First climb of the year!

This week the sun hasen't stopped shining so I spot of climbing was in order.  Me and CJ headed of for an afternoon of multipitching at Dunkeld.

The crag is in a really nice place high above the Tay with a great view down the vally from the top.

Great view from the belays, source

We warmed up on the V Diff Holy Tree Grove both agreeing it was great to be back climbing.  CJ then climbed two great severes: Cutical Crack and Kestral Crack.  I then was keen to get a bit scared so then climbed the pushy route VS Springboard.

Cheers CJ for driving and I look forward to a bit more climbing soon

BUCS Slalom at HPP

On the last weekend in February, 15 intrepid slalomers headed down to HPP for the annual BUCS Slalom competition.

Jonny half way down his C1 run

After an excelent 4 hours sleep, the racing began on Saturday with the men's K1 and Mixed team events.  All put in a good effort resulting in a top 20 position and many other good positions.

Sam bashing down in the K1 men category

In the mixed team, an unfortunate swim in Jonny, Kirsty and Amy's team meant they DNF however a valiant effort from Calum, Camile and Rebecca secured them 6th place.

Camile, Rebbeca and Calum, Mixed team

Sunday played host to the C1, C2, K1 women's and men's team race.  This is the day that we really excelled.  Some great C1 and C2 paddling resulted in 6 top 20 positions and the men's teams came 10th and 11th.  Amy had a great run with only 4 secs. of penalties coming 13th out of 39. 

Jonny, Calum and James in men's team.

The amazing team effort on the weekend meant that as a university we came 3rd overall beating the likes of: Durham and Nottingham.  So well done everyone, and thanks to Patrick for your continued encouragement and motivation.

The awesome STAUCC, Photo Giles Shepard

Full results can be seen here

BUKE planning weekend in the Lakes

On the 18th of February Sam Sawday and myself drove down to just outside Kendal to meet the rest of the BUKE team in the bunkhouse for a weekend of; paddling and planning.

The new team line up

Unfortunatley the bunkhouse that I booked didn't have the plush 4 poster beds I was expecting so I foolishly left my sleeping bag at home resulting in a couple of very chilly nights in my group shelter.

Sam cruising on the Kent

The levels on Saturday were fairly low so we decided to paddle the Kent and Leven.  Theses are two great grd. 3/4 runs that the team enjoyed befor heading back to the barn for some planning.

The water cunningly hiding my lack of BA!

 Plans were hached, sponsorship deals were disscussed and a tasty spagetti bolognase was cooked in a microwave and kettle after we realised that again our "plush" bunkhouse didn't contain a cooker!

Sam and Joe planning

On Sunday we decided to go for a walk to get to know the team a bit better which was great fun and involved a certain amount of sheep hearding much to Joe's ammusmant.

Cheers guys for a great weekend, and see you all at NSR for some beach mayhem!

Fort william film fest

On Friday members from STAUCC joined EUCC for the Fort william Film Fest weekend.  We watched; "Wild Water" and "Searching for the Rivergod" by Olaf Obsommer, which were both great.


Photo Sam Roberts, Paddler James McMahan
tripple step on the Etive

On Saturday Sam, Jonny and James paddled the Roy Gorge with Eoghain Johnson in the morning then later caught EUCC on the Etive at a great level.  After EUCC ran it with everyone, the keen beans ran it uber fast which was great fun!

Photo Sam Roberts, paddler Jonny Hawkins
Right angle Falls, Etive

The rain over night brought the Nevis up just enough to get down it.  So on Sunday, the keen beans paddled it and the rest of EUCC did the roy.

Photo by David Russle, Paddler Jonny
Polldubh Falls, Nevis on a previous trip.

Cheers Sandy for organising it and Sam and James for some STAUCC power!
 

Photo Sam Roberts, Paddler Jonny Hawkins
Right Angle falls, Etive 



Photo Sam Roberts, paddler James McMahan
River Etive in the beautifull Glen









Great success at SUS polo

At the end of inter-semester break STAUCC heads over to Glasgow for the annual “Scottish Universities Sport” Canoe Polo tournament.

The weekend starts with a night out in Glasgow (a highlight for most) where we had a few bears at the Landsdown than onto a club to dance the night away.

The first games were the heats where we (A team) won all our games, and the girls won all but 1 (to Glasgow).  This meant the girls were in the final against Glasgow.

We played our B team next which after a shaky start we won 4-1.  

 

Next we faced the mighty Edinburgh.  This time the boys focused straight from the start in what turned out to be a physical and fast pace game resulting in a 2-0 win earning ourselves a place in the final.

 

Next the girls played their Final against Glasgow the raining champs for over 6 years.  They all pitched in and stepped their game up.  Camille and Kirstie score the winning goals meaning the St Andrews girls were SUS champs!

 

The men’s final was against the much focused Dundee.  We put up a valiant effort surprising Dundee with our blossoming canoe polo abilities.  The game was exiting from the start with Dundee getting 2 quick goals.   Our determination however shone through as we drew level with 2 goals from myself and Calum.  Dundee then unfortunately scored in the last few minutes of play meaning they deservedly became the SUS champs.

  

Cheers Patrick for organising the comp and well-done everyone 

that competed!  

Tilt – Perthshire gem

The day after we got back from skiing there was rain in the skies so a trip down the local Perthshire gem was in order.

Photo- Charlie beard, from previous trip

 The snow on the ground and in the trees made the walk in almost enjoyable after leaving the car at the bottom of the road.

Photo- Charlie beard, from previous trip

The awesome grade 4 gorges were paddled with a couple of inspections and lots of go-pro action. (video to come)

We all had a great time on the run with special mention to Sam having a spectacular little swim on a wave just near the end.

Cheers Sam and Craig for a great paddle

Skiing, Saucisson, and Sangria

As a little treat for after exams, 6 of us headed put to Les Carroz to stay in Cami’s apartment for a spot of skiing. 

We had great weather and managed to ski all over the Les Carroz area and into the neighbouring Flaine resort.

 James, after skiing once before ended up on all the black runs we could find.

 Thanks to Laura, James, Emma and Kristy for a great trip and to Camille for arranging it!