News and Training Feb 2012

Adult Basic:

Pool Sessions. Tues 14th Feb to Tues 6th April(Easter)

Open Water: 1. Sun March 11th Luss 10 am, 2. Sun March 25th (provisonal) RNYC 10am 3. TBA

Sea Kayak Weekend. Sat/Sun 3rd/4th March.  Suitable for those who have completed training but need trip experience. Camping.

Club AGM Weds 14th March  .John St 20:30

Loch Lomond Jan 13th 2012

Paddlers: Geoff, Lee and Ian P.

Route: Inverbeg, Firkin Point Car Park, Across Loch, Rowardennan, Inverbeg.

A hastily arranged midweek paddle to make use of good forecast. Weather turned out to be fantastic and the Loch looked at its best. Glorious day trip.

Training and Pool Sessions to Easter 2012

Foundation Safety and Rescue: Pool 10th,17th,24th,31st Jan and 7th Feb. Theory: 12th Jan, John St. Outdoor: 18th Feb Luss. 2 groups occupying all pool

Adult Basic Skills. Pool 14th, 21st, 28thFeb. 6th,13th,20th, 27th March, 3rd and 10th April. Outdoor Sessions TBA. 1 class max 8

Rolling.Up to 8 from 14th Feb

Committee Minutes Dec 2011

Helensburgh Canoe Club

Minutes of Committee Meeting, Sun 4th December 2011

Present: Geoff (Chair), Grant (Chief Coach, River Co-Ordinator), Hugh (Sea), Euan(Coach), Willie (QM)

Apologies: Ken (Treasurer), Mel

Financial Report:

Club has healthy balance of £3050 with the pool fees paid until 17th Jan 2012

Equipment: 

Spraydecks: The pool chlorine is wrecking the neoprene decks.  Agreed to purchase 12 nylon decks and make up the number of useable neoprene decks to 12, including 3 for the sea kayaks. Use to be made of balance at Brookbank.

Kayaks. There is a shortage of sea kayaks for new members interested in trips. Grant will investigate the purchase of quality second hand boats from Glenmore Lodge with a maximum budget of up to £1500 for 3.

Clothing. Willie to investigate cost of Tops incorporating club logo (courtesy of Euan)

Training:

It was agreed that the pool time is most effectively used in structured courses, with individual practice using any remaining time (normally the second half hour). The Pool is primarily useful for Basic Skills and Rescue (incl. self-rescue and rolling). Grant was worried that Basic Skills do not have enough skills for fast successful rescues. The following Pool programme was agreed:

a)      6th/13th/20th December: Enhanced Basic Skills (using new coaching techniques)

b)      10th/17th/24th/31sth January: Foundation Safety and Rescue Training (FSRT) Cost £15

c)      7th Feb to 10th April: Adult Basic (minimum number 6) £30

d)      17th April to 26th June: Young Persons Basic £30

The FSRT course will require a classroom session and a half day practical at the end of Jan. Together with Basic Skills, beginners should be ready for a 2 star assessment in early February. Members in previous Basic Skills cohorts who have not done the 2 star are urged to get along to the pool and outdoor sessions in January.  The FSRT is complementary to SEA Touring Training.

Club Meetings:

We are instituting a club meeting on the first Wednesday of the month. The meeting will provide an opportunity for speakers, films and discussion of trips, training etc.  It will also be useful for registration. Location to be confirmed.

Trips:

This Thursday (8th) weather permitting. Paddle on the Clyde followed by Xmas lunch. Dep Craigendoran 10am. Please join us for paddle, lunch or both. Contact Geoff for details

Weekend as soon as weather permits: Sea Trip for Touring Course. Contact Hugh for details.

Jan  14th/15th: Great Glen Paddle. Either Open or Sea Boats staying Sat night in YH. Contact Grant for details .

Registration and Membership.

Our membership list (52 strong) will be submitted as required by the SCA. It is unfortunately neither comprehensive nor correct and a membership secretary is urgently required for the coming year.  We also need urgently someone to “check in” people on courses at the pool and collect the money from individuals.

Loch Lomond Nov 20th 2011

Paddlers: Dee, Geoff, Euan, John D., Ian P., Hugh McN, Jamie

Report: A lovely, calm, misty morn  for this Basic Skills Training Paddle.

 Route took us out to InchConnachan to see Wallabies (actually seen!) then back to Ardlochlay for personnel change. From Ardlochaly round to InchGalbraith (castle) and Inchmoan for lunch. Gentle paddle through islands and back home by 14.00. A lovely restful day.

Sea Kayaks for Sale

 

FOR SALE

 

With the agreement of the Committee these two boats are for sale initially to club members only. If there are no takers I will advertise them on Gum Tree.

Valley Large Volume Plastic Sea Kayak suitable for an adult at least 5′ 10″ to 6′ 6″ and weighing over 12 stone minimum. (Essentially somebody Robin’s size or bigger.)The hull is in excellent condition with no leaks; both fore and aft compartments are dry with good hatches. Fixed seat and basic backrest with sliding footpegs. Skeg is missing and the skeg wire needs replacing too. Available for a trial paddle of course – cost £200 sold as seen.

North Shore Low Volume GRP/Composite Sea Kayak suitable for a large child or small to medium adult – up to 5′ 10″ and no more than 11 stone. Hull is good; skeg is in place but the skeg wire needs replacing. Fixed seat and basic backrest with sliding footpegs. Forward hatch cover is perished but serviceable; aft hatch cover requires seals replacing but is serviceable just. This is a super little SK for private ownership but totally unsuitable for the rough and tumble of club use; with a little TLC it is good for many years yet. Cost £200 sold as seen and is course available for a trial paddle.

Bids to Colin at lomondkayakclubcoach@gmail.com

Training Session Dates in November

Sea Kayak: 

Navigation and Planning Sessions: These will take place on Thursday evenings at the Cottage, John St Scout Halls on Thursdays 10th/17th and 24th November at 8pm, There will be a small charge of £10 (for the 3) to cover the room hire. The sessions are open to all interested, for new information or revision.

Open Water Safety: Saturday 5th Nov at 2pm. Location TBA (probably RNYC). You will be required to demonstrate two rescues 1. Group(both as rescuer and rescued) and 2) Self Rescue. It is essential that you come properly equipped with dry suit or thick wet suit. Let us know if you need to borrow gear.
Adult Basic:
Re-arranged Canoe Session Saturday 12th Nov 10am RYNC.  (Euan says he will remember key)
Paddle Around the Islands  Sunday20th 10am Ardlochlay (Luss) . Note re-arranged date.