Balanced Boater - Sea Kayak Instruction:
June 4th, 5th and 6th 2011, Rob Mercer of Balanced Boater kayak instruction came up from Sydney to conduct and introduction to sea kayaking workshop.
The saturday was made up of revision of flatwater skills in the morning, and eskimo rolling in the afternoon.
Out of the group of 12, we have to congratulate Mark for being the only paddler to successful execute a complete roll.
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| Practice on land before we enter the ocean |
The surf skills sessions were split between 2 days, so everyone had chance to learn as much as possible under the guidance of Rob Mercer - Advanced Sea Kayak Instructor and Assessor, and Karen Dallas - Sea Kayak Instructor level 2 from Skee Kayak Centre.
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| Rob Mercer demonstrating a stern rudder |
There was a lot to learn is a short time, understanding how to brace in a breaking wave and stay upright, how to paddle out through the surf, and how to return to the beach without being trashed. The adrenalin was running through the veins of a few paddlers, this was opening up a whole new world.
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Rob enjoying the surf and showing how it should be done.
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Sunday saw some fears overcome, and expectations reached. Some thought they would never be able to surf their sea kayak safely into shore. Yes there were a few capsizes but that's all part of the experience of learning what works, and what doesn't.
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| Merrem enjoying her first wave. |
Mondays group went from strength to strength. With a smaller group, their enthusiasm was contagious.
Robyn was determined to catch a wave, and so to Trevor in his new Wilderness Systems Tempest 170 Pro.
Geoff catching his first wave, had a huge grin on his face.
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| Robyn enjoying the surf experience |
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Trevor practicing his stern rudder.
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| Geoff with first successful wave |
Everyone from the weekend found it enjoyable and realised how much there is to learn when comes to ocean paddling. This weekend was and introduction to the basics of sea kayaking, and how much more there is to learn if you want to go further offshore.
If you are interested in learning sea skills, either in a sea kayak or how the launch and land a sit on top from the beach, contact Karen -
skeekayak@bigpond.com
