Sunday, December 24, 2006

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!

Wednesday, December 20, 2006

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!

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

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!

Sunday, December 17, 2006

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.

Thursday, December 14, 2006

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

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

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!

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

BCU Star Awards - assessments!

After winds reaching Gale Force on Saturday Evening, Sunday was decidely calm on the lea shore, with the winds down to a gentle F5, and Port St Mary Bay a delight to paddle across.

Group A, (seen here), paddled downwind to Carrick Rock, then on to coast for a break before the paddle into the wind back to the slip.
Having practiced their core skills during the rest of the 8wk course, this final session was a trip, giving the opportunity to show the assessor how well they could use those skills, and have a great workout whilst doing so!
Well done to: Frank Crompton 1*, Kirsty Forbes, Kev Turnbull, Steph Lewin and Seba Thompson 2*, Darren Self, Chris and Jan Gledhill 3*, Jan and Chris also completed their Canoe Safety Test!
Group B found the wind had had increased again, and stayed within the shelter of the coastline. Meandering around the rocky coves, perfecting bow rudders, edging and rescues. Congratulations to; Sacha Holder 1*, Clive Wilcox, Emma Cilcox, Nick, and Martin Dycher 2*, John Keggin 3* John and Martin also completed their Canoe Safety Test.

Thursday, November 09, 2006

Hill Navigation Training


The Vancouver Is team together during the Hill Navigation Training at Arrasey plantation today.
Pacing and Timings progressing well, all were on good form and looking forward to the colder weather...

Wednesday, November 08, 2006

Kayak Pool Sessions...


Tuesday and Thursday Evenings.

With Winter drawing closer, pool sessions are becoming even more popular. Some fantastic paddlers in the making...
Well done George on your roll, Joe has been raving about it all day!
The team training for Vancouver island next year are looking hot, can't wait to see you guys on the next sea session.

Vancouver Island 07 Expedition Training


Where is Adam?
The only session Adam's missed since training began, turned out to be a cracker, with a pleasant paddle from Peel to Glen Maye and back.
The group started training in June this year, and are well on course for Vancouver in July 07.

Monday, November 06, 2006

Bonfire Night paddle


Fantastic day paddling, perfect finish with a 'bonfire night sky'

Paddling from Port St Mary.
The last skills sessions before the 2* and 3* tests next Sunday. Morning and afternoon sessions (8 wk course - groups A and B) ran through the core skills, concentrating on recovery strokes and braces. The Intermediate session worked upon high brace and recovery, rescues and forward paddling. Finishing with a paddle round to Perwick Bay to watch the sun go down, returning to the slip as the sky became a spectacular display of crimson streaks on the soft blue background, gradually fading as we racked the kayaks on the trailer. Doubt the fireworks later will supass that display.