Starts Monday 18th April, 25th April, 2nd May, 9th May
If you’ve never kayaked and thought you’d like to give it a go, this is a good way to learn some of the basics before you get out onto the sea.
Each week we’ll spend just under an hour looking at safety, equipment and general paddling do’s and don’ts before heading into the pool. At the end of the four weeks you’ll be ready to head outdoors on the sea to put some of what we’ve been doing into practice before getting going with trips.
You need to be able to swim and be over 13, all children under 16 need to be accompanied by an adult.
Meet 7:15pm at Bowlers bar for the dry bit. There will be time to get changed before we go into the pool at 8:30pm. Please bring your completed enrolment form with you.
Author: Iain Page 4 of 12
Numbers are looking good, in the region of 40 already booked and the accommodation at Bridge End is now full. We’re going to have to restrict entries now, please email us at shetlandsymposium@gmail.com and we will confirm whether we can manage to fit you in.
Many thanks
…First chance in 2016 to work on support strokes, rolling or rescues….
£5 adult and £3 concessions. Non members £7.50.
As usual, remember that you will need to allow ten minutes before to move kayaks around and time at the end to put the kayaks back on the trailer. Thank you
We’re aiming to cover the BCU 1 star syllabus by the end of the day. You need to be confident in the water and prepared to get wet, though we’ll try and do that towards the end of the day. Places will be limited as we want to to keep groups small, though we do have a good number of new coaches!
Cost – club membership fee. Forms are on the membership page
How long is it?
It’s a full day starting at 9am.
What do I need to bring?
Lunch and snacks; towel and changes of clothes; extra warm clothing for sitting around; a flask with your favourite hot drink.
What should I wear?
Warm ‘sports’ type clothes that dry quickly, thermal underwear if you’ve got it, fleece jumper and jacket, waterproof jacket and trousers. Don’t wear anything cotton, it soaks up water and you just get very cold. If you have a wetsuit that’s fine, and if you’ve got a dry suit you’re lucky! An old pair of trainers is fine on the feet, but don’t forget cotton socks aren’t good. Warm hats are essential.
Is there somewhere to get changed?
There’s a changing room as part of the the Bridge End Centre complex for our use. There is no heating in the changing rooms. Please be quick using it. It is not secure so please do not leave valuables in there. It’s best to lock them in cars.
What are the toilet facilities like?
There is a lockable facility with shower and toilet. It is shared with campers and caravanners. Please make sure you leave it clean and tidy.
What stuff does the club provide?
We have a store of equipment you will need such as bouyancy aids and paddles. We also have a selection of kayaks to suit different sizes of people.
What can I expect to do?
We’ll be outside most of the day so you will need clothes for whatever weather the day brings. We’re going to do a bit of talking, some drills on land before getting onto the water. We’ll cover the safety aspects first, before getting in and out of kayaks. We’ll go on to move forwards, backwards and turning. You will be lifting and carrying kayaks on and off trailers and down to the water. By the end of the day you should have the basic skills to go on short trips with the club. We finish off by doing ‘wet’ drills simulating a capsize and rescue.
Will I get wet?
Yes, but it’s hopefully going to be towards the end of the day when we do ‘wet’ drills. You need an additional set of clothes just in case…
Is kayaking dangerous?
Bridge End is considered as sheltered waters and suitable for teaching beginners. While it does need to be recognised that kayaking is an inherently dangerous pastime, if you do as instructed the risks will be minimal and we will do out best to teach you to be safe.
Most common injuries happen prior to getting on the water. We will look at ways of preventing those injuries and managing the risks throughout the day.
If you have a medical condition speak to one of the coaches. It will be dealt with sensitively and not passed on unless it needs to be for your safety. If you have any medication please make sure you bring it with you.
Can I take photos?
With the exception of while someone is getting changed, yes if you ask the people being photographed.
Many coaches will have a waterproof camera. Consent for the Club to use photographs on our website and facebook page is on the membership form. Photos of anyone under 16 will not be used without parents permission.
We’re going to run an introduction to sea kayaking day covering the basics and preparing for easy trips. Further details on our facebook page
If you are interested please get in contact.
iainmacbride737@gmail.com
A great evening for a paddle saw 22 people on the water, a good mix of experienced paddlers and beginners.
Starting at the Bod of Gremistra, we went straight cross to Bressay and turning south headed to the ferry terminal. After a bit of a rest while a huge tug headed through the harbour, it was time to head across to the old manse and along to the Knab. The large cave with window just had to be visited before rounding the Knab and rock-hopping into Brewick, ending with a gentle paddle to the slip next to Fjara.
I can’t sum it up any better than Mike’s comment on facebook “…a late night but a good night in excellent company…”
Many thanks to Mat and Mike for working with the trailers, Craig for sorting shuttles, Debs and the other experienced paddlers for supervising, everyone for turning out and being an easy group to take out on the water!
If you want to go for the short trip please be at Bridge End between 6.30 and 6.45pm to load trailer and ensure the boat you want is on it and paddles etc has gone into the box. Possibility is a trip round Lerwick Harbour, to be confirmed when we meet tomorrow night. Got own gear? Let us know you want to come and where to meet up
There are a number of folks training for Level 1 coaches who’d appreciate some additional coaching practice! It will be in a slightly different way of coaching to what we’ve normally do and is a great opportunity to focus on skills development now you’ve had a chance to get outside and get a little experience under your keel line!
We’re looking at it being next Saturday, times to be confirmed. Even if you can’t make the whole day, half a day would be appreciated.
Please email me at iainmacbride737@gmail.com if you would be willing to be a guinea pig
With a brisk breeze blowing from the south, a trip to north seemed a good idea.
Over the first few miles the beginners encountered their first waves to surf on, gradually building the nearer we got to Scalloway.
Rafting up in Clift Sound gave an opportunity to relax for a few minutes, stretch the legs and take in the views. In spite of the growing swell, there was even a chance for a Craig to take a photo or two.
By the time we reached the bridge there were a few tired bodies glad to see the end in sight, the myth that using the waves to go fast was easy firmly dispelled. The swell dying down as we entered the harbour also give Jim the chance to chase down Mike who’d swapped the plastic Etaine for Jim’s glass version and was thoroughly enjoying himself!
And there we were, off the water, stowing boats and gear, trip finished. Just the shuttle to sort out to get folks back to their cars and kit sitting at Bridge End.
Many thanks to Jim and Matthew for towing trailers; to Mike and Craig for helping run the shuttle at the beginning of the trip; Craig for coordinating the shuttle in reverse; and everyone for getting stuck in there and sorting gear out so we could all get home.
Another nice Thursday evening out on the water, getting a little further each time. With the majority now at 1* can’t call these beginners sessions for much longer! Anyway, relatively calm meant we got to almost to Houss before swell kicked in. Shetland provided a break in the clouds and one of it’s stunning sunset which just got better and better. Many thanks to Angus and seakayakshetland.com for letting us use the photo