A Year In The Life Of a S.U.C.C.er

Aside

So 2012,

Here we are 4 months in; with the 5th creeping up on us.

We’ve had a brilliant 11/12 year in the club, with plenty memories, a good intake of freshers and many new friends made at home and overseas.
Louise and Muntz

From the first semester our Great Glen Trip was a huge success, even though we did have a 50% swim rate on day 1, before hitting something a little tamer the next day.
Julia Swim Lower Nevis

But there was nothing that could stop this years “keen as Rush” freshers from returning time and time again.
Dan and Hugh's Shoe beerKamila and Erin

The year was then interspersed with all sorts of paddling related activities:

Paddling
Erin Paddling

Scouting                                  Bridge Jumping and IR kit
Andy and Mike Bridge Jump

Polo
Polo

and a small amount of banter*.
Eilidh ReservedBoat Race

*smallness of amount of banter may not, in fact, be small

This year we got a bit more competitive too; sending teams to a whole host of events all over the country. From BUCS slalom to the home turf(ish) SUS tournament hosted at Glasgow Uni and even HPP hosted NSR to show off our moves.
NSR dance

Our 2nd semester trip to a Kinlochleven bunk house proved us all wrong in thinking the year couldn’t get any better. We rocked up to the Arkaig and some more intermediate boaters went on to battle the penguins of the sporge. Joined by some guys from the D.U.C.C at the bunkhouse, an evening of funnels, Muntz’s great escape, and hero boating was soon to follow..
Dave hero

Then to wrap it all off, as standard, a homeward stop at the etive on the final day.
Love hearts

As for some highlights of the rest of the year we’ve had this brand spanking new website, courtesy of Captain Hibby.
Captain Hibby

Some awesome design work from Euan and Steve.
LogoFilm night poster

Not to mention the Film night and our AGM rubik’s cube after party.
AGM

Lastly, and of course least of all, where would any post summing up the past year of the club be, without a special mention of the boys you love to hate, Strongflow, the unfortunate, illegitimate child of Bomb Flow….
Strongflow

Cheers to you all for making it such a great year and best of luck to next years committee.

Have a great summer and we’ll see you all back here for the 12/13 session and another awesome year, which may include boating. xx

Glenn
Web Geek

Kit Storage – Constitution Change

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As you may or may not be aware there has been a change to the constitution, it states that:

“Personal equipment deemed to be abandoned in the store may be used by the club as club equipment and distributed to members for use on Trips. Abandoned Equipment will be determined by the owner no longer being either a member of the Sports Union or an active member of the club for 12 months, the term active member being determined by the committee. Before claiming Personal Equipment, all reasonable attempt at making contact with the owner must be utilized including through contacts/friends, contact details written on equipment or known by the club and blanket emails to the Mailing lists.”

As a result of this change, it is now compulsory that you either remove your boat and/or equipment from the canoe store to concur with the new constitution change if you are no longer being an active member of Strathclyde University Canoe Club and/or no longer a Sports Union member.

If you so decide that you still wish to leave your boat and/or equipment in the canoe store it will become free for club use. If you wish to remove your boat and/or equipment from the canoe store every effort will be made to accommodate any help that you need accessing the canoe store.

This is in an attempt to free up the limited space in the canoe store so that there is room for personal boats from new members and/or new club boats or kit. Also this is to help free up space in the surf store, as it has become increasingly overcrowded with personal and damaged boats.

We would also appreciate it if you pass this on to any other ex-members that you are still in contact with.

Feel free to contact any member of the committee to discuss this, contact details for the committee can be found on the following web page.

http://www.wetdreams.org.uk/?page_id=12

Regards
Strathclyde University Canoe Club Committee

AGM

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Alright Boys and Girls,

Mere days away from the AGM/Rubik’s cube party at the awesome boating flat of Chris and Euan.

Still time left to nominate people who you think will be good at running the club next year.

Make sure and grab your colours for the party so you don’t end up completely beige.

If you want my advice then pick your target colour early before all the good ones are gone and you end up looking like this.

Anyone that can’t make it just email your votes to Chris.

Any nominations/seconding to do then head to the fb event page and comment on the relevant post.

X-treme Film Night

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Hey,

Got some spare footage lying around you’ve been needing and excuse to edit together?
Been following people around and making some sick video’s?
Taken some lovely photo’s that your non-extreme friends just don’t appreciate?
Did you buy a Go Pro, leave the red light on and capture something hilarious?
Want to get so drunk that you can’t even see the projector screen?

Then do we have the event for you!!

Strathcanoe will once again be hosting it’s Annual Extreme sports film night on Friday 23rd of March. Yay.

Got a video to enter? Stick it on a pen drive or get your final cut to Julia via email/Dropbox. (Or get creative with the internet and find some other means)

Snap a photo you want to get seen? Print it out and bring it along to the night
I hear snapfish.com are good and cheap, remember you’ll need a couple days for delivery.

Make sure whatever you’re entering that you let Julia know, either by email or phone or facebook.

Here’s a link to the facebook event.

There are prizes for the winning entries which will be decided by our expert panel of judges.

Nothing needs to be kayaking related last year’s winning film was by the Dudes of Hazard who are coming back this year with another strong contender.
You can check them out here.

Good luck and get entering
Glenn x

Nominations are open

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The AGM has been announced and nominations are open.

get yourself over to the fb event page and cast your nominations/seconds for committee postions.

Anyone from the club can nominate, each person gets one nomination(or second) per position.

Get in on it now and if you think you’d be good for a job then get someone to nominate you.

You never know what positions people will actually stand for/get voted into on the night and no one wants to be governed by RON.

Positions

President: Run’s the club (Organised, Approachable)

Treasurer/Vice. Pres.: Keeps track of the money and helps the Pres (Good with money, Flexible)

Safety and Coaching: Keeps you all safe on the river (Experienced kayaker)

Trip Sec: Responsible for trips away to get you on rivers (Love for paddling)

Comp Sec: Responsible for getting us in on Polo and other competitive kayaking (Into competitive kayaking)

Social Sec: Organises the partay and fundraising (On the ball, Sociable with all club members)

Kit Officer: King of the Store (Know about paddling kit)

Freshers Rep: Committee Bitch, go-to person for Freshers, Hoodies (Sociable Fresher, Approachable)

Web Geek: Keeping club looking cool on the internet, making announcements among some other minor technical stuff. (Good with computers, Non-beige)

Glenn

Buying your First Set of Kit

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Hey guys, here is a wee guide to buying your first set of kit written by guest author Mark.

When he isn’t spending time teaching kids the ways of the world, Mark is a pro boater and spends his time hucking the gnar and performing religious sacrifices, all in the name of IR…

Marks Guide to Buying Your First Set of Kit
Rule 1, DON’T buy Yak. I know the stuff looks like good value and it might look fancy but the stitching is rubbish and the waterproof stuff may as well be made from toilet paper. Fact – Yak had to recall every single one of their throwbags because they got found out to be using scrap rope that had been melted together.

Rule 2, Don’t get the cheapest stuff. You may aswell just use the club kit.

Rule 3, shop around for the best deals. There’s often special offers on http://www.wetsuitoutlet.co.uk/ or ebay. You could check http://www.ukriversguidebook.co.uk/forum/viewforum.php?f=10&sid=cb1642ff99eb81da91c6f2e44c0e4389 for 2nd hand kit too.

Rule 4, ask others what they use and if they like it or not. There are plenty of boaters in the club with a huge variety of kit so ask if you can try it on/have a look at their gear.

Rule 5, when trying on gear try sitting in a boat or on the floor in a paddling position and move around as if you were paddling; gear that fits well when standing might not fit well when you are actually paddling.

Helmets
The best helmet for the money is the Shred Ready Standard; http://www.canoesandkayaks.co.uk/product/4768/Shred_Ready_Standard_Half_Cut_Helmet_Shred_Ready . It comes in loads of different colours and will adjust the fit most people’s head.
If you struggle to get a comfy fit with this helmet, I’d suggest a WRSI Current; http://www.canoesandkayaks.co.uk/product/10797/Current_Water_Camoflage_Helmet_Vented_WRSI

Bouyancy Aids
If you want to progress on to harder rivers and safety things, then you will need one with a harness and straps that go continuously down from the shoulders to the waist.
The cheapest half decent option is buying this; http://www.canoesandkayaks.co.uk/product/1933/Symbiant_White_Water_Buoyancy_Aid_Palm and the add on harness; http://www.canoesandkayaks.co.uk/product/1935/Chest_Harness_Palm_Symbiant_WW
If you stump up a little extra cash you will get a lot more from a BA like this; http://www.canoesandkayaks.co.uk/product/104/Axis_River_Buoyancy_Aid_Palm
It’s a good idea to try on different designs to get a good fit. For girly shapes Palm and Astral buoyancy aids are highly rated.

Dry Wear
Scotland is cold! If you buy a jacket for paddling I wouldn’t bother with anything that doesn’t have latex wrist and neck seals.
Lomo do ok dry tops so this is an option, make sure you put your name on it and dont let it get mixed up with club stuff. http://www.ewetsuits.com/acatalog/evo-yellow-dry-tops-cags.html
For something a little more personal and high quality, the Palm Switch is good; http://www.canoesandkayaks.co.uk/product/140/Switch_Long_Sleeve_Paddle_Top_Palm
If you are looking for something that will last you a long time try and find a dry top that is put together without 3 or more seams intersecting (a classic weak and leaky spot) and some quality feeling fabric. You will probably end up paying a little more for a garment like this; http://www.immersionresearch.eu/store/#ecwid:category=254318&mode=product&product=745106

Dry trousers are great for keeping wind and water out but will not make a completely dry seal when combined with a dry top, so don’t buy the 2 and expect to be bone dry. http://www.canoesandkayaks.co.uk/product/144/Viper_Paddling_Trousers_Palm

Drysuits cost lots, save your money and buy some other kit for now.

Warm Stuff
A wetsuit is the traditional way of keeping warm. If you are getting wet lots and swimming, it’s probably still the best way of keeping warm. For a bit more mobility you might want to consider a sleeveless wetsuit. Or just use a club wetsuit, they are there for being used!
http://www.ewetsuits.com/acatalog/Storm-CX-farmer-John-Wetsuit-Centre.html for the cheap option, but be wary of them getting confused for club kit.
http://www.canoesandkayaks.co.uk/product/9378/Recreational_Mens_Long_john_Wetsuit_Moby for a something a little different.

If you have abandoned wetsuits and bought waterproof dry wear then fleeces and thermals are the way forward. To save a bit of money, go looking in the Decathlon shop; http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/, they often have good deals on.

Spraydeck
Get something made of neoprene. Having some sticky coating on the underside of the spraydeck is good for keeping the deck on your boat and keeping you a little drier. Make sure the deck is the right size to fit the boat you use.
http://www.canoesandkayaks.co.uk/product/187/Classic_Neoprene_Spray_Deck_Palm for budget
http://www.immersionresearch.eu/store/#ecwid:category=254322&mode=product&product=745129 for something with a little more quality

Shoes
First of all, you will need a grippy sole. Next, you will need to see how much space you have in the front of your boat. If you have loads of space a good pair of trainers or cross trainers will be the business. Try TK Maxx for a bargain.
If you have a restricted amount of room then a wetsuit boot will be the best choice. http://www.tribord.com/EN/4mm-surf-boots-135788369/

A wetsuit sock might be a good option for cold days or if you use light shoes. http://www.tribord.com/EN/sck-330-14465445/

…..

Thanks for that Mark, we will hopefully have another guide up next week on buying your own paddles!

Chris

NSR, Jungle Fever

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Last year at NSR life was a Beach

This year we’re travelling inland to the tropical jungle’s of Holme Pier Point.

Registration closes tomorrow and you won’t want to miss out on this exiting expedition.

We have a Safari bus heading down to this student boating extravaganza, Speak to Trip Sec Murray to get a space.

I’m not saying the journey won’t be long and arduous; crossing the treacherous plains of the M6 and swimming in Trent infested waters.

Whether you’re coming with some serious game and thinking of taking home the top prizes or just wanting to get a bit more of a competitive edge on your kayaking then this is the competition for you, spaces going fast so shake a tail and get yourself booked.

For more information on the challenges you’ll face and a glimpse of the Jungle Rabbit(‘s) we’ll be hunting in the jungle check out the website
NSR 2011

Kinlochleven what and where

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Pool’s off :( . But who needs the pool we got the pub and a trip tomorrow, Sorry if you’re getting this and your not coming(but also, haha, you’re a fool; what are you doing with your life?).

Remember the rest of the payment that you owe Matt for the trip otherwise you can walk there and sleep in a tent.

What you can,and if you don’t have then should, get from the store

  • Boat
  • Spray Deck
  • Paddlle
  • Wetsuit
  • Cag
  • Helmet

Things you should bring

  • Clothes
  • *****lots of them, WARM ones, you have been warned!!!!!
  • Swimming stuff
  • ****for under wetsuit
  • Towel(s)
  • Clothes
  • ****Also for under the wetsuit.
  • ****normal T-Shirts==bad Cheapy thermals from primark == …not bad
  • Toiletries
  • ****(Shower gel, toothpaste and BO buster etc.)
  • ****Cause I’ll inevitably forget and have to mooch some off you.
  • Meds
  • ****if your on/need any to not get sick. *Ahem* Erin *Ahem*
  • Clothes
  • Money
  • Clothes

Stuff you might want to bring that we may stop off at a shop on the way so you can buy(No promises)

  • Lunch time Munchies for on and off the river
  • Pick your poison(whatever it is you need to have a good time)
  • Clothes

Where to be when

Get yourself to the store anytime from 3pm If you can’t get there till after 5 then text chris: oh7857four7four55four if you want to dump stuff there earlier then i’m sure someone will be happy to get the keys out and let you in. The kit will get jumbled up and assigned to the people who need it before we get on the river anyway so don’t worry too much about it just make sure you have one of everything.

Oh and while I remember can someone bring their spare banter and gnar in case someone forget’s there’s. Also, yes we have stickers.

Was the red light on?
Glenn

Post SUS summary and Kinlochleven

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Hope everyone had a great SUS weekend none of the teams making it into the knock-out stages and coming 2nd in the boat race we will need to get training for next year.

I know everyone’s burning to find out:
If Eilidh found her Man born before 1990 who isn’t gay.
If Murray did, in fact, get lamped by Breffni.
The final count on who Inness pulled this weekend.
I’m sure it will all come to light as the week goes on.

I hope your confidence/livers haven’t taken too much of a beating and are ready for Kinlochleven this weekend. If you haven’t got your place booked yet then what is wrong with you. Get your £20′s to Matthew Bowen.

Step 1: Leaving on Friday afternoon/evening; we’ll be heading up to the bunkhouse(probably stopping for din-din’s on the way, Don’t panic Erin’s bringing her travel sickness pills).

Step 2: ….(see picture for an artists rendition)

Step 3: Wake up feeling like the bottom of a wetsuit bootie, get in some Bacon rolls for breakfast and head out for the best hangover cure known to man a good thrashing on the river(s).

Step 4: Back to the bunkhouse for food, fun and games then repeat steps 2 and 3. and head home on the Sunday night.

See Here for more details

Kayak shower

SUS Shennanigans

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Hey guys! As you know this weekend is the magical mystery tour that is SUS! Apologies for leaving it this late but the slackers over at GUCC have just finalised the plan.
For those of you who don’t know what SUS is – its pretty much an inter-uni drinking competition that we call a polo competition so we can get funding for it from the SU…
Here’s the plan!
Friday evening:
Meet at the store at 4:30, load polo boats onto Murray’s car (oh yeah, Murray can you drive – ta!) and then grab a subway over to the West (Beige) End.
Play Polo whilst sipping ‘non-alcoholic’ beverages sneakily concealed in water bottles.
Get kicked out the pool at 9, head to a pub and then on to Viper – entry will be £1.50 but drinks are cheap as. Banter will be top notch.

Sat:
Wake up with a raging hangover and head to the West End again (or in Murray’s case, wake up in a bed full of Glasgow freshers) for 10.
A nice chilled out day of polo, gradually turning more rowdy as Strathy make it to the finals (inevitable).
Then, we head back to get the gladrags on for the epic SUS celidh on the Sat night, which will be in the GUU before heading onto the HIVe where you will deffinitely pull because you will be wearing a kilt. 10% of the time, Murray always pulls….

Sunday:
Wake up surrounded by bitches.

Also, if you aren’t in any of the teams, please come along to support your fellow Strathy-ers. Last year our support was by far the biggest so lets keep that trend going.

See you there!