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Open Boat Training at Cattawade

Saturday, 19 March 2011

Kevin kindly arranged an open canoe training day towards are star award. We were able to borrow six open boats on a trailer from Mike Robards at Tiptree scouts.  Being that I was the only one with a tow bar it was my job to get them there and back. We were lucky enough to have a lovely sunny day on that Saturday. After some on bank briefing and warm-ups we were on the water for about 9:45. Kevin worked us quite hard showing us new and different paddle strokes relevant to the open boats also Gunwale bobbing!

 

The Gunwale bobbing was unsuccessful in producing any swimmers. After a short paddle up and back down the river Stour to practice what we had learnt. At the end of the session it was swimming time for rescue practice. Me first with Cheryl the rescuer then the other way around, Caroline’s turn next with me the rescuer. We all managed to get back in our own boats some a little colder! Off the water about 14:00 warm drinks and something to eat pack away and return Boats.

 

 

Thanks to Mike Robards and Tiptree Scouts for the loan of the boats and trailer,

also to Kevin Reed for the enthusiastic and informative training day.

 

Barry Iszard