Following on from my earlier article about the Open Day at Liquid Logistics, Steve Mead, one of the instructors and multi-media whizzkid has put together a short video round-up of the day. It gives a nice flavour of what proved to be a great fun day on the water. I crop up a couple of [...]
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Busy Weekend On The Water
After several days of windy, wet weather the Solent enjoyed a stunning weather window this weekend with glorious sunshine and relatively low winds. Perfect timing for two days of coaching on the water. Liquid Logistics Open Day Saturday was spent with the folks at Liquid Logistics on their first Open Day. The event was run [...]
4 Star Assessment Photos
Last summer I undertook my BCU 4* Assessment. On the ‘group day’ a fellow candidate and I worked with a group of paddlers on a trip from Freshwater Bay, around the Needles to Colwell Bay. It was a superb day on the water with some stunning weather. Unfortunately I chose not to take my camera [...]
Sea Kayak Podcasts – End of An Era
It was with a feeling of sadness that I read recently that Simon Willis has decided to draw to a close his series of podcasts over on Sea Kayak Podcasts. I know that a great many people have enjoyed Simon’s series of interviews with some fascinating Sea Kayakers and covering a wide range of topics. [...]
Happy New Year
After a hugely eventful and busy 2011, I’m already looking forward to and making plans for 2012. I’d like to wish all of you a happy, prosperous and enjoyable 2012 whatever your paddling and non-paddling plans are. All the very best, Duncan.
A Tale of Two Paddles
It seems like ages since I went out Sea Kayaking. In reality it’s only 3 or so weeks but having got used to such frequent paddling over the late Summer and Autumn, a 3 week lay off seems an eternity. A busy period at work and the seemingly constant windy conditions have conspired to keep [...]
Christmas Gift Ideas For A Sea Kayaker 2011
So the 1st of December is just around the corner and it is time for what has become an annual blogpost on Christmas gift ideas. For those new to the blog, it’s worth taking a look at the 2009 and 2010 Christmas gift blogposts to see other suggestions. This year the Christmas gift list has [...]
REC First Aid Instructor Training
I’ve just spent the last 4 days based in North Wales on the REC First Aid Instructor Training course. Our base for the duration was Llandegla Forest and the awesome One Planet Adventure Mountain Bike Centre. The course was delivered by Leo Hoare and Nicole Henrikson of Getafix Ltd and was quite simply superb. Shooting [...]
Balance Exercises
I’m spending a bit of time at the end of each training session playing with balance exercises before I get stuck into self rescue and rolling drills. Last Sunday I shot a bit of footage using my iPhone which I thought I would share. The balance exercises are great for increasing confidence and stability in [...]
Yacht and Tanker Collide Cowes Week 2011
So for next few days the Solent descends into organised chaos as Cowes Week gets under way. The Solent can be extremely busy on a normal weekend. Add to the mix all the races and associated spectators and things get a tad messy. The Yacht in this video from yesterday, appears to have cut things [...]
