AOAC Newsletter
 

My Last Hoorah!!

So, this is my final newsletter....after 5 years, it's time for some fresh perspective. Sue Frost has been nominated to replace me as Communications Officer, but if anyone else feels they'd like to take on this role, get yourself proposed and seconded and throw your hat into the ring at the AGM on the 14th March at Inn on the Green, Horfield. It's been fun writing these newsletters but it's time for a change....good luck to my replacement, I'm sure you will do a fabulous job x.

Message from the Chair – March 2022
It’s Spring!  How wonderful to have lighter evenings and see the blossom on the trees. I hope you’ve been able to get out and enjoy your favourite activities, or maybe tried something new.

Good to see varied events on the calendar- new ones appearing all the time so keep a look out - and smiling faces on our Facebook page photos. The new members weekend in February had to be postponed due to the recent storm but has gone ahead this weekend in calmer weather. Huge thank you as always to organisers, leader and coaches – without your input there would be no events running.        
                          
Upcoming AGM is on Monday 14^th March – details on calendar and have been circulated to all members via email. Hope to see lots of you there, either in person or on screen. Voting will take place online after the AGM.

Nominations for next year’s committee - Please have a think about whether you would like to be on the AOAC committee next year. All committee posts are open for nominations.

We have had a number of nominations – thanks to those who have offered to stand for a committee role. However we still need nominations for membership officer and development officer.

Each role takes up as much/as little as you have to offer – but they are all important in the smooth running of the Club. Committee meetings are monthly (except August and December) and there is lots of support/advice available from those who have done these roles before. Please don’t wait for someone else to stand…do it now! 

Please email [email protected] with your nominations and seconders for each role (make sure the person you are nominating is in agreement first!).

Deadline for nominations is 14^th March

Massive thank you to all of the committee who have been wonderfully supportive in helping me navigate the Club through difficult times. For many it has been the second year of shifting sands related to COVID-19, and all the challenges that has involved. Special mention must also go to Carrie Spittlehouse who has been doing our assistant treasurer and working hard behind the scenes.
Alan Taylor is stepping down as Treasurer this year after 3 years of keeping us financially on track, as is Cathy Caola who has been our Communications Officer with her wonderful newsletters and Guy Thomas who has been working hard as both Development Officer and cycling coordinator.

New cycling coordinator - We have a new cycling coordinator – Sue Frost – thanks to you Sue for stepping up.

Club’s COVID-19 policy for residential trips – with recent changes in government guidance –including the end of free lateral flow tests - the policy will be reviewed at the next committee meeting on March 30^th. For now please continue to follow the COVID-19 SOPs, including taking daily lateral flow tests when on AOAC residential trips so we can run events as safely as possible.

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me or any of the committee if you have any ideas/comments/suggestions about Club-related matters. Our email contact details are on the website.

Have fun out there

Katie 
AOAC Chair

Bavarian Alps 2022
 

It’s been a long three years but it looks like we will finally make it back to the Alps in 2022! Plans are well on there way for a trip to the Austrian/ German border for a multi-activity trip that offers a bit of everything in a stunning location.  The booking is for 2 weeks but you can join us for as much of the time as you want. We will be staying at Karwendal campsite in Scharnitz in Austria near Mittenwald.  The campsite can accomodate motor homes as well and is 13 minutes walk from the train station. The cost is approx 230 Euros for the 15 nights based on 3 people and a car per pitch.  https://www.karwendelcamp.com/

We currently have 3 activity leaders signed up who can lead a mix of kayaking, climbing, walking and MTBing.  There is likely to be one official activity on offer most days but this will be very flexible and will depend on what the leaders would like to do each day as well as opportunities for rest days. People are very welcome to arrange their own activities on a private basis as peers or hiring instructors/guides. More details can be found on the calendar https://aoac.co.uk/content/bavarian-alps-multi-activity-trip
 

We’ll be having a catch up on March 23^rd at the Inn on the Green to start putting together plans for the trip. Everyone is welcome to join us, from those who are definite to those who are just interested at this stage. The idea is to discuss activities, transport, how long people are planning to attend for and anything else people want to discuss. Hope to see lots of you there!

https://aoac.co.uk/content/bavaria-multi-activity-planning-meeting

Sarah Gay

Climbing News
It won’t be long until we start heading outdoors for some climbing on real rock! We have lots of plans from weekends away and day trips starting in April to weekly evening climbing sessions starting in May. If you would like to get involved a great way to start is getting comfortable with the ropes indoors. We have twice weekly indoor climbing sessions on the calendar over the next couple of months with opportunities for people of all levels including complete beginners on Tuesdays and novice upwards on Thursdays.
 
Why climb? In one word it’s awesome. In more words it’s like a physical puzzle, it’s social, it’s great for strength training, it’s part mental and part physical and it is a LOT of fun! If you're still not convinced come along and try it to find out for yourself!  
 
See you on the rock soon
Sarah Gay

Paddling News

All sorts of paddling events are on the calendar now....flat water paddles, white water paddles, canoe trips, sea kayaking....

If paddlesports are something you'd like to try, then why not start with the AOAC Paddlesport Taster Day in April:

If you have always wanted to ‘have a go’ or find out more about Paddlesports we are holding a taster day where you can come along and have a go in any craft available, canoe, various types of kayaks, whitewater, sea and touring.  This will all be under the guidance of our qualified coaches, leaders and assistants.  All kit will be provided and fitted by coaches.  No previous experience required as tuition will be included.

Come along and discover a new hobby or just have a fun day out on the river.

All participants can be put forward for the British Canoeing 'Start Award' which is the first step in paddlesports qualifications:

https://aoac.co.uk/content/aoac-paddlesport-taster-day-1

The learn to kayak courses are now on the calendar. Booking is not available yet but make a note of the date and book on asap to avoid disappointment.

https://aoac.co.uk/content/course-1-british-canoeing-paddle-discover-award-kayak-0
https://aoac.co.uk/content/course-2-british-canoeing-paddle-discover-award-kayak-0

The Monday evening coaching and weir sessions are also on the calendar. 

So much to look forward to.

Accounts from last weekend's salty kayaking weekend to South Pembrokeshire (a walk as well!)

Friday Paddle (#1)
Whilst Elinor's "A Team" braved the shipping lanes of Milford Haven playing chicken with oil tankers, Katie's more chilled paddlers opted for the scenic South coast of Pembrokeshire. This would be my first time on the water with my brand new sea kayak so was keen to get out there.  After assessing the sea, we elected to launch from Stackpole Quay, a sheltered little cove with an impressive harbour wall, giving it a grandeur above and beyond its size.

After shaking out our "sea legs",we set off east along the coast rock hopping amongst the swell. This coast is riddled with caves above and below the waterline.  As the swell breaks on the rocks, your kayak is sucked into caves as the sea rushes into them whilst air is forced out with a woosh and spray like the breath from the semi-submerged nostril of a petrified dragon.

Paddling past Barafundle Beach, we followed the coast to Western edge of Stackpole Head.  The swell was greater beyond the shelter of this promontory so we cautiously paddled round to the point.  The tall arches below are spectacular, opening to the east and south and would be great to paddle through on a calmer day, but today with the waves were breaking into them and creating a washing machine like maelstrom. We were happy just observing them.

Turning back east we followed the coast, this time "threading the needles", a pair of narrow arches under a sharp promontory.  As the tide was higher, we were able to pass through, though the width of the opening is less than a paddle length.  Landing on Barafundle Beach for 1st lunch we couldn't quite believe that this was still February as we sat in sunshine under huge blue skies.  Used my dog whispering skills on an overweight pug.

After lunch we headed East back past Stackpole Quay.  As with many things in life rock hopping in a swell is all about timing .... and luck.  Coming to a suitable gap amongst the emerging rocks, I asked Katie if I should go through it.  Our wise leader said we should wait a bit and watch.  Soon a large swell overwhelmed the rocks submerging both and broke on the cliff face behind them.  Had I been crossing them at that point I would have ended up on the high rocky ledges at the base of the cliffs!

2nd lunch was on the beach at Freshwater Bay where I charmed a terrier who had to be taught how to fetch a throw ball.

Paddling back to Stackpole Quay into the falling sun, with the contented feeling of a great day on the sea, a niggling anxiety was emerging.  The cafe would be shutting at 3.30pm.  Andy Lawrence and I took it on ourselves to forge ahead to save the day from being cake-less.  Landing on the rocky shore of the small harbour with our legs already out of the cockpit, we were out of our boats with the alacrity of ninjas.  Carrying both boats at the same time we made our way up the beach ignoring the sharp slippy rocks under foot and the aches in our muscles.  Though Andy started to falter, I urged him to think of the cake and with renewed resolve we made it to the road.  Running to the cafe we almost fell through the door still dripping, and through gasps for breath asked when they were closing? "About 10 mins ago" the waitress answered, but the sight of two bedraggled paddlers must have moved her and she took pity on us and decided to serve us!  Coffee was drunk and cake was eaten and all was well with the world.

A big thanks to Katie Wiltshire and David Elkington for a great day out and Elin Jones for making it all possible.

Dr Vinay Pandya

Pembrokeshire Paddle (#2)
So, the first trip of the year for the salty paddlers. Heading towards Pembrokeshire with one eye on the road and one on the weather and high winds, wondering if we would get any paddling at all.

Thursday night, we all convene in Manorbier ( Manor......bier!) youth hostel; the wind howling!

Friday, we're in luck, lovely blue skies and the wind has dropped.  A chance to paddle. So we formed 2 groups. Katie leads a group exploring the south coast along to Stackpole head and beautiful Barafundle bay.  A great place for rock hopping, exploring caves and arches and a chance to surf on the beach. Elinor leads the second group from Dale, crossing Milford haven and its shipping lanes (radios on and in contact with harbour authorities to avoid encounters with super tankers and ferries in this busy port). With sizeable swell we cross in parallel formation. Lunch at West Angle, otters spotted and a chance to surf (nice one Dave!). Back in time for lovely meal cooked by Elin.

And so Saturday, the winds returned. No chance to paddle on exposed coasts.  Sunday's forecast looked little better. While the rest of us dug out our walking boots, the leaders went to explore the Cleddau estuary to see if a Sunday paddle was possible for us. Putting in at Cleddau reach and paddling up  to Haverfordwest offered some shelter from winds but exposed areas were still challenging. 

The remainder of us enjoyed a walk along coast path from Stackpole quay to St Govans chapel (nestled in tiny cleft in the headland). A chance to witness (from above!) the power of the sea; crashing waves on the cliffs. A return via Bosheston, no lilies this time of year but opportunities for Vinay to play with any dog encountered on the way! Back in  time for the rugby (of course) and then off to the pub for some food with an unexpected chance to to play music with Rod and Dave strumming a few tunes on the guitar and a duet with Vinay on piano (we should start a band!)

But what about the chance to paddle on Sunday? Strong winds still howling, but the leaders planned to take us up the somewhat sheltered estuary. With lunch at Lawrenny quay and getting out at Black Tar. More otters spotted by those eagle eyed paddlers.. not me.

Another successful trip! All of us gaining new experiences in new and different sea conditions.  Special  thanks to Elin for organising the trip and Elinor, Katie, Dave and Martin for leading the trips.

Rodri Jones

Pembrokeshire Paddle (#3)
It started and finished with a chilly wind which whipped up the sea but the sun was out and we’re a tough lot so we paddled round the edges of the stormy sea, just avoiding being dashed on the rocks, surfed the clean waves onto the sand, dodged the oil tankers in Milford Haven and nibbled feistily on sandwiches on the beaches we conquered armed with bobble hats and gloves.

Fuelled by flapjacks, two otter sightings, piano duets and rugby and plenty of Hygge..

Laura Heape with additions from Andy Hains
 

If you have any interesting news/funny stories/free videos/tales of your favourite trips/tips that may help club members, in fact, anything that might be of interest/entertaining, to brighten up the next newsletter, please let me know at [email protected] . Thank you.

See you sometime soon.

Cathy x

Events