Canoeing and Kayaking with Helensburgh C.C.
Pool: November and December. For those with Basic Skills (2 Star level).
Either: Sea Kayak Expedition Training Or: Rolling Clinic.
A new Basic Skills Course aimed at Adults starts January.
Sat 14th November: 2 Star Assessment, Luss, £10
Sun 15th November: Foundation Safety And Rescue Course
Paddlers: Dave, Mick, Myles, Douglas and Geoff
Description: A very foggy and ethereal paddle giving extensive practice of kayaking by compass and a completely new perception of a well used route. A thoroughly enjoyable short day.
Kayakers: The biggest club meet yet with 27 in attendance.
Activities: In the morning everybody had a chance to try out a sea kayak (including the new North Shore Atlantic), a river boat and one of the club’s Canoes. Sue and Alan gave a short demo of self rescue: Roll, Paddle Float and Re-Entry and Roll. In the afternoon there was a short paddle with some seal launching for the small boats. Despite a grey cold day that dis-integrated in the afternoon into heavy rain, a good time was apparently had by all.
Kayakers: Hugh, Ken, Damien
Route: The route was Easdale, Belnahua, Grey Dog, Scarba (cable from Grey Dog), round the bottom of Luing and up to Ardinamar Bay, Cuan Sound, Easdale. Distance 25k.
Attending: Ross, Matt, Callum, Sam, Stella, James, Euan, Geoff
Route: Craigendoran-Ardmore-Craigendoran
Description: A bright, breezy, dry day. Strong NE breeze force 3 but well sheltered en route. Ardmore point flat calm! Enjoyable and instructive day.
Paddle 2010 – Scotland’s Annual Canoe & Kayak Show will take place on Saturday October 23rd & Sunday October 24th 2010 at Bell’s Sport Centre, Perth.
continuing from previous years, this year the show will have:
The show will take place in conjuction with a new event – The Tay Descent on Sat 23rd Oct. This event has a tour and races covering 3 different courses. Race classes will cover different ages, abilities and types of boat.
More information can on Paddle 2010 and the Tay Descent can be found on the Scottish Canoe Association website http://www.canoescotland.org/events/ScotlandsCanoeShow.aspx.
Where: Luss Beach
When: Sunday 17th October 10am to 4 pm
Bring: Change of Clothing, Trainers (to get wet), Waterproof, Towel, Packed Lunch
Activities: Try different boats,
Ask about (and see) equipment for Trips
Expert Advice on what and where to buy
Go on a trip on the loch
Cost: The day is free
Register: At the “Helensburgh 2010” Show
At the Pool, 8pm Tuesday
By email riddington89@hotmail.com
The last but one edition is now available on-line to club members. Go directly via Links (at bottom of page) or use
http://www.oceanpaddlermagazine.com/3D-Issues/OP23-3D/
A recommended read.
With winds forecast at between force 6 and force 8, the trip evolved into a rough water training session in a relatively safe environment. The chosen location was a Goldilocks affair. Original choices; Largs, Fairlie and Seamill were thought to be too calm. Replacement choice, Irvine was just too wild. Eventually we settled on the excellent Ardrossan South beach which looked just right. In fact the very high winds generated very frequent and very steep waves that did not look too large but made the kayaking very difficult.
Main finding; it is virtually impossible to do any rescues in surf. Rafting is potentially lethal, re-entry virtually impossible and pumping out without a spray deck completely on, pointless. However the experience was both useful and extremely good fun. We will be back when the surf is up.
The round Kerrera Race from Oban took place last weekend (4th Sept) and I am delighted to report the success of Sue Smith and Ruth Clark. Sue became the veteran ladies champion and took 2nd place in the Open Ladies category in a remarkable time of 2hrs 40mins for the 20km paddle (took me all day). Ruth was close behind and took third place in 2hrs 46mins. Many congratulations