day 2 of Llanbedr

Everyone was up and ready for breakfast at 9, then we got told what was happening today.
After lunch the climbers went to climb whilst the canoers went to the estuary to practice kayaking and canoeing.
We attached the trailer full of kayaks and caoes to the mini van and set off down the road to the estuary where we unloaded the boats and carried them to the water.
We all had a great time and had a great laugh and some people tried higher skills such as balancing on the canoes and kayaks and other positions.
After a couple of hours on the water we got out and carried the boats back to the trailer were we loaded them and set off back to camp. Here we had to wash our kit so not to mess it up by keeping it covered in salt water and sand.

Llanbedr!

The first day was mostly just travel which was a bit boring but exciting knowing that we were heading to the place that we had been waiting for and practicing for, for weeks.
When arriving at Llanbedr the first thing was to decidce who was in what room and get a brief as to how the camp was working and what was going to be done whilst there.
After the briefing we were set into flights (A, B and C) i was in B flight, and then 1 flight at a time we had to go to the store and collect equipment such as; wet suit, bouyancy aid, kag and helmet.
We squared away our things in our lockers and such and then waited for dinner, and finally bed for the next day.

weeks canoeing

For a few weeks we were canoeing in order to improve our skills for the trek to Llanbedr.
We were placed on the tapton lock along with other students who we had to instruct, this improved our skills not only as a canoeist but also as a coach.
We all had great agreat times in these weeks but couldnt wait for Llanbedr.

week 3 ...

This week was all about the equpiment used fror canoeing and our coaching ability.
Firstly we were told what the equipment was and then had to go through what it did and how to use it.
Then because at our college there was a second course which decided that they would put on an outdoors activities course, we were asked to take them for the lesson and teach them about the different sections of the canoe, the equipment, how to use it and what it did.
It was a good day and helped me remember what we were learnt that morning.
Overall it was a good day, but i cant wait to get onto the water.

Week 2 of the Canoe crew

This week was mainly about the paperwork.
We arranged with tutors as to who was doing to Llanbedr (an RAF camp in Wales) and who was going to the Lake District in order to enhance their Canoeing, leadership and teamwork skills.
I have agreed that i will got o both.
Well fingers crossed and hope that i get there, and who knows this could take me somewhere in life.
Chris Popplewell

First day.

On this first day we did no canoeing, but what we did do was just as important if not more.
We firstly had a presentation from Martin Cope, which included what our aim was, what the star rating system was for canoeists, what was needed from us and what qualifications we could gain. During this talk i decided myself that i wish to become a 3 star Canoeist at least with possibly 1 or 2 star coaching.
After we went out to check the kit and get ours, checking the kit made sure that what we were using was alright and no pieces were missing. Unfortunately some bags did have pieces missing but luckily there were enough pieces of kit for our group.
So its all away till we next need it, which we all hope will be next week.