So it looks like the heatwave’s making a comeback today, not too windy either so conditions could be lovely up at the river tonight – albeit with some stream, a bit of duckweed, and Sid & Nancy swans to deal with! Undoubtedly the clearest stretch is Hoe to Paper, so we’re going to meet at Hoe Mill Lock (CM9 6RA) from 6.30 to 6.45pm (be early if you need to pump up) ahead of a prompt 7pm launch. (Chelmer paddlers must be licensed: see www.waterways.org.uk/shop/product_details?id=2038). We’ll be heading west from a staggered start – shortest boards / newest paddlers first – and definitely enforcing our ‘bounce-back’ policy for the faster paddlers at Rushes Lock (and possibly wherever the swans are), so we stay broadly grouped up and no-one gets left behind! Paper Mill Lock might be the ultimate objective for some, but we’ll all turn at 7.50pm before being helped home by the flow to be off the water by 8.40pm. We are taking the trailer tonight – it seems rentals might be popular, so any of our Ready to Ride graduates should email duncan@supsect.com ASAP to reserve their ride for £20. Then after, we’re hoping to return to The Duke of Wellington in Hatfield Peverel, CM3 2EA: www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk/pubs/essex/duke-of-wellington. We’ll let them know we’re coming…

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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