Despite the occasionally offputting forecast and an earlier start to beat sunset, we had a great turn-out for SUP Club this week – thanks again to the Willow Set at Paper Mill Lock for hosting, the weather held nicely and we were even buzzed by a kingfisher as we went a lock each way down to Rushes then up to Mill House before dinner at our favourite local.

Venue: Paper Mill Lock (CM3 4BS / w3w.co/encoded.narrating.switched)
Arrive: by c.5.50pm (gates close at 6pm!)
Launch: after 6.15pm briefing
Finish: c.8.00pm
Level: all competent river paddlers

First, full disclosure – as the rain icons have dropped off most of the forecasts, and the Met Office have withdrawn their warning, it’s looking like we’re striking lucky. But it’s a feisty, unpredictable weather system we’re in right now – so we do need to be prepared for a wet one, in case our luck changes on this afternoon / evening’s updates. Be ready for rain and we can only be pleasantly surprised…

Anyway, although there’s a building north-easterly breeze forecast, it’s really not looking like too windy a night. We’re heading back ‘home’ to the Willow Set at Paper Mill so everyone capable and confident of stand-up paddling a couple of locks is welcome. We’re just planning to go a lock each way tonight: one downstream to Rushes, then one up to Mill House. The Willow Set are again kindly allowing us in after hours, charging £3 from 5.30pm onwards when you use the password ‘SUPsect’ or flash our logo at the gate. Please get there comfortably before 6pm – and don’t be late as that’s when the gates are planned to lock, then we’re going to brief at 6.15, so do make sure you have time to pump up before that… (We’ve got a 19.36 sunset, so timings are beginning to get tight to finish before dark.)

So, setting up by 6pm at Paper Mill Lock to gather at our ‘training zone’ by the entrance for a 6.15pm briefing ahead of a c.6.25pm launch. We’ll be going a lock each way tonight: one downstream to Rushes, then one up to Mill House

As always, please ensure you are licensed to paddle the river (renewals via www.waterways.org.uk). Everyone licensed, with their own kit (including leash!) who can stand-up paddle confidently is very welcome… But please, if you’re not yet competently steering, stopping and turning, a busy group at SUP Club isn’t the place to learn these essential skills – we offer lessons for that!

After, we’ll be going for dinner and drinks as usual – numbers via a show of hands at the briefing.