The next ER Touring Paddle will be on Sunday 26th January 2020. This 
paddle is from Shotley to Pin Mill and back, on the River Orwell. The 
final decision regarding the paddle will be taken a few days before when 
the weather forecast is known, as it can be a bit exposed if the wind is 
strong. It is expected that paddlers will need fast touring or sea 
kayaks, although the group will, as always, stick together and travel at 
the pace of the slowest paddler.

• Timings: Get to Shotley Gate, Ipswich IP9 1PU (opposite Bristol Arms pub) by 0945, to be ready to be on water at 1030. Back to Shotley and off water by 1430. (Harwich HT is 1245)
  Total distance 17km / 10.5m / 9nm – see map
• Access/Egress: The beach / shingle bank adjacent to the Pier at Shotley.
• Breaks: One break planned, for snack lunch, approx. 30 mins at Pin Mill. (Pub and loos will be open).
• Parking: At Shotley Gate, opposite pub, or at roadside up the hill nearby.
• Boats: Long boats (sea / touring kayaks, or tandem Opens) needed, so as to maintain good group speed. If Open Canoes, suggest tandem only, with suitably qualified Lead/Coach for the Open Skill level: ‘Paddle Explore’ / old 2* level, with suitable kit and prior experience of medium length estuary trip.
• Kit: Winter paddling kit essential - suitably warm clothing / protection (body, head, neck, hands, feet) for when paddling, when stopped for a lunch break, and in the event of getting wet. Water / hot drink / snack. Take spare warm clothing as well. Usual safety kit for estuary/sea trips. Leaders to take FA, repair kits, etc. If you have a tow line please bring it, in case any help needed within the group.
• Weather: Winter!. Wind and precipitation are unknown at this stage. It would need to be no greater than F4 wind and ideally no heavy falling rain or snow. Can confirm closer to the date.

More details are available on the BC Touring Website a:- 
http://www.debencanoeclub.org.uk/index.php?page=shotley-to-pin-mill-and-back-on-the-orwell

Pool session at the Kingfisher Pool in Sudbury - the first hour will include training, support strokes, capsize drills and rolling practice with the second hour being general practice and frolicking! The cost is £10 for the session and all boats must be cleaned beforehand - including airbags removed, cleaned and every crevice checked (especially for snails!). There will be no club paddle in the morning and if you are borrowing club boats we will be meeting at the compound to clean at 2.30pm! 

Time and date confirmed! See you there....