Tuesday 22 July 2014

Canadian Canoeing Sessions in The Lake District. Saturday 12th July 2014.

Saturday was another day in which we provided our instructional services for another business.

On this occasion, Iain was asked to provide his services as a Canoeing Coach for a group from the Rock Solid Youth Group from Durham who were staying in The Lake District for a weekend of Adventurous Activities.

We met the groups at Glenridding Steamer Pier on Ullswater and got them kitted up in wetsuits, cagoules & buoyancy aids before introducing them to the Canadian Canoes that we would be using for the next three hours.

Canadian Canoes are great craft for "journeying" on water and were developed by Canadian Indians for this exact purpose on rivers & lakes in Canada.

Iain's group took a journey across the head of Ullswater to nearby Goldrill Beck (photo one). Whilst we were unable to journey very far up this river, it did give the group a feel for what river journeying is about.

Photo two sees the group "rafted up" on Ullswater as we made our way a short distance down the lake to our next place where we would be undertaking a cliff jump. Rafted Canoes make a very stable platform - suitable if pairs want to swap with one another.

As part of this Introductory Canadian Canoeing Session in The Lake District, the group were given the option to attempt this challenge - a 15 foot high cliff jump off the edge of a rocky peninsula opposite Glenridding (photo three).

The water is deep here as the cliff continues straight down under water and with the group wearing wetsuits & buoyancy aids it is a safe challenge to attempt as you'll only get wet. Everyone who tried the cliff jump enjoyed it, but it wasn't for everyone!
It's amazing what you can achieve in a short space of time! In the three hours available to the group, we had spent some time journeying on a river then paddled down the lake to visit the cliff jump.

We then paddled on down the lake a little further to visit an island and play a few games but then suddenly, it was time to think about getting back.

During the afternoon a breeze had sprung up; and paddling Canadian Canoes in the wind can be quite a challenge - and hard work! Just as well then that we had brought along wooden spars and a means of securing them to the canoes to create rafts (photo four). Four pairs of arms definitely work better then two when you are trying to get around in a breeze!

These young people all enjoyed their half day Introductory Canadian Canoeing Session in The Lake District and you can with us too. Our prices start at £45 per person for a half day session and include the provision of wetsuits, cagoules, buoyancy aids and of course Canadian Canoes & paddles.

These sessions are suitable for families, friends and Stag & Hen Groups. Contact us here to make your booking. We look forward to working with you.

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