Canoeing and Kayaking with Helensburgh C.C.
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
We are offering 3 courses in September and October
1. Basic Skills. This is intended for members with little or no experience and consists of 7 pool sessions starting Sept 14th and 3 open water sessions on 18th Sept, 10th October and 23rd October with a 2 BCU Star/ Paddlepower assessment for those who want provisionally on the 30th October. There are up to 8 places. Minimum age 12. Cost is £20 plus assessment costs. Register before 14th September by email or at the pool on the 7th (tonight). Pay on the 14th. Membership forms available at pool.
2. Advanced Sea Skills. This is intended for experienced sea kayakers developing safety and rescue techniques (including rolling). Please contact Hugh
3. Open Canoe Skills. This is intended for adult members who want to develop skills in open boats. Particularly relevant to those who do or would like to coach youngsters. 4 sessions starting this Saturday 11th and on the 25th September and 9th October. Register at the pool.
In November we expect to start 2 further courses
1. Sea Kayak Expedition Training. Intended for those who want to take part in and organise expeditions. Covers basic safety and rescue skills (including self rescue and rolling), equipment (emergency, camping and clothing) and navigation (understanding tides and charts, planning)
2. Rescue and Rolling. A follow up for those who have acquired the Basic Skills.
A pool session is available at the Helensburgh Pool on a Tuesday from 8.15 to 9pm. Meet outside by 8pm.
You will need to be a member and the cost is £3 per session. You may bring your own boat provided it is spotlessly clean.
This was a short gentle stunning trip through the islands to end the summer season. Loch was flat calm and it was a beautiful evening. Attending as photographed: Mike, Natalie, Sam, Dave, Callum, Mel, Ross and Angus. Not pictured – Geoff who took the picture and the three camera shy wallabies.