On a significantly better forecast than last week, no surprise SUP Club got over double the turnout last night as we took on the same route from Papermill to Stonham’s and back … but ironically, it ended up a tougher paddle in much windier conditions! No trouble though, as we had a great group – thanks everyone for coming. Plus of course, our gracious hosts at the wonderful Willow Set at Paper Mill Lock, and the ever-awesome Six Bells Boreham for dinner and drinks after.

Venue: Paper Mill Lock (CM3 4BS / w3w.co/encoded.narrating.switched)
Arrive: by c.6pm (gates close at 6.15pm!)
Launch: after 6.20pm briefing
Finish: c.8.10pm
Level: capable river paddlers

OK, so there’s still some south-westerly wind on the forecasts today, but it’s looking much dryer than last week – so we’re heading back ‘home’ to the Willow Set at Paper Mill tonight, with thanks again to the twins for having us… All capable river paddlers welcome, hopefully a bit of headwind on the way out should be the worst of it.

We’re just planning to go two locks upstream: upwind (and it is still looking breezy!) to Stonham’s via Mill House 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 by c.6pm – don’t be too early and please don’t be late, as the gates are going to lock at 6.15pm then we’re briefing at 6.20, so do make sure you have time to pump up before that…

Setting up by 6pm at Paper Mill Lock to gather at our ‘training zone’ by the entrance for a 6.20pm briefing ahead of a c.6.25pm launch. We’ll probably be going two locks upstream to Stonham’s 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.