We’ve got a breezy weather system on its way, which means we’ll have to head back up to the river tonight. We’re going to meet at Hoe Mill Lock (CM9 6RA – as always, paddlers on the Chelmer must be licensed: see www.waterways.org.uk/shop/product_details?id=2038) by 6.45pm (earlier if you need to pump up) ahead of a 7pm launch, heading west having staggered the start – shorter boards / newer paddlers first – and employing our now familiar ‘bounce-back’ policy at Rushes Lock so we stay broadly grouped up. Paper Mill Lock might be the ultimate objective for some (www.supsect.com/paper-mill-8k/), but we’ll all turn at 7.50pm before being helped home by the stream and cross-tailwind to be off the water about 8.40pm. As conditions are deteriorating, we’re not expecting to take the trailer tonight – although if any of our Ready to Ride graduates are keen to hire, email duncan@supsect.com by 4pm and we’ll work it out! Then after, we’re hoping to hit a new pub for dinner – The Duke of Wellington in Hatfield Peverel, CM3 2EA – comment if you want to eat and we’ll try and book a table for 9ish…

SUP Club is completely free of charge for anyone who owns their own kit (and knows how to use it!) to attend. If conditions are suitable, limited hire kit is available to graduates of our Learn to SUP lessons (or any other BSUPA Ready to Ride course) from duncan@supsect.com

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