TVFreestylers

I am very Happy to announce that Whitewater the Canoe Centre and tvfreestylers have joined forces to help provide the greatest service to the Thames Valley Kayakers as physically possible. We are both keen to promote the sport and give any advice with kit, technique and places to paddle in the local area. Watch this space for joint projects to provide information and news.

Please visit http://wwtccnews.blogspot.com/2008/07/old-friends-new-new-initiative.html to see the article written by Whitewater the Canoe Centre  

Whitewater the Canoe Centre   is stocked to the rafters with canoeing and kayaking gear and expert staff where else would you want to go? Apart from paddling of course!

Established in 1947, Whitewater the Canoe Centre has grown from a pioneer of glass kayak manufacturer, and become an instantly recognizable retail institution.  Winning retailer of the year in 2000, and winning retailer of the decade 2004 (1994-2004).  Throughout our many years in business our mission statement has stayed the same.  A paddle store for paddlers, run by Paddlers!  The shop moved to its present location in Shepperton marina in 1984, and we have never looked back since. 

Passion for paddling is what motivates us: Flat water, White water, Recreation, Competition, whatever, just as long as we are paddling, rain or shine, Kayaks & Canoes are our life!

Expert advice: All Canoe & Kayaks are good. Our aim is to make sure that you have the best possible boat that most suits your needs and paddling style.

Demo Centre for London & South East:  If you need to make a comparison you can try a Canoe or Kayak to be sure that it is right, on our very own lake!

Service: Skilled staff are on hand all the time, to serve, help, tinker, repair, and fine tune boats and equipment.  

Here at White Water the Canoe Centre we dedicate our lives to the world of paddling, be it open canoes or, kayaks, inflatable kayaks, sit on top’s or specialist boats and equipment, we are here to make your leisure time the best it can be.

We welcome people from all abilities from novice paddler to extreme sports junkie, we can help you get the best.

Because we are situated in Shepperton Marina, we have a demo lake so you can try before you buy, and one of our experts will be on hand to help…

I am very glad of this new partnership and look forward to working with them over the coming years.

Meet the Staff

The Names Behind The Faces.

George Woods: Shop owner since 1987, George first started paddling C1 in the early 80’s competing in slalom events around the UK. He finally made the premier devision in 1992.  Since then George has stopped slalom paddling and turned his attentions to freestyle (Team GB 1995 Pre worlds, 4th place)and River Running. (First C1 descents of many Himalayan rivers)

Mark Gees: The Man behind the paddles, Mark was shop owner back in the early days when the store was formerly called Twickenham Canoe Centre. After many years away from the retail industry, Mark was press ganged into running our very efficient Accounts Department. Mark’s forte is speed, coming from a marathon and sprint background. A former British Team Worlds K2 paddler, Mark is now the senior British Coach and a jolly nice man!

Mike Scutt: The man who can repair your broken bits, and if he can’t, he’ll sell you new stuff.  Mike is a squirt paddler(1st place Hurley weir squirt 2003), river run,expedition paddler.

Pete Scutt: Mikes YOUNGER brother!,  20+ years of paddling experience, and no results to show….(never Mind). Pete has paddled all around the globe leaving his mark, impressing people with his skill and exprience, theres not much Pete can’t do for you!

Chloe Hunter:  Brings a feminine touch to our team! An experienced slalom & Polo paddler. Chloe has the competion edge…  Chloe’s experience is well beyond her young years, having worked with the team since work experience,both on the shop floor and at exibitions. A valuable team member.

pics and text from Whitewater the Canoe Centre

Thanks

Gareth

Welsh Canoeing Association announces that paddling is free at the National White Water Centre.
The WCA Board is happy to announce that charges for recreational kayaking and canoeing have been removed at the National White Water Centre located near Bala. Chairman of the WCA Board, Phil Blain outlined “The WCA has made this positive decision in the interests of the sport and in support of the WCA’s push towards a resolution of the access position in Wales”.
“We have shown that even intensively used sites such as this can be managed successfully for the sport and recreation of canoeing in a positive and environmentally friendly manner” said Mr Blain. “It was felt that the Tryweryn is no different to any other river in Wales and that it was essential for canoeing to maintain parity with other similar outdoor activities like Walking and Cycling. WCA feel that any notion of charging for access to the water was unacceptable, much as it is unacceptable to charge for recreation on other natural resources.” he added.
The Centre will remain an operational facility of excellence. It will continue to provide White Water Rafting, Coaching and Rescue Courses and host both National and International competitions under a managed programme.
Paddlers will still need to register at Centre’s reception before taking to the water, but from now canoeists and kayakers will be able to paddle for free.
Site availability will continue to depend on the managed programme of events and exclusive use will be required to meet the needs of competition and coaching operations.
The WCA acknowledges that the provision of genuine facilities that enable canoeists to take to the water such as car parks and changing rooms are something that paddlers would pay for as would payment for exclusive use of a site for competitive events or training. However, payment for linear access along water is not acceptable.
Paul O’Sullivan, Centre Director added “Historically the centre spends about £30,000 a year on purchasing water releases to enable activities to take place on the river. We will continue to secure releases allowing the site to be used in a predictable and sustainable way. We will not be differentiating between releases that we have purchased over those made available through the operational needs of the Environment Agency. Canoeing and kayaking will be free of charge in both cases. We will continue to provide the excellent range of services that our users have come to expect from the centre”
Phil Blain concluded “This is a large investment in the sport. It is hoped that paddlers will recognise this and support the WCA in its aims. WCA will still need investment to maintain the facilities at the centre and the charging structure for facilities is being re-modelled. Paddlers are encouraged to join the Association as supporter members. All voluntary donations for the upkeep of this gem of a site are welcome”
Notes:
Daily information is available at reception. Listed below are some guidance notes for assistance. All profits from the running of the National White Water Centre are invested into the development of paddle sport in Wales

Is this for the Whole of the River?
Yes.
There is no differentiation between the top site and Lower River. The lower river remains an unmanaged “wild” section of river. There is no agreed access/egress point between the centre’s boundaries and the take out point in the public car park in Bala.

Who does this apply to?
All recreational canoeists and kayakers who paddle at the centre. If exclusive use of particular sections of the river is required for events or training then a charge will still be made for that exclusive use.
This does not affect white water rafting clients who already get full use of the centres facilities as part of their rafting session.

Do I still need to sign on?
Yes – The centre remains a managed facility and users need to be aware of and consent to the conditions of use and sign to say they are competent to paddle. If you are under the age of 18 then your parent or guardian will have to sign you in at reception.
Paddlers will have to sign in at each visit.

What about exclusive use for events and training?
There will be a full programme of events and courses running and some of these activities will require and be provided with excusive use of sections of the water. Daily information is available at reception.

Have the terms or conditions changed for paddling at the centre?
The only change is that canoeists and kayakers will not be charged for using the centres facilities.

Can I get on the river anywhere?
Currently access is from the Centre’s landholding only. Egress is at the car park in Bala. The upper site has access provided and signed alongside the bank. From the lower limits of the Centre to Bala there are no agreed access/egress points and paddlers must respect local landowners’ wishes. There are details in the centre about portage arrangements around Bala Mill Falls which will be updated as improvements are made over the coming months.
Details of access and egress are available at reception and it is the responsibility of the individual user to make certain they know where they can and can’t use the land by the river.

When can I paddle?
Whenever the centre is open for normal operations and there is sufficient water being released from the Llyn Celyn dam by the Environment Agency. The centre reserves the right to close the access to the river in the event of competitions, events, emergencies and environmental issues such as Foot and Mouth.

I have a season ticket – will I get a refund?
If you wish to receive a refund, this will be available on a pro rata basis. Season tickets which do not request a refund can be assured that the balance of funds will be spent on the development of the centre and canoesport in Wales.

What about coaching groups?
Coached groups will also be able to access the river free of charge.
Coaches will still need to sign their group at reception and be suitably qualified to work on the site and meet the centre’s health and safety requirements.
If a coached group wished to hire classroom facilities of exclusive/shared use of a river section this will continue to be charged for and needs to be booked in advance.

What about payment at other sites?
WCA cannot dictate the operations of other sites. As with any sport, participants need to familiarise themselves with the terms of each site they visit.

Can I make a contribution to the costs of maintaining the facility?
Yes – you can join as a WCA Supporter Member online here:

After a special request, the River Dart Country Park is opening it’s doors to White Water Paddler’s for a single weekend this Winter to host Gene17’s highly popular Adventure Paddler’s Weekend, 6/7th December 08.

Gene17 is currently open to approaches form this years top expeds and adventures in order to arrange the line up for the forth coming Adventure Paddler’s Weekend

Currently confirmed is:
Open Forum Question & Answer Session, chaired by Dave Carroll
AS Watersports will have a full range of Test Boats for demo throughout the weekend from the RDCP
And the whole thing is FREE
Talks start 1900 at the River Dart Country Park, the doors open at 1500 and the bar will be serving food and drinks throughout the evening

Full Accommodation including B&B is available on site, please visit River Dart for full details

Whether there is rain or not, we are in for a great weekend, there is always the possibility of Surf plus both Exeter and Totnes boost excellent Christmas Shopping

This years Hurley Classic, run by local Thames Valley professional coaching company KJO, has been changed to December 13th and 14th. So please update your diary. Jacko has said that the full details for the event will be published in September.