Congratulations Spencer!
22nd January
On completing his START Award!
Having joined our club last October, with no previous experience, last Saturday Spencer successfully completed the ' Start Award' which is the first of potentially three industry recognised Paddle Awards. Spencer has now started his journey to becoming a competent, independent paddler.
Spencer now understands;
Why it is important for him to wear a buoyancy aid and how to tell if it is fitted correctly.
How to position himself correctly in a kayak.
The type of paddle he has been given, and how to use it.
How to get in and out of a kayak safely.
How to safely get on and off the water.
How to make his boat go forwards, backwards, change direction and stop.
What he needs to be aware of whilst enjoying time on the water.
How to safely exit a capsized kayak.
How to empty his kayak of water, (using a variety of lifting techniques and also asking others to help where necessary).
How to carry a kayak safely and for him not to be afraid to ask for help.
The next step...
Obviously, our pool sessions are a great place to practice, learn new skills and to have fun, but realistically the next step to aid Spencer's development would be for him to now venture outside, onto our local rivers under the supervision of a British Canoeing qualified club coach and with the support of his fellow club members.
On the river, Spencer can then begin to work towards the DISCOVER and EXPLORE Awards, and once completed, he will then have gained the necessary skills and experience needed to be a competent, independent paddler within a sheltered water environment.
There is no pressure, nor a timeline, but what is important, is for Spencer to be safe on the water whilst at the same time having lots of fun.
WELL DONE SPENCER!
