Monday, December 03, 2012

Dragon's Breath

 Sunday's sea kayak training sessions ran from Port Erin Beach, on the south-west coast of the Isle of Man.
The two Discover Sea Kayaking groups led by John and Jan were on their final session of their course, completing a paddle to the Calf Sound. 
The Adventure Club Improver's group were using the moving water around Thousla Rock to give variable practice in timing and confidence building. Meeting up for flapjack and hot drinks then eddy hopping and ferry gliding followed, with seal spotting an inherent part of the exercise : )
Finishing with more challenging exercises in the overfall at the little Sound, before paddling back to Port Erin. Timed make best use of the spring tides and no wind! A really enjoyable morning.
 Swapping straight over at the beach to the Intermediate sea kayak training, we again headed South, working on positioning and precision breaking in and through eddylines and the Sound, before journeying further South and round to the Drinking Dragon stack.
 Now it was time to put the progressive skills we have building up in the past few months to use, in the strong eddylines and whirlpools forming nicely around the Dragon's Breath Overfall. Well known for its aggressive character, this venue can be utilised to provide excellent variable practice and experiential learning opportunities... A few pics from the session.
 A very dynamic environment, even the resting eddies were constantly changing and keeping everyone on their toes. Very beneficial to creating the motivation for developing your low brace : )
 Eventually the flow rate reduced and as darkness became imminent, we headed over to South Harbour for a quick off the water break, and refreshments. Then using the in-shore flows till picking up the main stream, through the Sound and back to Port Erin 
 and tranquility...
An exception day, one of the best coaching days this year for conditions lending themselves perfectly to the session planned outcomes : )
See you all next week
K

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