Eigg and Rum
Canoeing and Kayaking with Helensburgh C.C.
Eigg and Rum
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
September Trips
Wednesday 15th: An early start (7.30) for a prompt return (by 7.00). Destination TBC dependent upon weather but likely to be Kerrera or Lismore in Firth of Lorne.
Weekend 1st-5th October. Again destination tbc but possibly dolphin watching in Moray Firth
T.B.C. We are anxious to run a river trip during September on either the Teith or Tay
Other Events
Wed 6th to Sat 9th October: Helensburgh 2010. We have a stand at the ten yearly “Clubs and Societies Show”. Offers to man stand gratefully accepted but in any case come along with friends and relatives to see what we have done and are planning to do.
Weekend 23rd/24th October: Paddle 2010. The Scottish Canoe Show in Perth which, this year, includes a Tay descent. See SCA pages (http://www.canoescotland.org/events/ScotlandsCanoeShow.aspx) for more details. Lots of gear, talks and demos. A must do for anyone remotely serious about the sport.
Sunday 24th October: Come and Try Day. A follow up from Helensburgh 2010 for newcomers to come and try different canoes and kayaks
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.
The trip was the bad weather alternative and a strong westerly wind force 3-5 was the dominant feature of the trip. Loch Awe is the longest loch in Scotland (longer than both Loch Ness and Loch Lomond) but had few outstanding features. Previous trips had explored the north so the group headed south west into the wind. The Friday evening paddle covered 6km to an excellent site at Inverinan.
Cold, wet and windy, the highlight of the following day was the remarkable Innis Chonnel castle. In many ways much better than its partner to the north (Kilchurn) but much less well known because of its island location.
Lunch on Liever Island followed by a river trip down to Ford then a long paddle back up the loch to a glade site at Barr Point a toal of 36.8 km (21miles) in less than ideal conditions. An excellent fire before heavy rain drove us to bed.
Sunday proved to be bright and breezy. An attractive paddle up the loch with short breaks for elevenses and lunch and back to Portsonnachan for 3pm. A pleasant if rather unexciting trip in excellent company.
Over 20 members have enjoyed a Wednesday evening cruise with the club during the school holidays. The list of trips follows:
June
30 River Leven
July
2/3 Arden Camp
7 Cancelled
14 Loch Long: Very Windy. A real challenge
Geoff, Stewart, Seylan, Robin, Callum, Chris, Mel
21 Balamaha: Wet, Breezy
Geoff, Mel, Callum, Robin
28 Inverbeg: Rowardennan: Lovely Evening
Geoff, Robin, Stewart, Dave
August
4 Duck Bay to Inchmurrin and Round: Beautiful and Calm
Geoff, Mel, Natalie, Stewart, Damien, Callum, Robin, Colin Redstone, Alan, Sue, Seylan, Dave
11 Coulport to Ardentinny. Windy and Grey
Geoff, Hugh, Natalie, Derek, Stewart
18 Clyde to Sugar Boat. Lovely Evening. Light Breeze
Geoff, Mel, Damien, Dave B, Myles, Myles Mate, Donald Craig, Callum, Ross, Natalie