I thought I should summarise some of the paddling that around 50 members took part in over the last 3 months.
The idea of the “Lumpy Sea Sessions” was to create a sequence of (4) sessions, where people get the chance to practice in lumpier conditions than they would ever venture out in themselves, supported by more experienced peers. To cope with more ‘dynamic conditions’ requires a bit of confidence, and the chance to practice the various techniques ( edging, leaning, bracing, …screaming…) in the actual conditions where they are needed. It is the case – I used to train elite musicians & it’s inherent in that world- that to gain skills you need not just good teaching and coaching, but at least as much personal practise and follow up- that’s when the timing, the rhythm and instinctive reflexes become part of your paddling style. It’s hard to do that on the sea in real conditions. We hope that these sessions take a hesitant grade B paddler and help them become a comfortable grade B paddler, with a lust for more of the moving stuff!
We’ve done a few of these before, but the emphasis always is on building group morale, mutual support – so that people can push themselves, and know that falling in isn’t a heinous crime or a disaster, just another chance for the leaders to sharpen up their rescue skills, or delegate someone else to!
Of course I’m writing this report, so it is all wonderful and we done a magic job and yous are all pure dead brilliant… to take the musical metaphor well too far, it would be great to blow my own trumpet….except I did nothing, having injured an arm. Not me Guv not guilty, it would have been David Grieve and Ken McIlroy who would have been in court, along with at least 17 co-accused leaders. Despite running not just one series, but 2, they came back with the same number that they set out with, only had contact with a lifeboat when we all did a training exercise with them at St Abb’s. I cannot praise the participants highly enough- whether leaders or learners the commitment was great, the atmosphere really supportive and engaging- all got stuck in and even when it was truly lumpy steeled themselves and got in there. That’s the benefit of a club with a culture of mutual support- people giving freely of their time and talents. I have seen several clubs in Scotland centred round one or two superb paddlers, and for a while really did great things but often that led to boom and bust as others didn’t come forward & get involved and the few doing the heavy lifting got fed up & moved on…and out.
For the 8 sessions we used Aberdour,N Queensferry, Seacliff, Portobello and St Abb’s. with over 20 people at each session it didn’t seem right to go too far, or to clog up car parks in small locations. Where the weather was a bit nice, good use was made of things like the tides off the Bridges or wind further out at Inchkeith. Our last session at Portobello ventured less than 70m off the beach, with onshore wind driven waves giving a fine old mess to thrash around in. People really came on, and not just because a swim in Portobello’s (second hand) water is just going through the ‘motions’….( sorry, I can’t help myself).
It is the beginning of the season and I look forward to seeing all those people unleash themselves on trips, club nights, assisting with club sessions etc. It is important that people build on this, and we’ll all do our best to provide some interesting ‘next steps’.
Rumours of a charity fund raising mass capsize are correct. As soon as a couple of things are in place there’ll be an opportunity very soon to not only get really wet, but to get rid of some of your money in a worthy charitable cause….we’ll be in touch.
In the meantime a very big thanks to all who made these sessions so worthwhile and such good fun.
David Simpson
