Aura Leisure Centre - Pool Sessions : The pool sessions began on the 3rd of October and are proving to be a great success again this year. After 3 sessions we even have people claiming to possess a 'Bomb-Proof Roll', so it should be fun to test these 'Bomb-Proof Rolls in the coming river trips. This year it was decided to run the pool sessions in blocks of 7 sessions. We know that this does not suit everybody and we will look at it again in the coming weeks to see what changes we can make, if any to suit more people. 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.
Laney River Trip: This trip was due to take place on Sunday the 26th of October but due to the huge rainfall the country endured on the Saturday prior to the trip it was decided to call off the river trip for safety reasons. This decision was not made easily and only after a final inspection of the river at 7:30pm on the Saturday night by Micheal McSweeney (Level 3 Instructor) that the trip was cancelled. A trip on the Clydagh was organised for the Sunday for Level 3 paddlers. This is an ideal river for level 3's to hone their paddling ability, but unfortunately was not taken up by many. Those who did attend really enjoyed it and can't wait for the next Level 3 trip. Some issues arose with the text system on the saturday night which prevented the group text from being sent, but finally at 7:00am on the Sunday it was back working so apologies to those who didn't see the forum on the Saturday night. Roll on the Sullane Trip.
The Flesk River Gauge (River Close-by) shows the extent of the rain on the Evening of the 26th with water levels rising from 70cm to over 300cm in the space of a few hours.
Date & Time |
Location for Trip |
Proficiency Level |
Sunday the 9th of November 9:00am @ the Site 10:30am at the Get-on |
River Sullane: This river runs from back behind Ballyvourney down past Macroom. The river trip usually starts at the Mills Bar in Ballvourney and the Get-off is at the Mons Bar. This trip has some nice river features and dependant on water levels can be a simple paddle or quiet testing. Or local paddler should be on hand to show us each and every feature of this river. | Level 2 upwards. This trip is suitable for paddlers who have just completed the beginners course this year. Level 3 Assessment is also planned for this trip. Names to be submitted via the Forum prior to the trip. |
Sunday the 23rd of November 9:00am @ the Site 10:30am at the Get-on |
Lower Flesk: This trip is a nice leisurely paddle and brings us into Killarney towards the lakes | Level 2 upwards. This trip is suitable for paddlers who have just completed the beginners course this year. |
Sunday the 7th of December 11:00am @ the Site/Get-on
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Turkey Run: This is the clubs annual paddle from the Club Site to the Shandon Rowing Club. Spot prizes will be plentiful so make sure all juniors are in attendance. Santa hats are compulsory | Level 2 upwards. This trip is suitable for paddlers who have just completed the beginners course this year. |
Sunday the 11th of January 2009 9:00am @ the Site 10:00am at the Get-on |
Garretstown/Sandycove: Type of paddling undertaken on the day will be weather dependant. It is our hope that there will be nice surf in Garrettstown but if this is not the case we will change the venue to Sandycove for a nice little Sea-paddle. Check out the gallery for pics of last years Sandycove paddle. | Level 2 upwards. This trip is suitable for paddlers who have just completed the beginners course this year. |
| On all dates there will be paddling. The location may change at short notice due to lack of water or too much water, but everybody will be informed of any changes in plenty of time. If you intend on attending these trips please use the forum to reply to the trips indicating if you are going to attend and also if you require club equipment. | ||
| Trips are for members of Phoenix Kayak Club so if you are not already a member and wish to come along, please fill out a Club Registration Form and bring it along to the trip along with the necessary fee. | ||
| There will be Sea-kayaking trips arranged in the comng weeks and these will be put on the forum. Also there will be River Trips for Level 3 Proficiency Paddlers as well but in the meantime please help out on the above mentioned trips. So all ye Level 3 experts be ready for some big water. | ||
Lower Bandon River Trip:This trip went ahead as planned on Sunday the 12th of October. Weather conditions were good on the day and this was reflected in the turn-out. Funny thing the weather. People tend not to turn up for kayaking trips, if its raining. There was a good mixture of paddlers for this trip and paddlers were given the option of getting on above or below the weir. Some opted for below the weir based on the fear of an early morning dip. After the weir i'd say there were a few more who had wished they got on below the weir. After the weir the groups were split and we were all away. During the trip, different skils were practised ranging from Throwbag work on the bank,ferry-gliding, breaking in, breaking out and a bit of fun with sealed launches for some. This trip was the first for a lot of people and all seemed to enjoy it. The day proved to be great and really highlighted the fact that paddling can be done at all ages with Jamie O'Brien (8)and Evan Roberts (76) getting out for a splash about.
(Figures may not be exact but are used for demonstational purposes)
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Images from the Lower Bandon river trip are available to view at http://www.phoenixkayakclub.com/gallerylowerbandon08/index.htm |
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CLUB AGM: On thursday the 23rd of October the Annual General Meeting was held at 'The River Room' in the Commons Inn,Cork. The meeting was attended by over 40 members and went quiet smoothly. It was highlighted that there is a huge need for members to assist in the fundraising that will be required in order to progress the dreams of a Clubhouse for Phoenix Kayak Club. Some members did put their name down to assist with this but realistically it was dismal the enthusiasm shown. Names are still being accepted by the club secretary.
A new Committee was elected on the night and interest for places was not really competed for. A new position of 'Club President' was introduced as the outcome of a motion at last years AGM. This years Committee is as follows:
Committee Position |
Name |
| Club President | Conor O'Geran |
| Chairman | Evan Roberts |
| Secretary | Noel Lane |
| Treasurer | David O'Leary |
| Safety Officer | Paul Heffernan |
| EquipmentOfficer | Rob Boland |
| Disciplines Officer | Cian Twohig |
| Child Protection Officers | Martin Twomey / William Raymond |
| Instructors Representative | Alan O'Brien |
E-mail addresses will be updated on the Club website in the coming Days/Weeks/Months/Whenever for all the committee.
Membership Fee's for the coming year were discussed and it was agreed that these would be ammended as follows:
Membership Type |
Cost |
| Full Member | €80 |
| Student/Junior/Associate Members | €35 |
| Only full members are entitled to vote on Club issues | |
Membership for Phoenix Kayak Club are paid on an Annual basis, with the year beginning in April 09. Membership runs from April to April each year and it does not matter when you pay. Original fee's will remain in force until April 09.
Limited Club Clothing left. 5 hats, 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.
| 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. |
If you wish to have something included in our next Newsletter please e-mail info@phoenixkayakclub.com
Yours in Paddling,
Dave