To view where Sue and Allan have got to on their 8 week trip down the Adriatic you can view the “Spot” web page
http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0KiRrZONtKPNvPXvaTSh7cHLOIN1pSNqU

Canoeing and Kayaking with Helensburgh C.C.
To view where Sue and Allan have got to on their 8 week trip down the Adriatic you can view the “Spot” web page
http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0KiRrZONtKPNvPXvaTSh7cHLOIN1pSNqU
The club is planning an unguided but supported trip to the Ionian Islands (west of Greece) in October this year. The planned route is within the protected waters of the region which is bounded by the mainland to the east, and includes the large, mountainous and green Ionian islands of Lefkada, Kephalonia and Ithaki. Sprinkled in between are dozens of smaller, uninhabited or seasonably inhabited islets which remain unaffected by commercial development. Amongst them are Meganisi, Kastos & Kalamos -all within a few kilometres of each other. They present the ideal island hopping circuit for kayak tours, which begin and end in Vasiliki port, on the south coast of Lefkada Island. More details can be found at http://www.i-explorers.com
The region’s stable climate is also favourable for kayak touring. Almost year-round the central Ionian sea is characterised by calm seas, clear and still waters. Perfect for sea kayaking.
Because of restricted flight options we are provisionally planning a 7 day/6 paddling day trip between October 6th and 13th. The cost is expected to be around £680 made up as follows: Boats etc (240 euros =£210), Taxi to/from Prevaza Airport (£60), Air: Manchester-Prevaza (£240), Transport to /from Manchester (£50), Living Expenses in Greece (£120).
If you are at all interested please let Hugh or Geoff know by end of May as we need to book air flights.
The club starts two new training courses next Tuesday (26th April) at the Pool: Basic Skills Training for Youngsters; Sea Kayak Expedition Fundamentals.
The Basic Skills Course is aimed at youngsters aged 12-18, and consists of Pool Sessions on Tuesdays and Open Water Sessions on Thursdays. It is essential that participants are available for both. The course ends with a canoe camping trip on the Loch. The cost is £30 for pool charges, equipment and training plus Junior Club membership at £20. If interested please contact Riddington89@hotmail.com, phone 01436 674966 or register at the pool next Tuesday.
The Sea Kayak course is designed for those with some knowledge and skills (e.g. Support Strokes) who want to explore the islands of the West Coast. The emphasis is on safety and covers Equipment, Navigation and Planning as well as Rescue Skills including Self Rescue (Rolling). Participants will be expected to take part in a day and overnight trip.
Meanwhile the Club doubled its pool hours allowing more experienced members time to develop their rolling skills, and the Thursday night open water sessions resume next Thursday (25th) at Craigendoran 6.30pm for a play and a trip out to the Sugar Boat.
AGM, Cup of Tea then
Illustrated Talk: Kayaking down the Adriatic. Sue and Alan on thier month long paddle from Rijeka to Dubrovnick
Basic Skills:
Pool Training Programme
| Week | Pool | Side |
| 25/1or 1/2 | Forward & Reverse Paddling | Star & Coach Awards: Structure & Syllabi. The SCA.Club Activities & Sea Kayak Training |
| 8 or 15/2 | Sweeps & Rudders | Equipment and Safety |
| 22/2 or 1/3 | Draw Strokes | Wind and weather |
| 8 or 15/3 | Support Strokes | Ideal Locations, Info & Transport |
| 22 or 29/3 | Deep Water Rescues | Camping |
| 7/4 or 14/4 | Eskimo Rescues | Review |
Outdoor Sessions:
Sat 5th Feb: Both groups (Kayak)
Sat 19th Feb Group A (Canoe)
Sat 5th March Group B (Canoe)
Sat 19th March Both Groups (Kayak)
Sat 16th or Sun 17th April 2 Star Assessment