Xmas Eve paddles

Another fairly calm day, but some strong offshore gusts kept the group from the intended plan - circumnavigation of the Calf and Chickens! A pleasant paddle to the Calf where swell refused the group a landing at Cow Harbour, then back up to Bradda Head, and a lovely sheltered trip round to Fleshwick.
On the way a few intersting reefs made for some fun with the swell, Neil and John had a play, anyone spot John on this pic.....
He's still in his kayak!

All seemed to go ok, and Mince Pies and Mulled Wine at the finish made for a delicious lunch before the afternoon paddle! Having now tested the new Sola gloves in the shop, I found them to be toastie warm, but having never used gloves paddling before, took a bit of getting used to. Thanks to Neil for the use of his camera, (I forgot my camera on that trip), and Juliette for this cheery shot.






Keith and Ian Winstanley are back on the Island for Christmas, and went out round Bradda just to check the skills learnt in the summer were still there...

No problems, and some decent pics to take back. Look forward to seeing you next time!

Peel to Port Erin Paddle

Great weather forcast all week, nice flat seas at last, and very little wind...
However, a little chilly, and some small chop on the West Coast, perfect for a day trip!
Lauren, John and Neil were joined by Andy and Sarah, who may have been expecting a millpond...















Landing at Glenmaye beach, saw a few people getting cold, so into the 'happy tent' with cakes and hot chocolate seemed to improve things. Then back on the water to Ny Arbyll, 'the tail of rocks' and into 'Waking Ned' country.
Andy and Sarah left us here, and we made a dash to Port Erin before evening drew on.
Rounding Bradda Head the sun made an appearence, making for some excellent photo opportunities, what a great day!

continued...

Guess whats been happening...













As promised, a couple of funny pics from the weekend,

plus congratulation to John, Janet, Mike and Joe on their Level 2 Coach Training, (about time too) it was joy to see such talent and enthusiasm, good luck with your assesssments!

Adventure Club - Intermediate Paddle

Seals aplenty! Beginning at Port St Mary, the group paddled down the coast, past the Sugarloaf Cave and the lads climbing at the Chasms, and across the Sound to South Harbour on the Calf of Man. The immense seal colony was 'strewn' across the rocks, and in the water. Most were this year's young.
Fantastic cake and hot chocolate always makes break time a thing of joy! Julliette was missed today, as was Joe, who was at the Manx Paddlesports Slalom on the river Neb.

This was a typical half day relaxed trip for the intermediates, with a break at South Harbour before either paddling on round and out to Chicken Rock, and circumnavigating the Calf of Man, (a committing trip), or returning the way we came.
After a check on time and darkness not far away we took the easier option and left the Chickens for next Sunday!

Some fine re-entry and rolls from Michael, John and Neil, followed by a 'group brace' finished the paddle, and someone even managed a brisk swim to the slip... See blog continued.

Double Trouble

An awesome weekend in N Wales!
Great to see everyone again, and even managed a sneaky run down the Ogwen, with Phil and Simon, cheers guys!
Picture courtesy of Axel Schoevers, thanks to Harry for a fantastic time.
For details on double trouble, visit Justines Blog
http://cackletv.com/blog.html

Last Pool Session before Xmas

The last pool session at Peel before Christmas! Frank was styling after perfecting his roll, Lauren improved a lot, roll is very close... butler had Juliette and John doing all sorts of trickery, and Bob and Kim showed promise on the roll, and really good high braces! Well done guys.

The traditional game at the end rounded off a very productive course. Balance and movement on the water reflecting the key skills now in place. Looking forward to progressing this on the Sunday paddles throughout the winter, last two before Xmas 17th and 24th, See you there!