Sunday paddle in Garurus

I was really looking forward to this paddle as it's been two weeks since we hit the water. Weather and sea were both calm and we had a nice pleasant paddle. We paddled a ~5mile round trip so it was just about right for a Sunday morning paddle.
Nobody was interested in a wet session so I guess we'll wait for some pool sessions before trying our rolls.
Photos are up on web album

Level 3 Training Day2

Level 3 Day 2 in Dunmore East. Sea was a lot rougher than yesterday with force 4 Easterlies. We paddled Dunmore to Portally and it was a 'bouncy' trip, but rewarding. Heading back to Dunmore the sea was a bit confused near some of the cliffs with waves coming in all directions. Initially I played safe and didn't bother trying to take photos but there were some opportunites and I managed to take a few.
Pat's delighted with new boat and very pleased with how it handled the Portally trip. When we got back to Dunmore we did all the strokes and most people were confident after being out in the bigger sea than we're used to. This showed through in good paddle commitment. The day was a bit on the chilly side and after a few wet rescues you would definitely feel the cold setting in. Myself and Joe did the 'all in' rescue and this is another compelling reason to learn to roll. After lots of attempts we finally helped one another back in the boats but I can see how in a real world situation it would be very difficult.
We all got the level 3 and I feel that lots of techniques are now coming toghether - edging bracing etc lots better than a few weeks ago (actually they were non existent then).
Well done to everyone!

Level 3 Training Day1

At last our level 3 training weekend has arrived! We met in Dunmore East and paddled from Dunmore East to Hook Head to Loftus Hall Beach(?) and back - total 9.7miles.
Pat and Alan both got their new boats (Tsunami 160 and Tempest 165) and took them out for the first sea trials! Conditions weren't too bad with a bit of a swell in the estuary particularly on the Hook side. Heading back towards Loftus Hall most people managed to catch some nice waves. We stopped for lunch at beach by Loftus and practised our surf landings. It was a bit of a laugh launching in dumping waves for the first time. Joe seemed to attach half a kelp bed to the deck of his kayak. By the time we got back to Dunmore the 3:30 slump had kicked in (although by now it was 4:30) and everyone was pretty tired. We did our strokes and wet sessions and a good day was had.
Looking foward to a good nights sleep and more tomorrow.

Another day in Dunmore East

Strong SE winds and heavy rain made we wonder if we were going to get out at all. We got an invite to go for a paddle with another sea kayaking group but decided to practice our strokes instead in the shelter of Dunmore. Hopefully there will be more opportunities to meet up and plenty time to paddle in a straight line after the level 3! We tried all the techniques we have being practicing but this time with an extended paddle grip and what a difference it makes. You can lean right out on the paddle with amazing support and confidence. As Derek Hutchinson says:

"The inexperienced gain courage,
The experienced learn finesse."

I guess we got the courage bit! Paul managed to come up successfully after a roll using an extended grip (Pawlatta style) and despite being accused of pushing up from the bottom, the video footage seems to prove it to be a genuine roll. Well done Paul.

Recording the stuff on video gives us some feedback on whats going wrong. Most of us seem to be pulling down on the paddle so maybe that can be sorted by the next time.

Joe has totally embraced the high brace and can be seen in lots of the pics with ear in in or near the water.

All in all a good day had by all and Mick 'The Hoff' Cagney was our safety spotter during the failed rolling attempts.

Photos uploade to web album