Fascinated by this study, unfortunately only just seen the thread! As a 5'0" WW paddler, I often find I am at a disadvantage due to my lack of height, not helped by reduced flexibility associated with advancing years and differing layers winter and summer.... Will try and link up with you when you'r...

I went to the Canoe England Paddle-Ability conference in March 2013, but haven't really taken things any further. I have just looked up the notes I took at the time: Tests and awards should be inclusive, and reasonable adjustments should be made. If variations are made to the star test, the assessor...

I am 5' and weigh 55kg approx. I used to paddle a L'il Joe, and ended up absolutely hating it! They really are not a small persons kayak. I believe the Trigger is an alternative, but still not much volume.... probably going to get tail-ended a lot!! I recommend trying a Zet Veloc. I absolutely love ...

I used an old small Mamba for a few months prior to paddling one in Nepal (usually paddle a Zet Veloc). The Mamba was OK as long as I remembered to speak Mamba to it. Mainly, when turning into eddies, I had to remember to lean forwards to engage the front rails and get it to turn! I am now happily r...

Several ducklings rescued from the attention of seagulls on the Adur this year :-)

Janet

I think most paddlers visiting this area are happy to have somewhere safe to leave cars and boats rather than leave them in the town where many boats have been stolen recently. Ok your boat can't be stolen while your in it but how many of us leave a spare boat or kit in the car or van. Three quid s...

For the loop we tend to paddle past Holne Bridge, and get off just before the next weir. Park in the layby river left.

Janet

Happens to a couple of guys I know. Wrists: make sure they are pulled up above the tendons at the wrist, as already stated above. Neck: ensure base layer isn't too high, and wicking water in. If getting a bit of a beating, water will get in, but not as much as swimming in cag and neoprene trousers! ...

As long as people don't automatically assume a light blue Veloc is stolen, as I've had mine for 18 months!

Janet

I always enjoy your trip reports, mainly I suspect because they are so un-macho!
I would like to try something similar one day.

Janet

Another vote for the Zet Veloc. I'm 5'0" and around 55k (without kit) and absolutely love it. Stepped up from a L'il Joe for the same reasons that you find the GT a problem. Its also quite light for a creeker :-) Am at LV occas: can let you know when I'll next be there if you PM me a mobile no! Janet

Can't compare it to HPP, but I suspect it is considerably smaller. It is a fun course, compared to Lee Valley Legacy it is fairly easy, but narrow. Around grade 2 mainly with one G3 drop

Janet

Standard or narrow shaft?

Janet

Looking here, I can't see any evidence of recent paddling!

Janet (in Sussex so I haven't a clue really!)

Looking for an old Mamba 7.5 as it says. Would be happy to have a welded kayak if the price was right!

Janet

OK then forgetting the red herring, do you think it is OK to hop on without paying? I know you've had problems previously with a natural river and fully agree with your position there, but surely this is different?

Janet

Heard today that Lee Valley are having to check bib numbers now, as several paddlers have been taking bibs home with them, then going on the water in the appropriate coloured bib having not paid. Come on people, why won't you pay a few quid for such a fantastic facility? We're already less cost effe...

We welcome credit and debit card payments over the phone, online and in person. Payment made by credit card is subject to an administration/transaction fee of £2 per transaction. There is no charge for debit card payments.

Never had any problem with booking 2 hours in one transaction online.

Janet

A- from me

Rhydydefaid Farm at Frongoch was great, we had a double ensuite and son Alex was in a single which shared a bathroom with another double. Very handy for the T, but a drive into Bala for evening meals!
http://www.rhydydefaid.co.uk/

Janet

If you are going to send it back to the seller, do it sooner rather than later, as there is a time limit beyond which you cannot raise a dispute on said auction site. I fell foul of this when sending a PS2 back: I accepted a straight replacement, where a refund would have been better, as the replace...

Ross Montandon has a Veloc I believe: search for Ross M on here.
I paddle one, and love it, but I'm on the south coast, so no use to you!

Janet

Ortlieb Aquazoom?

My 18-200 is quite heavy and cumbersome, especially on a Canon 50D. I've just bought a secondhand 400D with 18-55, which is much easier to carry and use on the rivers, and I'm not too worried about it getting wet!

Janet

Thinking of you.

This is what I think is still missing from the North East that should be paddleable, sections in bold I know have been paddled and are supposed to be good: New Rivers Akenshaw Burn (Kielder Water Trib) ... Wharfe (Below Otley) That's a really impressively thorough list...anyone who has looked at th...

I use either open-palm mitts or Palm Descent pogies. Like both, but find they both have disadvantages. Open palm mitts: Pro= Can flip back out the way when not wanted/needed. Con= Once almost failed to find the spraydeck grab loop when bailing out on G3 river. Palm Descent pogies: Pro= easy to get h...

Sounds far too organised! I just count how many eddies I get.

Janet

Lower Guisane?

We dont have mountians, large open spaces or many natural rivers other then the thames.. ..... Lee Valley is open to all and is supported by Londoners through coucil tax levy and also money raised from commercial activities. in its first year of operation the WW center took 1.9 million in sales eas...