A number of Club members attended a two day REC first aid course run by Pete Richardson this last weekend. A good couple of days spent learning core skills and applying in the great outdoors. Many thanks to Pete for putting everyone through their paces
Tag: coaching
We’re delighted to announce that our great lineup of symposium coaches of Kim Bull, Kate Duffus, Pat Murray, Bonnie Perry, Mike McClure, Catriona Nicol and Angus Nicol are going to be joined by Andrew Barras and Matt Haydock! Happy days.
Don’t forget – If you want to be added to the waiting list, email shetlandsymposium2018@yahoo.com
That’s right, we’re now officially open for applications. see the symposium page for details
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
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
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