We caught golden hour at last night’s SUP Club – cruising a lock each way from Paper Mill, down to Rushes then up to Mill House and back. Followed, of course, by dinner at our favourite local pub…

Venue: Paper Mill Lock (CM3 4BS / w3w.co/encoded.narrating.switched)
Arrive: by 6pm (gates close very soon after)
Launch: after 6.15pm briefing
Finish: c.8.15pm
Level: capable river paddlers

With some south-westerly breeze on the forecasts tonight, we’re heading back ‘home’ to Paper Mill, with thanks again to the Willow Set for having us… All capable river paddlers welcome: a bit wind to work through at times, and yes, there’s maybe a little rain about today…

We’re just planning to go two locks tonight: but in order to sidestep the duck weed, if it’s not too windy maybe one upwind to Mill House then back, and downwind / downstream to Rushes and back. The Willow Set are kindly allowing us in out of hours, charging £3 from 5.30pm onwards when you use the password ‘SUPsect’ or flash our logo at the gate. Please get there comfortably by c.6pm – and please don’t be late, as the gates are going to lock soon afterwards then we’re briefing at 6.15, so do make sure you have time to pump up before that…

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 probably be going a lock each way to Mill House then Rushes and back tonight.

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.