The ships log:
This was a long time coming and worth waiting for. The skills day was planned sometime ago based on interest from various paddlers who wanted to extend their skills or just wanting to know how to get back into their kayak.
A good mix of paddlers 9 in all
rolled up on the day, all with PFD's and Spray skirts... good to see.
David Hipsley introduced himself to the group and a brief outline of his Kayak
experience he requested each person to do the same.
After a briefing it was off to inspect each of the Kayaks to see who was carrying
what. I think that many of the paddlers regardless of experience learned something
new. Even if it meant drilling more holes in your kayak.
After the inspection it was off to paddle to Lobster Beach... a little twist where David requested everyone to push their Kayaks into the water and then get in !! (not your usual beach start) but a great indicator of skills before you even start.
After everyone was in... it was
off to Lobster Beach.
The first priority was to ensure that everyone was comfortable being upside down. With two helpers everyone was turned upside down for a few seconds and pulled back up again. During the upside down time each paddler went through the motions of locating the spray skirt strap ready for a wet exit. Once confident, every one did the wet exit and experimented with self recovery techniques.
Next
was to perform assisted recovery. All managed the T recovery without any problems.
This led to David and Stephan demonstrating the use of a paddle float to re
enter and roll.
Bracing techniques were demonstrated and all paddlers tested in my feeble attempts
to tip them out of their Kayaks. A very important lesson as this is what generally
stops you from going over.
After a short coffee break it was
off to that glorious surf that Ettalong offers. Starting with the smaller waves
and within minutes everyone to my surprise headed out for some decent waves.
David took half the group out behind the surfline and continued to get everyone
wet, whilst the other half continued to surf.
Lunch break at Lobster beach saw 2 paddlers depart due to Committments. After
lunch Stephan requested that everyone roll their kayak. David first, then Stephan
with his left side roll, then myself then Lee that's 4 out of 4..... this prompted
Lee's friend to have a go.... after 3 - 4 misses he was not about to give up....
then another success. Colin gave it his best but not a bad effort for the day.
I might add that during the lunch break a chap paddled up in his new Kayak -
he had just been surfing, well he did have a PFD and his comment was "
I will have to get myself a spray skirt, filled it up a few times already"
??
It was back to surfing to finish off a great (wet) day.
Paddlers Comments;
"David and Stephan, thanks for your assistance on
the day. It was greatly appreciated."
Henry
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" I learned heaps
on Saturday and my confidence levels are much
higher, especially having learned about the paddle float rollover rentry and
doing a roll. Taught me
that there's always more to be learned from experienced kayakers."
Lee
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"I am confident that I will
master the technique,...... I like the idea of the paddle float. if it's not
too expensive, I believe it would be very handy accessory when viewing underwater.
I think I have passed the panic stage of being unsure of what to do whilst inverted,
the only thing I would prefer, is that there is someone around, not only for
emergency, but to view my technique and criticise.
Thanks for the day, I enjoyed it, must have because I was a bit sore around
the shoulders that night. it's a good feeling."
Col
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