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    03

    Apr 2022

    Last Updated: 03/04/2022

    The rivers beckon for paddlers from the Harrogate district

    by Tim Flanagan

    | 03 Apr, 2022
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    Paddlers from across the Harrogate district are looking forward to the start of their season in Knaresborough after a two-year enforced break.

    ripon-2nd-april-2022-sunset-on-the-river

    Covid lockdowns put a two-year hold on the outdoor activities of the Dales Canoe Club, but members of all ages will soon be taking to the water once more.

    The multi-generational, family-focused club has 40 paddlers aged from 11-year-olds to people in their mid-70s, who come from across the Harrogate district..

    They keenly await April 28, when they will head for the River Nidd in Knaresborough for their first meet of the season.

    Between then and September, the Thursday evening gatherings will be held on rivers and canals throughout the Yorkshire Dales and further afield.

    Canoe training at Starbeck Baths

    Winter practice at Starbeck Baths.





    Fundraiser Jeremy Dunford has been involved with the club since 2015, when his son Reuben started as a novice.

    He told the Stray Ferret:

    "We had a boost with a successful application to the National Lottery, which brought nearly £10,000 and we have also received financial support from North Yorkshire County Council.
    "The money has ensured that we are able to take all the new paddlers on the river at the same time over the summer.
    "A key principle of the club is to ensure that paddling is affordable to all and the equipment can be expensive.
    "We keep a certain amount of stock but this ages quickly as well as getting damaged. All our new paddlers have access to club kit for as long as they need (including kayaks and paddles)."


    Multi-generational canoeing

    The club caters for people of all ages, from children to grandparents





    Through the winter, members have been practicing at Starbeck Baths, but with the warmer weather and lighter nights they will be back on river banks across the region and ready to go immediately after the Easter holiday.

    Educational and enjoyable


    Mr Dunford said:

    "Paddlers often use their involvement with the club as a springboard to academic progression elsewhere. One is currently studying outdoor adventure sports at uni having done, as my son did, a BTec in outdoor adventure sports at  Askham Bryan and this in turn has enabled them to get places on camp in Canada.
    "Some members also use the club as part of BTec course evidence, GCSE Sports Science and D of E awards evidence.
    "We welcome, paddlers with conditions such as epilepsy, autism and ADHD, all of whom have had their paddling experience adjusted to ensure their needs are met."


    An aerial view of the canieists

    Members enjoy the social, as well as the sporting activities of the club.





    Long-term members


    The club started in 1976. and Maurice Young, a retired GP now in his 80s who took his sons along from day one, has been chairperson since 1978..

    Dave Titchmarsh, who is the second in command, is a paddler in his 70s and has been with the club for many years as well.

    One of the club's senior members, Ted Walton, started as a teenager and is now in his 50s and leads a lot of activities.

    The club, which adheres to all safety standards, currently has a full complement of members but opportunities for more people to join in September will open up as some move on to university.

    Further details are available by clicking here.



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