Erne Paddlers
ERNE PADDLERS
6 members of Erne paddlers turned out for the Clubfest event, of which 4 are committee members, and 3 are club coaches. Like everyone attending we all arrived to a dismal and typical Fermanagh wet welcome, but spirits high for the weekends activities, the ages of our group ranged from 17yrs to 56yrs and 0 stars to level 3 coach, all chomping at the bit to get on the water and enjoy the club/group experience, this also being the first event that Erne Paddlers have attended as a club group and overnight camp.
So Friday night was a bit wet, but good craic putting up our communal master piece along with personal tents, it might have showed that we have camped a lot as individuals and a group by the length of time it took and the way it all turned out, mind you we thought it was masterful and innovative, it worked for us.
It was then time to rise and get ready (sorry Pete) we prepped ourselves for the Open Boat adventure of Crom and back, we got on the water by 11ish, late as usual, and headed out to the point and stalled in the head on wind, as we tried to adjust the trim in our boats, Enniskillen was getting closer rather rapidly, a decision was made to ditch one boat and double up, a good call Pete, we banked one boat, myself and Jon paired up and a somewhat marked improvement in our advancement towards our goal was instantly noticed, on the other hand George was towed to the Livingstone Marina and transferred to the double sea kayak with Tony and Barnie (the club mascot) was put in our boat, onward and upward, a few more minor adjustments and we had it cracked, when we turned into the small Lough to head for the white bridge at Crom, What a sight, a mass of colour and people in what must have been 100 boats of all varieties, it took my breath away, I’ve never seen that many craft together before and in such a setting, it was just magical, in its self that was worth the effort of attending the weekend, it was just brilliant, all ages all types of boats and all SMILING, when’s the next one !! Onto Crom and lunch, we stopped at the old ruin’s opposite Gad tower another class setting, Had lunch and a bit of craic and then set off for Share and a BBQ supper, on the way back Karen and myself tried a bit of sailing in the canoe, lets say its a work in progress, we enjoyed it even though it was a struggle, room for improvement !!, Jon had a go as well and he has slightly more room for improvement, a brilliant laugh had by all.
It was then time to rise and get ready (sorry Pete) we prepped ourselves for the Open Boat adventure of Crom and back, we got on the water by 11ish, late as usual, and headed out to the point and stalled in the head on wind, as we tried to adjust the trim in our boats, Enniskillen was getting closer rather rapidly, a decision was made to ditch one boat and double up, a good call Pete, we banked one boat, myself and Jon paired up and a somewhat marked improvement in our advancement towards our goal was instantly noticed, on the other hand George was towed to the Livingstone Marina and transferred to the double sea kayak with Tony and Barnie (the club mascot) was put in our boat, onward and upward, a few more minor adjustments and we had it cracked, when we turned into the small Lough to head for the white bridge at Crom, What a sight, a mass of colour and people in what must have been 100 boats of all varieties, it took my breath away, I’ve never seen that many craft together before and in such a setting, it was just magical, in its self that was worth the effort of attending the weekend, it was just brilliant, all ages all types of boats and all SMILING, when’s the next one !! Onto Crom and lunch, we stopped at the old ruin’s opposite Gad tower another class setting, Had lunch and a bit of craic and then set off for Share and a BBQ supper, on the way back Karen and myself tried a bit of sailing in the canoe, lets say its a work in progress, we enjoyed it even though it was a struggle, room for improvement !!, Jon had a go as well and he has slightly more room for improvement, a brilliant laugh had by all.
BBQ, as we shared the cooking and eating facilities with the 70 wild miles competitors, I think we benefited rather well, and what a gutsy bunch of athlete’s, quite a challenge and won by Mr Gerry Murphy a 52 year old fireman, a veteran in the field, hope for me yet folk’s(no hope) the food was well cooked, rather tasty, and for some a little slow, a few mumblings in the queue, but mostly satisfied with the out come (thanks Share it was good grub) More night life only this time it was enjoyed by all around a elevated camp fire, with great humour and song, till close to 5am, mighty craic, a brilliant night, funny though, how we all know the chorus and a few lines, then start humming , lets just blame it on the drink, its a good excuse.
Sunday morning, we did slightly better than Saturday, but still late, We will get it right eventually I promise, We split into three area’s, sea kayaking skills, polo, and games, George and myself thoroughly enjoyed the sea kayaking skills, learning a lot from the session, a big THANK-YOU for that, Jon and Tony participated in the rough and tumble of polo with m.u.c.k. and had a ball (excuse the pun) and the girls Grace and Karen enjoyed a morning of games, useful as Grace is a O.B.Instructor and Karen is attending a Leadership course this week at Gortatole O.B. centre, all of our crew had a absolutely Brilliant weekend.
Thanks to all that helped to put this event together, you deserve a pat on the back and commended for the effort and commitment it must have taken, and a special thanks to Rodger Hamilton on behalf of CANI For your input and time.
On discussions with other club members over the weekend, some of us wondered why we only have one Clubfest a year, the event is so well represented by the clubs that its obviously an event worth attending and growing in reputation.
On behalf of Erne Paddlers I Would like to Thank everyone who helped put the event together for a brilliant job, well done !!
Steve Geoghegan-Doughty.
Chairperson Erne Paddlers.
