunately, we’re finally about to gather to showcase and celebrate the many ways in which little boats allow us to satisfy our natural curiosity and release our spirit of adventure.

Our immediate horizons at Canoefest will mostly be shaped by a stream in woodland, or a mountain lake, or a gentle, lowland river – but we’ll be using a variety of workshops and day trips in massively different inland (mountain and forest) and tidal (estuary and tiderace) environments to connect our gentle pottering from our doorsteps with the diverse possibilities opened up when we venture beyond.

Whilst perhaps united by an emotional connection with wild places, we’ll be living proof that this means so many different things to different canoeists. Some will link even quiet-water streams and ponds with crossing watersheds in remote headwaters, or with exploring steep mountain creeks. Others may view their backyard waters as the gateway to lowland touring on our longest rivers – or even to adventure sailing on our more capricious coastlines.

Broader possibilities give us context, as they resonate from afar no matter where we are. Even on the ponds and streams we’ll be highlighting the diversity of those contexts. Elsewhere, we have pioneering workshops demonstrating just how “to canoe” can mean so many different things to so many people – perhaps paving the way for a broader appreciation in years to come.

Before long we’ll be moving on to securing the legacy. We’ll be taking what comes out of the gathering and ensuring it makes a difference. We’ll be presenting our diverse approaches and craft in ways that challenge and inspire. First, though, we need to gather – and for once (for me) in the UK.

Closer to home than usual? Yes – but echoing a passion we find infusing events as diverse as Kringelfieber​ and the successive Carinthian Canoe Base Tours – or even the Open Canoe Festival on the Drôme, from which we’ve just returned – and which Justine Curgenven​ also celebrated, in even more diverse ways, in her superb “This is Canoeing” collection.

Greg Spencer - Doom on Doon

]]>
Darting Around On The Dee https://rally.singleblade.co.uk/2015/04/25/darting-around-on-the-dee/ Sat, 25 Apr 2015 21:56:04 +0000 http://canoefest.info/?p=413

On Monday 4th, the Canoefest team will be based at Llangollen Outdoors – formerly known as Mile End Mill.

Highlights will include:

Half-day coaching is available at 1:4 levels for £15 / morning (10am-1pm) or afternoon (2pm-5pm).

This is all in addition to Monday‘s “core” activities – which are as follows:

  • Independent play on the Dee at Llangollen Outdoors (AKA Mile End Mill)
  • River trip on the lower Dee – finishing in Chester – with Dan Spry and Mike Fennell
  • A jaunt over the stunning Pontcysyllte Aquaduct (Llangollen) – With Mark-Jan and Vicky Dielemans

 

 

]]>
Update – New Programme Options! https://rally.singleblade.co.uk/2015/04/25/update-2/ Sat, 25 Apr 2015 13:39:37 +0000 http://canoefest.info/?p=374

Dolben1

A week today, Canoefest 2015 will be well and truly under way – so it’s time for an update!

Minor glitches with the system have been ironed out, and bookings and membership renewals have been flooding in – commonly mixing a little of the Core Programme with a few of the Highlight Workshops.

Some key changes you may need to know about – starting with FOOD

  • Sunday evening’s meal options have been updated to show chicken curry, sweet and sour chicken and vegetable curry – and Dolben Hall’s Chef would like to know which meal you want!
    • If you’ve already booked, please e-mail food@canoefest.info
    • If you’re intending to book – please do so ASAP!
  • Sunday’s meal has been reduced to £7.50 – our team will arrange refunds at the event.

Amending choices is easy – just get in touch!

First up – we’ve a few new additions to the team – including Ian Purkis

  • A core-programme special – an afternoon taster on Leave no Trace for Canoe Camping.
    • Site selection for camping and minimising the effects of fire
    • Limiting disturbance to wildlife and how to avoid spreading invasive species
    • Guidance on waste – human waste, food waste & litter
  • Selecting, sharpening and using axes and knives
  • An introduction to wooden canoes – with Ian wearing his Seedawood hat.

Also new is “Trad” on the Tryweryn – we can’t leave the C-Boaters to have all the fun!

New Trip on Saturday Afternoon

This has been in the back of our minds all along – and now it’s confirmed.  We’re looking at a very leisurely tour from either Dolben Hall or St Asaph (nearby) to Rhyl – right past the imposing grandeur of Rhuddlan Castle!

More core-programme workshops

  • More on-site at Dolben Hall on the Saturday and Sunday:
    • Campfire Cooking for All Ages with Vicky Dielemans
    • Additional canoeing workshops using the pools and stream
  • An updated range of options on the lake – see Revised Programme
  • More Saturday evening options – including:
    • Campfire Cooking for All Ages with Vicky Dielemans
    • Mark Gittoes on Canada’s Northern Rivers
    • An introduction to the new OCA website

Core Programme workshop options will be on a first-come, first served basis, bookable during the weekend – but will be revised each day in response to demand.

To express an interest, see Gary Rice or Alan Mellor once you’ve reached Dolben Hall 

That’s about all for now… except to point out that booking continues on the new website: www.opencanoe.info but get in touch via bookings@canoefest.info if you’d like to know more!

]]>
“Leave No Trace” with Ian Purkis https://rally.singleblade.co.uk/2015/04/25/leave-no-trace/ https://rally.singleblade.co.uk/2015/04/25/leave-no-trace/#comments Sat, 25 Apr 2015 12:50:42 +0000 http://canoefest.info/?p=381

On Saturday 2nd May we’ve got Ian Purkis offering a half-day taster of what we’re hoping to add into the regular OCA calendar as entire weekends centred on Leave No Trace training – all especially developed by canoeists, for canoeists!

This 3 hour taster-session will look at things like:

  • Site selection for camping and minimising the effects of fire
  • Limiting disturbance to wildlife and how to avoid spreading invasive species
  • Guidance on waste – human waste, food waste & litter

For more idea of what looks like becoming a distinctively British approach to Leave No Trace see The Seven Principles – or go and find Ian over the weekend!

Ian Purkis

Ian was bought up - or rather largely left to bring himself up - deep in the countryside and had an affinity with the forest deeply rooted from an early age.

From a childhood spent playing and chasing rabbits around the Sussex woods, through early working years as a woodsman, gamekeeper and deer manager to years working on conservation projects in Africa and throughout the UK he absorbed the traditions, techniques and desire to work respectfully and responsibly with this most beautiful of habitats, our forest, with the materials it can sustainably produce and with the wildlife with which we share the land.

Ian's involved with everything from The Art of Mentoring to Natural Building Courses and was the guide featured in Paul Villecourt's recent Scottish "Freedom" feature in the French lanuage Canoe and Kayak magazine.

IanP 2

At Canoefest 2015, Ian will be running Leave no Trace taster session and miniature workshops on "selecting, sharpening and using axes and knives" and introducing wooden canoes.

    ]]>
    https://rally.singleblade.co.uk/2015/04/25/leave-no-trace/feed/ 2
    “Trad” on the Tryweryn with the Canoefest Team https://rally.singleblade.co.uk/2015/04/25/trad-on-the-tryweryn/ https://rally.singleblade.co.uk/2015/04/25/trad-on-the-tryweryn/#comments Sat, 25 Apr 2015 04:19:05 +0000 http://canoefest.info/?p=352

    On Saturday 2nd May, Matt Mandrell and others from the Canoefest team will be available to take “Trad” Boaters onto the lower Tryweryn.

    Expect quite flexible arrangements, with scope to be guided and/or coached.

    This can be independently of the C-Boating with Kelvin Horner and Friends – or mixed in with the dudes in little boats.  We’ll send a team of experienced coaches over to work out details!

    Click HERE for the booking form 🙂

    **** And Matt’ Canoefest Team entry ****

    Matt Mandrell

    Matt Mandrell is founder of Adventure 7, a canoeing and bushcraft company based on River Severn in Worcester.

    Matt's personal expedition experience and expedition leadership experience ranges from Scotland and Sweden to Nepal and New Zealand.  He's also a Level 3 Forest School Practitioner with a passion for camp cooking, and has the distinction of having been the first UKCC L3 Canoe Coach in England.

    Website: www.adventure7.co.uk

       

       

       

      ]]>
      https://rally.singleblade.co.uk/2015/04/25/trad-on-the-tryweryn/feed/ 2
      Coach Update https://rally.singleblade.co.uk/2015/04/23/coach-update/ Thu, 23 Apr 2015 03:20:09 +0000 http://canoefest.info/?p=331

      Updating as a coach has never looked so good!

      With Dave Kohn-Hollins heading up the team, and several workshops which are not craft-specific our 2015 update can cater for kayak coaches as well as for canoeists.

      Anyone just wanting to update can also attend one day of workshops without registering for Canoefest.

      Four full-day sessions have been put on specifically with Coaches in mind:

      In addition, we have four half-day coach-update sessions:

      To update for 3 years a coach will generally have to do at least a full day and should cover

      • Coaching Aspects – whether technical abilities, coaching process, leadership and/or assessing;
      • Safe Practice – water safety, risk management and guidelines on ensuring the safety of participants, etc.

      Note: we may be able to use other workshops from the Canoefest Programme to update you as a coach: get in touch via update@canoefest.info to see how we can best meet your needs!

       

       

       

      ]]>
      Upstream Travel with Jules Burnard https://rally.singleblade.co.uk/2015/04/16/upstream-travel/ Thu, 16 Apr 2015 15:41:13 +0000 http://canoefest.info/?p=317

      On Monday 4th May, Veteran expedition canoeist and leading coach Jules Burnard of Voyageur Canoeing will be running a full day on Upstream Travel on the River Dee (Llangollen area).

      This will NOT be a series of set-piece workshops in a short stretch of river: the idea is to travel in a meaningful manner and draw on Jules’ extensive experience of doing exactly that in a wide range of environments.

      This days should cater for a range of abilities, from strong intermediate canoeists (solo or tandem) through to leaders and coaches looking to operate in such environments.

      Click HERE for the booking form 🙂

      **** And Jules’ Canoefest Team entry ****

      Jules Burnard

      Ex-marine and adventure paddler Jules Burnard is a BCU Level 5 Canoe Coach, inland WW paddler, sea kayaker and bushcraft specialist with a passion for solo expeditions in remote locations. Amongst other roles, he's also European Chief Instructor for Rescue Training International. If we could clone him to run simultaneous workshops in all of his areas of expertise, we would!

      At Canoefest 2015, Jules will be running advanced Coastal Canoeing and river canoeing workshops.

      ]]>
      Stand Up Paddleboarding https://rally.singleblade.co.uk/2015/04/16/stand-up-paddleboarding/ https://rally.singleblade.co.uk/2015/04/16/stand-up-paddleboarding/#comments Thu, 16 Apr 2015 10:39:54 +0000 http://canoefest.info/?p=263

      No-one’s going to miss Alex at Llyn Brenig on Saturday 2nd May: he’ll be the looking after this:

      **** And Alex’s Canoefest Team entry ****

      Manzo Alejandro Cordero

      How do you introduce Manzo Alejandro Cordero?  He's an ACA certified maestro in / on whatever floats... and a dive master & cave diver when he sinks. Oh - and he's got rescue-instructor certifications for everything from "high angle wizardry" through "Swiftwater" to scary sounding stuff linked to plunging the deeps.

      First and foremost though, Alex is Stand Up Paddleboard ambassador.  He's paddled professionally for manufacturers, pioneered training, organised festivals and helped expand SUP to both sea / surf and wild water river environments - and aside from coming along to meet us, he's a bring us a monster of a SUP!

      You can see him guiding it here:

        ]]>
        https://rally.singleblade.co.uk/2015/04/16/stand-up-paddleboarding/feed/ 2
        “Mythbusting” and “Does Leadership Exist” with Dave Kohn-Hollins https://rally.singleblade.co.uk/2015/04/16/mythbusting/ https://rally.singleblade.co.uk/2015/04/16/mythbusting/#comments Thu, 16 Apr 2015 08:50:45 +0000 http://canoefest.info/?p=257

        Over the Bank Holiday weekend, Dave Kohn-Hollins of will be offering two workshops we’d like to develop into regularly-offered Open Canoe Association modules – and if you sign up to these you get a chance to shape what develops!

        On Sunday 3rd Dave’s offering:

        Mythbusting in Safety and Rescue

        A subject where fact and opinion are often confused with each other, Safety and Rescue is a vital area of the sport. Dave helps you differentiate between solid fact and overblown guff, shooting sacred cows with abandon along the way.

        On Monday 4th, Dave’s offering:

        Does Leadership Exist – a conundrum

        Dave-Hollins asks the question and challenges your perception of river leadership, giving you food for thought and new tools on the way.
        Click HERE for the booking form 🙂

        **** And Dave’s Canoefest Team entry ****

        Dave Kohn-Hollins

        Dave has lived and paddled all over the UK but now calls North Wales home. He started paddling when he was at school and began coaching whilst at University. He has worked coaching and guiding all over the UK, Europe and in Chile.

        Starting from his first paddling trip abroad in Spain, Dave developed a passion for travel and exploration. His travels have so far taken in all of the great European white water destinations as well as trips to Chile, Argentina and New Zealand and expeditions to Colombia and Tajikistan.

        When not working or off on expedition, Dave also coaches as a volunteer for Colwyn Bay Canoe Club and competes in white water extreme races as part of Team Pyranha.

        Afon Cynfal - North Wales (2015) from Shaun Hazell on Vimeo.

        At Canoefest 2015, Dave will be offering “Mythbusting” and “Does Leadership Exist” workshops.

          ]]>
          https://rally.singleblade.co.uk/2015/04/16/mythbusting/feed/ 2
          Canoe Sailing with the Open Canoe Sailing Group https://rally.singleblade.co.uk/2015/04/16/canoe-sailing/ https://rally.singleblade.co.uk/2015/04/16/canoe-sailing/#comments Thu, 16 Apr 2015 08:35:47 +0000 http://canoefest.info/?p=255

          Over the weekend of 2nd-3rd May Canoefest 2015 has a base on Lynn Brenig – a great place to harness the wind!

          Advice and guidance will be available all weekend for those on the Core Programme – and Sunday afternoon we’ve got an intensive workshop – available on the booking form.

          If you’re an experienced canoe sailor you might also be interested in joining one of two tours:

          • Sunday 3rd April on the Conwy (into the estuary)
          • Monday 4th April on the Dee (Chester)

          Those interested in coastal adventure sailing may also be interested in a few of the coastal canoeing courses:

          Queries to bookings@canoefest.info – and ASAP if you have specific interests!

          ]]>
          https://rally.singleblade.co.uk/2015/04/16/canoe-sailing/feed/ 1