Sorry for the lack of blog posts recently, i've been kept really busy working for Mayberry Kayaking :)
These two days
work were a lucky chance for me & a strange coincidence for Simon. Back in
2011 I paddled right around the beautiful Welsh coastine, It was just a crazy
dream but i was crazy enough to take it on. This trip it turned out had
inspired Simon to do the same & to raise money for a local cancer hospital
at the same time.
Simon wanted to
get some training in in preporation for the expedition so booked in with
Mayberry kayaking. The first booking was skills based I beleive & that was
with Mike & the second booking was for some expedition type training with
skills pracice too & an overnight camp thrown in. It was supposed to be
with Mike but he was running a Skomer trip so Simon ended up with me, the
person who inspired his trip, a happy coincidence for both of us as I love camping
trips, especially when I get paid for them!
The weather was
looking dubious for the trip but as it was expedition training dubious weather
seemed a likely part of the training so we cracked on.
The first day was
wet & windy but not very big on the sea & we had a good wind mostly on
our backs all day. We set off from Whitesands Bay & paddled to Abermawr for
our nights camp.
Day two was a
little more interesting as we were doing a Pembrokeshire classic (Strumble
Head) on a day with a decent wind blowing & some swell running too. We were
off reasonably early after breaking through some surf, it wasnt big but Simon
managed to find a good set on the way out & got a faceful.
The races
approaching Strumble were a little lively which is what I was hoping for as
this was part of the skills Simon would need on his journey around Wales. A
little observation from me concluded that a good low brace was required so i
devised some exercises to practice this once we were past Strumble Head, the
southerly wind taking the bite out of its notorious tide races much to Simons
releif.
Once in the
sheltered water beyond Strumble I had Simon doing lots of edging to initiate a
capsize & provide a dynamic low brace opportunity, it was working a treat
& Simon was doing great!
We decided to
finish the trip in Lower Town Fishguard & finished with more edging/bracing
practice, some rolls & a clamber on deck rescue all of which Simon did
really well. I think he’s ready!
As I type he’s
nearly half way around Wales & not having much luck with the weather but he
seems pretty determined so please support him by going to his page & making
a donation. Here’s his page link https://www.justgiving.com/LookingOutForLinda/
Simon all ready for the off :)
Camp for the night at Abermawr.
Nosey Locals!
Morning Launch.
Approaching the infamous Strumble Head :)
Edging.
Freindly locals :)
Clamber on deck rescue practice.
