Four of us (Alan, Bev, Colin and Danny) gathered at Tayvallich, more specifically The Tayvallich Inn, on the Friday night having duly parked vans or pitched tents, and nervously discussed weather forecasts and tides, in between sipping beer and eating excellent food – despite the lack of Beef Madras. Lori and Antje texted to say that they were heading straight to their luxury accommodation of a B&B and such was the quality of the internet connection that some of us received the text the following night and others on Sunday. An early night and off to bed, the campsite just a short walk through the rain on a cloudy night.
Morning was dry, but overcast. Calum, our trainer for the weekend, arrived promptly at 9am just shortly after Lori and Antje had arrived, and we were straight into planning the trip for the day, and being quizzed on tides, forecasts, and options. A suitable plan was finally agreed upon and we moved vehicles down to the shore to off-load the boats at Tayvallich. The boats were packed with kit and we launched into the bay with no one sucked into the soft mud, despite the dire warnings of the locals.
We set off into the southerly Force 4 wind down Loch Sween, with Calum challenging us at intervals to demonstrate our map reading and to estimate distances and times to the next waypoint. On the way down the loch, we practised more efficient forward paddling, and took turns to lead the group to experience how difficult is it to control a group (i.e. prevent Lori shooting off into the distance!). After lunch we discussed different towing systems before paddling down to Taynish Island where we practised the various tows.
The wind had picked up by this time and was still gusty. Interestingly although the wind was behind us, the waves were more sideways which made for an enjoyable paddle back. Once in the bay we opted to do some wet exits and rescues in the relatively sheltered environment. Alan and Lori demonstrated their rolling and both they and Antje performed admirable self-rescues, whilst Bev floundered in her borrowed size 10 wet boots. Scoop rescues also proved challenging for some, becoming another skill on the “to practise more” list.
Back on shore, we packed up the boats and Bev was dispatched to the nearly hot shower to warm up. We gathered back at the Tayvallich Inn, squeezing in for a beer and grateful for Alan’s excellent leadership skills demonstrated by booking us a table. Beef Madras had disappeared from the menu, but the alternatives were good and the company excellent. The clear skies provided a plethora of stars to show how little of the night skies we see in the city.
The wind picked up in the night, but kit left out was dry by the morning. Breakfast was eaten and tents packed before Calum arrived again at 9am. This was to be a more challenging day, with a launch from Carsaig Bay into stronger Southerly, veering Easterly, winds. We headed first for Carsaig Island where we practised edging and then edging some more before starting to circumnavigate the island using edging alone for directional control. We practised reverse paddling and turning in reverse before circumnavigating back in reverse.
We crossed over to Eilean Dubh, practising transits and compass bearings, and then on to Eilean nan Coinean, through a small tide race before entering the channel between Eilean nan Coinean and Eilean Fraoich where we were able to practise ferry gliding before lunch. Before launching after lunch Calum took us through the different kit that he carried, on his BA, in his day hatch and elsewhere. It was interesting to see the level of organisation that he practised so that the location of every item was known and the “fix it quick” kit all to hand.
Calum put us into pairs and instructed us to be responsible for rescuing our partner before we paddled out of the channel and into stronger current and choppier water. At this point the rain started and the weather became decidedly gloomy. In the relative shelter of Leth Sgeir each pair was instructed to advance into the current for each paddler to perform their roll in turn (or be rescued). At this point some of the group decided their remit was rescuing rather than rolling, and even the rescuing within that environment demanded an increase in skill level, but proved to be within the abilities of us all. Opportunities for those who had shown the ability to self-rescue were then available in the more demanding seas, with Alan proving to be the star of the show. We had a brief respite, gathering together to talk about tidal flows, rule of thirds and the 50/90 rule before Calum produced his mock tow-lines (a karabiner attached to a float) and made us practice approaching another kayak, unclipping the karabiner and clipping it onto the other kayak as you would put a tow line on. As Calum noted, having to concentrate on the “tow line” actually made us more confident in the choppier seas.
As we finished doing the hard stuff, the sun came out and the wind dropped. We paddled back with the promise of a debrief in the café. Scotland had never looked more beautiful!
The café lived up to its promise, with cake and scones, and we completed our self-assessment forms, and then had the option to discuss these with Calum and the group, and a final opportunity to ask questions. Calum gave us some individual feedback, including that all members of the group had demonstrated good leadership – no doubt due to the opportunities for practice through the Four Star sea kayak group in the club. Whilst we experienced wind and tidal flows beyond the remit required, the waves had never reached the required sea state for a leadership assessment, but we now know what needs to be done and which skills to polish up. Whether you have the ambition to lead groups or not, the leadership course is useful in showing gaps in your knowledge and equipment, as well as pushing you that little bit further in paddling skills.
I would thoroughly recommend the course to any one interested in improving their skills – just remember to bring your wet boots with you!
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