Thanks again to all of you who’ve completed our survey and/or booked places on our Monday evening training sessions, starting on 9 May at Brecon Promenade.
We can now confirm that we’ll have the following 3 groups, at least for the first 3 weeks (9, 16 & 23 May) – please check the lists below and let us know if you think you’re in the wrong group or if you’re missing altogether (we’ve only included those of you who’ve confirmed places via e-mail or by RSVP at Mon 9 May Summer Training) – we do have space for a few more!
- Adult beginners / developers, working on kayaking skills broadly along the lines of the British Canoeing Paddle Discover and Paddle Explore Awards – led by Dave J, assisted by Peter M:
- Andrea, Anne, Ian, Kevin
- Junior beginners / developers, working on kayaking skills broadly along the lines of the British Canoeing Paddle Discover and Paddle Explore Awards – led by Olly, assisted by Tanya:
- Fleur, Ruan, Sam, Seren (TBC)
- Teen / adult performance training, fitness and skills with a bit of polo training thrown in – led by Steve: NB we’re intending to use polo or slalom boats predominantly for these sessions, so that everyone can keep up at a similar pace – so if you’d prefer to use your own plastic boat you might need to be prepared to work just that bit harder than everyone else!!
- Caitlin, Edith, Jim, Natalie, Rhiannon, Sam
Venue
Brecon Promenade – meet by the Club’s store adjacent to the toilet block in the ‘upper’ car park (https://what3words.com/tigers.loitering.bandage) – NOT in the car park next to the river / boathouse (although some of us might end up operating from there).
Times
Meet at 6.30pm, ready in your paddling clothes. We want to have everyone kitted-up and getting on the water by 7pm, so late arrival has quite a disruptive effect!
We’ll aim to be getting off the water around 8.15-8.30am, before it gets dark.
Parents or other adults must be available at the start and end of the session to help under-18s with kit and to carry boats; and throughout the session in case they need to get off the water early.
Facilities
There are no indoor changing facilities on site, so it’s a case of changing in the car park. Toilets may be open, but possibly only until 7pm – and they cost 20p to get in.
Cost
£8 per session, or £18 for 3 block-booked sessions (9, 16, 23 May – no refunds for missed sessions) – we’ll collect this by Direct Debit through our membership system.
All existing Club members must also have up-to-date membership of both the Club and Canoe Wales – we’ll send separate reminders for those of you who need these! Any new members will need to register with us but don’t need to join formally for this first block of sessions.
Equipment and Clothing
- We’ll provide boats, paddles, buoyancy aids, helmets and spray-decks for those who need them – but if you have your own, please bring them along
- Although deliberate immersion isn’t always part of the plan (and even when it is, it’s usually towards the end of the session) there’s always a chance of accidental capsize, so kit should take account of this (and the general weather conditions).
- At the very least, wear clothing layers of the type you might wear to go walking – ideally synthetic materials that stay warm and don’t get too heavy when wet. Most people wear swimwear underneath. And a waterproof jacket (to keep off the rain and mind, rather than keep you dry if you capsize!) – we do have a limited number of canoeing cagoules, but not enough of the right sizes for everyone.
- Footwear that you don’t mind getting wet, not too large (chunky trainers don’t fit well in kayaks; neoprene wet-shoes are ideal; sandals or crocs no good as they fall off!).
- If you want to be assured of staying warmer if you fall in, a wetsuit is the next step. Ones made specifically for paddling are called Long Johns (or Long Janes!) and don’t have sleeves, for maximum mobility (worn with e.g. rash vest beneath and/or fleece above). But a standard surfing-type ‘full’ wetsuit is also fine as a starter. Again, we do have a very limited number of wetsuits, which you’re welcome to check-out on the first evening in case we have one that fits you…
- Don’t forget a towel and complete change of clothes for the end of the session, in case you do fall in!!
- We’ll be sure to talk about kit on the first couple of sessions so you can get an idea of what’s out there before you commit to spending £££, but if you do want some ideas…
- Good local(ish) stores to look at are Up and Under and Canoe and Kayak Store – both will offer discounts for club members on request…