Man versus kayak

Man versus kayak

A big thank you to Steve and Andy for a great day s BCU 1 Star Course on the beautiful Beaulieu River. The course brought together a diverse group of experienced and less experienced kayakers for a day s BCU approved training. With all the introductions and health and safety basics done we headed to the boats and the water. The weather was near perfect to be out on the water as we pondered the capsize, that we d been briefed would be waiting for us as the last element of the day.

Steve and Andy carefully guided us through the 1 Star syllabus and assessments as we paddled our way up river for about 2 miles to out lunch stop (own packed lunches needed). After lunch we left our kayaks on shore and paired up to paddle another stretch by traditional Indian canoe . This was a completely different experience to the kayaks we d left behind. Teamwork and an agreed rowing style and rhyme were the key to making safe watery progress to the agreed muster point at the creek. Here under Andy s instruction we learnt how to paddle the canoe sideways using a trio of stokes, of which some were clearly easier to do in tandem than others. After a paddle back in the canoes to the lunch stop we had the opportunity to look at and try out on the water a range of other more specialised kayak types, including those for the sea and those for white water .

At around 4pm we set off in our kayaks back to Buckler s Hard slipway, our start point, with the imminent capsize exercise very much in mind. The Beaulieu current was running fast as we paddled effortlessly down river arriving at the slipway and our last element in next to no time. Steve carefully explained the capsize and release theory to the group as we sat around in our kayaks in about a metre of water. The final instructions being, right, paddle towards me, throw your paddle away right, and throw your head and body weight left to capsize and turn your boat over . With the theory covered we headed for Steve one at a time. On launching their paddles into the air, paddlers immediately turned and fell out of their boats safely rising out of the water like scalded cats , job done. The success of this exercise is to give confidence to paddlers on their ease of quick release, should they inadvertently encounter this situation out on the water in the future.

Back at the boat shed paddlers shared their day, rinsed their kit from salt water and most importantly changed into some dry clothing. The final group Q&A exercise was a useful reflection on the day and confirmed a 100% pass rate for this group in terms of achieving the 1 Star Certificate. All in all a brilliant day with something really useful to show for it at the end. Thanks to Steve and Andy and all at New Forest Activities.