Thank You Island Barn

I’m not used to writing love letters, but today it is time. In early 2023 we at Hampton-Molesey we struggling with the weather, most of our events were having to be be cancelled due to to higher river flows on the River Thames. After the great start in 2022, this was very disappointing, not only for the AquaPaddlers but also for the Crew. We really enjoy running the AquaPaddle Events. Something had to be done.

So the south of Molesey Village there is a medium sized Thames Water Reservoir and on there is Island Barn Reservoir Sailing Club. We had heard mixed reports about how friendly they were to paddlers. I think they had had bad experiences in the past. So, one day I took the plunge and headed over, and climbed 60+ steps up to the rim of the man-made lake. There I was fortunate to meet Michelle Ryder, small in stature but big in heart. She couldn’t have be more friendly. Michelle was the Welfare Officer for the Sailing Club and was interested in what we were doing and immediately understood the concept, that we were following the “Parkrun” model and it was a free event for the benefit of the community. Michelle said she would have discuss it with the committee and would comeback to me.

We only had to wait a short while and apart from a few safety detail including making sure we were clear of the water by about 10am when the sailing started, we were good to go for a test run. On 14th May 2023, we run our first AquaPaddle on Island Barn Reservoir. It was a very successful event and it was great to be able to ran an AquaPaddle after so many had been cancelled. However, two weeks later we were back on The Thames and there we remained for the Summer.

Come late October 2024, it started to rain and it hasn’t really stopped. We had to cancel the AquaPaddle at the end of October. This was a shame as it was the Halloween AquaPaddle. After a quick call to Michelle, she said she would have to check with the committee. A few days later we got the good news that we could come back. There we have remained since 12th November 2023.

The sailing club, couldn’t have been more helpful, and welcoming. Some of the sailors have taken part in the our events and some of the AquaPaddlers have become members of the sailing club. The Refreshments are always ready for when we come off the water, hot drinks and warm sausage rolls, plus so much more.

Through the cold damp winter and into the even wetter Spring, we have never missed an event. We have celebrated Christmas and Easter at the Reservoir. Even when the winds were a bit marginal elsewhere the design of the reservoir, plus the fact that Thames Water drained most of the water out, ment that we were protected from the worst effects winds by the high walls. But then, on the cold still mornings with the sun just coming up over the horizon, it is the most beautiful of places. To the south is Sandown Race course on Sandown Hill and beyond that the North Downs. Looking the other way there is West London and Berkshire.

The ability to be able to exercise regularly through the cold dark days of Winter has helped many paddlers who struggle with Mental Health challenges that they have at this time of year. It has helped others maintain their fitness, giving them a focus to the off the water training, when the chances of going paddling were challenging, except at AquaPaddle.

Being the Captain and sometime one of the Crew, when Becky was in charge, has given me some extremely tranquil moments. Watching the AquaPaddlers paddle round the edge of the lake on a crisp early spring morning, with the water lapping at my board, listening to the radio chatter from the crew, as they point out this and that with the paddlers, who was doing well or who was struggling. Giving help or advice where needed.

Then, when all had finished, over a hot cuppa, the chatter from all the paddlers, Crew and AquaPaddlers, alike. Who had done what time. The high speed K1 paddlers smashing out the 5km route in under 25 minutes to the first timer on an all round paddleboard, super thrilled with themselves for completing the route, safely and in a time that surprised them.

None of this would have been possible without the help of Michelle, the Committee and Members of the very wonderful Island Barn Reservoir Sailing Club. Thank you, it has meant a huge amount to so many people.