On 18th September CVCC Coach Jeremy Adam took a small group of participants on a journey to achieve their BC Paddle Discover award on Stand Up Paddle Boards. Grace Waite, one of the participants and junior club member, recounts the session.
It felt much colder today after the long hot summer. With two layers and a wetsuit on me I was ready to go.
We stopped on the bank as everyone was setting off for their paddle. We talked about everything you needed to plan before you go out on a SUP we thought about: did you get a good night’s sleep and do you feel up for a paddle, we talked about how you need to look at the weather and especially the wind, we talked about clothes and how many layers you might need and what is suitable to paddle in.
Then we grabbed our paddles, got on our SUPs and headed off. We left the Barn and turned right talking about how the wind was going to be once we got on the river. We got to the end of the meanders and got off our SUPs and talked about if we wanted to go right or left on the river, towards the sea with the current flowing in our favour or if we wanted the wind in our face and a harder paddle up the river. We talked about that it is best to have it harder to start with and then easier on the way back. We took out SUPs down the steps and headed up the river.
A few weeks ago, the club had a nature talk and the guide told us about the edible plants on the bank of the Cuckmere called Sea Purslane so I made sure everyone tried some. Jeremey thought it was too salty but I like it.
It was a hard paddle under the bridge and onwards. We didn’t get very far in the 30 minutes we were paddling up the river but it was a good experience paddling in harder conditions than I normally do. When we turned around, I didn’t even have to put my paddle in the shimmering water because the current was taking me forward itself. I sat down on my SUP and enjoyed the free ride.
We learnt some tips on where to stand on the board, like when you are against the current it is good to stand further forwards on the board so it doesn’t tilt upwards which can push you further back.
We took our SUPs back up the steps and went back on the meanders and did a light paddle back enjoying the more sheltered water. We saw a white bird that looked a bit like a heron and it made a noise like somebody screaming. We got back to the barn and took our SUPs off the river and said thank you to Jeremy.
I would definitely recommend that other people do the award as it is fun and a good experience. I learnt lots of tips to help me be a more confident independent paddler.
ABOUT
Today’s Award was about Paddle Discover which is open to anyone who had couple of paddling sessions:
Paddle Discover
Taking you on the next steps towards becoming an independent paddler, for a fun and safe time on the water. Developing an understanding of the factors which affect your paddling; developing your decision making and practical skills, giving you confidence on the water.
If anyone is keen to take part in the awards, please talk to our coaches or check out the Events section of this site. We regularly run awards in kayaks or on SUPs for our members.
