Balmy Summer Evening Paddling Comes to an End

On Thursday 25^th September we saw out our last evening paddle for 2025.

It is always an event mixed with emotion because the excitement of an illuminated night paddle weighs heavily against the acknowledgement that summer is over! The dragon’s head looked spectacular lit up, and no doubt our image was a bit spooky as we paddled in unison with our head torches beaming out across the River Stour. Loch Ness Monster springs to mind.

We had many adventures this summer, a variety of helms, a mixture of crew, some invited guests, and always appreciative bystanders, waving us on and shouting chants of encouragement. The weather conditions were mainly kind to us and we made the most of the summer evenings thanks to our remarkably reliable helms, without whom we couldn’t go out in the boat. Their aptitude and concern for safety, always so reassuring.

We had an amazing summer with so many glorious paddles on the River Stour. We will continue to share the river with fishermen, paddle boarders, kayaks, canoes, hire boats, jumping fish, kingfishers, herons, cormorants and the occasional seal.

So, it’s goodbye to summer, but hey; winter doesn’t stop us because most days are warm enough that we continue with our daytime paddle with our inspiring and friendly team.

Paddling will now commence during the day on either Wednesday or Thursday, weather dependent, and as always, on Sunday mornings.