What is “Clear Access, Clear Waters”?
Deva has supported this for a long time now, but what is it? It’s a campaign for “Fair, shared, sustainable open Access for all” to try and ensure the waters we paddle in are safe and clean for as long as possible. As you’ll have seen from the media reports on water companies, there is a long way to go, but things are improving and we can help. In addition to our annual litter pick, some of us have helped with the big river watch and with the removal of floating pennywort, an invasive, non-native species.
Another way you can help is by following the “Check, Clean, Dry” routine, particularly if you use your boat in multiple locations.
- Check – Check your equipment, boat, footwear and clothing after leaving the water for mud, aquatic animals or plant material.
- Remove anything you find and leave it at the site.
- Clean – Clean everything thoroughly as soon as you can, paying attention to areas that are damp or hard to access. Use hot water if possible.
- Dry – Dry everything for as long as you can before using elsewhere as some invasive plants and animals can survive for over two weeks in damp conditions.
You can read more about Clear Access, Clear Waters here.
Thank you for taking time to read this, your help is very much appreciated.
Simon L, Deva Environmental Officer.
Plans for the Dee Estuary
Over the summer Deva CC was invited to meetings with Nature England and Natural Resources Wales who are planning a joint biosecurity plan for the Dee Estuary. Their aim is to get all those who use the estuary, either for leisure or commercial purpose, to help stop the spread of invasive species already present in the river, and prevent new invaders known as ‘horizon species’ getting into our estuary.
For example, Mitten Crabs which originated in Asia are already in the Dee and if unchecked can burrow into banks which break down and impact native fish and plants.
As the initiative develops, we will look at the best way that we as a individual paddlers and the club as a whole can support the plan.
Bring A Mug Kayaking!
More environmental action… In our continued attempt to reduce single use cups and refuse, please remember to bring a mug to our regular club meetings for your post-paddle tea or
coffee.
Web Site News
Our IT manager, Mat Sefton, has been busy working on the club website and making sure it is up-to-date and easy to navigate. He is promising some new features and links, so keep checking it out at www.devecanoeclub.co.uk. The website is ‘the public face’ of Deva, and often the first point of contact for new members but is also an invaluable asset for existing members in accessing information, including the calendar. Thanks, Mat, for your time and applying your skills to this vital resource.
Welfare and Safeguarding Update
We are committed as a club to provide paddle sports for all in a positive, safe, dignified and caring way where everyone feels they can speak freely about any concerns they may have.
Our safeguarding policy was developed by Judith Lathean and David Riley. I am very grateful for the time, effort and care that they took to establish our current practice. Judith has decided to step down from this position. I am pleased to inform you that Klaire Costello has agreed to take on this important role.
Our safeguarding policy is available for all to read on the website. At present this is being reviewed and any changes recommended by Klaire and David will be updated by our Safeguarding Officers.
Safety on the Water
Paddle UK now recommended that all paddlers should know how to exit a capsized kayak safely whilst wearing a spray deck. From now on we will ask all new members to demonstrate this ability either in the pool or on the river. We will not issue spray decks to new members until they have performed a practise capsize witnessed by a coach.
In addition, we will be asking existing members to declare that they have performed a controlled capsize in the past.
Paddle UK Awards
If you are new to canoeing or kayaking you may be interested in achieving Paddle UK’s Start, Discover and Explore Awards. Alex Plant has kindly offered to assess these. If you wish to find out more, have a word with Alex.
Fashion Notes
For those who like to keep up with the latest fashion trends, our own Deva Canoe Club branded clothing is available through the link on our web site. Smart yet casual, T-shirts, polos and sweatshirts make the perfect Christmas gift for paddlers. As seen on the catwalks of Paris, London and Milan.
Peer Paddles
For those who have recently joined the club, a reminder that we have an informal Facebook page. This is a private group, so you won’t get commercials or junk messages. It is the main forum for sharing peer paddles. These are not Deva approved trips, but are undertaken at your own liability, so if you are unsure, ask the organiser if the trip is appropriate for your level of ability. If you wish to join the FB group, search for ‘Deva Kayakers and Friends’ on Facebook and request to join.
John Lewis