Forum Topic

Brentford Waterside Festival

Rather later in the year for 2007, doubtless hoping it's warmed up by then, and held over 5 Sundays to ensure one at least is sunny!Sunday 29 July 2007 to Sunday 26 August 2007First and last are family days, second and penultimate for 'young professionals', middle one for senior citizens.Sadly, perhaps because it's too late now to be useful propoganda, ISIS have failed to sponsor it this year. However credit where credit's due, BW have come up trumps.I'm trying to get an 'aqua-bike' demo and competition going for those who don't mind getting wet. Any ideas of your own? Let me know and I'll pass them on.

Nigel Moore ● 6578d42 Comments

To answer earlier questions by Jamie:If the Rowing Eight record was 2km in 5.19 mins, then that equates to 14.4 mph.The ‘Decavitator’ record was 24.87 mphRecent speed championships in Germany seem to have topped that, with AquaSkippers coming close, one of them doing around 24 mph.Currently, international windsurfing championships are being held on the Isle of Wight, and AquaSkipper UK are sponsoring speed and distance events. (Distance record for an AquaSkipper is 13 kilometres).http://www.aquaskipperuk.com/

Nigel Moore ● 6487d

You're welcome Joan.Will have to get some more photo's from follow-up sessions if the weather holds up. Andrew's keen, most are when they start getting an inkling of how it feels when it works. It apparently can get very discouraging when you never even get started.

Nigel Moore ● 6488d

  Thank you so much Nigel.

Joan Perry ● 6488d

Ah okay Nigel, I'll try again. If it doesn't work you'll hear a big scream from Australia.

Joan Perry ● 6488d

Thanks Joan - the changed codes had foxed me as well, one now has to use the 'direct link' code.Obviously can't take credit for the photo's, I lent my camera to Lydia, (one of our boaters) who did the honours. She may have skived off taking a more active and damper part, but she and her partner Garry provided much needed practical and moral support.

Nigel Moore ● 6488d

Sorry about that Nigel. Photobucket have changed their codes and I'm not used to it yet. I'll try again.[IMG]http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s144/joan5075/smileyclapping2.gif[/IMG]

Joan Perry ● 6488d

Well done Nigel Fabulous photos.

Joan Perry ● 6488d

Looks like two brave local celebs to me..cutting a dash in the Brentford canal.  Great for us to see the pictures. LolsHasn't Andrew already been in the news this weekend?  He is featured in the current Brentford & Chiswick Times "Focus" article (page 7)... a half-page spread about his activities....where he also created a SPLASH!

Jim Lawes ● 6488d

Nigel - I thought this second of my three attempts (with the help of the push) was rather more successful than the others!  I'd definitely be up for giving it another try later in the week and recommend others to give it a shot.Its less embarassing than just a very strange feeling riding (and sinking!) on this device.Andrew

Andrew Dakers ● 6488d

I reverted to the quayside start and re-discovered the knack, reaching the pontoons successfully at last to very gratifying applause:A few more turns to show off, glad that I’d at least shown that the improbable was possible:I’d have carried on trying out more tricks, but was running out of puff – don’t take up smoking!I think we provided some entertainment though, on the water instead of just alongside it.

Nigel Moore ● 6488d

Thank goodness for a little bold support! Cllr Dakers was prepared to brave the elements and the goggling crowd. I thought a bit of push would be helpful for the initial start off:I can’t help feeling that being embarrassed to be seen on such a contraption and riding low in the water didn’t help:It can’t be said however, that adversity was not met with a smile:What politicians will do to demonstrate community involvement! (And for a photo opportunity, - should have thought of inviting Ann Keen down!)

Nigel Moore ● 6488d

So where were all the keen volunteers? Beautiful day, plenty of waterspace, but with supposedly enthusiastic friends piking out!Have to say, I’d been out of practice having busted a rib, and my first attempts were woeful.My initial start off was from the Gauging Lock centre, but it seemed a little too low. Having the railings lined with onlookers was also a little intimidating:Convinced of the low position being the problem I tried pushing off from the centre of the Lock gates:That was better, sort of:But I still didn’t get far before the inevitable sinking feeling took over:

Nigel Moore ● 6488d

Have fun tomorrow Nigel..and everyone else.My camera has had to go in for repair following those St John's Road pictures ..taken in the rain. LCD screen mucked up by a big drip it seems!! ;0)There was a red sky tonight..so your Canalside activities should be in glorious sunshine!

Jim Lawes ● 6489d

I take grave exception to the implications of that remark Jim!To clarify, I haven't been banned from trying it out, BW wouldn't approve AquaSkipper's rep.'s long distance attempt down the Grand Union because of concerns over the river/canal bed on health & safety issues (?!)With the proviso that tomorrow's weather equals today's, I shall take my 'contraption' up to the lock around 2pm, hopefully with a few brave souls willing to try it out.One or two of our young male councillors have expressed their desire to try it out - here's your opportunity! Anyone else ready for it also, - come prepared to get wet.For those anxious over 'permission' isues, be reassured that it's fully licenced, and BW's Patrol officer was taken with the idea. (He did decline my offer of participation though).Let's get a bit of water use into the festival.Jim, bring your camera, - the failures tend to be more fun than the successes!

Nigel Moore ● 6489d

This was the nautical contraption that Nigel was planning to demonstate at the Festival...and one can imagine that he was relieved that permission was not granted!!

Jim Lawes ● 6515d

Thanks Nigel for the great pictures of the Festival. Also thank you Jim for rescuing them. I would love to go down the canal in one of the old canal boats. Nice to see you had a lovely sunny day.

Joan Perry ● 6515d

First of the Festival days today. A good turn-out of people on a fine, sunny day.--------------------------------------------------------- Sad to see virtually nothing happening on the water apart from the kayaks and the trip boat.---------------------------------------------------------Nice to see a pair of working boats though, attracting a lot of interest.---------------------------------------------------------Otherwise, stalls of comestibles, scarves and jewellery.---------------------------------------------------------A merry-go-round.---------------------------------------------------------Good to see Whizz-Bikes taking part, offering bikes for rent.---------------------------------------------------------And the promised band doubtless appeared at some point.---------------------------------------------------------Thanks for the pictures Nigel.

Jim Lawes ● 6516d

Crumbs, first failure in a long time, apologies all round. Can't see what the problem was, will have to sort it later.

Nigel Moore ● 6516d

First of the Festival days today. A good turn-out of people on a fine, sunny day. Sad to see virtually nothing happening on the water apart from the kayaks and the trip boat.Nice to see a pair of working boats though, attracting a lot of interest:Otherwise, stalls of comestibles, scarves and jewellery:A merry-go-round:Good to see Whizz-Bikes taking part, offering bikes for rent:And the promised band doubtless appeared at some point:It sadly needed some Aqua-skippering fun on the water though!

Nigel Moore ● 6516d

Well, BW are dropping yet further in my regard, they’ve now spiked a great water sport event and activity at this coming Sunday’s festival! As if aqua-skipping was any more hazardous than kayaking with eskimo rolls etc!Meanwhile of course, their partners Ballymore have nobbled the boatyard tour. I’ll just have to reply to the Organiser and disappoint her further! Her latest email:Subject: RE: BRENTFORD WATERSIDE FESTIVALHi Nigel, Sadly British Waterways didn’t agree with the idea of the Aqua Skipper and hence was unable to follow it up. Either Duncan or Dave tried calling me but I didn’t get their numbers so we’ve been unable to pursue this activity. Such a shame. Were you still interested in doing a boatyard tour? If so, which day would be good for you and we’ll get it up on the programme of events on the website. Speak soon, Ingrid------------------------------Well Conal, any comment on your former employer's lack of support for sports?

Nigel Moore ● 6520d

Just received an email from the Aqua-skipper distributor who's up for participating. Their "Face of Aqua-Skipper" Dave, is trying a distance record down the Grand Union and plans to finish up with an arrival at the Festival.Have to boast that I tried mine last Sunday afternoon - did it right 1st time, but haven't yet licked turning corners. (Well I turn the corner fine, I just can't keep going once turned!)Problem is, starting off from our entrance, there's no help but to aim for the opposite bank. Only 60' away, one has to start turning almost immediately (it's fast!)I started getting the feeling that the more spectators congregated, the worse I got, but the fun is all in the failures.

Nigel Moore ● 6563d

Single human yes Jamie. Seems a long time ago, surprising if no improvement made since then, but I haven't had time to investigate further.

Nigel Moore ● 6574d

thats a water speed record for a single human right?the wr time for an eight over two km is 5.19 (US - ergos DO float apparently) - cant be bothered with the maths at the mo tho.

Jamie Halliday ● 6574d

For those intrigued by how the Hobie-Kayak works:It looks so silly, but it sure does work.

Nigel Moore ● 6574d

15 Knots = 17.3 mph; 20 knots = 23 mph, you’ll have to convert miles to kilometres and thus kph to mtrs /sec for yourself!

Nigel Moore ● 6575d

how fast is 18 knots in mph and metres per second?

Jamie Halliday ● 6575d

Hi Jim; why do you think Morris Dancers might not be allowed- I think anything to do with a local folk tradition in this area with so much history, would be encouraged...it would be great!

Helen Martin ● 6575d

I think the Hobie Kayak is more up my street for long distance low carbon travel by water (http://www.upandunder.co.uk/eshop/catalogue/testbs.asp?Manufacturer_ID=420&Activity_ID=5&Description_ID=275) ...but I'm certainly up for giving the Aqua Bike a try (just not all the way to Westminster!)Andrew

Andrew Dakers ● 6576d

"Of cousre it might not be allowed these days!!"As far as live music in buildings is concerned, Morris Dancing is about the only thing that is allowed (without paying a fortune for the license) : from the Licensing Act 2003:Schedule 1, Part 2, Clause 11 states:The provision of entertainment or entertainment facilities is not to be regarded as the provision of regulated entertainment for the purpose of this Act to the extent that it consists of the provision of (a) a performance of Morris dancing or any dancing of a similar nature or the performance of unamplified, live music as an integral part of such a performance, or (b) facilities for enabling persons to take part in entertainment of a description falling within paragraph (a).

Tim Henderson ● 6576d

NigelHow about some Morris Dancers..performing near that waterfall...where the sundial is? There are plenty of MD clubs along the canals. Datchet Morris Dancers used to be very popular when they used to appear at the Osterley Chinese Restaurant at Christmastime..all dressed in Father Xmas outfits!..dancing and playing carols!! Of cousre it might not be allowed these days!!

Jim Lawes ● 6577d

Somebody in the Twickenham area used to own one of the early James Bond sports cars which floated - it drove past us one evening, down the slipway, up and down the river then back up the slip way again.  We didn't notice of course ......The schools all enter engineering competitions - so why not one to design something to race in?  Bit like that (daft ... ;-)) end of pier flying competition held on the South Coast - Bognor?

Sarah Felstead ● 6577d

Why don’t we have a human-powered waterspeed record attempt?The “Decavitator” currently holds the record:  But that was back in 1991! They hit 18.5 knots, which the AquaSkipper is supposed to be capable of. Surely there must be more recent efforts?Other craft in competition:The Flying Fish II:  The Hydroped:  Anonymous:  And others: Why not a Hobie Kayak? – there’s one zipping around on the Thames close by.

Nigel Moore ● 6577d

I would love to see Jim or Nigel on the 'AquaSkipper'.  It looks really hard work.  Who's going to be taking photos of Nigel and Jim?  Sarah!!  Is this the outcome   Or is this more like it, over the edge in your floatie!!!Lot's of photo's please, I'm looking forward to this event.

Joan Perry ● 6578d

More ideas for you Nigel!

Jim Lawes ● 6578d

...but it looks sooo easy, Nigel!

Sarah Felstead ● 6578d

You shouldn't have done that Sarah. Now everyone will look at "Dave's blog" videos and realise how fiendishly difficult it really is!I was so looking forward to enjoying a good bit of side-splitting on the day, no-one will offer themselves up for entertainment now.Will just have to hope those who turn up at the festival won't all have visited this site!

Nigel Moore ● 6578d

http://www.aquaskipperuk.com/store_viewCategory.cfm/CategoryID/1/parent/store_index£399.01

Sarah Felstead ● 6578d

He'd need to get fit Sarah! Then again, they aren't produced in Brentford, so can hardly qualify as zero-carbon.Still, it would make an impression gliding up to the Houses of Parliament wouldn't it? And no fuel emissions. I reckon we should encourage it!A chap called Dave intends to arrive at Brentford from near Braunston having travelled down the Grand Union as a long-distance stunt warming up for a channel crossing.I've been having delicious dreams of skating past the BW offices at 18mph, with the estimable Mr Farrow dashing out and shouting "Oi, you got a licence for that?"

Nigel Moore ● 6578d

Andrew Dakers might like one to go with his Brompton bike, for local commuting!  ... would he make Westminster, do you think?  ;-)

Sarah Felstead ● 6578d

Trying to see if I can make the video play automatically without you having to click on the arrow. This one's even more fun - surfing yet!

Nigel Moore ● 6578d

Go for it Jim!But I don't believe you've got one. Now my new toy I haven't had the chance to try out yet, but I'm dying to see others having a go. Will make sure the video camera's to hand on the day. Bone up on your technique first:

Nigel Moore ● 6578d

Sounds fun Nigel..and a good idea to extend it over several weekends.Maybe I can bring my new bike along!!

Jim Lawes ● 6578d