A great session in open canoes, borrowed from the Outdoor Learning Team, up at Action Outdoors base last night. The core group of paddlers have been kayaking and canoeing for a few sessions now. Last night we paddled into the wind and then we were blown back. The canal is not as clean as near Linlithgow but is sheltered.

I was showing how to stand up and paddle, singing ‘Just one cornetto…’ and    Joshua and Dominik tried to mimic and perfect this skill, but Jack bumped their    canoe and  Joshua and Dominik went swimming !

Having wetsuits, thanks to Lottery f unding, allowed the paddlers to stay warm but wet. Pupils always want to capsize and having that Lottery funding allows this.

Session aims were – practice forward paddling, tandem work, stern rudders – and of course Challenge and Enjoyment !

The mantra for the canoe coaching at this level is S.E.L – Safe Enjoyable Learning. Most of the core group have achieved Paddlepower Start certificates.

Sometimes it’s hard to be at the front – Jack below at the front – when you are used to being at the back giving orders !

Spot the paddler ?

Megan and Mathew working well as a ateam.

Joshua has tried to paddle solo for a while, since June. Last night he cracked it !

The weather was dry and sunny, low sun early evening as we approach the Autumn Equinox (12hrs day 12hrs night).