I asked when I was there on Saturday! The only information that Tees Active are able to give is that this is a 'private booking'. The background is that the venue was originally built and later modernised with public funds and is managed by a social enterprise. A core purpose is to provide open publ...

This is an interesting silence!
Are all of you out there bound like Tees Active by a confidentiality clause about this extended four week 'private booking'?

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I paddled at Mile End Mill earlier this week, for the first time for a couple of years. The experience was very positive - the new proprietors were very friendly and helpful and I was happy to pay a reasonable small fee for use of the site/facilities on a park & play basis. My wife, who was not padd...

Those were the days, my friend.....

God speed, Croft. I suspect you are permanently surfing an amazing standing wave somewhere!

Congratulations to Nora and family. The next generation.....

Best Wishes!
Jerry.

It is good to hear that I am not alone!! I am another right hander who has always used left feather. This began when I was a boy, as I was recovering from a broken right wrist and therefore started with left feather paddles (90 degrees in those days). I think that left paddles can actually be natura...

Hi Molly! I worked for a while in the late '70s at an outdoor centre in North Wales. At that time there was a mythology about 'the gorge below Conway Falls', but no known actual attempted descents. I tried a solo run in October 1979. I can't claim it, however, since I crawled out from around halfway...

I too am supportive of the current arrangements at Mile End Mill, having used the site for many years whenever I am in the area. There seems to have been an unfortunate breakdown of communication in this case; the per head charge is for paddlers using this private land to reach the river and is very...

Are any details on the Edinburgh venue and time available yet?

I enjoy surfing in my Pyranha Loki. It has sufficient length and sharp enough rails to track along a shoulder, but will also do the 'blast' type move to run directly forwards ahead of a breaker.

I've been using North Shore at the Tees Barrage almost entirely for my gear needs for a few years now.
Kevin is always helpful, has immense product knowledge and is very customer focussed.
Highly recommended!
Jerry.

I would recommend the Quiberon Peninsular (France).
Even in a flat spell good rock-hopping etc. can be found on the exposed side.
Conversely, if conditions are huge, mellow waves wrap round to the sheltered side.

Have a good trip, wherever you end up!

Unlike Gordon, I am not personally from the Thunderbirds, owing to the presence of an 'e', although the kids I teach often make this connection!! My two boats would be a Pyranha Loki for play and surf (which I have) and a decent competition slalom kayak for events (that I can't afford at present). J...

Tees has things right, using mainly tidal flow and then pumps when needed. The pumps at the Tees Barrage can also reverse to generate power when tidal conditions and river flow are favourable. I don't know details of the energy use/generation balance, but this clever innovation doubtless helps with...

I think feather angle can make a difference to rolling on the side of the non-feather hand.
If you have changed feather angle, I would advise testing your roll before you next hit anything epic!
Enjoy!
Jerry.

Thanks, Patrick. this support would be greatly appreciated.
I'll contact you nearer the time, once plans firm up a bit. I'm probably looking at the Xmas period 2018/19.
Best Wishes!
Jerry.

Many thanks, that seems to be just what I was looking for - I'll order it!

Jerry.

I'm looking at the idea of a trip to NZ in 2018/19 (when one of my pensions pays out a lump sum!!).
Is there a guidebook available to NZ white-water?

I can vaguely remember seeing this sometime.
Nealy also did at least one cartoon book on mountain biking and it could have been here - the idea being that his alter ego was getting rid of his boat to take up biking instead!

...... my shoulders are sore (again)!!

I can certainly give you first refusal and will consult you first if there are any other offers. There's no need for a deposit at this stage. I'll be at the 'Tully Div.1 on the Saturday, so that would suit me best, but I could deliver to the 'Tully Div.2 or Fairnilee if needed. Thanks & Best Wishes!...

Thanks for your interest. I'm afraid that I can't get down to Lee Valley anytime soon. I could perhaps meet you at Nottingham, if you could get up as far as there. Alternatively, do you know anyone who is coming up to any of the Scottish slaloms in August who could pick the boat up for you? Best wis...

Yellow Fluid Donsa plastic slalom kayak.
£100
Good condition - light scratching to hull and a small dint in the nose.
Footrest replaced by a foam block.
Ideal for a beginner or club/youth group use, etc.
Located in Berwick-upon-Tweed, but could deliver to Tees Barrage, etc.

Hi Jim, Many thanks for the information and advice. I am indeed the Jerry Tracey that you know! I used to be a serious river racer back in the day and I am thinking of making a return, although probably only for classic races rather than sprints! I can't make Pinkston today, I'm afraid, but good luc...

Hi All,

Can anyone tell me who makes or imports wild-water racing kayaks these days?

With Thanks!
Jerry.

I was pleased to discover during a return visit at the weekend that this site is now under very positive and paddler-friendly new management, with a long-term lease. I would therefore like to encourage other paddlers to return to using this venue. Note that the small park-and-play charge is for park...

I was disappointed to discover during a visit today that Llangollen Outdoors are pulling out of Mile End Mill at the end of this month. I would like to thank them for providing a valuable bankside park and play facilty, with a low key and very welcoming atmosphere. I hope that whoever takes over wil...

Is it always the case that hydro-power schemes are a bad thing? As well as contributing to a reduction in the use of fossil fuels, they can potentially provide opportunities for dam-controlled white-water venues, such as the Tryweryn, Washburn or Isere. In my view they should not be automatically op...

An underwater stroke occurs during a trashing after a power-flip. Whilst attempting to set up for a roll, one or other blade is grabbed by the water and you are suddenly flung back upright. This is disorienting, but looks great to spectators, especially if you flukily end up back on the crest of the...

Hi Dave,
You've certainly started a good discussion with this one!
I think I remember you having an absolute blast at Augsburg in the mid-seventies, or does this not count?!