Monday 23 November 2009

L'Aventure Alpine 2009

Finally after massive delay, it's time for a write up of a most excellent Don's expedition to the French Alps.

It all began with a huge amount of planning. Youth Oppertunity Funds were applied for, meeting attended, and a massive amount of work had to be done before we could even think about going. Finally though, after what seemed like a monumentous wait, we were off, to begin a 789 mile trip to here;



The wonderful Camping du Lac, which would be our base camp for the week.




Ahh, just like home.

Over the next few days we tacked 3 sections of the durance, played on slalom courses, playboated in the Rabioux wave (to which the footage has mysteriously disappeared), practiced our skills and paddled the challenging Ubaye Racecourse (so challenging we didn't have any time to take any pictures.)

After a few days it was time to move on to Sault Brenaz, a wonderfull whitewater course for practising many different aspects of paddling. People were learning about ferry gliding, Surfing waves, paddling inflatable canoes (hotdogs) and some people passed a 3 star assessment (Well done!)



Ashley and Portia Surf a Hotdaog




Connor's Robson Photo

All too soon it was time to go home, but we won't forget the good times had, friends made and things learnt will not be forgotten



Group Photo!




Time to begin the big drive home

We'd all like to say a huge thanks to everyone who has helped, in whatever way to make this trip possible. We couldn't have gone without you. If you haven't already had enough of our trip yet, check out the video!




Stay cool

-Louis

Thursday 19 November 2009

Juniors attend BCU Southern Region Wavehopper Sprint!




BCU Southern Region Wavehopper Sprint event
Newbury, 15th November

After a couple of training sessions in appalling weather on Saturday, Riverside's Wavehopper team enjoyed a fabulous day at the races in Newbury in glorious sunshine on Sunday.

The event involved two 500 metre sprints down the millstream, under the bridge below the lock and millpond to the finishing line outside the Waterside Centre. They then had to paddle their boats back upstream against a strong current to the lock and portage them back up to the starting line for the next competitors to use.

Racing against 8 other teams from the Southern Region Riverside achieved 4th position overall. Everyone did really well with a special commendation to Jona for coming 3rd in the under 12s and Sophia for coming 4th in the under 14s. A brilliant result for their first race in Wavehoppers.

Team Wavehopper:

Kieran Husband
Jona Boender
Owain Harris
Carl Gregory
Jake Woodward

Jay Boender
Erin Keenan
Nicole Head
Sophia Frost

Many thanks must go to the team, their parents and supporters and to the coaches who made this event possible.

Jennifer Clough