Venue: Paper Mill Lock (CM3 4BS / w3w.co/encoded.narrating.switched)
Arrive: by 6pm (gates lock at 6.10pm!)
Launch: after 6.20pm briefing
Finish: c.8.10pm
Level: all capable river paddlers – kids included!

Although there is a stiff south-westerly breeze on the forecasts tonight, it being August we’re really keen to have another ‘all comers welcome’ SUP Club – therefore we’re hitting the river and won’t be going further than one lock to Mill House (so no-one need worry about keeping up with the group) and will instead play around up and down our stretch, working on technique, tricks and taking advantage of the warm water and weather… We’re back ‘home’ to the Willow Set at Paper Mill Lock where everyone capable of stand-up paddling is very welcome indeed – kids included, for a change. 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 before 6pm – and don’t be late as the gates are planned to lock at 6.10pm then we’re planning to brief at 6.20, so make sure you have time to pump up before that…

So, setting up by c.6pm at Paper Mill Lock to gather at our ‘training zone’ by the entrance for a 6.20pm briefing ahead of a 6.25pm launch. We’ll be vaguely heading west tonight but sticking to the one stretch between Mill House and Paper Mill. It should be a great night to try some new techniques or tricks, ideal for getting familiar with and pushing your limits on your waveboard / narrowest wobbleboard, we’d recommend everyone brings a towel and change of clothing – although we’re not going to force anyone into the water, it should be a night for some fun splashdowns!

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!

Then after, it’s BYO food and beverages for a dusky picnic (rather than hitting the pub). So pack some cold, snacky food, a couple of drinks, and maybe something to sit on…