LUUCC

At the beginning of November each year, the club heads off to Hexham, Northumberland for the Tyne Tour Weekend. One of the largest tours still running in the UK, it attracts loads of boaters from all over the country (not just students!), most of whom come to run the classic Grade 2/3 North Tyne from Chollerford to Hexham. For us, it’s a fantastic first weekend trip to get all of our new members fully integrated into the club.

The weekend has several highlights. Minibuses up on the Friday night get everyone to the campsite in time for the time-honoured tradition of beers in possibly the busiest Weatherspoons you will ever see. After getting a few drinks in (quite a few in some cases!) its off to Donitos, Hexham’s one and only nightclub. Drunken dancing and sillyness ensues, often watched by confused and curious punters who wonder where all of these people have come from, with the occasional whispered “This is a local club for local people…”

An early morning start is softened by the appearance of bacon butties (veggie alternatives available), and a quick change into paddling gear and a short minibus ride takes us to the get-in for the river. For many of our new members, this is one of the first experiences of Grade 3 water, with the excitement of Chicken Chute and Warden’s Gorge the highlights. Senior club members are out in force to get everyone down the river safely and comfortably, with plenty of coaching along the way. It is a perfect trip to introduce beginners to the basics of whitewater, with enough to keep more advanced members interested and involved.

Saturday night is the ceilidh (pronounced kay-lee for anyone without a degree in Gaelic). For the uninitiated, this is basically a huge barn-dance with a live band and instructions on how to do all the dances. While it does not sound like everyone’s cup of tea, by the end of the evening everyone is up and dancing, as even the shyest dancers can’t help but be gripped by the superb atmosphere. Fun is had by all, and the night often continues till dawn, with spontaneous fire-poi and fire-juggling demonstrations, and much alcohol-fuelled banter back at the campsite.

Sunday morning is another chance to get on the river, especially those who were unable to get on on Saturday. For others, Sunday is (as God intended) a day of rest and recovery, and many members can be found in the local café enjoying a fried breakfast. Others choose to walk the local countryside, or walk into Hexham to chill out in pubs or café’s. Minibuses return everyone to Leeds on Sunday evening, and its not surprising to see everyone having a snooze in the bus on the way home having enjoyed a superb (if tiring!) weekend of partying and great paddling. Many friends are made at the Tyne Tour, and it holds its place as the first proper paddling weekend to kick-start the year. Miss it at your peril!

By Owen Jackson