Integrate Paddling Training

Training Sessions 2006

3* Training - May

Ruari, Alan, Gav, Rebekka, Imogen, Marc, Sietse, Sjoukje, Ken, Marty, Isla, Ed, Lynsey, Richard

Given the lack of 3 & 4 star paddlers, it was agreed at the AGM to set up some training sessions, paid for from the club funds. With places allocated as first-come first-served, the 8 places in the club boats were quickly filled with a good mixture of experience from complete beginners to budding 4-stars. The course was held in Stonehaven Harbour over the course of four Thursdays.

We started off with the basics - forward and reverse paddling (in a straight line eventually, for some of us), sweep strokes (how many does it take to turn your kayak 360? Highest - 30, lowest - 6, but then that was Ruari - does he count?). Draw strokes almost introduced the concept of unintentional capsize to some of us, which led conveniently to rescues. One-in (easy enough(!)), two-in (hmm, bit more difficult), double rescuing single (should be easy, you would think), single rescuing double (hypothermia-inducing at this time of year), and self-rescue (with paddle float). Towing and an excellent demonstration on how to use all that safety gear on your deck rounded up an excellent course. Well enjoyed by all who turned up, and an excellent way to start the year for new members, and those needing to dust off the cobwebs from the previous year. Thanks to Alan and Ruari for being such patient coaches.

Pool Session August

A healthy turnout for an evening training session in the open-air pool at Stonehaven. Coaching ranged from basic water confidence to rolling clinics. Highly successful evening and one to be repeated. Pictures here

Training Sessions 2007

2* Training

A 2* training course was held over 6 weeks by Nik during May. The course was a great success, and gave a good introduction to the sport for a number of paddlers, as well as honing the basic skills of some of the more established members. 7 members gained their 2* award at the end of the course. Thanks to Nik for his excellent coaching and Gav/Nigel for helping out.

Open-Air Pool Session

Following on from the success of last year's pool session, a repeat event was organised and was an even greater success, with a number of paddlers joining on the night. 20 members had excellent tuition from Marty, Isla, Nik, and Ron with the focus being on basic confidence and developing rolling techniques. Thanks to all the coaches and Clare, Gav and Nigel for helping to organise. Looks like this will become an annual event!

Knockburn Loch

As a grand finale to the season, a combined training/come-and-try/BBQ fun day took place towards the end of September. A grand time was had by everyone - thanks to Isla, Marty, Jim, Fred, Nick and everyone else who helped out to make the day such a success - keep an eye out for a repeat in 2008!