Janice

Name?
Janice Gow

How long have you been a member of the club?
Goodness , I’ve been a club member for 17 years!

Where do you stay?
I stay in Scotstoun.

What made you start kayaking or canoeing?
I was with my son who came along to club nights in the old Playdrome when he was 9yrs. We went to a Mince Pie Paddle and I couldn’t paddle at all. I ended up in an open canoe with Sandy, who said, ‘ aye you’re no much good at this either ‘. And I have never let him forget that! 

What do you enjoy about the sport?
I love getting to see beautiful places and kayaking allows us to visit so many of them. I enjoy challenging trips too, much more since I’ve improved my skills.

Is it different to what you expected?
I think DCKC is a very special club. I have had wonderful training within the club. Been on amazing trips. I have loved it since I joined. I have made many friends. I am constantly amazed by how much the coaches and committee do for the club. And my son who did river kayaking benefited so much from the club, with training and trips. He went to university and continued to kayak and lead trips in the university kayak club. I had no real expectations – I joined with my son and we were always made welcome. 

Where all have you been kayaking?
I have kayaked all over Scotland. I have been to Shetland, Orkney, Skye, Arran, Bute, Gigha, Raasay, North East Coast, many places on the West Coast, Fife and Firth of Forth. I have also been to Finland and island of Elba, off the Italian Coast.  

What has been your favorite trip so far and why?
That is impossible to say. My recent trip on the Cuma and going round St Kilda was wonderful,a really memorable trip. But Skye and Loch Coruisk night paddle last year was very special too. there are many others.

Have trips gone to plan?
No. There have been several occasions when the wind has increased and the sea has been challenging and wee bit scary but I always felt safe out on a club trip.

What is your most memorable ‘oh Shit!’ moment?
Maybe last year going from Hallaig on Raasay to Brochel Castle. We launched later than planned and couldn’t make progress out of the bay, the wind had increased and the sea was constantly choppy. Just no control and exhausting paddling BUT I did it with massive encouragement from Pat and Bev beside me (Alan too). AND I am so glad we did it.

What is your funniest kayaking moment?
Can’t think – I have many good memories of lovely happy journeys. Coming home on a ‘high’ after great days out.

Do you have a special move?
No.

What’s the one kayak skill you’d like to learn?
I would still like to have a bombproof roll but I’m working on it!

What does the ultimate kayak trip have for you?
Well, you’d think it might include sunshine and certainly when I’m on a trip and the sun shines that is wonderful. But to be honest just to be in a beautiful place, wee bit challenging conditions, and with other supportive (good) paddlers is what is important. There are many places I still want to visit in Scotland and maybe go back to. I’m not sure I need to go anywhere else.

What has been the most challenging trip you’ve been on?
Probably Hallaig to Brochel Castle on Raasay.  I did think I wouldn’t be able to do it and I needed the support from others but am so glad we kept on going.