Well since our last newsletter over two months ago, lots has happened and even more is planned to happen in the coming weeks/months.

Aura Leisure Centre - Pool Sessions : Pool Sessions started back on the 16th of January after a few weeks off. It was decided that the block sessions were not suited to all, so we reduced the number for courses. This left room in the Pool for members to perfect their rolling skills. Over the last few river trips members have felt the need to come back to the pool sesions for some refreshers. Pool Sessions are on every friday night from 7-8pm. until mid March if the demand is there. This week is probably the last opportunity to start the Block Sessions.

. If interested please E-mail info@phoenixkayakclub.com with your name and mobile no. For those of you who do not wish to complete the 7 sessions then come along on the night with your own gear and practise your roll. Instruction will be given to people who are doing the block sessions first and if there is asurplus of instructors then they will be on hand for advice.t Great thanks and appreciation must go to the people who are giving up each and every friday night to come along and instruct. If anybody out there feels they can assist in the rolling sessions please come along and give a hand out.

Garretstown Surf Session / Wildwater Sprint Race Weather Conditions on the day were quite poor with a really strong onshore wind making a mess of the Surf in Garretstown. Numbers were low which was probably due to the weather conditions. All in all, a few managed to get togged out and on the water for what must have felt like a lifetime (just trying to paddle out) but in the end it was only for 3/4's of an hour. Weather conditions were not much better in Carlow for the Aghade Sprint Race but 4 of us ventured up to try out the new wavehoppers. Results on the day varied with Don O'Brien recording great times on both runs to take second place in Division 2. The full race report is hidden somewhere on the forum, can't remeber where probably due to the fact I swam twice.

The Great Island Kayak Race: This years Great Island Kayak Race took place on Tuesday the 30th of December 2008. The weather for the race was veryy poor with a rather nasty swell in the Harbour. Due to these conditions the race organisers were forced to change the route of the race which entailed shortening the course greatly. This was frowned upon by some, but by the end of the race, everybody seemed happy with the decision to shorten the course. Phoenix Kayak Club had a number of paddlers involved this year which was great considering the club are involved in the organising and running of the race. Entry was down on previous years due to the Flu that had been going around all Christmas.

A huge well done must go to Niall Donovan & Paul Mahon who took 1st place in the Doubles with what was surely the heaviest double sea-kayak ever made (Necky Amaruk). Also to Tim Healy and Ciaran Cooke who came 1st and 2nd respectively in the Touring Class.

Well done to all who did take part and lets hope we have a lot more next year.

NEW WAVEHOPPERS: Santa Clause did not forget us this year either and managed to cram two new Wavehoppers into his sleigh for us. These are part of the order we placed earlier in the year with The Great Outdoors. At present we have four in the containers with another two on order. These are here for all to use and members are encouraged to try them out, and maybe evn try one of the Wildwater Races which are currently running every two weks for the next month or two.

Upper Bandon Club Trip: River Levels were up last Sunday for this trip and it made for a great day. There were 24 in attendance with these ranging in experience from Level 2 proficiency to Level 4. Swims were plentiful on the day and without getting into namin and shaming they ranged from members who had just obtained their level 2 proficiency to more seasoned paddlers who are in posession of their level 4 proficiency (Alan O'Brien

A tree across the Lower Section of the boulder garden threatened to make the paddle more difficult than need be, but well done to those who paddled ahead and managed to cut the tree out of the way.

Dave Patterson was on hand to take pictures of the carnage at the double drop and as usual had them available for viewing that night. Thanks Dave

Pictures can be seen at: http://davidsgallery.fotopic.net/ Well worth checking out.

RSR 1 Course: It is intended to try and run an RSR 1 Course on the 15th of February. A location for this course has to be decided yet but timings will probably be a 10 o'clock start on the day. If you are interested please reply to the post on the forum: http://phoenixkayakclub.editboard.com/official-outings-2008-2009-f11/rsr-1-course-15th-of-february-t709.htm

Priority will be given in the following order: Trainee Instructors / Level 3 Paddlers / Level 2 Paddlers / People looking for a Refresher

Places are limited to 12 and there is a cost of €10 for certs.

Limited Club Clothing left. 3 jackets, 4 hoodies and 2 polo shirts. So if you have not got your hands on some yet and wish to, then e-mail glide45@gmail.com stating what you require and what size. Limited sizes left so first come - first served.

If you wish to have something included in our next Newsletter please e-mail info@phoenixkayakclub.com

Yours in Paddling,

Dave