Clydeport Paddle

Sunday 18 April , 12.30 for 1 pm

Yet again, we’re doing the annual paddle doon the Clyde - Glasgow Green to Erskine Bridge.

This year, we are emphasising safety for youth's under-18 (see below).

NO BEGINNERS - Paddlers should be able to paddle 10 miles against the wind in choppy water.

Newcomers to the SCA’s touring events should read the ‘Guidelines for participants’ at
http://www.scot-canoe.org/touring/contacts.htm

There is only a short period of time to pass through the tidal weir gates, so please be on time. We suggest you get your shuttle done well beforehand; it's best to park at Erskine take-out.

Launch site is at the Glasgow Schools rowing boathouse - beside the KingsBridge (A74) on Ballater St. Car entry from north-east end of bridge. Parking at Glasgow Green - see map. Please leave a clear route for other cars when you park. We are asking for a contribution of £1 to expenses (safety boat petrol, mailing info etc).

On the water for 1300 BST. Brief rest stop at 2 pm at Science museum; and food at Yoker approx 1530.

Watch out for rowers - they can’t see where they’re going...keep to river LEFT above the weir. After the weir - keep river RIGHT - as per other river traffic.

The tidal weir is 300 yds after the start - the weir gates lift, to allow us passage - but the opening time of the weir is very dependent on the current state of the tide (eg wind etc in estuary); it’s possible that the gates may only open for 10 mins or so - so we need to be there as they open. (Occasionally, the tide won’t allow the gates to open - so portage north bank via row club steps).

When the weir gates close, a dangerous ‘sump’ is created - so don't hang around.

If there is a strong headwind up the estuary, against the outgoing tide, then conditions can get very choppy.

Finish points
Renfrew/Yoker Ferry 6 miles - north (or south) slipways- (keep away from ferry landing area)

Erskine Bridge 10.5 miles South bank, upstream of bridge. Sandy beach, downstream of slipway. Be careful, sometimes there are nesting swans on the slipway.
To get there - M8 to Erskine bridge, come off before bridge, down to double roundabout. Take A726 east, after 100 yds, turn L, marked ‘Riverside House'; 1/4 mile down road, small car park.

Emergency exit points are marked on maps available from the organisers.

Safety
You are responsible for your own safety.
You should be able to paddle 10 miles - there are very few exit points in 1st 7 miles.
Paddle with a buddy.
Beware water quality - splashes are OK, but big volumes (eg capsize) can be a hazard to health. If you fall unwell in the days after the event, you should report to your GP that you’ve been exposed to dirty estuary water. If significant ‘flu like illness then the possibility of leptospirosis means that penicillin may be required before blood test results come back.
Bouyancy aids to be worn; carry spare clothing, food, fluids (at least 1 litre) and group 1st aid kit. There will be a safety boat in attendance; emergency mobile phone no’s - see below.
The banks / steps at entry / exit points can be slippy, so be careful with where you step esp. when carrying loads; and wear appropriate footwear.

Note that in the city there are very few exit points due to vertical quay walls .
Beware wash from river traffic – including the ferry ‘Pride of the Clyde’.

U-18 safety – Last year, we ended up towing a youngster who’d lost their group, in the teeth of a fair upstream wind, against the choppy tide. We were very concerned by this, so you’ll understand why we are insisting on tighter safety for youths this year
That youths u-18 be experienced apprpriate to 2 star level + be able to paddle 10 miles
Junior consent forms each person under 18 - available here soon.
The parent, or an adult nominated by the parent, accompanies every 4 youths
That leaders of groups that include youths are responsible for keeping groups together at all times.

We reserve the right (as per SCA guidelines ) to refuse participation in the tour, to paddlers who do not appear to be capable of managing 10 miles in choppy, windy water.

"As this trip is being run under the auspices of the S.C.A., third party liability insurance applies to members of the S.C.A., B.C.U., C.A.N.I. or W.C.A. whilst participating on the trip. Non-members are reminded that they participate on the understanding that no liability can be assumed by the organiser, touring committee or national body for them or their actions."
Non SCA members are strongly advised to have liability insurance.

Enjoyed the tour? Then check out the SCA’s touring calendar for other tours - there’s a couple on every weekend, for all classes of paddlers.

Contact - On the day Graeme Henderson 0141 571 3806, 07766 117368 Andy Watt - wattsupdoc@mac.com 07765 080 361 Safety Boat 07884 307 441 Estuary control 01475 726 221