"To Dare Mighty Things..."

Spring tides and clear skies combined with light winds provided an exciting advanced trip round the Calf of Man and out to Chicken rock... a small number of whirlpools forming nicely along the way, and the ebb tide producing a fast moving paddle in which to make decisions and practice some moving water skills!

An abundance of Atlantic Grey Seals along the way, congregating mostly around South Harbour and a few outlying intertidal rocks.
Suberb conditions throughout the afternoon, and the return trip gave a stunning sunset across the 'Drinking Dragon' and nearby headland, with the Chickens Rock lighthouse peeping over the top, occasional flashes twinkling as darkness fell and we finished at the slipway exuberant and a wintry glow all round...

"FAR BETTER IT IS TO DARE MIGHTY THINGS THAN TO RANK WITH THOSE POOR SOULS WHO KNOW NEITHER VICTORY NOR DEFEAT"

adopted from a quote by Theodore Roosevelt by Kendal Judo Club

I believe this a fitting mantra for those trying out a new sport or ambition for the first time, or those attempting improvement or competition, where the outcome is never certain.

The Youth Scholarship and Development Program - Norway 2009 expedition team enjoyed a sea kayak trip - paddling from Niarbyl for this week's training session, practicing core technique and rescue skills along the way.


The sessions have an in-built excellent strength and conditioning aspect, and the team are certainly improving in every way. Looking forward to Gorge Scrambling next week!