Firth of Clyde Four Star Training

By graham Comment Closed
An intrepid team of Lori, Antje, Colin, Misha, Graham and Tony met early on the Saturday after the club ceilidh the night before, ready for a weekend's paddling and learning with Calum McKerral, the coach for the weekend.  The four star course was partly subsidised by the West Dumbartonshire Sports Council grant we had received to help develop the clubs trip leading skills and a £25 contribution from the attendees was the contribution cost of the 2 days coaching. First things first - an equipment check...maps? - only 3 of us had brought some, compasses - only 2 of us;   - fortunately Calum had brought spares.  Next a planning check - who knew the high and low water times... just Lori, Antje (who had copied Lori's answers) and Tony. Finally a dry suit check - everyone but graham who had 90% of a dry suit - one foot missing but craftily sealed with electrical tape. During the Saturday we practiced / learnt .... towing...
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Lismore Weekend Trip Report

By admin Comment Closed
Lismore, Saturday 6th – Sunday 7th September, 2014 Rose, Andy, Michael, Misha, Graham, Ian, Allan & Colin met at the long lay-by off the A828 at Appin, across from the Island of Shuna,. Port Appin, although closer to Lismore, was too busy for parking. Weather forecasts had been for force 3 winds from the north-west both days, with bright weather each day but the very odd shower on the Saturday. The plan for this Grade B trip was to circumnavigate Lismore, with a wild camp on the Saturday night. We would circumnavigate the island in an anti-clockwise direction, paddling down the west coast of the island on the Saturday, camping at the south of the island near the lighthouse, then paddling back on the Sunday up the east coast. By doing this we would be able to pass through the tidal channels at Bernera Island and Rubha Fiart, at high water and, most importantly in the case of Rubha Fiart, at slack water....
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Anstruther to Creel then across to Isle of May trip!

By Tony Clarke Comment Closed
Myself, Anne and Alf  headed out with the intentions of rounding the Isle of May however after a mile we turned towards creel due to the blustery conditions which were making life a tad more interesting than predicted. We followed the Fife Coastal path which runs the length of East Neuk. Once we reached Creel the wind dropped and even though we were further away from out intended paddle we decide Isle of May it was! With a reasonable size swell and the sun at our backs we were looking up at the tall cliffs at Alterstanes  watching the waves crashing of the rocks with quite a force, we paddled in and around the caves and stacks which are spectacular for such a small island. The name of the island comes from old Norse meaning Island of seagulls to which there is plenty ( where a hat and don't look up!) Other species on the Island are 14 diferant kinds of...
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River paddlers wanted

By Sandy Johnston Comment Closed
I am planning to re-sit my UKCC level 3 Assessment in November. I have to work with a group of paddlers for six sessions before then and write that up to supplement my coaching portfolio. I am looking for some volunteers who would like to be coached and developed in white water kayaking and would be available on Sundays throughout September/October so that I can fit in the sessions. I plan to do a variety of rivers and should be able to fit in  3 star training and assessment in white water kayak as part of the sessions. If interested contact me on sandy.johnston@sky.com. Thanks........... Sandy...
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3 star sea assessment

By Sandy Johnston Comment Closed
I am trying to arrange this for Sat 20/09/14 when there should be six places available at a cost of  around £30 per head. If interested let me know on sandy.johnston@sky.com If there are enough people interested then we can book a second assessment day..................... Sandy...
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Shetland Trip Report

By Tony Clarke Comment Closed
Myself with Ron and Barry boarded the Shetland ferry with sleeping bags and big grins,after 14 and a half hours and sleeping between seats (which was more comfortable than the "sleeper seats" ) we had still not lost our grins :) Having collected our flares we were soon heading to Bridge End outdoor center,pitching our tents and meeting other eager kayaker's we soon settled in the Symposium and had out two days mapped out with what we wanted to do. A pre -symposium paddle to Westerwick took place on the Friday,rock hopping is kinda new to me so I nearly drowned when I got caught out in a washing machine of a narrow gap ! losing my Go-pro and pride :( The deep caves and Barry's humor soon cheered me up ! Back at our tents we realized camping under the biggest wind turbine might not have been the brightest idea!! (nightmare) Saturday was spent rolling and rescues,I went with Kim...
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Largs Trip

By Tony Clarke Comment Closed
Great paddle from Largs around the Cumbrie’s in very interesting water to say the least! With the wind in our faces and a oncoming tide it proved to be a battle of wits to get to the castle ! after having lunch we headed back out into a game of two half’s! Flat calm water and sweltering sunshine that made us quickly forget the bouncy sea beforehand. I did get to pop up my new sail but with not enough wind to blowout my maiden voyage birthday candles I will just need to wait for a better day!...
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The Mother of all Classics

By Misha Comment Closed
Following the Shiants disappointment I must admit to hitting the pub.  As the hangover was clearing I cheekily texted Graham in case he fancied a Sunday river.    Before we knew it there were four of us powering up the A82 towards the River Etive.  I think Scott, Davie, Graham and myself would agree - a fantastic adventure on one of Scotland's classic rivers....
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The Shiants Shan’t be Once Again

By Misha Comment Closed
We set out to cross the Minch via the rat infested islands of the Shiants.  There's not many people I know can cook up a plan like this but Rab is definitely one of them! Julia, Rab, Paul Cromey and myself left for the north of Skye on a Thursday evening.  Having planned to drive up with Paul, I had to rethink  when I couldn't get him on the phone.  I ended up driving up on my own - perhaps a saving grace in retrospect.  After Fort William I let a ambulance overtake, and when it turned towards Kyle of Lochalsh onto the A87 I started to hope it wasn't anything to do with Paul, who was most likely ahead on that very same road. It's a fast road with few cars.  It was just over the lip of a hill that I found a swarm of blue lights, and right at the center, confirming my worse fears, a mangled car with a...
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Sound to Sea Festival – Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd of August. Kayak volunteers still required.

By Bill Davis Comment Closed
I’ve just been at a meeting for the Glasgow Sound to Sea Festival 2014 - Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd of August. This looks like a great event to be involved in, some top musical performers, 150 performing artists:- Rock, folk, traditional, techno, classical, opera and choral, many performed from stages on boats in the Clyde. They still require more kayakers (Sea and River) to get involved. Great opportunity to show-off our sport/club. To participate you must be over 18; must have a kayak; must be available/commit for all rehearsals and performances. Rehearsals and performances dates and times:- 29/07 18.00 – 20.00 30/07 18.00 – 20.00 and 21.30 – 23.30 31/07 17.30 – 20.00 and 21.30 – 23.30 01/08 13.30 – 16.00 and 21.00 – 24.00 02/08 21.30 - -24.00 Sound to Sea Cultural Programme, Festival 2014. “Sound to Sea” is a free-ticketed (now booked out) event that will take place on the evenings of Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd of August. http://www.glasgowsciencecentre.org/special-events/sound-to-sea-event.html If available and interested please contact:- Kirsty...
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Ayrshire Coast Trip Report

By graham Comment Closed
The planned route was to paddle from Ballantrae in South Ayrshire, down to Portandea, then back. The weather forecast was easterly winds averaging 15mph, gradually moving to being from the south later in the afternoon. This suited the location perfectly as this stretch of coastline is very high, providing shelter from any easterly winds, then providing some assistance on the return leg north from Portandea back to Ballantrae. Andrew, Michael & Colin set off from Ballantrae Harbour, heading south across Ballantrae Bay to reach the more dramatic rocky coastline beyond. Conditions were perfect with a gentle swell from the west but not breaking on the coastline. Rain had been forecast for the afternoon but materialised as drizzly showers throughout the day. The coast consists of small coves and deep crevices in the rock. As the swell was so light we could get in close, allowing plenty of exploring. We turned into Portandea which is a small south-west facing bay with...
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Pinkston Paddlesports centre times and dates.

By Tony Clarke Comment Closed
04/06 11/06 18/06 25/06 09/07 16/07 23/07 30/07 13/08 20/08 Flat water times 7:30 to 8:00. AWWC times 20:00 to 21:30. Pinkston Paddlesports centre is a community watersports centre, based on the canal, close to the city centre, with potential to have access to other outdoor sports. Located in the Pinkston Basin on the Forth & Clyde Canal, opposite the former Diageo plant at Port Dundas. Take a look at the DCKC  newsletter and our FaceBook page  for updates....
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Sea Kayak Equipment Lists reminder

By Bill Davis Comment Closed
Sea Kayak Equipment Lists reminder Here’s a download for a possible equipment check-list for a day trip (or a starting point for longer). Things in the second half could be added over time… Checklist-Sea-Kayak-Trip-Kit-List-Oct-2013 (PDF) Checklist-Sea-Kayak-Trip-Kit-List-Oct-2013 (WORD DOCUMENT) Check List:-Sea Kayak Trip Kit List Suggested Personal Kit Drinking Water, bottles and/or bag. Hot Drink (Flask). Lunch/ snack bars/sweets. Dry bag with change of clothes, towel, footwear. Dry bag for Keys/phone. Waterproof Jacket/Cag top, dry trousers or Wet/ Dry suit. Non slip/ water -sure footwear – Boots/booties, crocks-old trainers. Hats/heard cover: One wind/waterproof and one sun-proof. Gloves & Pogies. Camera (waterproof). Watch (waterproof). Midge net. Sun-cream. Rubbish bag. Wipes & tissues. Spare Dry bags. Cash £20 + £5 in change. Large- strong-waterproof carry bags. Suggested Safety kit (develop your own over time!) Spray deck. Buoyancy Aid. Strobe light. Tow rope. Flares & light-sticks, whistle, compass, Maps & map case. VHF radio. PLB (Personal Location Beacon.) Paddle Float. Repair Kit. Knife. Whistle. Split spare paddles. Hand pump. Head-torch + spare batteries. First aid kit. Small tool kit & Cable ties. Emergency shelter. Paddle leash. http://dckc.co.uk/?s=sea+kayak+equipment+list...
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