TT Paddlers - canoeing and kayaking group

TT Paddlers is a loose collection of English-speaking kayakers and canoeists who regularly meet up for paddle sessions in and around Munich.

This discussion thread is for general chat about paddling in and around Munich.

See also the related discussion: Date and location of forthcoming paddle outings.

Anyone wanting to paddle at the Augsburg Whitewater site on a regular basis? I`m planning on travelling two or three times a week from North Munich, to Augsburg and would offer transport to other paddlers interested in paddling there. For those who have not been there, its an awesome venue, the main channel offers some great grade IV whitewater water & playwaves, there are two other channels offering moderate and easy whitewater. The restaurant is good and it a fun place to hang out on a warm day. So far, have not met any other English speaking paddlers there. Anyone?

Yes me please!

I've done paddling with a dragon boat team back home. How advanced do you have to be for kayaking in grade IV whitewater? I'd love to give it a go!

Cheers,
Y.

Hi Y...I think...although not certain..that they have dragon boat racing out at the flatwater site (near Unterschleisheim, the Olympic Rowing venue)

I perhaps would not advise jumping right into grade IV water!! If you are interested in learning/improving, there is a small group of paddlers I am coaching here in Eching you would be welcome to join, once you have some basic skills, the easier channel at Augsburg is great for progresive paddlers, its even lit at night, which makes fall paddling possible. I would suggest you hook up with us out at the lake initially and go from there., or simply come along to Augsburg next time and see what you think. Ideally, what I`m trying to promote is getting a small group of paddlers active here on a regular basis. There is some awesome paddling all around Bavaria, and Austria has some of the best Whitewater in Europe.

I generally have a spare boat etc if you don`t have your own.

I`ll put up a post when I know when we are heading out to Augsburg next.

dave

Great initiative - count me in.

JG

BTW I'm also able to offer transport for people/boats

I'm a bit of a "has been" paddler, with some fond memories of playing about at Augsburg in the early 90's. I still have my Topolino in the cellar and all the gear. Sometimes I think there'd be nothing like just jumping on the Eiskanal again just for the rush;-) Is it the "zoom flume" half way down, that hits you with force, gobbles you up, then spits you out in the air? Great stuff, indeed.

I've done sections of the Inn, Otz, Trisana and Loisach, but what are the other rivers nearby that are good? I've often looked at the river flowing down the Hinteriss valley and thought it would be good fun.

later,
-Colin.

I'm also a "has been" paddler, but we're talking late-80s slalom kayaking. As a paddler I used to hate the swimmers in the Eiskanal, but nowadays I prefer swimming myself.

See also: Eiskanal - Wikipedia

Hey Colin, sounds like time to dust off the Topolino !!

I'm also a has been paddler, and talk every year about getting back into it. I still have a spraydeck, 2 slalom paddles, and a schlegl for white water.

Did somebody say they have a spare boat. What kind? My new best friend!!!

I've some some top white water in the alps. Its great, the hotter the day, the more water in Spring, unlike in Ireland where I learnt, and the more rain and miserable, the more water.

Cool. Sounds like there are some cobwebs to be brushed of some boating gear!

Editor Bob, I also was an 80`s slalom paddler. Going to Augsburg has me fired up to have a second go round around the gates and hopefully hit some "Masters" slaloms next year (although the term "Masters" has me somewhat spooked!)

MadAxeMurderer huh. You sound like a fun guy to boat with! I do have a spare boat from the end of the month (Dagger Redline) you`d be welcome to try. Theres also a healthy turnover of inexpensive, used boats on www.soulboater.de if you get back into paddling. I`m sure between all of us, we can get enough boats together. I even have an Irish paddle. Will you bring your own axe?

Chantily, give me a call or email (0151-110-45454 - info@polarquest.us) if you want to come along to Augsburg next trip, or get in a boat .

Would be fun if we can get a group trip out there one weekend soon.

JayGee, how does your schedule look for a weekend paddle?

William, if you are out there, hows it going getting your kit & and do you also need a boat or are you bringing one from the UK?

Anyone wanting to try paddling on flat water first can come on out to the lake in Eching, evenings are best, and I can pick you up at Lohof station if you do not have a vehicle.

Perhaps we have a TT Whitewater team by next year!

Colin, are you going to drag out your Topo? I`d for sure be into making some trips to the Inn this fall if you are interested. Dave

about 2 weeks ago I was on a raft trip on the Vlata River - not real big rapids, but a few wiers where one of our canoes did tip, you could choose from rafts(2-6 person), canoes and kayaks. Was alot of fun, not sure if I could do the Eiskanal though.

I think Sunday might be a possibility - how about a session on the lake and then head over to the Ismanning bridge? If you're without a car I'd be happy to drive.

I could bring the touring boats over as well if you're still interested in using them on the lake.


Or at least the beginning of TTKC...

JG

Saturday would be good at the lake. Also have the car back then so can also go the Ismaning wave afterward. Touring boats would be good to have at the lake also, thanks.

Anyone else wishing to join us, email me and I`ll set up time/place directions etc etc.

Dave

Carm,

There is a rafting outfit out at Augsburg, I think the Eiskanal would be a blast in a paddle boat. i`ll try and find a link, but am sure if you Google rafting Augsburg, it will bring up the site. Where is the Vlata river?

Dave

Saturday afternoon *might* be possible - I'll check with the boss...

JG

JayGee...I meant Sunday...sorry

Prefer the Eiskanal first, although powerful, it is safe. I'm sure the topo is okay, but I have to check my dry-top and spray deck first to see if nothing's perished. Last time they saw action was nearly 10 years ago now on a spate run of the Orchy on the west coast of Scotland. Was great fun, but kind of summed up my career as a paddler: getting reverse looped and being upside down half the time;-) First weekend I could make it would be Sept 22nd. That reminds me, I'll put some old Scottish boating slides onto Flickr...

That makes life easier - I'll give you a bell to arrange time, etc.

JG

Sounds good JG

Colin, 22nd Sept would be good for me also for a blast in the Eiskanal. I too have been hammered in the Orchy!! Perhaps, to go along with your slides, I`ll add a wee nip or two in my boat! Look forward to it!!

Dave

Just returned from the cellar and found all my boating gear to be present & correct, so looks like Saturday the 22nd is on. I could do with 20 mins of flat water rolling practice first, just to get my shit together again, then I can go and eat some big time cubic-feet-per-second bubbles. I'll put the camera in, take some action shots after I get sick of swimming;-) Let's hope the sun is shining. Anybody else coming along?

-Colin.

thanks for the tip,

The Vlata starts near the Czech-Austrian Boarder- we started in Vissy Brod and paddled up to Czesky Budjwovic (spellling- where they make the Budwar). It goes further on thru Prague.

The way I see it is that if the MadAxeMurderer from Ireland was to show up, Colin the Scot & JG from England also, I could fill in for a Welshman as I do oddly enough speak Welsh...then we would have the proverbial Englishman, Scotsman, Irishman & Welshman...all eating bubbles in the Eiskanal. Oh, there is an Aussie also on here that may come along to partake the colonial carnage...

polarquest, you must be referring to me!

I asked for visitors and they're all coming to visit me here. The only weekend I have free is 15/9 - 16/9 until the beginning of Oct. Hopefully you guys are planning a trip that weekend. Otherwise, let me know when I can join a crash course one evening.

It's because we've had (and are getting more) visitors that I *need* to get on the water...

JG

Hi Chantilly...yes, you where the refered to one!!! 16th I`ll be out at Augsburg. Evenings though are generally good, perhaps we can set etc, so we could combine that. PM me what evenings would suit you and I`ll see what I can co-ordinate.

MadAxeMurderer, are you up for joining us at the Eiskanal on the 22nd? If you have some gear, I can loan you a boat...

Dave

hi OR HI ANGIN TO THOUSE WHO ALEREADY KNEW ME
I AM UP FOR WEEKEND PADDLES
I LIE AT MOOSCH SO QUITE NEAR ECHING
JAMES

Kayaking Dates:

Sunday 16th September, Afternoon flat water paddling Eching. Call or email me if you need a ride/pickup (Lohof Station)

Sunday 23rd September. Augsburg Eiskanal. Whitewater, Beer & Food. Chance to get wet, be hammered in the washmachine, meet other paddlers etc etc etc. Again, call or email me if you need a ride out there etc.

Dave

0-1510110-45454

info@polarquest.us

I'm good for both the 16th and the 23rd paddles.

I'm also open to offering lifts* if anyone needs one.

@PQ: Have you agreed a meet-up time/place with anyone yet? If not then I'd suggest 11:00 at your place for the 16th and maybe a bit earlier on the 23rd to allow for the drive.

JG

* I'll be travelling from the NE corner of Munich.

I'm doing an overnight hike this weekend so can't make it this Sunday.

I'd luv to come along to Augsburg for a paddle!

Y.

Good session yesterday.

Just to confirm what we discussed in prep for next week at Augsburg...
1) I'm okay to drive and can take a roof load of boats
2) We should make a day of it with an early(ish) start, probably meeting at PolarQuest's (near Lohhof SBahn) to load cars etc
3) A day ticket is Eur14 (if anyone is checking)
4) I'll take the portable BBQ and arrange for jacket potatoes and chilli (or such like) for eats

JG

Sorry for the late reply, just back from 2 weeks holiday. I'd love to come on Saturday but probably am not going to make it. So count me out out for this one.

Eiskanal meet is on SUNDAY 23rd...

Non paddling, wanna paddle, has been paddlers...or anyone else for that matter arewelcome to join us...!

curious to try this out, but surely it's going to be a bit cold on sunday ? I know I'm frozen after cycling in to work this morning!

Sunday 23rd Weather Forecast:

24c Clear & Sunny

The adrenaline warms you up.

So, happy paddlers, shall we meet up about 12-noon at the Eiskanal?

Any chance I could hitch a lift with someone ? Also what should I bring with me ?
I figure while it might be sunny, the water isn't gonna be a nice 24c

Plans for Sunday paddling at Augburg:

JG, can you meet me here at Lohof to load boats, gear etc at 10am, that should put us in Augsburg at about 11-11.30 ? Also are you able to pick up James? (James are you coming?)...

There are a couple of you in the city, both needing rides, there are at least two others travelling from the city with vehicles. If you have space for those needing rides, can you post here or PM them to make arrangements.

The alternative is to ride out to Lohof station on the Sbahn, and either JG or I can tie you on the roof with the boats.

JG, are you still good to bring the grill? If we all bring along something we should be good.

I`ll post directions to the Eiskanal here shortly.

Email or call me if you need to know anything further. 0151-110-45454

Dave

Hi All,

Just read the post about the canoeing, sounds a familiar story. Haven't paddled to speak of since the 80s when canoeing was my life. I still have a premier image here in Germany but it's seen better days and not sure if it's up to the Kanal. Very tempted to try and meet up with you on Sunday. God where the hell is the rest of my gear???

Go on, dig out the Premier!!! I also hope to get in a slalom boat for the first time in...23yrs!!!..this weekend. I have spare paddles etc if you can`t find your gear. The more the merrier!! Hope you can make it. We aim to be there about 11-11.30. We have three huskies with us also so should be easy to find/hear...!

Dave

Eiskanal directions:

If you use Google Maps, just type in Augsburg Eiskanal, get directions, will take you right there. If that does not work, email me and I`ll copy it to you.

Once you get into Augsburg, it is signed and not hard to find.

For finding each other, I have three huskies with me in a silver Toyota Corolla. The main Eiskanal rapid has grassed terraces either side of it, I guess we will set up there somwhere with the grill and a bunch of boats. Plus we have the wonder of cell phones...

Dave

Am I missing something here? €14 for a day ticket??? Back in the days I'm sure this was free...

Man! ain`t nothin for free!!!

Yep, 14 bucks per day..per boat, but they seem quite relaxed if you want to be a bandit! I think we can figure something out as a group as not everyone woill be on the water at the same time .

And it did used to be free...until last year...

Actually more concerned if the boat 'll still float these days, was a couple of pounds lighter when I was competing then :-) Will see if I can get over though.

@James: I'll PM you with my email address and mobile number so that we can hook up.


Yep - I'll bring the grill and some eats.

@PQ: I'll also *try* to remember the guide book that I keep promising to drop off with you...

Hey All,

Here's food for thought. Last time I was paddling we didn't have mobile phones and no one had ever heard of the internet.

How on earth did we manage? :-)

If anyone else from the Ulm region fancies trying their hand at kayaking or just meeting up, will have space in the car so more than welcome to have a lift.

I've also got a big open Canadian. Is anyone game to try paddling that on Sunday or that just a little too ambitious at the moment?

I`ll take a ride in the open boat with you ...I think we have enough bodies present to pick up the pieces!! Do have air bags in it?

dave

Last time I looked there was an airbag but sure I could fashion something for a day or so. I'll have a look and see if I can do something.