2016-03-17/18 Four Star Sea Kayak Training with Roger Chandler

Day 1

As pre course homework Roger asked us to plan a suitable journey as a four star leader – I used Phil Clegg’s Journey planner (see downloads) and planned from Porth Darfarch to Trearddur Bay and back, which was well within remit. In the end we paddled from Rhoscolyn out to the tidal race where we practiced lots of skills in the tidal race. Thank heavens for dry suits! The water was cold. After this we practiced rocky landings and launchings. And we ended up having lunch on a rock, where we were subjected to various flyovers from the local RAF Air training school. After we finished I must admit I felt like I had been well and truly “worked” by Roger. A fantastic day, which pushed me out of my comfort zone several times. I learnt loads though and gained some good tips on things I need to work on.

As homework for the night, Roger set us another trip planning exercise and also to make an action plan.

Day 2

We paddled from Porth Dafarch to Abraham’s Bosom where we stopped for lunch (Porth y Gwyydel). I had the job of leading the group from Penrhyn Mawr to our lunch stop. To start with I paddled on the shore side of the group, but as we rounded the coast into Abraham’s Bosom, JB started going out wide, so I switched sides to the outside of the group to keep them on course. As I did this Roger decided to jump out and play poorly sick. So we set up a raft with Graham looking after Roger whilst JB and I “V” towed them to our lunch stop. This Worked really well as luckily both our tow lines were more or less identical in length. After lunch we rock hopped for a bit, before heading back to Penrhyn Mawr for more rescue drills. During the return we were led by Graham and JB. Back at Anglesey Outdoors had a wrap up session with Roger and went through my action plan. I paddled much better today, even Roger noticed. This was probably due to being too loose in my new boat. I need to play around with my outfitting a bit more.