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The Anglesey Sea Kayak Symposium 2008
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Classes There are several classes available on both days aimed at all level of paddler. The technical workshops are very much skills based aimed at developing your present ability. There are also a variety of 1/2 day and full day paddles aimed a different levels of ability and finally a selection of interest slide shows and technical lectures that are again available to all levels of paddlers or even non paddlers interested in a certain topic. Click on the selections blow to see a brief description of each class. For details of when these classes are running click on the programmes link. The helicopter demonstration session (on Monday morning) is open to everyone. Die hard paddlers who wish to be blasted by the helicopter should be on the water in Porth Dafach ready and braced, the remaining sensible folk should be up on the cliff tops armed with cameras. Technical Workshops Paddles for Pleasure Day-time Slide Shows & Lectures Technical Workshops Early Bird Rolling Sessions Takes place in the local pool, brush up on your rolling skills with the help of symposium staff Demo Kayaks – The Dealers explain the benefits of their Kayaks! Aimed at kayakers who are looking at purchasing a kayak. A representative from each kayak company will be available for advice Planning Open Crossings & Deck Top Navigation This day will include a half day of theory and a half day practical. The day will be aimed at five star but suitable for anyone who is planning to take the new four star, five star and Coach 3 awards. The day can also be logged as a five star training day. Incident Management The day will look at rescue and retrieving incidents that may develop within a group on the water. This could vary from capsizes in dangerous locations, tidal waters, rocky landings, members of the group being lost at sea, rafted tows etc SUBJECT TO DEMAND THE GROUP MAY NEED TO BE SPLIT INTO TWO GROUPS Rolling and Rescues The day will be split into two. In the morning we will look at rolling on flat water. This is suitable for all levels. The group will then progress to moving/rough water. We will also look at solo re-entries and other methods of self rescue. The following rescues will also be looked at: The Scoop, T, Double T etc. Moving Water An all day session specifically looking at breaking in and out of flowing water, surfing rescues and towing as necessary. The day will start on protected moving water and progress out into more advanced conditions. Tidal Races and Over falls Aimed at the three / four star kayaker who has the ability to tour on none tidal waters, will probably not roll in intermediate to advanced conditions. SUBJECT TO DEMAND THE GROUP MAY NEED TO BE SPLIT INTO TWO GROUPS Kayak Repair / Crash and Bash We will look at on the water and off the water kayak repair. This will involve the group being given kayaks to break on rocky landings etc and then carry out a repair. The day will start by looking at kayak construction. Helmets are a must! Depending on the make of kayak and your ability to break & smash them a hammer may be needed!!! Forward Paddling and Paddle Sizing Aimed at beginner to intermediate kayakers who would like to experiment with paddles and look at improving methods of forward paddling. This will consist of time in a lecture room, on the water tuition and video analysis. This will be a flat water session. In the afternoon you can look at either paddling with wings / the Euro blade (Normal) / Inuit blades. Getting Started Aimed at the absolute beginner this session aims to introduce the basic skills required to move your kayak forwards, backwards, sideways and how to turn the effectively using paddle strokes and ‘edges’. Basic Rescue & Safety Drills Staying safe on the water is paramount when first learning to paddle, this session looks at capsize drills and simple procedures you can do to when being rescued or indeed rescuing someone else. Improving the Basic Skills If you have already been in a kayak for a day or two then this session is for you. It is aimed at refining the basic skills and linking some of the stokes to make for more effective paddling. Planning Coastal Trips (Theory class) An introductory lecture to tides and the principles of planning a trip along the coastline. Learn how to read tide tables, charts, maps, cruising guides and begin planning your own days out. No paddling ability/experience is needed for this class. Introduction to Deck Top Navigation Aimed at new paddlers wishing to learn a few strategies for navigating at sea. This is a practical session and will introduce you to the concept of transits & using a compass as well as giving you other great tools to use to help you navigate your way around complex coastlines. Paddles for Pleasure Full Day Paddle (Main Centre) Aimed at the intermediate to advanced kayaker. This will be a 15-20 mile paddle depending on the weather. Afternoon Half Day Paddle (Main Centre) This is aimed at the three star + kayaker or someone who has the ability and strength to undertake a 6-7 mile paddle in under F4 conditions. Candidates do not have to roll. It is possible to do the THEORY part of the Navigation session and then a half day paddle. Half Day Harbour Paddle (Waterfront Office) Aimed at the complete novice who would rather learn to paddle whilst on a trip rather than in a formal skills session. The basics of moving forward and turning will be briefly introduced at the start of the session, but it will soon be followed by an exploratory journey around Holyhead marina and harbour. Half Day Rock Hopping Trip Aimed at those with 1 or 2 days paddling under their belt join our coaches on a fantastic journey through the rock gardens near Trearddur Bay. Some skills e.g. turning and moving sideways will be developed en route but the primary aim of the trip is exploration. Day-Time Slide Shows & Lectures (All based at the Main Centre – everyone welcome) Trips & your Camera Talk on sea kayaking, expedition kayaking and taking dramatic shots. Wildlife en Route An in depth look at the wildlife that can be found around the British shores. UKCC/BCU New Scheme A look at the new UKCC (BCU) coaching scheme and all recent updates. Questions welcome. Planning Coastal Trips An introductory lecture to tides and the principles of planning a trip along the coastline. Learn how to read tide tables, charts, maps, cruising guides and begin planning your own days out. No paddling ability/experience is needed for this class. Planning Open Crossings Half a day of theory taking you through the steps of planning open crossings discussing ‘seat of the pants strategies’ employed for shorter open crossings to working out tidal vectors necessary for longer open crossings. Some understanding of basic chartwork and tides is necessary for this session. |
