Kayaking Update

It’s been a while since I’ve been on here. Life and winter got in the way.

Pool sessions continued every two weeks until the end of March and we are now back out on the loch.

In the pool we worked on our support strokes, edging, moving sideways and rolling. I feel I have improved greatly and although I haven’t done a roll unaided yet, I’m almost there. I have all the elements but find it hard to keep the paddle near the top of the water. A few different coaches have assisted me with my technique and after still not being able to get it one brought me in a paddle float to try. It worked a treat whilst it was on, even when it was almost completely deflated but as soon as it was taken off I couldn’t manage it and then pool sessions were over. So I’m taking a break for this until the water in the loch heats up a wee bit.

Being back out on the loch has been great and I have had the chance to try out a sea kayak and the open canoe. The sea kayak I found just a little bit different to the river kayak that I’m used to and after a while I was comfortably paddling about and trying turning, edging and going sideways. The open canoe was a challenge though but I think that may have been a lot to do with it being very windy. I was practicing going forward and felt like I was just getting a feel for it and then the wind would get me and push me in the opposite direction and I found it very hard going working against the wind.

I think I’m going to do my 2 star this year, although I know I’m improving and have come a long way I like to have something to measure against. I also hope to be good enough one day to help out with coaching at the club and will need these skill qualifications to progress onto the coaching ones.

As the weather gets better I’m more eager to get my own boat to allow me to go and practice at the local loch out with the club sessions and I’m on the internet at least once a day looking for a roof rack and a boat.

I love being out on the water and it beats being in a sweaty gym.

Pool Sessions

I always wondered what was kept in the containers at the car park of my local leisure centre. One at least is full to the brim with kayaking equipment, including that used for polo. I try to go swimming a couple of times a week before work and as my sight isn’t too good I have prescription goggles which also help protect against the chlorine but I also bought myself a nose clip as chlorinated water up the nose is very unpleasant.

Unfortunately at the first pool session there weren’t enough coaches for structured teaching so the time was spent getting used to the different type of kayaks used for the pool sessions, practicing the strokes we had learnt, emergency escapes and getting to know the other paddlers, some of who I hadn’t met before. It was nice to be in warm water.

At the next pool session all the coaches were in attendance along with 12 paddlers and after a paddle around the pool to warm up we were split into three groups, beginners, children and experienced. I was in the beginners with 3 other paddlers and 2 coaches. They explained that we would be learning rescues and rolling.

We started off with an emergency escape followed by instructions on the safest and easiest way to empty the kayak.

Step 1 – Keep the kayak upturned take it to the edge of the pool.

Step 2 – On your haunches at the side of the pool, keeping the kayak in the water put one hand at the front of the cockpit and the other in the middle nearest you and lean back slightly, the water gradually empties from the kayak and the buoyancy lifts it out of the water.

Step 3 – Place the kayak, still upside down, on the side of the pool. Go to one end and pick it up, bending you knees and keeping your back straight. Rock the kayak from side to side. Repeat on the other side.

Step 4 – Get back in and on the water.

We were told not to lift the kayak straight up vertically from the pool as the weight of the water can damage the kayak. A carbon fibre boat could snap and a plastic one will bend.

Next came learning the hip snap, the first part of the roll. Holding onto the edge of the pool we had to tilt the kayak and use our hip and knee to right it back up but also keeping our head low, not bringing it up until the kayak was over. We gradually lent over until our ears were in the water trying to put as little pressure as possible on the supporting hand on the edge of the pool.

We then paired up and practiced by holding onto the front of the other person’s boat, this then progressed into being completely upside down, then letting go of the boat and then also pointing in different directions to acknowledge our spatial awareness being upside down.

I found this all quite easy and you can feel the difference in the roll when you try to bring you head up at the wrong point. I am trying to imaging that my ear is glued to my arm so that it’s the last thing that comes up and it seems to be working. When I’m under I also say to myself “hip, body, head”. Hopefully it will become second nature with lots of practice.

I am very water confident and enjoy being in and under the water as much as I do on it, especially in a pool environment. However, a couple of the others weren’t. One said that he really didn’t think this was for him and another was ready to stop halfway through but I think that was partly due to not being comfortable in the boat but after a pep talk with the coach and a swap over of kayak they were a bit happier. I hope they both come back and give it another try and don’t give up based on one bad night. Although it would mean more coach time for me and the other guy it’s more fun when there are a few of you trying to reach the same goals and you can share tips and encouragement.

At the end of the session the paddles were removed and we were split into teams for a game with the ball where the aim was to pass the ball between your team 10 times without the other teams getting it. I don’t think my team mates knew who’s team they were on, they kept passing the ball to the other teams, but it was just a bit of fun with lots of cheating and capsizing kayaks and at the end everyone ended up swimming.

My aim for the end of the winter is to have a good solid roll in the pool that I can then take out and try on moving water. I think I’m off to a good start.

Take 2 – River Tay, Stanley to Thistlebrig (05/10/14)

After the last trip I jumped at the chance to do it all over again. This time there were only 4 of us, the coach, another girl who has been paddling for a couple of years and a man who has done a bit of sea kayaking but this was his first time on the river. I was no longer the newbie.

The weather for this time of year is actually quite good but a few degrees colder than a few weeks ago and was quite overcast. The temperature of the water was my main worry this time round as I had no doubt I would be swimming at some point along the way.

We put in at Stanley where we paddled around the put in to warm up, practiced on the eddy then did a ferry glide to the island. Again like last time I struggled to get into the flow and ended up paddling quite a bit up where the water was rougher and had to let the kayak float back down a bit, I think I may have started too far out and next time will come in closer before I put the angle on and see if that helps. We then practiced peeling out of the eddy and back in.  Again my angles were off and I was being a bit timid getting into the flow and ended up going the wrong way but got it right on the second go.

There was another eddy at the end of the island where the water from both sides met and there were few rocks which created eddy lines going in different directions. We spent some time going over these eddy’s to see what way we needed to edge depending of where we wanted to be.

Then it was a portage up the island to get to Campsie Linn. The water was shallow at the top of the island and the water was flowing fast towards us from the Linn.  I had trouble getting the paddle in enough water to pull me though and kept on getting pushed back towards the island I was getting stuck on rocks and I was left behind as the others were way ahead.

Next it was time to tackle the Linn. We got out to have a look and see what the water was doing as it was coming over the Linn. The coach explained it a bit and we could all see that the easiest line was slightly to the left as the water on the right was a bit rougher. However, when it was my turn to go down I realised as I approached that I was further over to the right than I should be. I told myself I could do it and started paddling and bracing and got through without a problem. When I was in the calmer water at the other end I acknowledge to the coach I was ok and he turned round to signal to the next person to go. I don’t know what happened, whether I was too tense or too relaxed but the next thing I knew I was upside down and so was the person coming down the Linn. I did the wet escape and singled to the coach I was ok and he went to assist the other person who was further out than I was. I had kept hold of my paddle and kayak at first making way to the edge of the river but it’s hard to get anywhere fast with your hands full and the boat slipped my grip but by this time the others were near and retrieved it for me.

After we both recovered we headed for lunch.

Raring to go again we set off on a gentle paddle to the next obstacle, Stanley Weir. The coach explained what we needed to do and headed off first followed by the other more experienced paddler so they were at the other end to help with a rescue,  if needed, for us with less experience. When the signal came I let the other man go first but halfway through the wave trail he went under. I waited as instructed where I was until the other paddler was safe and the coach made his way back up to me.

I followed the coach through the weir and the wave trail no problem and the others joined in behind us as we passed and headed straight down towards Hell Hole Corner. Again like last time I made it through following the coaches line but coming out at the end into calmer water I went under. This time however I knew it was happening before I actually went under and had time to react but for some reason my mind went blank and I sat there still whilst I felt the kayak roll over. Had my brain worked I could have prevented this one.

Next was the bumpy water down past Stanley Mill towards the Thislebrig Rapid. This was no problem, again I was following behind the coach and watching where he was going and I got through this. With the put out in sight however transitioning onto the calmer water the kayak started to spin round so I was facing backwards downstream. In hindsight I should have let the kayak turn but I fought against it and flipped myself over.

Like last time I had 3 swims on this trip but I think I have a bit more understanding about what’s gone wrong so I can try to rectify next time. I’m sure however I will be upside down again at some point and I can’t wait to learn to roll. The pool sessions start soon.

Being tired the coach pulled the kayaks up the first steep embankment but after that it was over to us and I have to say it took every last bit of energy out of me but I managed up all the stairs carrying the kayak by myself. This is an achievement in itself.

First River Trip – River Tay, Stanley to Thistlebrig (14/09/14)

To sum it up in one word……. FANTASTIC!

With only 6 sessions on the loch, to say I was a little apprehensive going out on a moving river would have been an understatement but I was up for a challenge.

Apologies now for my lack/misuse of technical terms, I’m a newbie.

After a little bit of paddling to warm up, Ken gave us instructions on one of the features (was it an Eddy?) where you paddle into it put the edge on and it turns the boat around.  I didn’t think I was very good at this.  After a few tries and a few wobbles Sarah saw my blank face when she told me to brace, then followed some practice low bracing (with arms like a monkey) and high bracing.

Next came the ferry glide, which got better with practice.  I struggled with getting across into the flow of the water but once there just kept paddling and with Sarah prompting to look over my shoulder I got to the other side.

We then paddled upstream to Campsie Linn and on first sight I thought, “you must be kidding!”.  We paddled up to it and I watched as the others played on it.  Ken then suggested we take the kayaks to the other side and come down it.  Hesitantly I decided to give it a try.  Ken talked us through it, to go straight down the V and keep paddling and one by one everyone went down.  Then it was my turn.  I was fine on the approach but the closer I got the bigger the waves looked.  With my heart in my mouth I hit the waves and paddled for my life and got through the bumpy stuff and thought it was over and stopped paddling, but the water had other ideas and I went under.  That was swim number 1.  This was another first, I stayed calm, swallowed a bit of water and tried to get out but didn’t succeed due to the spray deck (I forgot) but managed to get forward, pull the loop and get out.  Having only done one controlled escape before, I had been waiting on this coming and was glad to have got it over and done with and now I know I can get out safely in an unexpected situation.  I feel a little bit more confident on the water now.  When I was ready to get back in the boat Ken asked if I wanted to do it again, I think the adrenaline was pumping and I said “Yes” without hesitation and this time round I kept paddling right to the end without going for a swim.

After lunch we headed on down the river following Ken’s directions, or at least trying to in my case.  He led us to the weir, which I got through and again just kept paddling but again I think it was the transition of the water leading me into a false sense of security and tipped me over.  This time I remembered about the spray deck but couldn’t find the loop, think it was tucked inside, but I managed to pop it off with my knees.  That was swim number 2.

I got right back in still feeling ok, just a little wet, and was following Robyn, I think this was round Hellhole Corner.  Again I thought I was doing ok then all of a sudden there was a little pool of waves which appeared out of nowhere just in front of me.  My face must have been a picture when I tried to paddle round but realised it was too late and I was getting sucked in and yes you guessed it, swim number 3 but this time I got out first time.

The next stage was cutting across to Stanley Mill, which I did with a helping hand from Ken.  Then it was round the bend and over the bumpy stuff following Ken’s lead and safely to shore.

For anyone who hasn’t done this stretch of water can I just point out that there is a bit of a walk.  No make that a hike up some very steep stairs to get to the car and if you’re already exhausted from paddling and swimming you’re going to think you’re dying by the time you reach the top.

Thanks to everyone for organising, showing me what to do, making me feel comfortable and carrying my kayak all the way to the car at the end.

It all went swimmingly (3 to be exact).

(Report on trip organised by Fife Canoe Activity Group and posted on their website)

Kayaking the story so far

A number of years ago whilst camping at Luss on the shores of Loch Lomond I went on a boat trip and when we went round a corner I was surprised to see a world of canoe campers that wasn’t visible from the shore. I was mesmerised by this and thought how great an experience this would be.  Back home the idea was quickly dismissed, it would cost too much, where would I get a canoe and since I was camping alone already I knew none of my friends would be up for this type of holiday and back I went to work. But as a lover of water it was never far from my mind.

This year when I was off work on holiday a bit closer to home on a day trip up the Fife coast to Anstruther, it was a bit busy on the harbour so after we stopped for our chips we drove on through to Cellardyke. Although when we left earlier that day from further inland in glorious sunshine the haar was in at the coast and we couldn’t see beyond the sea wall. There was an inlet by the car park which was being set up for a kayaking lesson so we had some entertainment whilst we ate lunch. I think it was mainly beginners who were just trying it out and having a bit of a paddle around but there was also an older gentleman getting a one on one lesson on rolling his sea kayak. Every time he went in the water we were willing him to get back up and after a lot of determination and trying he did it. Inspired by the demonstration of these strangers having so much fun in there kayaks I decided it was time to properly look into kayaking and see how accessible this sport was.

I went online and quickly found my local club, Fife Canoe Activity Group, and contacted them. I got an email back from a nice lady called Sarah who explained that they met weekly at Lochore Meadows and went to the local pool during winter and if I wanted to go along I could try it out for 3 sessions before I had to become a member. As I didn’t have any kit it would cost £5 a session on the loch, £5 for any trips, membership was £21 and once I was a member for a deposit of £20 they could hire me a wetsuit, shoes and cagoule for the season. I read her email several times to see what the catch was, to me this was very inexpensive.  The club itself is a charity and funded by several organisations to encourage inclusion hence the low-cost and it is fully equipped with river/sea kayaks, open canoes, all the other peripheral equipment, fully qualified coaches, very nice, helpful members and as well as general coaching run courses to help members gain qualifications.

So at the beginning of August I went for my first loch session. I was kited out, kayak selected, given some safety advice and then I was out on the water with a couple of other beginners, a few others of varying experience and the coach. First thing we did was paddle out to one of the islands. It’s not as easy as it looks going straight. Eventually over at the island we were shown and then practised sweep strokes then played around passing a ball to each other in teams and at the end we had to demonstrate that we were able to get out of the kayak safely should it capsize.  I managed to do the wet escape but swallowed quite a bit of water. I enjoyed myself at this session and went back for more and became a member of the club. I spent one of the sessions in an open canoe where I learnt different strokes and although I did enjoy this I liked the kayak better.

Each week the sessions have taken a similar structure with practicing strokes, forward, sweeps, rudder, side stroke and backwards stroke followed by some ball play. I have seen my strokes improve and gained confidence on the water. I did continue however to have problems with my forward stroke and was given various tips by the coaches and other members but was told this was one of the most difficult strokes to master. I tried to look at my stroke to see if I was doing it right and evenly on both sides, I tried compensating with sweep strokes, I tried concentrating on a point ahead and I tried not to concentrate on what I was doing, I tried pushing down with the opposite foot to the side I was paddling on but to no avail. I was still spinning round although not as much as when I first started.

Then I went on a trip to the River Tay (I will post my trip report for this separately). I had been adjusting the kayak I was using over the weeks bringing the footplate in closer as I had been told of the importance of being more connected to the kayak.  On this trip I decided to bring it in even closer and also to tightened up the back. I’m not sure whether it was these adjustments or just the extra practice paddling on the river but when I got back to the loch at the next session something had clicked and all of a sudden I could forward paddle.

The loch sessions have now finished due to lack of light but the pool sessions start in a couple of weeks and I’m looking forward to learning how to roll.