ThePADDLER 82
Paddle of Light
AUGUST
Making the most of August , we enjoyed the long evenings with trips on Lough Neagh , Lough Erne and Strangford Lough , with plenty of opportunity to practice our photography skills by capturing the beautiful summer sunsets .
The club also ran busy Come and Try It sessions at the Delamont Country Park Regatta and Belfast in conjunction with Sport NI and Tollymore National Outdoor Centre .
The change of seasons in September brought the annual Ulster Canoe Festival this year at Quoile Yacht Club . We had a fun-packed weekend with lots of opportunities for development for paddlers of all levels .
Our evening paddles continued throughout the month as the days got shorter . The last one of the year was at Newferry , followed by a get-together for everyone with tea , scones and cake . An opportunity to reflect on a summer well spent .
OCTOBER
Now the whitewater season could get underway ! In October , we started an introductory programme for paddlers new to white water and a refresher for the rest of us ! This was a successful programme , with many newer paddlers making their first forays into winter river paddling . There were sessions on the Upper Bann and the Sixmile , as well as club trips on the Maine , Braid and Kellswater .
Ulster Canoe Festival coaching with Andy
Not forgetting the club autumn camp and the fourth and final instalment of the Ulster Canoe Challenges . This was a poling competition on the River Roe . Of course , it was highly competitive , but John Hubbucks emerged victorious in that round . The overall winner , however , still needed to be announced .
November saw our third intro to white water session on the Braid . Three club members enjoyed a weekend of white water leader training on the picturesque River Roe with coaches Elaine Alexander Shooter and Steve Smith . There were also trips on the Sixmile , and we explored a new river for us , the Clady . It was interesting but let ’ s say some of us won ’ t be rushing back !
DECEMBER
December began with a large group heading to the Mourne / Strule . An opportunity for some of us to practice our new skills and others to develop their leadership techniques . The levels were low , but it was a worthwhile and enjoyable trip .
The Paddle of Light , on the evening of December 10th , brings me to the conclusion of my review . Causeway Coast Kayaking Association founded this annual event , and Ulster Canoe Club helped it return after a three-year hiatus . Over 60 paddlers gathered to outfit their canoes , kayaks and SUPs with fairy lights and other decorations before launching onto the River Bann and making their way through Coleraine . This was a charitable event ; everyone donated generously , raising over £ 300 between us . Afterwards , we enjoyed mulled wine and mince pies and prizes were awarded to the most festive paddlers .
Congratulations to Troy Klewchuk , who was announced the winner of Ulster Canoe Challenges 2022 .
It was a lovely event and a perfect way to see out the year . I hope you have enjoyed this recap of 2022 , which shows how much I appreciate being part of such a positive and active club as the Ulster Canoe Club . Here ’ s to 2023 ; I hope to see you on the water soon !