On Monday 4 th April we will be starting our river sessions at Frankwell.

START TIME: if you require kit and/or coaching at the sessions please arrive at 6.30pm, when the container will be opened and kit issued. It has been agreed that the container will be closed at 6.45pm to ensure coaching groups can be formed and everyone will be ready to get onto the water together (something which is often hard work for our volunteer coaches, so we hope you can understand the need for tightening up on the times and issuing of kit).

FEE’s: Those without their own kit can hire full kit (Boat, Paddle, Spraydeck, Buoyancy Aid etc.) from the club for £4 for Club Sessions.

BORROWING KIT: If you borrow kit for use at other session such as the Wednesday night sessions at Llangollen then please ensure you are either using the kit the following Monday or return it so that others may. Kit hire is always in high demand on a Monday and those failing to allow it’s use on a Monday night will be charged.

CLUB MEMBERSHIP: Everyone is is welcome  to come along for one taster session. After that everyone is required to become a member to attend further sessions and be covered by our insurance.

CHILDREN: We are often asked about minimum age – it is difficult to give an age, because it also depends on their size due to the kit available, but the committee agreed that 10 years old would be used as a guide and please note that a parent/guardian must be present (on the bank or river) throughout the session

PERSONAL KIT: Each individual is responsible for turning up with appropriate personal kit including:

• Suitable footwear that provides protection and is secure (not flip flops! or bare feet!)
• Warm layers (not one thick woolly jumper – multiple thin layers are better, Man-made fibres are your friend)
• Towel and change of clothes.
• No denim! or other cotton clothes (You’ll actual end up colder than without)

Depending on the weather

• Ideally a thin waterproof/windproof jacket.
• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Sugary Snacks/Energy Bars
• Hot drink or stuff to make one in the pavilion

FACILITIES: We have the use of the Pavillion again this year which provides the following

• Toilets (Regular & Disabled)
• Hot Showers
• Changing room (items left in here during the session are at your own risk)
• Heating
• Small kitchen with Fridge and Water Boiler.

MEDICAL CONDITIONS/MEDICATION: Although you will have included any conditions or medication on your membership form please also ensure any new coach you are working is also aware as we do not always have to opportunity to pass on the information.

Also ensure that you have on your person any emergency medication needed (Inhalers, Epipens, GTN etc) and don’t just leave them in a bag on the bank as you may be some distance from Frankwell during the course of the evening.

COACHING: For those who would like to work towards particular skills and/or star tests, there will be a more structured group(s) and it will help you and the coaches and other group members if you are able to commit to turning up each week, or let your coach know if you can’t.

This year we intend to run it a bit differently instead of the free for all , we intend to have three separate groups
1 Star Group (Beginners that want to learn Skills)
2 Star Group ( If you have some paddling experience and want to develop your skills)
3rd group will be made of of those people that want nothing more than to play and splash about for the evening and are not interested in learning any skills outside off how do I splash my mate better.

COACHES: All sessions rely on the presence of volunteer coaches and helpers (Tom is drawing up a rota – please contact him through the Mailshot with your availability if you would be willing to help with any duties, including dry ones on the bank!). Each week there will be one nominated Coach-in-charge who will be responsible for making decisions e.g. regarding the river conditions and suitability of person/kit to get on the water.