SUP Club returned to the River Chelmer on Wednesday evening for a cruise upstream to Stonham’s Lock and back from Paper Mill Lock. Of course at this time of year, photosynthesis happens so there was a healthy bit of duckweed to get through at the locks – but it was a great way to chill out in the latest heatwave. Thanks again to the Willow Set for hosting us and the Six Bells for feeding us afterwards…

Venue: Paper Mill Lock (CM3 4BS / w3w.co/encoded.narrating.switched)
Arrive: by c.6pm (gates close soon afterwards!)
Launch: after 6.20pm briefing
Finish: c.8.15pm
Level: capable river paddlers

With some south-westerly wind 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 of headwind to work through on the way out should be the worst of it.

We’re just planning to go two locks upstream: upwind 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 – and please don’t be late, as the gates are going to lock soon afterwards then we’re briefing at 6.20, 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 6.20pm 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.