All the boats
My grand plan last week had been to kick off the beginners course with a multi-disciplinary introduction to paddle sports, in line with the latest BCU philosophy embodied in the new star awards. In the event, the second week proved a better time to introduce different craft.
Before the group arrived I selected a variety of boats including sea kayaks, general purpose boats, a river runner a play boat and an open canoe. This immediately generated interest from the group in what each one was for and we covered much of the theory section from the old star awards in just talking about the different designs.
On the water I found that the sea kayak I had selected was a bit too tippy and we had some early rescue practice but otherwise the plan worked well with most people swapping into something different at least once.
We did not cover as much technical stroke work as we normally would in a second session but I think we had more fun and broadened everyone's horizons.
We finished up with everyone trying an exhilarating high seal launch from our ramp.
Students: 8
Coaches: 1 x L2, 1 x L3
Coaching hours: 2