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.
The outline programme for the season to next summer is as follows:
Sept/Oct 2010 Basic Paddling, Advanced Sea Skills
Nov/Dec 2010 Rescue & Rolling, Intro to Sea Expeds
Jan/Feb/March 2011, Basic Paddling (Adults), Sea Rescues and Rolls
April/May/June 2011 Basic Paddling (Juniors)
Training Course require at least 3 open water sessions
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
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