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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Ten Swims in 110 metres – Pinkston Club Night – Wednesday 4th June

By graham Comment Closed
Just back from a Wednesday evening club session at Pinkston in Glasgow. An eventful "trip" for completing just 110 metres of white water. Between the seven paddlers there we had.... ten swims. The water was fairly powerful with two pumps on (6 tons of water a second), and even more powerful (but deeper when upside down) with three pumps on (9 tons of water a second).   We were lucky to have an enthusiastic crowd of supporters ready to point at laugh or offer encouragement at every piece of excitement. We even managed to lose a paddle (for a few minutes during Richard's final swim of the night). All in all a great trip with everyone wearing huge smiles by the end. The Wednesday at Pinkston will be a regular club event through the summer - please watch the calendar for dates and details. We hope to include both the white water session and possibly a "tide race simulator" or canoe...
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River Ayr in Open Canoes, April 2014

By graham Comment Closed
Last Sunday with just two of the open canoe coaching course guinea pigs fit, there was a change of plan. Rather than a day on Loch Lomond practicing canoe sailing as intended, we headed to deepest darkest Ayrshire to canoe the River Ayr. With Graham Roy, Scott Anderson and myself never having paddled the river we only had the guide book to rely on. The mandatory faff to find the best get in, do the shuttle and for one of us to buy lunch meant we headed off just before midday. Being a chance for Graham S to practice his coaching styles this meant every question asked was greeted with......"that's a good question - off you go and find out" - in the olden days the coach may have even answered a question or two... not any more! After lunch we played with CLAP... for those in the know this is what paddlers should I think about if they are...
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Make, Mend & Paint weekend

By Bill Davis Comment Closed
Make, Mend & Paint weekend Day one 29th March: – under the guidance off Misha & Iain Mc:-Roddy, Elizabeth & Andy Jill & Mark and Jo tackled the renovation of the outdoor container. Grinding off rust; welding holes in the roof and sides; rust prevention treatment; painting repaired areas; reworking canoe, sea kayak, river kayak and paddle, raking. By the end of the day we all looked like Victorian children sent up chimneys! Misha Somerville wrote:- Excellent effort by all today at the container! We have Mark, Gillian, Bill, Andy, Elizabeth, Roddy, Iain, Jo and Julia (moral support) to thank for the improvements. As well as the sea cadets for keeping their place open all day so we could get power for the tasks in hand. Some more tmrw from 10am- any extra hands welcome. Topic Link: http://dckc.co.uk/forums/topic/making-mending-and-painting/...
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Skye Sea Trip

By Bill Davis Comment Closed
Skye Sea Trip 7 club sea kayakers braved the waters of the Isle of Skye 21-23 March (going out like Lion!). Unable to paddle the planned locations we still managed 2 great if slightly challenging paddles. We abandoned camping and enjoyed the facilities of the Carbost Bunkhouse and Inn! Many thanks to Colin for organizing the trip and ensuring we all survived!...
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