PKC Newsletter No.2

PKC Newsletter No.2 of 2008

Well folks, the end of the Summer is upon us, or some may even wonder did we get a Summer at all this year. Paddling trips became a regular occurence this Summer and this benfitted everybody with Level 3's improving their techniques while the Level 2's got to practise some new strokes.

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Since our last newsletter there have been a lot of changes with Instructors in Phoenix Kayak Club. Micheal McSweeney achieved his Level 3 Kayak Instructor Proficiency, while Alan, Jessica, Ray and Micheal Crockett all progressed to Level 2 Kayak Instructor Proficiency. Phoenix Kayak Club got the Irish Canoe Union to run a Level 1 Instructor Training Course for members of the club. There were 6 members from PKC on this course and all have nearly got the required number of hours logged in order to be assessed. Just last weekend, Micheal McSweeney arraned through the ICU for a Level 2 Instructor Training course to be run in Cork. This was attended by 6 Club members, so therefore this year we have 12 trainee instructors of whom 6 have their hours nearly logged. This is a huge step forward for Phoenix Kayak Club and takes a huge strain off of the few Instructors that were putting in unbelievable hours over the past few years.

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Sullane River Trip: This trip took place on Thursday the 31st of July and was attended by a mixture of Level 2, 3 & 4 proficiencies. Rain was plentiful in the week leading upto the trip and everybody was looking forward to a great night. On the night in question as I left Cork i checked the River Level of the Clydagh which was at a miserable 0.5m. By the time we got to Ballyvourney and got ready to get on the Clydagh had risen to 1.4m. The sullane was also rising but not as quickly as the Clydagh had. We got on the river and ran it as two groups spreading the wealth of knowledge and ability throughout the groups. Swims were plentiful on the night as river levels continued to rise. Due to the nmber of swims and the distance we had set ourselves to paddle, it was decided for safety reasons we would walk out.

Upon walking out we began to realise how quickly the river was rising. This became more apparent when we seen the residents of Ballymakeera placing sandbags outside their doors. For those of you who were not on this river trip it was the same night that Patrickswell in Limerick was under a few feet of water.

All in all, it was a memorable night....... Or as Micheal would say.. Sporting

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Upper Bandon : On the 14th of August it was decided that we would get out on the Upper Bandon for a bit of a mess about. All week there had been lots of rain and people were torn between bringing a creekboat or a playboat. Well some were (Gary & Diarmuid). Everybody knows a playboat will do just fine. There was a good turnout on the night and the level 3's ran the river by themselves while the level 2's worked on their techniques in the pool prior to heading on down river. Levels were quiet low on the night and as everybody knows this can make the Upper Bandon all the more difficult. There were a few swims on the night but as we all know by now, if your not swimming your not trying (or so the swimmers say). Dave P was on hand again to record all the goings on and has placed these on the internet for everybody to view. (all 286 of them) If you want to see the carnage from this trip then click below: http://davidsgallery.fotopic.net/c1561927_1.html

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Thomastown Marathon Race: 10th of August 2008

Today was the first step in getting Phoenix Kayak Club back on the national scene. This could not be possible if it were not for the commitment from club members in travelling to kilkenny for the race.
All the members who travelled paddled in a number of various categories, these ranged from:
Junior Boys General Purpose
Junior Girls General Purpose
Senior General Purpose
Senior Canadian Doubles
There were 12 from PKC turned up today and a big CONGRATULATIONS must go to Moya Clancy who came away with the Silverware after taking 2nd place in a hotly contested Junior Girls GP race.
Well done to all.

Thanks to all for turning up. Its what paddling is all about

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Wavehoppers Arrive: After much chasing, the committee have agreed to purchase some Wavehoppers for the club. For those of ye who do not know what wavehoppers are, they are Kayaks used for wildwater racing. It is the hope of some members in the club that we can start attending these national events on a more regular basis and the first stepping stone in this is the purchase of the necessary kayaks. To date there have been two new wavehoppers bought with another two due to be purchased in the forseeable future. These kayaks are in the polo container and i cannot encourage club members enough to leave the creek boats on the roof rack and give these boats along with the k-boats a proper try out. You'll be surprised the speed through the water is addictive

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Tuesday Night Sesions will be drawing to a close in a few weeks time with the evenings getting darker earlier and earlier. There will be a full list of club outings circulated to all long before we break up so no need to panic. The forum seems to be working well for the spur of the moment trips and we also have the group text option (Many thanks to Sean O'Sullivan for implementing this)

I spoke of sea-kayaking getting a frsh boost in the coming weeks, but unfortunately due to other commitments I was unable to push this. There will be trips planned throughout the winter months so not to worry there either.

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People who recently obtained their Level 2 Proficiency Cert's are reminded that they are very welcome in Phoenix Kayak Club. Just come along on Tuesday nights with a fully completed Membership Form and the appropriate fee. River trips are organised on a regular basis and tend to run on Thursday nights at present, weith a few organised at the weekends. As the Summer evenings get shorter and the Club scale back on kayaking there will be a number of outings planned for the winter. These outings are currently being planned and will be sent out on the next Newsletter.

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For members who are unaware of the New Club Clothing. This is what it looks like. I'm unsure as to when we will be ordering more so this may be your last chance to get hold of some.


Club Jackets in Black with Club Logo, available in Small/Medium/Large/Extra Large	Limited Edition Club Hoodie in Red with White Logo available in Small/Medium/Large/Extra Large	Black Polo Shirts with Club Logo available in Small/Medium/Large/Extra Large	Black Woolen Hat fleece lined with Club Logo Limited number left
Only €30	Only €25 while stocks last	Only €14	€10 each.

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CLUB BARBEQUE/FAMILY DAY

Date & Time:- Sunday the 31st of August at 2:00pm

Venue:- Club Site, Lee Road

As we will nearly be at the end of our Tuesday night sessions, it would be great if we could get everybody up to the site for what we promise to be a fun packed day.

As it says this is a family day so bring them all along and if they wish to try some paddling then just pack the shorts. There will be a full range of kayaks including sit-ons for those who are not that adventurous.

Full Plans for the new Clubhouse will be on display on the day.

So don't forget to skip the Sunday lunch and come along for a great day.

Remember everybody who has just completed their recent beginners course lets see ye back here for some more paddling

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

Yours in Paddling,

Dave