Fast Track Intro Sea Kayaking

Jenny had done two days sea kayaking before (on a Bespoke with me) and her sister Liz, only one previous day (She was from Australia and surfed, so had exceptional balance).  We had a windy forecast so we headed inland to a protect lake, that would allow us to move in and out of conditions as the day and their skill level progressed.

The lagoons are beautiful and allow application of the strokes, which we practised on the open water and then applied, to move in and out of the channels.  The sky was atmospheric as we then paddled further up the lake.

Even a few sea gulls had decided to come inland!!

The middle of the lake was getting some wind, while the far side was VERY windy.  We stuck to the middle and worked with on side and off side stern rudders, to achieve control on a down wind run back to our starting point.

We took a break and chatted about what we had done so far ... then headed back up the lake for another down wind run!

The girls were doing super and really picking up the skills and fancied more of a challenge - "We could always cross to the other side of the lake ... " we paddled off and experienced a solid F4 with gust of F5

Back at our start point the girls rewarded them selves with a swim ... and reflected on the days super progression.

Fast Track Intro Sea Kayaking is about learning skills and accelerating your paddling.  More info can be found here.

Roger

www.kokatat.com
www.chillcheater.com
www.mitchelblades.co.uk
www.phseakayaks.com


sea kayak north wales
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anglesey sea kayaking

The Roof of Britain - Sea Kayaking Fast Track ~ Rapid Development eXpedition (RDX) 2015

In 2011, I ran the first RDX programme, to paddle around Wales.  The idea was to have a big target, which required commitment to prepare, time in the boat, top coaching and accelerate the learning process.   It was also hoped that it would provide a spring board towards further independent adventures.  The plan was to use the canals inland and then paddle out of the Bristol Channel and back along the Welsh  coastline.  We had one month and some super weather and completed the loop in 24 days and approx. 500nm.  

2011 was a shorter two weeks, with Mull and 2012 with Skye.

A super account from one of the group, Di lee of her paddle around Wales, which she named  "Eat, Sleep, Paddle" can be read/down loaded in two parts and provides a useful insight from the perspective of a participant.

Part one is here  and part two is here

 In 2015 "The Roof of Britain" a 400nm journey with some spectacular coast line is our goal.  One BIG adventure, with only 3 places left ...  2 pre training weekends and beginning in October 2014, with the expedition during late April/May 2015.

Imagine what you could achieve in 2015 ....For more information have a look at my website here ...

Roger

north wales sea kayaking

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expedition kayaking

Food, Glorious Food!

Despite waking at 05.30, I soon fell back to sleep, relishing in the reality of a ly-in. Around 09.00 we were up, Sonja was soon making pancakes and Zoe produced a cream egg for each of us. What a super start to a rest day!

The plan was to walk the 5k into the village and hope the local shop was open and also the hotel, to have some food and charge my phone.

We were in luck as there was a run being organised, so the village was a hive of activity and an amazingly well stocked, although little shop. Even a hot water bottle was bought!! The hotel was also open and between us 2 pork, cider and sweat potato pies with chips + veg, chicken, ham + leek pie with chips, and a crab claw salad. From what must have been the biggest crab, ever! Phone charged and some tidal planning and looking at the distance and options available to us.

We got back to dry wind blown kit, another bonus. Tomorrow is also due to be very windy, so another rest day and then all being well Tuesday's forecast of F3/4 will come good and allow us to begin the West coast, passing through the Sound of Iona and then north on to Staffa, before camping on Ulva.


Diane Lee

http://www.coastalspirit.com/

Sea Kayaking Expeditions

Rapid Development Programmes

The Eagle has Landed

Port Ohirnie

-Its a beautiful cove, with hundreds of primroses, amazing view across to the inner hebs.

We were on the water for 8am and after a super relaxed afternoon are now enjoying a cosy evening round the fire . Today's forecast F2/3 NW general direction, seem to be accurate. 1hr later and the wind's strength was increasing, although we were some what distracted by the 2 white tailed sea eagles, like" flying barn doors" a fantastic moment! A super sea state as we left Port Donain

Just after seeing the eagles!

After finding a small rocky cove 2 land in for a break, it was clear we had an aggressive front coming through at F4/5 on the bow. If we kept in close we could avoid the main strength of the wind. We pulled into a final bay to have a brew and a longer break and the main channel was now rough. Time to look for tent spaces.

We're up again at 0600 and hoping the forecast of a morning of F2/3 and then an afternoon F3/4 holds. Wind currently has dropped, so here's hoping!

Diane Lee

www.coastalspirit.com
Sea Kayaking North Wales

Expedition Support and Sea Kayak Rapid Development Programmes

On the Way!

Here's the first blog for the RDX 2012!
With all 4 boats on the van from Penrith they've headed up to Scotland enjoying the views along the way... lets hope the weather stays so they can paddle off the chips, coffees and irnbru that have been consumed on the journey north.

Views from the van.

I'm looking forward to the updates, and am really excited for the team... weather looks good for the next few days too...

Rapid Development Xpedition (RDX) - further date for 2012

New date for our successful RDX later in the year, with the main 16 day expedition from 22nd September - 7th October 2012. gain an early bird discount of £100, see details here

www.coastalspirit.com

roger chandler