Category: News

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Ionian Islands, Greece, October 2011

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.

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Training Courses Spring 2011

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.

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Luss Islands April 2011

Getting Ready to Depart

This was a a shortish trip for the Basic Skills Course in GP kayaks. A cool dry day with little wind and a good time for all. Thanks to Euan, Dave, Myles and Harry for running trip and support.

Ready for the Off
En Route
En Route: Datail (Which is You?)
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Adult Basic Skills Course; Winter 2011

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

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More Commercial Courses

In addition to the course being run by Keith,  the following are also available :

H20 Outdoor Courses, first half 2011

Highland Courses

  • Coaching Young Paddlers foundation module, 7th March 2011, £25
  • White Water Safety and Rescue – 17/18 March 2011, £100
  • UKCC Level 2 training, 19/20 + 26/27 March 2011, £200
  • Advanced White Water Safety and Rescue, 24/25 March 2011, £100
  • Four star leader training Open Canoe, 28/29 March 2011, £100
  • UKCC Level 1 training, 9/10 +23/24 April 2011, £225
  • Foundation Safety and Rescue training, 21 May 2011, £50
  • UKCC Level 2 Assessment, 22 May 2011, £125
  • Four star White Water training, 28/29 May 2011, £125
  • Moderate Water Training White Water, 4th June 2011, £100
  • Moderate Water Assessment White Water, 5th June 2011, £100

West Glasgow Courses

  • Foundation Safety and Rescue training, 28th April 2011, £50
  • UKCC Level 1 training, 29/30 April and 1./2 May 2011, £250
  • UKCC Level 2 training, 29/30 April and 1./2 May 2011, £250
  • Mentoring foundation module, 3rd Sept 2011, £25-00
  • UKCC Level 2 assessment, 4th Sep 2011,
All queries and place requests to
Steve Mackinnon
Mobile 07775 682034
email macksteve@btinternet.com

If you are interested in a sea paddle on Saturday and are reasonably competent please contact Sue susanhallsmith@tiscali.co.uk   for further details.

Geoff