Don’t forget that we also have the forum. There are a number of things which may be of interest such as planning club trips, coaching videos and resources, and a for sale page.
http://shetlandcanoeclub.freeforums.net
Author: Iain Page 5 of 12
This week we had a stunning evening for getting out there and paddling and, after some work on emergency stops, 30 paddlers went for a paddle! Along the way we did some work on sweep strokes on the move and then back to forward paddling before a bit of a rest on the big beach at Papil. 
By the end of the evening we’d got just that bit further away from Bridge End and a lot closer to getting that 1* tick for the whole group.
Thursday proved to be nice and breezy so some of this year’s beginners took to the Canoes for their first experience of sailing, while others had a short trip to Papil. Coming back as three rafts proved fun, especially with some kind folks ‘volunteering’ to stand up.
Some brave souls even did some swimming and rescuing at the end of the sessions. From one or two comments, it was quite an experience…
Well done to everyone, see you next week
Please return membership forms to Craig as soon as possible for returning members.
Many thanks
Thursday saw the move from the pool to the great outdoors for this year’s beginners, and low winds and a high turnout made for a busy evening coaching. Everyone appeared to have enjoyed their first experiences of Bridge End and got to grips with the fundamentals of forward paddling in roughly a straight line. Next session it’s planned to look at turning strokes. Roll on next Thursday!
Just a reminder that this Monday sees our final session indoors and we’re moving outdoors to Bridge End on 14 May!
Mags Duncan and Steve Mackinnon from Nairn provided a great two days taking eight of us us through part one of the syllabus in not the warmest of weather. While they were up they also spent some time with Angus and Catriona working on Level 2 coaching with the help of some keen volunteers, plus a coaching update to Jim who’s one of our existing level 1 coaches .
Many thanks to both Mags and Steve for making it a really interesting and informative weekend for all those involved. Hopefully the weather will be warmer in six weeks when we do part two! And of course thanks to Angus for arranging it, and SQA for helping part- fund the training and being flexible.
…Time for eight of us to get on with our homework…
The second of two Foundation Safety and Rescue Training days had calm weather and reasonably warm conditions, markedly different to the first day! With a bit of theory and risk spotting, the day started off at Bridge End in cool weather and low winds. 
Despite canoes not being the most familiar of crafts folks seemed to enjoy the morning before hopping into the more familiar sea kayaks for rescue scenarios, towing and capsizing drills.
Many thanks must go to Martin Rickard of Sea Kayak Adventures for running the excellent course and of course to Angus Nicol for doing the organising
That’s this season’s forms now live on the website.
We’re having a meeting on Thursday to review how the 2014 event went, what we could learn from it and what we’d want to do differently next time. There was some great support from club members and it made the symposium a real success. If you’re interested in getting involved please let me know. We’d also welcome any comments about the event and suggestions as to what you’d like to see next time.
TTFN Iain