8 Cadets and 2 Civilian Instructors went kayaking on Monday 6^th July at Wey Kayak Club. Even though the weather was on the blink with rain then sun, we still dared to enter the kayak, which were 5 meters long and 2 feet wide! After having a short safety brief, we were shown the “buoyancy aids” and then the paddle with 2 blades. We learnt how to use the paddles to the up most extent and how to stop ourselves from capsizing. Then we were shown how to place the kayaks in the water. After that it was our turn with placing the kayaks in the water and to get in them. I was surprised that no one fell in…yet!

The first task we did was to learn how to paddle on the water and to carry out turns. On our first loop of the set course the kayaks claimed the first cadet…Cpl Ings. Then shortly after the second cadet fell in, then the third and all the way to the seventh victim! The capsizing stopped only once all of the cadets had got way from the water.  Once we had learnt the basics we paddled downstream to Stoke lock and then back to the club to finish off the taster session. Afterwards we all enjoyed hot showers.

Over all we really enjoyed ourselves and I can say for us all that we can’t wait for the next time! Thank you Mr Brookes and Mr Eade for taking us! And an even bigger thanks to Wey Kayak Club for our lessons and all the fun we had!