It gives me great pleasure to sit here and write this newsletter while listening to the pitter patter of rain outside. This morning, while listening to the radio on my way to work, I smiled to myself as everyone spoke of the terrible weather. I thought are they all mad, this is great weather, unfortunately work got in the way of paddling.(Today anyway)

Fundraising: To date our fundraising committee have come up with a number of different initiatives in order to try and raise much needed funds for our Clubs new building project.

1. Fantasy Football: This is now over. Well done to all who supported the first of our fund-raising initiatives and congratulations to Ger Minehane & Cliona O'Geran who shared first place.

2. Club Draw: This is the main fundraiser for this year, and we really hope that all members will embrace this and sell as many tickets as possible. As you can see the prizes are excellent and even though a lot of them are kayaking related the club will offer cash alternatives to the paddling prizes. These cash alternatives can be seen further down in the newsletter. We hope that this draw will raise in the region of €12,000 to €15,000 for the club. This sounds like alot but only partly funds the first phase of te building work which gets us to base level. A huge thank you must go to all our sponsors who really pulled out all the stops to support us this year. We ask all our members to support our sponsors, who without them this draw could not take place.

3. Table Quiz: Our Club Quiz night is due to take place on Friday April the 24th. at 8:00PM. All we ask is that each club member brings enough people for one table. If you have not already informed Noel Lane (Club Secretary) of your team, please e-mail him with details. secretary@phoenixkayakclub.com Remember all money raised will go towards OUR new clubhouse.

Club Draw: Cash Offers instead of Kayaking Prizes

The cash equivalent being offered by the club does not match the exact value of the prizes and we would advise people that if they do win these prizes and wish to cash them in, that they may make more money in a private sale.

NEW WAVEHOPPERS:We now have 7 wavehoppers, which will go along way towards introducing members to the fun and excitement of Wildwater Racing. I encourage everyone to try these boats out on the Thursday night sessions.

Lower Liffey Classic Wildwater Race : This race took place on March the 22nd at Wildwater Kayak Club. Phoenix Kayak Club were very well represented with 1 Paddler in Division 1, 3 Paddlers in Divsion 2, 2 Paddlers in C2 and 3 Paddlers in General Purpose Class. This was the last race of the Wildwater Season but it is hoped that we can grow the interest in racing over the Summer so as to have a large prescence on the racing scene next year.

Danny O'Keefe shows off to the spectators on Palmerstown Weir	Mark & Steve decide not to show off on the Weir

More Photos of the race can be found at: http://www.irishwildwaterracing.com/irishwwr/galeries/WWR%20Liffey%20Race%202009/index_2.html

Membership Rates: Membership rates were revised at last nights Committee meeting. As a result of this rates for the year are as follows:

• Senior Member €80
• Senior Member (Unemployed) €50 'New Rate'
• Associate Member €35
• Student Member €35

Membership is now due for the 2009/2010 season. All members are asked to complete a Membership Form in full. Forms can be downloaded here Completed Membership forms and the necessary fee can be given to any committee member.

NEW BEGINNERS COURSES FOR 2009

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 info@phoenixkayakclub.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