Half term on the seafront
- 18 February 2013 17:29216203a beautiful day but hardly anyone around.
- 18 February 2013 17:31216204I am always surprised that there is not more going on on the water in Dover. Wasn't that the whole point of building a water sports centre!? Despite being one of the world's leading passenger ports, we just don't seem to have the same leisure use of the harbour as other port towns.
- 18 February 2013 17:36216206very busy in summer kevin and they are open during the winter, being it is a school holiday thought there would have been a lot planned.
- 18 February 2013 18:22216211It is true that it is pretty busy in the summer months, but shouldn't there be other water activities - as promoted and provided by the Sea-Sports Centre - over to you James.
Maybe outside of the channel-swiimming period (May/June to late September) things like Jet-skiing could be promoted - or will they interfere with the ferries ?
Roger - 18 February 2013 18:27216212Plenty going on from March here.
- 18 February 2013 18:30216214Thanks Ray - must just be waiting for the winter to pass (like the rest of us).
Roger - 18 February 2013 18:35216215I did three courses at the water sports centre last year so it's not just for youngsters, give it a go (Vic!?)
I do think it's a pretty useless design generally though - a restaurant, a commercial water sports centre sharing space with the rowing club, and that's it. There's no clubhouse facility for the rowers or for any sailing club to use, a big mistake if you're trying to promote the sports.
I don't think jet-skis are allowed in the harbour apart from launching, and there's a speed limit they wouldn't like to stick to anyway. The recreational area is separated from the commercial area by the yellow buoys and ne'er the twain shall meet, unless you are given permission to cross the ferry channel to leave by port control. - Brian Dixon
- Location: Dover
- Registered: 23 Sep 2008
- Posts: 23,940
18 February 2013 19:01216221plenty of jet skis on shakesrhere beach in the summer plus kayak fishing as well. - 18 February 2013 19:55216226good luck to them too brian as regards the harbour area there is a large sign that clearly designates the area to be used for recreational purposes.
- 18 February 2013 21:36216242
Thanks Roger....you guessed I'd chip in!
Hi Kevin, we are only just coming up to the first year of operations....April 1st to be exact. It takes time to build success, but we're getting there
www.doverseasafari.co.uk
www.doverseasports.co.uk
www.dovermarineservices.com
Just to give you an idea of whats happening.
As for being quiet this week.....we have 5 local people on a 5day course training to be RYA sailing instructors. All ranging from 16-18yrs old. So, great to see youth wanting to do something locally.
Lets not forget, only about 8 days ago there was snow on the ground.....the water is about 9 degrees. Customers suffering the effects of Hypothermia don't look good in the KM or Express, therefore not good for business
. Not a lot is scheduled in at this time of year!
Harbour has a speed limit = no buzzing around on jet skis. Watch what happens over at Herne bay to appreciate this.
Yes, the design of the building has a lot of us scratching our heads and asking "why?"......but we are where we are.
The building costs an awful lot to run. Those funds have to come from somewhere, as I tell my 11yr old, money doesnt grow on trees and it certainly doesnt come in the form of grant funding as many like to believe. The clubs can't cover the running costs of the building, therefore, a commercial aspect is required.
The social aspect for the rowing club and a sailing club are being worked on at the moment. I doubt a lot will happen publicly on that front for 2013, but if plans go well 2014 will see a change to this.
We are working closely with the yacht club and I think we will see more yachts in the harbour training if there plans work out for them.
Next forum thread will probably now be from the swimmers, upset that all the boats are getting in the way...dammed if we do, dammed if we don't!
Happy days
Having a blast while living the dream
James Salmon - 18 February 2013 21:48216244Thanks James - a great update.
Good luck with your working with the Yacht Club. I know that many members (with boats of course) are looking for crew, so I'm sure they'll be interested.
Roger - Ross Miller
- Location: London Road, Dover
- Registered: 17 Sep 2008
- Posts: 3,707
18 February 2013 22:00216246James - drop me a line as I would love to chat about Dover Big Local with you - whilst the seafront is currently outside the area covered e should still chat as things can be changed..."Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die today." - James Dean
"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength,
While loving someone deeply gives you courage" - Laozi - 18 February 2013 22:02216247In what way can they be changed Ross ? Is this good news for those just outside the main area ?
Roger - Ross Miller
- Location: London Road, Dover
- Registered: 17 Sep 2008
- Posts: 3,707
18 February 2013 22:26216251There is a small window of opportunity for a dialogue to be had with the Big Lottery about the area covered, that may result in the area being amended. Of course there does need to be an incredibly strong argument for inclusion.
We also need to look closely at how we ensure we include not only the residents of the designated area but those who use it for work, leisure and education, not only in the gathering of ideas but also the delivery of benefits,"Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die today." - James Dean
"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength,
While loving someone deeply gives you courage" - Laozi - 19 February 2013 05:59216259Thanks Ross
Roger - 19 February 2013 17:28216348Thanks for the information, James. I agree that Dover harbour is somewhat constrained in terms of available area for leisure use. It was more a general observation that we don't see as much activity on the water as one would expect. My experience from having visited other ports is that sailing, etc. is a year-round activity. To bring this back to the theme of this thread, perhaps future plans could include "taster sessions" for school holidays, etc?
- 19 February 2013 18:57216375Taster sessions are offered from 4 May....http://www.doverseasports.co.uk/page2/page18/index.html
We have and are also offering every school teacher FREE taster sessions to encourage schools on to the water.
We aren't in the business of encouraging people in to the water only to get cold and never want to try water sports again.
Check out our website or come and pop in for a chat if you are interested in future plans. We are open 9-5 Mon-Fri until Easter, then 7 days/wk until Oct.Having a blast while living the dream
James Salmon - 19 February 2013 19:09216383I was doing a course there last year when a school came along for a taster session - the kids freaked out slightly when the seal popped it's head up in the middle of their dinghies to see what all the noise was about. Generally though it seemed they were apprehensive at first but loved it afterwards.
The centre certainly beats what was there in the 70s when it was run by Ken Miles for KCC youth service - the 'facility' consisted of a garden shed opposite the yacht club where just the rigging and life jackets were kept, you turned up in the clothes you went afloat in and if you capsized you went home wet!
