I’ve been a bit frustrated recently boating-wise. Well actually lack-of-boating wise. Perhaps I’m just greedy – I want to out every day, practicing, learning, and basically just having a laugh. I haven’t done badly I suppose. Managed an hour or so in the gentle surf at the local beach one evening – a bit hairy, but cracking fun and great for my balance. Also managed a gentle afternoon messing about on the flat water with my kids (who seem to be taking to paddling far more naturally than me!). And I’ve just had another session on the local ww course – a great confidence-builder this time, massively enjoyable, and I’m still improving every time I go out. Not a bad few weeks I s’pose, but I’d still love to be out on the water every night!

Practicing is one thing, but where will it all lead? I like plenty of variety, and I love rivers and countryside, plus I’m partial to the beach as well. And as its spring (it’s actually sunny today) I’m getting in the mood for catching a bit of warmth for a change. At the minute, with half an eye on not pushing myself too far too soon, I guess my ideal trip would start with a morning up in the hills, a gentle get-in and warm-up, and then a load of messing about on a few drops …..

… then paddle on downstream for a load more messing about ……

… then perhaps park up for a spot of grub (every good day out needs a spot of grub and a chill). Afterwards run downstream again (with more drops, etc), out of the river mouth, round a headland and into a nice bit of surf for the afternoon ...

… followed by a last park-up on the beach for more grub and a bottle of something nice, maybe here.

A few days like that would certainly get me though the spring and summer, hopefully with a sack-full more ability and confidence. And then … maybe I’ll be ready for the autumn and winter. ‘Cos as much as I like gentle days out paddling in the sunshine, I’m also a tad partial to getting totally soaked and freezing cold – so by next season I’m hoping to be out chasing the rain with the rest of you.

Cheers for now

Rookie J

PS. Now then – as a beginner looking at all those nice pics it looks like I’d need half-a-dozen different boats for my day out. This sounds a) bl**dy expensive, and b) just a smidgen tricky on the logistics front. I wonder if my GTX will do it all? There’s only one way to find out! (Anyone know any suitable rivers?)

PPS. I need to learn to roll. My skills on the local course aren’t so bad now, and being able to roll would set me free to go on as and when I please. Do you experienced paddlers remember those days? Any tips?

PPS. Note-to-self #3 = don’t just sit there dreaming about it – JFDI !!

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