Paddlesports (Kayaking, Canoe, Stand-Up Paddle boards)

MM-Seat · 30 Aug 2020 at 18:18

Long time, not been in the thread

I've got my level one coach assessment in two weekends (guidance permitting.) I've not been in a boat for a year so a bit nervous and also decided I don't want to take my paddling much further than that.

MM-Seat · 1 Sep 2020 at 18:33

Skidder said:
What do you plan to do with it?

I volunteer with the scouts so will be able to deliver some British Canoeing qualifications.

MM-Seat · 1 Sep 2020 at 21:29

Skidder said:
That's cool. My son is a sea scout and has a great time out on the water.

I'd have loved that growing up. Involvement with a Sea Scout Group would be ace though!

MM-Seat · 19 Sep 2020 at 18:35

day 1 of 2 done on my course and my paddling and rescue skills assessed and done!

Had a go today on an open canoe, sit on top kayak and a SUP (which didn't last long!). I'm being assessed on an open canoe and hopefully I finish it all tomorrow!

MM-Seat · 20 Sep 2020 at 15:02

MM-Seat said:
day 1 of 2 done on my course and my paddling and rescue skills assessed and done!

Had a go today on an open canoe, sit on top kayak and a SUP (which didn't last long!). I'm being assessed on an open canoe and hopefully I finish it all tomorrow!

I passed! I can now deliver some very basic paddle award from British Canoeing. Seems I've signed up for the Paddlesport Leader award paired with the touring award during October in the lakes. Should be a great 2 days out regardless.

MM-Seat · 2 Oct 2020 at 22:41

Got another assessment next weekend, paddlesport leader. Still waiting for the details but, will hopefully get some more qualifications under my belt.

MM-Seat · 8 Oct 2020 at 02:17

MM-Seat said:
Got another assessment next weekend, paddlesport leader. Still waiting for the details but, will hopefully get some more qualifications under my belt.

So this weekend I'll be on Windermere for the first time. Very exciting! One of the other guys on assessment is on a SUP so that should be fun!

Hope everyone else is getting some paddles in!

MM-Seat · 8 Oct 2020 at 12:46

Thanks, I’ll keep you posted!

@Marvt74 did you get a permit for Southport? Quite interested in getting out on the water there.

MM-Seat · 15 Oct 2020 at 11:29

I passed my paddlesport leader award!

I now have quite a wide remit. Can take novices on the water and get them to a standard to go on a trip as long as 200 meters away from a safe landing.

Ive been looking at some SUPs as that's something I could store and make use of and I think will be very popular with the scouts. Could be a next year purchase however, like the look of the bluefin that a few have had in here.

MM-Seat · 15 Oct 2020 at 16:33

I'm open boating at the weekend which should be good to work on my skills.

MM-Seat · 16 Oct 2020 at 13:26

Agreed - get what you really want!

MM-Seat · 18 Oct 2020 at 15:27

Marvt74 said:
@Skidder

I don’t think I’ve imagined this. But I recall you mentioning a 40 mile paddle with kayaks. Yet I cannot for the life of me find the post in this thread.

How did you find it? I imagine very tiring and assume it’d take around 12 hours minimum.

I’m eyeing up a challenge to do the length of the Lancaster canal. It’s around 41 miles and flat water so no benefit of river flow. Trying to decide how do-able it is and how likely I am to achieve it!

Assume by SUP?

MM-Seat · 18 Oct 2020 at 16:37

Was going to say toruing kayak would make short work of that distance.

I was out in an open yesterday. Was great fun practicing rescues. My dry pants/semi dry top work somewhat well. Still get a bit of water coming in at waist but, more damp than sopping wet.

MM-Seat · 19 Oct 2020 at 10:41

I'd be up for it too! Southport is only 40 mins away from me.

MM-Seat · 31 Oct 2020 at 02:03

No canoeing for me this weekend but, I am going in a sea boat on Tuesday. Can’t wait!

MM-Seat · 31 Oct 2020 at 12:36

Marvt74 said:
Aren’t all boats sea boats? (Except barges)

I presume that’s something different that I just don’t know about!

I’ve been off work all week and had hoped to get a few paddles in, but the weather has been truly horrendous and I’ve had so many jobs around the house to do I’ve not had chance.

@Skidder have you ever been out in the dark? Other than weekends that’s pretty much the only option now around work (other than a short 2 miles I can squeeze in during lunch with wfh). But not sure what I’d need as presumably with a head torch I’d constantly be blocking the beam as I paddle?

Have a search for a sea kayak. Long boats that are usually 16-18 foot. Very fast and stable at speed but, turns like an oil tanker however. If you compare that to a whitewater kayak which is paddled most often it should be quite striking the difference (7-9ft for a WW kayak)

MM-Seat · 7 Nov 2020 at 18:14

No paddling for a month now as the club is shut. Got a 5 mile paddle in Liverpool docks under my belt and will work up to the 10 mile evening paddle.

MM-Seat · 12 Nov 2020 at 19:56

Marvt74 said:
If you want to borrow a board I don’t mind lending you my Fanatic if you want to keep practicing

I got out today for a 6 mile paddle today. Lovely crisp sunny day. Went through. 600m tunnel on the canal which was a bit eerie but enjoyable. Funny how your senses change in the dark.

That's very kind of you!

I need to gain balance on a SUP. I may try and pick up a quality, cheaper board after Christmas to coach from.

MM-Seat · 25 Nov 2020 at 15:22

Marvt74 said:
It’s no issue. Otherwise if you didn’t want to (I’d be nervous too!)

Happy to meet up for a paddle.

Sorry, just seen this. That would be ace!

Fingers crossed that the club can reopen next week and I can get some midweek paddles in.

MM-Seat · 1 Dec 2020 at 09:06

Seems like gladiator boards are out of stock everywhere.

I suppose if be quite happy with the decathlon board as a starter. My main disciplines will remain canoe and kayak.