This weekend
started with our 2 star training, in canoe and Kayak which involves:
- Lift, carry & launch the kayak
- Efficient forward paddling
- Steering the kayak
- Manoeuvring
- Moving sideways
- Preventing a capsize
- Turning
- Returning to the bank
- Securing
- Capsize and self rescue
- Peer rescue
After weeks
of practicing and learning new skills in the rolling poll, Strangford Lough, The
River Bann and Castlewellan lake it was time to see what we got!
Day one:
We headed to
Castlewellan Lake, the trailer loaded with kayaks. We soon discovered Claire (Tollymore
Doughnut) had forgotten her spray deck! An hour later it turned up after a
professional radio call by Caoimhe to the centre. Are skills were tested after
having to dodge Tiny Life’s fundraisers raft race, dogs swimming after sticks
and the odd fisherman.
It was a
lovely hot day to be on the lake, but that soon ended when we started rescues,
brain freeze galore... Caoimhe got rather cold after an ‘amazing’ rescue by
Kathryn...
The day finished off in the rolling pool to perfect rescues.
The gang
Day two:
Strangford Lough- Open Boats
Another perfect day to be boating in the heat of the sun which ended
in nice tanned hands and white arms.
We transferred our skills from the previous day in the kayaks, to the
open boats. After a pleasant journey it was time for a well deserved lunch
chilling in the sunshine!
Kath
Claire drawing
After lunch we then worked our skills in tandem canoeing.
No I didn't just fall over...
Monday training day – Climbing Lower Cove
Another roasting day which also ended in even worse tan lines and
sunburn!
We all headed out nice and early with our new lady friend Marty
handbag and all! We got lots done from First corner, Tyro to New decayed.
A cool chilled
out day with lots of sun and laughs – can you ask for anything better... this
is the life!
Caoimhe chilling at the top
Cheeser
Caoimhe stylin
Peek-a-boo Kathryn
No comments:
Post a Comment