Last weekend three of our paddlers joined Wight Expeditions, on the Isle of Wight, to continue progressing our Sea Kayaking skills.
Saturday began in Freshwater Bay with some much needed launching and landing practice from the beach. This is something we rarely get to practice as our home paddling is done along the Thames, so there was a lot of swimming.
The group then moved on to boat skills and surf practice, with a few rolls and rescues thrown in.
A short break on the beach to catch our breath and a paddle across to Watcombe Bay to put the training into practice. The waves were bigger and the beach a little steeper. A couple of trashing’s drove home the learning and provided a great experience.
The opportunity was taken to do some cave work. Out of the boats again, we entered a narrow cave. Which was a very unfamiliar environment for all of us. Nothing prepares you for the full force of the sea entering a cave, swirling around like an industrial washing machine and forcing us back out through the entrance. It’s a great opportunity to build up familiarity with the power and motion of the sea in an enclosed environment and a useful experience when building up to rescues in caves and rocky coastlines.
The second day was altogether different. Taking advantage of the calm conditions to practice navigation planning and open crossings. Each candidate took the opportunity to led a leg of the crossing from Yarmouth to the mainland and return. The navigation was done by paddling on a bearing and using transit points.
The return to Yarmouth harbour was beautifully calm and a great contrast to Saturdays paddle.
Keep an eye on the club calendar for more Winter Skills events and opportunities to paddle the stunning Isle of Wight coastline.
Next winter skills provisionally 12/13 April date and location TBC. B#Check CPCC Calendar for details.
