WORDS: DEL CLAREPHOTOS: DEL CLAREDel Clarehttps://delkayaks.co.uk @del_likes_kayakingSurf, slalom & shooting stars The Palm Groms big weekendOver the August bank holiday weekend, a group of young paddlers travelled across the UK and beyond to come together and live their best lives in South Wales. These paddlers were hand-picked to attend the first official Palm Groms get-together. Over five days, they tried slalom for the first time, surfed the infamous Bitches tidal rapids, and bonded as a group of young people united by their passion for kayaking.THE PALM GROMS MENTORSHIP PROGRAMME The Palm Groms Mentorship Programme brings young paddlers together on the water with year-round, personalised support. One early piece of feedback from an original Grom was clear: its powerful to paddle with mentors, but they also craved time with kids their own age.This Groms meet up answered that call by pairing skill growth with peer connection. The goal was to inspire kids in paddling by bringing them together on the water. You can read more about the Palm Groms Mentorship Programme in an article I wrote previously.PALM GROMS GET TOGETHERA Palm Groms kayaking meet-up has been a long-held dream. When Andy Chips Kettlewell stepped into the Groms Programme lead role in place of Bren Orton, who was heading up the programme, he helped turn that dream into a first-ever Groms get-together. This get-together was about more than just coaching it was about confidence, community, and connection.PLANNING THE GET TOGETHERChips and Joe Rea-Dickins, with the wider Palm team, designed a weekend that made the Groms feel part of something bigger. They emphasised not only technical skill but also mindset; how to be a positive member of the kayaking community, to celebrate each other, and to centre joy on the water.The schedule balanced two contrasting disciplines learning slalom and surfing the Bitches. Slalom stretched most Groms beyond their comfort zones, as it was a new skill to most of them. These sessions turned out to be one of the things that the Groms told me they loved the most about the weekend. Challenging yourself to learn a new skill is always good fun!The Bitches, a paddling location close to Palms heart, offered a new, iconic place to explore. Palm has a long history with the Bitches, and it means a great deal to many people there. Palm made a great video about this a few years back, which I have linked here if you are interested. Dates were set for the August bank holiday, and both newly invited and current Groms were welcomed to join.Introducing the new Palm GromsSOPHIE MACKENA 15-year-old freestyle paddler, Sophie Macken, loves exploring new places and meeting new people. Fresh from the GB Freestyle teams world championships, she named slalom and meeting everyone as her weekend favourite parts. She has dreams of one day paddling the Zambezi.RILEY WILFORDAt 14, Riley Wilford has sprint roots, now focuses on slalom, whilst also mixing in freestyle and river running. Kayaking is his happy place, an escape from his daily life. His favourite river is the Mellte, and the Rio Claro is on his wish list. He loved being on the water this weekend with everyone and hopes for a repeat soon.DAVID MAY ZURITAAt the age of 15, and from Chile, David May Zurita started paddling at eight on the Futa with his dad, Ben. He loves the adrenaline rush of white water and the variety it offers. His top rivers are the Palgun and the Futa, and hes already campaigning for the next Groms meet-up to happen in Chile!CAMERON TICKNER THE OGAt 17, Cam Tickner is the oldest Grom and an OG. He relished meeting peers from different countries and disciplines, and hes keen to host a future meet-up in Scotland to share his favourite runs.BRING A FRIEND!Each Grom brought a friend Tilly, Eva, Charlie, Ross, and Sam. Each of whom jumped right in and added even more stoke to the weekend!Celebrating the graduating Palm GromsOLI COOPEROli played a hybrid role this weekend coach, mentor, and biggest kid on the water! He loved seeing slalom progress with the other Groms this weekend and, yes, chucking kids off the pontoon. Having benefitted from mentoring with Chips, hes eager to give back and show the next generation his favourite places.SIREN STREFrom Kongsberg, Norway, Siren fell in love with kayaking at first sight after watching some kayakers walk back from a pool session. Raundalen in Voss is her favourite river. Mentored by Joe, she cherished meeting the other Groms and named the sunset paddle back from the Bitches as her standout moment of the weekend.JOOLS & CHARLOTTEJools and Charlotte also graduated, though they couldnt attend this weekend. They were celebrated alongside the group.Our long weekend of funFriday Day of fun in LlandysulMEET AND GREETWe gathered at Llandysul Paddlers Centre in glorious sunshine on Friday morning, grateful to Gareth for hosting us all. The Groms, their parents, Chips and Joe (chief organisers), and support from me (and Lowri when she arrived that evening) set the tone: warm, welcoming, and ready to paddle.AN INTRODUCTION TO SLALOMWith the Teifi slalom course on the doorstep, even at low flows, there was plenty to learn!We split into groups led by Chips and Oli. For most of the Groms, slalom was a new skill to learn. They threw themselves into the challenge, while the coaches passion made it click fast!AN AFTERNOON OF FUNAfter lunch, a flat water slalom session turned into playful challenges; rock balancing, breath holds, kayak swaps, and eventually, full send pontoon antics.I had a great time launching the kids (and mentors) off the pontoon. I particularly loved a massive loop that Sophie got, as well as a beautiful face splat from Joe. Oli made sure I didnt feel left out and insisted that he and Joe launch me from the side. I managed to get a beautiful face splat too.At some point, the Groms were fully picked up and launched to test if they could complete a full rotation in the air before landing.I returned the favour and insisted that Oli got in his Pocket Rocket for his own launch. Oli cant hand roll his Pocket Rocket, and Joe made all the Groms promise not to assist him if he couldnt get up. Amazingly, he landed upright!BBQ AND BONDINGWe were having so much fun that it was only the rumbling of tummies that made us realise it was nearly 19:00 and probably time to get off. We changed and had BBQ food for dinner. Having not thought more than half a day ahead, I had not brought any dinner food, but Amanda (Sophies mum) kindly fed me! Thanks, Mama Macken! The Groms enjoyed watching some of the days videos and laughing at each others lunch fails and successes.Saturday Slalom and Bitches session 1A MORNING OF SLALOMWe were back on the water by 09:00 for more slalom. Chips introduced team runs tight coordination and quick succession through gates, which provided lots of entertainment!MEETING SEA KAYAK GUIDESWe headed off at midday to St Davids, where we would be based for the next few days, to paddle the Bitches. After setting up camp and having lunch, we regrouped and met Martin and Tommy from Sea Kayak Guides. They were going to be supporting us as a group over the next few days to introduce everyone to the Bitches for the first time.The Bitches is a series of world-class tidal rapids that attracts paddlers from around the globe. It is a magical place, but also an environment that is very different to one most white water paddlers are used to. To get to the Bitches, you must paddle out from the Lifeboat Station at St Justinian. This involves paddling up the eddy and then ferry gliding over to the rocks where the wave forms. You can read more about it in the Bitches entry on the UK Rivers Guide Book website.Martin led the group through a safety talk about paddling the Bitches. As he said, it is an incredible and magical place, but one that demands respect. He led the group through the process of planning a paddle and explained how different conditions would impact the sea, affecting their experience.With very little sea kayaking experience myself, and also never having been to the Bitches I found it incredibly fascinating. The Groms, too, were completely engrossed in what Martin was saying, and I know they were taking everything on board. This weekend wasnt just about taking the Groms to the Bitches but about giving them the skills needed to reaccess this fantastic location in the future safely.PADDLING TO THE BITCHES DOLPHIN SPOTTING!We launched from the Lifeboat station with plenty of time and began the paddle over. It seemed we had hit the jackpot with the weather for our first session, and there was virtually no wind at all. The perfect conditions for our first time. This meant that the paddle over to the wave was very calm, and we could chat on the way.Ten minutes into our paddle, and we had already spotted some seals close by. The Bitches is well known for being a good place to see seals. When we saw the seals, Joe said, If you think that is good, weve seen dolphins here before! One minute later, and we saw dolphins! Needless to say, I was the happiest person ever, and we saw the dolphins multiple times more as we paddled over. What an incredible experience!CATCHING THE WAVE FOR THE FIRST TIMEAt first glance, the wave was small, but it quickly became bigger! There were many paddlers at the wave on this day, most of whom were in surf kayaks. They paddled out of the eddy onto the wave, making it look easy. Every time I tried, I just couldnt quite catch it!Luckily, I heard Oli shout over to me. Come on, Del in plastic boats we have to go OVER the rock! I was in my Firecracker, Oli in his Pocket Rocket, and Sophie and Tilly were also in playboats. We clambered over the rock and got back on the other side. It wasnt the easiest of get-in spots, but we made it!We each, in turn, dropped down to the wave and went for a surf. As I dropped in, I didnt have high expectations of catching it, but I did, and it turned out to be the most lovely of surfs! It was incredible this beautiful wave in a beautiful place and surrounded by wonderful people. I was really enjoying my surf, but after a couple of minutes, I hopped off to give the next person their go.It was lovely to watch the Groms all have similar experiences. There were clearly some nerves at the start, but this quickly seemed to evaporate, and they all threw themselves into (and onto) that wave!A SPECTACULAR SUNSETAs the evening drew in, the sun began to set, and the light was incredible! Sat in the eddy with golden light, a perfect wave and happy kids it honestly felt magical. I had a few minutes to soak it all in as everyone went for their final surf. Finally, after years of hearing about what a special place the Bitches was, I could fully understand its magic.The paddle back had a livelier ferry glide, but spirits were sky high. Back at shore, there was just enough energy for gleeful pier jumps before a chip shop dinner and shooting star spotting under clear skies.Sunday: Ice creams and Bitches session 2A LAZY MORNINGWe postponed the sunrise session to Monday and enjoyed a rare lie-in. I woke early, so Amanda and I shared a sunrise coffee while the camp stirred.By midday, the Groms wandered into town for ice cream. We adults left them to it it was lovely to see how quickly they had already bonded and preferred each others company to ours!SUNSET SESSION AT THE BITCHES #2We headed back over to the lifeboat station mid-afternoon and got on for our second sunset paddle. Having already had one session the day before, people knew what to expect, and everyone seemed a lot more relaxed.Conditions were excellent again, and the paddle out was easy. We got to the wave and got straight on with paddling it! Now we knew that those of us in shorter kayaks needed to walk over the rock; it was just a matter of doing it.The rock is really cool. Its huge and a bit of a faff to get over, but also a really cool vantage spot. Standing at the top was the ultimate Im king/queen of the castle experience. Oli was the chief video recorder today and got himself perched at the top of the rock.Eva and I smashed out a couple of walks and surfs. Eva was ecstatic as she got that first surf of the day. It was a really lovely moment, and I was super proud of her. She was 13 years old, having paddled for just a year, and now she was surfing at the Bitches!MEDIAI was filming the kids and getting their glory moments surfs, spins, kickflips and more! What was really nice was that the Groms were all so focused on paddling that none of them really cared about getting their social media. It was a pleasure to be that support person and get them each a couple of photos and a little video as a keepsake.I went to get on myself for another surf and asked Ben, who was sitting on the rock at the time, if he had a camera and could maybe film me. Then I heard Oli shout down, Ive got you, Del! and wave his camera at me. So big thank you to Oli for getting a little video clip of me surfing at the Bitches something to send my own mum!SEAL PUPS AND HOLE SURFINGOli soon got back in a kayak after this and motioned to me and Eva that we should join him on the other side of the wave, where there was a hole to play in. As we paddled up the eddy on this side, Eva goes, Look, Del! and points into one of the coves. A huge seal was there with her two pups. We kept our distance, of course, but it was magical to see!Then came some play time in the hole with Eva smashing some pop-outs. I leaned into the sideline cheerleading of Eva, while Oli kept nudging me to keep trying everything! Unofficial mentoring at its best. Thanks, Oli, for encouraging me as well as the Groms all weekend!A SUNSET TO BEAT SUNSETSAs the light changed, it was time to head back. It was a sunset to beat sunsets on that paddle back. Looking back across the sea to where we had been paddling as the whole sky turned various shades of red and orange was incredible. I often have moments in kayaking where I just want to pinch myself and say, How lucky am I to be in this sport and access places like this!. This was definitely one of those moments.Monday: Bitches session 3 and coasteering04:30 ALARMS ARE WORTH IT FOR PADDLINGMonday was our day for a sunrise session. We needed to be on the water at 05:15 at the latest, which meant setting an alarm for 04:30. Having been almost too excited to sleep, I was wide awake when that alarm went off.It was very bizarre being in the car park at 05:00, changing into wet gear while looking out to sea with its incredible backdrop of stars. I was incredibly excited, as were the Groms.As we got into kayaks and did a quick head count, you had to really appreciate what a novel but cool experience it was. 05:00 on a bank holiday morning, I am sure that the rest of the UK was sleeping, but not us! We were out there living our best lives.PADDLING OUT IN THE SWELLTodays conditions were quite different from the previous two days. There was quite a bit of swell and wind to keep us on our toes. The waves were much bigger on the ferry glide over, but everyone managed really well. The light was spectacular on this paddle as well, and by the time we got to the wave, the sun was just beginning to rise.CHOPPY CONDITIONSThe wave was pretty similar to the previous days, but the eddy was not. There was a lot of swell, and this made getting in and out of kayaks (especially carbon ones) a little more challenging. Luckily, we worked as a team and managed to get everyone onto and off the rock who wanted to.After a few surf attempts, I spent some time on the rock with Cam and Siren, filming the others and enjoying being in the moment. The sunrise had been stunning, and the kids were still full of beans.David was doing some very impressive kickflips over the waves, and Sam just didnt run out of energy for the entire session! Ross had some incredible surfs, as did the rest of the group. The Groms were all keen to play in the whirlpools as well, and there was some impressive downtime during these moments!OUR FINAL PADDLE BACKWe paddled back for the final time, and Ive never seen so many smiley faces. To see so much progress in just three days was incredible, and I know each of the Groms will be back for another Bitches session one day.SHOWERS, FOOD, AND CHILL TIMEWe headed back to the campsite for showers before walking into town for some food. An extremely hungry Oli led this. Breakfast and coffee were very welcome! We ended by having ice cream, which made it feel like a proper seaside holiday!Back at the camp, it was time to chill. In the afternoon, there was an option to go coasteering with Martin. We decided to let the kids take the lead, so they went off to do this themselves, and we adults stayed at camp for a lazy afternoon of chatting and media work/napping.A FINAL EVENING TOGETHEROur group had thinned by Monday night, but those remaining enjoyed an easy pub dinner before turning in early. On the walk back, a friendly black cat attached itself to the Groms. By the time Chips and I arrived, the kids had formed a circle around their new mate, now dubbed Steve, who seemed perfectly content with the adoption.Tuesday departureAn alarm that was accidentally set at 04:30 woke me up early again. On a sleepy wander, I found Steve waiting, and we shared a quiet cuddle while a rainbow arced across a stormy sky.After goodbyes (including a wave to a very sleepy Chips), I headed off on the six-hour drive home, buoyed by the stream of grateful messages in the group chat and that content, soul-deep tiredness that only a great paddling trip delivers.Final reflectionsThis weekend was more than coaching. Thanks to Chips and Joes hard work and Palms support, it was a weekend of connection, positivity, and shared joy. Parents backed the energy, mentors modelled generosity, and the Groms attitudes were exemplary. Im incredibly proud of them all and cant wait to see where they take their paddling next.I was honoured to be involved and cant wait to see what the Palm Groms get up to next!Being invited onto the Palm Groms mentorship scheme and then attending the very first Palm Groms get together has been a great experience. Ive loved meeting other paddlers my age and getting to know them better over the weekend.Learning how to paddle slalom was really fun. It is completely different from freestyle, and I enjoyed the challenge of it. Ive even been practising my up-gates since Ive been back at HPP! Paddling at the Bitches was SO pretty! The wave was uniquely cool, but what I really enjoyed was getting to play in some of the holes and whirlpools.Thank you to Palm for the opportunity and to everyone who attended the weekend for making it so good.Sophie Macken

Words: Chris BrainPhotos: Submitted from Paddlers own collectionsChris BrainChris Brain BioChris has been paddling and coaching for over 25 years and runs his own business, Chris Brain Coaching, delivering coaching, safety and rescue courses. Chris would like to thank Palm Equipment, Dagger Kayaks Europe and VE Paddles for their continued support. www.chrisbraincoaching.comThe habits of high-performing paddlers: On the waterIn the first part of this series, (https://paddlerezine.com/high-performing-paddlers-1), we identified a broad definition of a high-performing paddler and asked paddlers who felt they fit the criteria to share their experience. We asked them to reflect on their development in the sport and the characteristics that help them excel.The paddlers who responded in some way fit into the following criteria.National/international level competitive paddler.Longevity in the sport at a higher level of personal performance.First or challenging descents/trips.Innovative or groundbreaking in their discipline or sport.Recognised as a high-performance paddler/discipline expert or coach.Having received responses from a wide range of paddlers in a full range of disciplines, this information has been challenging to analyse, as so many paddlers have clearly had such individual journeys.The following three chapters are based on the results of the information received and the common trends between these amazing paddlers.Goals, motivations, focus, driveA common thread amongst these high-performing paddlers is a powerful intrinsic motivation. Their drive is not simply about winning or being the best amongst their peers; its about a continuous quest for self-improvement and a profound connection to their sport. This internal desire to exceed previous limits is a powerful fuel for the consistent effort required to be the best that they can be. The collective responses reveal a fascinating spectrum of motivation rooted in personal challenge and enjoyment.A common theme for most paddlers early development stage was personal enjoyment and simply being out with other paddlers, whilst learning the relevant paddling skills. Most responses referenced fun as being an early key motivator, which was regularly combined with adventure into environments that were not yet known to them. Added to this, the social side of paddling, particularly good role models, seemed to be referenced many times. A key factor in the success of many of these paddlers appears to be getting on the water with others who have more experience or more skills.It seems that for many paddlers, their current motivations for getting on the water are still similar to those from when they were just starting.Many stated that fun, enjoyment and social elements are all still really important.It also seemed that the ability to develop and improve continually was still a high motivator for most, and these paddlers are still making progress!Intrinsic and extrinsic motivationsOur responders said that achieving peak performance usually starts with a large amount of outside help, but that you really do need to be self-motivated to keep going and to keep improving. The high-performing paddlers we surveyed confirmed that social connections and structured environments were crucial in their early years. Many paddlers initially noted the importance of A coach as Highly important and A great environment to paddle as essential. Having access to a nearby paddling spot and easy access to facilities are important for personal development. It seems to be a common trend among many that they benefited from structured club environments where they could easily borrow equipment and get onto the water regularly.However, as these paddlers develop into the sport, there is certainly seen to be less reliance on an external coach and more focus on paddlers self-coaching and refining their skills with their peers. Where a coach was involved at this stage, it was more as a tool to sharpen skills they had already developed, and using the coach to help them get the edge they were looking for. This varied by location, with paddlers focusing on more competitive disciplines where the coach played a crucial role in their development.The move towards a deeper, more personal connection with the sport is a very common trend among elite performers.For some, a strong initial desire to compete was noted, which was seen as a way to test and benchmark skills and give purpose to skill development.However, for many, the longer-term motivation comes from the joy of being on the water, the satisfaction of a perfectly executed move, and the fulfilment of a personal goal.As one paddler, Cal Major, noted, their motivation comes from The feeling of being on the water. The reward, therefore, is in the challenge itself, not just the outcome.Training on the waterIt was clear to see that the time these paddlers spend in the boat is not just about getting wet, but is often carefully planned so that they can work on something specific. For many paddlers, their water time seemed to be characterised by consistency and purpose, with many setting goals to achieve during the session. In some instances, it appeared that there was less formality in setting the goals for the session, and these might not be known until they were at the water.However, in other instances, these goals were formed well before getting in a boat. There were, of course, variations between the competitive and non-competitive paddlers, but the commonality between the two was that there was purposeful practice. It seemed that many of the paddlers had experience in paddling in some kind of competitive form and that they used this approach to shape their training, attempting to make small gains and improvements even on their more informal paddling sessions.It is worth mentioning that virtually all of the paddlers who responded either currently or have previously used training in other disciplines of paddlesport to enhance their performance in their preferred discipline. For example, many of the freestyle-based paddlers who responded highlighted that they commonly work on flat water sprints in either a race or whitewater boat and that some of the sea kayak-based paddlers also paddled whitewater to help them develop their rough water handling skills.Once again, this demonstrates the desire to make training sessions on the water truly effective and purposeful, ensuring that, wherever possible, they are always making progress towards becoming a better paddler.Frequency of Water TimeThe sheer volume of water time is arguably the most striking habit of the paddlers. The majority of the high-performing paddlers surveyed dedicate a significant amount of time on the water each week. It was very common for most of these paddlers to be on the water a minimum of four times a week, with many commenting that they paddle virtually every day. Something that surprised me was that this paddling wasnt always confined to their own discipline, but often took place in other forms of paddlesport as well. Even if a whitewater paddler couldnt get out on the river every day, they would take their freestyle boat to some flatwater for a play session or get a longer boat out and go for a distance paddle.It seems that this frequency of time on the water is fundamental and that paddling more regularly seems to be more common than paddling for long periods of time over fewer sessions.In conclusion, the habits of high-performing paddlers on the water are characterised by intrinsic motivation, a commitment to purposeful practice, and an impressive amount of water time! Its clear that while the external rewards for many can be motivating factors, the long-lasting drive comes from within, from a love of the challenge and a dedication to the continuous pursuit of mastery.Next timeIn our next article, we will step off the water to examine the equally critical habits of these athletes in their daily lives, exploring the lifestyle choices and sacrifices that support their performance.

Words: Ray GoodwinPhotos: Ollie Sandeman & Ray GoodwinThis adventure is covered in three YouTube videos: https://youtu.be/NdIBadSgmWkhttps://youtu.be/JHGHYvqMy78https://youtu.be/L2b7ok8R1xERay has taken a canoe around the Stack on a different trip: https://youtu.be/JEUnWAqL4jQ.THANKS TO:Thank you to Ollie Sandeman and Dave Janes for the excellent company on this adventure. It was great to do something with you at last. My thanks to Silverbirch Canoes for the wonderfully light Kevlar Broadland; NRS for the gear, including dry bags and BA, and Freebird Paddles.Ray Goodwins website:www.RayGoodwin.com YouTube Channel:www.youtube.com/c/RayGoodwinCanoeFrontier Bushcrafthttps://frontierbushcraft.comRay Goodwins Ynys Mon/AngleseyBig tides and strong windsIt had long been on my list, around Ynys Mon in a solo canoe. It was over a cup of tea that I shared that idea with Ollie Sandeman, and lo and behold, it was in his sights as well. Within minutes, a plan was being hatched with Dave Janes coming along. Paddling it with these two was an attractive idea.In the days before the trip, Dave came up with a plan, using the wind forecast to start near Caernarfon and do a clockwise circumnavigation. But the best laid plans changed with the latest forecast. None of us wanted to be in a strong east wind on the west coast, and with tide races towards the end of the day. The plan changed, and we would go east on the Menai Strait, into the wind, but have a better wind direction on the subsequent days.Day 1My alarm went off at 04:00, and I was quickly up. A hurried tea and a slice of toast, and I was in the car. The drive to Caernarfon was easy, and then down the lanes to a meeting point to the west of the town. At 06:00, the boys arrived. A cheery good morning, but quickly the gear was packed and we were on the Menai Strait. Early in the day, it was mirror calm; it was just how long that would last.Not long! Within 20 minutes, the wind picked up in our faces and strengthened quickly. As we passed Caernarfon and its iconic castle, the going already felt like hard work, but at least the tide was beginning to run in our direction. There was no shelter; it was just a matter of digging in. Past the rather grand Plas Newydd, the statue of Lord Nelson and high above, on his column, the Marquis of Anglesey, Henry Paget, a hero of Waterloo (he lost his leg there). Minor distractions amid hard work.Then it was into the Swellies between Stevensons Britannia Bridge and Telfords Menai Bridge. The current was running strongly, maybe 5 or 6 knots. The rock ridge of the Y Griben (the Welsh for ridge) was still visible with powerful eddies and shoots. I couldnt resist and went for one of the eddies. Shooting across the eddyline, I carved deep into the eddy only to find myself on top of a monstrous boil/up welling of water. I giggled as my boat skidded across it with the occasional twitch, back onto the Swellies. Ollie and Dave had a real dynamic set of breakouts into its eddy, while I managed to get misaligned and only managed a rather sedate passage to the north.Beyond Menai Bridge, the easterly wind picked up, gusting beyond force 4. The tide was strongly in our favour, but now, with the wind over tide, the waves were steepening up. But these waves were the indicator of the current; there was smooth water just to our south, but that was a bad sign. It was a whole series of huge eddies that had the current running against us, and with the wind travelling in the same direction, the surface was smooth. So, we stuck to the waves and bounced our way along.We had one brief break behind a small headland. It allowed us to discuss this plan that had us paddling into a force 3 to 4 for most of the day. Although it was an agreed-upon plan and a good one, it still allowed us to berate Dave (so unjust). I took the opportunity to explain that any slowness on my part was due to my age of 72 years, which was more than their combined ages. Its good to have an excuse.We eventually beasted our way to Beaumaris and the shelter of the promenade and pier. It was a time without wind, a good break, and lunch. Ollie and I had our little packs of snacks. Meanwhile, Dave whipped out his stove and was cooking up a mini pizza; he has got style, that fella.The wind was still in our faces but had dropped off over lunch.The upturned and barnacled hull of the sand dredger Hoveringham II (sank in 1971 whilst being towed by a lifeboat no lives were lost) was a minor distraction along the way. Its cohort of cormorants took to the sea as we broke out behind it. Soon, we were on the easternmost part of our journey with Ynys Seiriol/Puffin Island to our right, past Trywn Du lighthouse and onto the east coast. The wind was dying off, but our bodies were feeling it, and so up went the sails. It was slow going, so we had to paddle as well, but it felt great after navigating through that wind all day.We needed a campsite, which wasnt the easiest thing to come by along the coast here. But there is one lovely spot in the floor of an old quarry high above the sea. The landing was on a bouldery beach, and now I hit on an expected problem: after kneeling all day, my legs no longer worked effectively. I was all over the place. Thank goodness for travelling with two much younger (and very fit) guys. My kit and boat were transported up to the top of the beach while I staggered along with a pole in each hand. I managed to carry one load up the steps to the quarry, but the guys handled the rest of the gear.It is a beautiful spot with stunning views out to Puffin and beyond. It had been a very long day, and we were all soon in our tents or bivies.Day 2There are few things better than having everything to hand in the morning. A roll over and reach for the stove for the first brew of tea (I had to make my own the guys had some failings). It was an early start again, so we could get up to the north east corner to catch the ebb tide close to the turn for the run along the north coast.I got packed quickly so I could at least carry my own gear down to the launch spot. My legs had recovered to a degree. Some steep waves were coming into the beach, and I was slow. Dave waded into the water to hold my bow as I got in. The boulders were extremely slippery, and even Dave managed to fall into the water. But he and Ollie got me launched, although I was still full from the last two waves, and I paddled rather unsteadily offshore. Ollie quickly paddled out to me to give me stability as I bailed. But we were drifting back towards the shore, and Dave, without comment, slipped a tow on us to keep us out there a relatively smooth sort by the pair of them.The wind was good, and it was time to sail. We were headed for the village of Moelfra. It was pleasant to run on a broad reach with the wind almost at right angles. Ollie and I were close for a bit of chat or some banter (see the video). The crossing of Red Wharf Bay/Traeth-coch, some 10km, was soon done, and we landed on the shingles in Moelfra. Small numbers of tourists were wandering the beach, and it felt like a very different world. Dave had a real purpose in landing here (he is a good man) Anns Pantry was just two minutes from our landing spot! Tea, coffee, and breakfast were soon ordered, and the luxury of a real toilet was appreciated. However, one of the waiters soon complained about the puddles of water draining from the three of us, a highly recommended stop.On a sombre note, the rocks off the village were the site of the greatest marine disaster in Welsh history. The Royal Charter was heading for Liverpool in 1859 when it encountered a Force 10 storm. The captain dropped anchor off Moelfre, but during the night, it intensified to a Force 12 Hurricane. The masts were cut away to reduce windage, but to no avail. First, one anchor chain snapped, and then the other. The engines were not powerful enough to keep her off the shore. The ship soon started to break up on the rocks. Four hundred fifty people drowned, with only 39 survivors. Not a single woman or child made it ashore. The Royal Charter was not alone, and around the UK, 200 ships were lost.Our passage was easy, but sailing soon became unproductive. Sails were dropped and we paddled onto Ynys (island) Dulas. A few seals were spotted, but with the ebb tide now running, it was quickly onto Point Lynas and its lighthouse. A small tide race was already running. I took it while Dave and Ollie cut through the cave on the headland. We now had a stern wind, but it was disappointingly weak, so we needed to paddle as well. One by one, we ticked off the headlands and bays, and with the full force of the ebb, progress was quick.At Harry Furloughs Rocks, a small reef runs out to sea. Here, flocks of terns were fishing, taking advantage of the shallow flow. Their shrill cries and headlong plunges filled the air around us. Out to sea were the Skerries and their lighthouse, always an incredible sight and a favourite paddle.The wind dropped before we rounded Carmel Head, and we were back on the paddle. We hugged the coast and paddled into another of Daves spotsa tidy strip of grass to camp on between the shingle and a marshy lake.Yet again, the guy carried my boat and some of the kit up the beach. This getting old sucks.Tent up and food eaten, we could chill out on the beach with a fantastic view through the cliffs and out to the Skerries and the flash of the light (two white flashes every 15 seconds: I so remember that from my Irish Sea crossing in canoe. The flashes from South Stack and the Skerries had allowed us to identify our position and progress).Day 3:The wind had strengthened again, and Dave had a cunning plan. The tide was against us, but we would hug the coast and go deep into Holyhead Bay before cutting across to the huge breakwater of Holyhead Harbour. There we would wait until the tide turned before taking the ebb around the Stacks and onto the west coast. It was a bold but good plan, and I could see no better way.Tucked in under the cliffs, we were sheltered from the wind but not from the tide. The flood tide didnt go cleanly across the bay and around Carmel Head. No, some of it hit the coast to the south of us before turning north and then around the headland. On the first little headland, the tide was running quickly against us. I misjudged it and ended up surfing outwards before finding enough acceleration to fight up against it. Tucked in tight, there was only one more point where we really had to make an effort. Sails up and with a strong east wind, we were soon hurtling along on an exhilarating ride. Just holding a stern rudder in place with the water singing off it was so fun.But a doubt was creeping into my mind. This was a stronger wind than forecast. I was beginning to have a bad feeling about the Stacks in this wind. Not a place I wanted to be in a canoe. Were the guys bolder than I wanted to be? I voiced my concern to Ollie on the first occasion we were close together. He shared my concern. Now, for Dave, just how bold was he feeling? Eventually, we got close enough to chat, and to my relief, he felt the same. We werent going around the Stacks in these conditions.So now the alternatives. We could either land somewhere and lay up for the day, hoping tomorrow would be better, or cut through the Inland Sea to the south of Holyhead. We could complete our circumnavigation of Ynys Mon and come back to do Holy Island/Ynys Gybi and the Stacks another time.We ran onto a beach at the western end of the Stanley Embankment. We needed to wait for the correct stage of the tide to go through the embankment tunnel. Dave had to make a tough decision, knowing the next day was his wedding anniversary. He chose wisely: he now had to walk, train, and bus to get back to the start point. Ollie and I planned to take the tide through the Inland Sea and camp where the estuary reaches the sea.The tunnel has a very nasty weir just at its seaward entry, and it has a fearful reputation. We need to wait around three hours before it was safe to traverse. Tucked into the shelter of my canoe with the sun out and soft shingle to lie on, I made full use of the time and had a kip. Just before launching, Ollie suggested that we play rock, paper, scissors to decide who went first into the tunnel.A quick paddle across the wind, and we turned through the tunnel. The timing was perfect with the weir having no impact on the flow. Always a relief to get this one right. We sailed across the Inland, exiting it at Four Mile Bridge. The short estuary was, as ever, a delight.It was late afternoon, and one of the sandy bays at the end of the estuary was particularly attractive. The thought of a chilled evening was appealing. Ollie came alongside. He thought that sailing conditions were perfect, so we should press on and camp further down the coast. With no reluctance, but with a longing glance at the camp spot, I readily agreed. The sun was out; the wind was steady out of the east, and the sail was up.As we approached our possible camp, it was my turn, Its too good, I think we should continue. Ollie had been having the same thought. We kept going.A brief encounter with a porpoise; it took no notice of us, but it was always nice to see.Ollie got a phone call from Dave asking where we were camped. Caernarfon was the response, even though we werent there yet. He explained to Dave that conditions were too good, and we had just kept going. The pity was that Dave would have stayed with us if we had known we would go all the way to the end. He would have made it home for his anniversary. But plans must embrace change and grab opportunities. It was sad not to have him with us.We passed close to Llanddwyn Island and its light.The sun set.As we turned into the Menai Strait, we dropped sails and paddled on past Fort Benlan. The red flash of a port buoy guided us in.Soon we were sliding up the shingle. Ollie came to shake my hand.Another tick off the bucket list and fantastic memories to tuck away. Ynys Mon never disappoints.

BY CORY JONESDIRECTOR OFHIGHLAND EXPERIENCESHTTPS://HIGHLANDEXPERIENCES.COMCory JonesBioCory is an experienced outdoor educator, expedition leader, and Director of both the First Aid Training Co-operative and Highland Experiences Ltd. With over 25 years of working across the UK and internationally, he specialises in first aid training for remote environments and is also a mental health first aid trainer. A seasoned paddler, Cory is a Paddle UK Endorsed guide. He has guided sea kayaking and canoe trips in Scotland, Canada, Baja and East Africa.Cory is also a regular contributor to Wee Wild Adventures, where he blogs about paddling journeys, remote travel, and practical field skills for outdoor enthusiasts.To download a free copy of our Outdoor First Aid manual, follow this link: https://firstaidtrainingcooperative.co.uk/download-your-free-digital-first-aid-manual/First Aid for Paddlesports (part two): Immediate issuesPart 1 of this series on first aid for paddlesports looked at incident management and basic casualty assessment. In Part 2, we proceed to examine how to address immediate issues and threats that arise during the initial incident procedure. Whether you are sea kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding or running whitewater, these are issues every paddler should be prepared for.Scenario 1A kayaker has taken a nasty swim in a river or in the surf. When you reach them, they are not breathing. CPR for drowning.Drowning is a time-critical emergency. If a paddler is pulled from the water and is not breathing, immediate action must be taken to revive them. Cold water immersion can cause cardiac arrest or laryngospasm (airway closure). In some cases, people can be revived even after prolonged submersion especially in cold water.Initial Steps:Check for responsiveness by shouting and gently shaking their shoulder.If theres no response, check for normal breathing for 10 seconds.If theyre not breathing or breathing is abnormal (gasping), start CPR immediately.Performing CPR for a drowning casualty:Begin with five rescue breaths. Tilt the head back, pinch the nose, and give five full breaths into the mouth.Then alternate 30 chest compressions and two rescue breaths. Chest compressions should be performed at a rate of 100120 compressions per minute and with a depth of 56 cm.Continue until the casualty starts breathing, professional help arrives, or you are too exhausted to continue. Remember, other team members can also assist in performing CPR.Important: In suspected drowning, rescue breaths take priority. Providing oxygen is vital. If an AED (automated external defibrillator) is available, follow its voice prompts. If the chest is still wet, dry it quickly before applying the pads.Call for emergency help early. Use 999/112, radio Channel 16 or a personal location beacon.Scenario 2A paddler has capsized rock hopping in heavy swell or surfing into a beach landing. As you approach, you can see the red colour of blood in the water.Major blood lossA deep laceration perhaps from a rock, fin or blade can cause significant blood loss. Major bleeding needs to be stopped as quickly as possible.Apply direct pressure using a sterile dressing or the cleanest cloth available. Maintain pressure continuously. Elevate the limb if practical and not fractured.Cohesive bandages (e.g., Vet Wrap) are especially useful in wet environments, as they adhere to themselves without the need for adhesives and can maintain pressure. If blood loss is heavy and unmanageable, call for emergency help immediately. In remote areas or expeditions, carrying blood-clotting (haemostatic) bandages can be considered.Scenario 3Descending a river, your buddy capsized in a rapid but managed to roll back up. They complain they banged their head while trying to roll up. Head knock and potential concussion.Falls in whitewater or surf can lead to blows to the head whether from rock, boat or paddle. A head injury on the water can be serious, even when symptoms are subtle. Helmets are invaluable, but dont prevent concussions. After a collision, assess for signs such as confusion, nausea, headache, sensitivity to light or sound, sluggishness, or short-term memory loss. The person may not remember banging their head. If you suspect a concussion, consider how to end the activity safely or at least cut it short and seek medical attention. If in doubt, treat it as a concussion and get out of the water.Watch for delayed symptoms too. These include vomiting, balance issues, difficulty concentrating, blurred vision, and irritability. Monitor them for at least 24 hours.Helmets can be removed, especially if the casualtys airway is compromised, theyre vomiting and unconscious, or you need to control severe bleeding under the helmet. Always support the head and neck while removing it.Scenario 4A novice paddler has fallen into the sea. It is a cold day, and they were already tired when the incident took place. They are shivering when you get them back into their kayak. Immersion hypothermia.Cold water strips heat from the body much faster than cold air. Immersion hypothermia is a risk throughout the year, especially in open water, surf zones or shaded gorges. Its not just a winter hazard. As cold water cools the surface of your body, the cold blood from the skin surface moves to the bodys core, causing core cooling. This is hypothermia.The progression of immersion hypothermia is divided into three stages, which typically follow these phases in cold water:Cold shock response (060 seconds): Sudden immersion can cause uncontrolled gasping, panic and hyperventilation. Inhalation while submerged increases the risk of drowning.Short-term immersion (110 minutes): Fine motor skills fade, making it hard to grip or re-enter your boat. Muscle strength drops quickly.Long-term exposure (10+ minutes): The core temperature falls. Shivering stops, mental confusion sets in and the casualty may drift into unconsciousness.Immediate First Aid ResponseShort exposure: Strip off wet clothing and replace with dry, insulated layers. Wrap them in dry clothing, sleeping bags, foil blankets or use a group shelter. Offer them food and a warm drink if available. You can warm these casualties quickly.Prolonged exposure: Remove the casualty from the waterhorizontallyif possible. Wrap them in dry clothing, sleeping bags, foil blankets, or use a group shelter. Insulate underneath (with a foam pad, drybag or rafted boat) to prevent heat loss through conduction. Rewarm passively; avoid direct heat to limbs or rapid handling. Offer warm sugary drinks only if they are alert and able to swallow. If they are unconscious or shivering has stopped,assume severe hypothermiaand call for emergency help immediately.This is the second part of a three-part series covering first aid for paddlesports. In Part 3, we cover how to deal with more specific injuries, some that develop more slowly.

WORDS: Helen Schur & Geth RobertsPHOTOS: Ed Loffill & Geth RobertsKirsty and Geth RobertsAbout GethGeth founded Sea Kayaking Wales seven years ago, with Kirsty, and is SKWs head coach, providing BCAB awards, coaching and mentoring to the SKW participants and coaching team. He has also helped drive the SKW expedition programme, hosting opportunities in Norway and Scotland. In addition to kayaking, Geth enjoys biking, running, and exploring the mountains and raising an awesome family, with three children ranging from ten to four years old.About Helen Helen is currently based in Somerset and brings a wealth of sea kayaking experience from years of paddling with local clubs and friends across the British Isles and, more recently, in Arctic Norway. She holds a range of sea kayaking qualifications and is now offering her expertise as a freelance coach and guide. Were now fortunate to have Helen as part of the Sea Kayaking Wales coaching team and look forward to many more adventures and collaborations together.About Sea Kayaking WalesBased in Anglesey, SKW offers expedition and holiday opportunities in Scotland, Norway, and Pembrokeshire. They hope to add Mediterranean and Irish destinations to this list. Check www.seakayakingwales.com. Sea Kayaking Wales also offers progressive coaching courses on Anglesey, ranging from beginner to advanced levels. It is a provider of all British Canoeing Leadership, Coach, Safety, and Personal Performance awards. Clubs/groups are also encouraged to hire SKW for meets and expeditions. SKW is also a dealer of Sea Kayaking UK, Tiderace, Zegul Sea Kayaks and Rockpool Kayaks. You can demo most models on the course opportunities. Check out www.skwkayaks.com for excellent course participant deals.Arctic Norway adventure: Circumnavigating Srya for the 50th Nordkapp expedition anniversaryLast year, our inaugural SKW Arctic Norway expedition saw us paddling beneath the midnight sun, traversing the wild and beautiful islands of Senja, Kvalya, Sommarya, Hja, and Vengsya an adventure that left us inspired and eager for more Arctic exploration. Our journey drew direct inspiration from the pioneering 1975 Nordkapp Expedition, the first major expedition to utilise modern fibreglass Inuit-style sea kayaks.For 2025, our next Arctic Norway expedition took on special meaning, marking the 50th anniversary of the legendary British sea kayak expedition from Bod to Nordkapp, which journeyed over 800 km. In honour of this milestone, we set our sights on the remote island of Srya, far above the Arctic Circle and only 100 km west southwest of Nordkapp the iconic northernmost accessible point of Europe. Known as the Green Island of Norway, Srya is famed for its dramatic, rugged coastline, soaring cliffs, unspoiled bays, and rich wildlife. A sense of isolation matches its wild beauty here, whales and dolphins patrol freely, vast numbers of seabirds settle to breed, dozens of majestic white-tailed sea eagles soar, and the sea state can shift in an instant.Srya sits at 70.87N placing it not only deep within the Arctic Circle but also roughly level with the central east coast of Greenland, the northernmost parts of Alaska and nearly 800 km north of Iceland. Only a handful of inhabited islands worldwide most notably nearby Nordkapps Magerya Island, the Svalbard archipelago and a few in far northern Russia/Canada lie further north than Srya, placing our expedition among the northernmost sea kayaking island adventures possible.Our goal was to complete a circumnavigation of Srya an island nearly twice the size of nearby Nordkapps Magerya, boasting over 200 km of dramatic coastline by sea kayak, starting from the historic Arctic port of Hammerfest. With a team that combined familiar faces and new adventurers, we set out in the true spirit of exploration that has defined sea kayaking expeditions for the past fifty years. What follows is Helen Schurs account of this journey a story of teamwork, fun, and the enduring allure of Norways wildest waters.A Norwegian WelcomePaddling in Norway was so stimulating in 2024 (on the SKW Senja/ Kvalya Expedition) that we just had to return! Arctic Norway has dark mountains dabbed with snow, ice fields and glaciers. White mist strands hover over the water, and the fog rolling in is atmospheric. The sun brings warmth, heat, even, and deep blue skies and seas. The seawater is extremely clear, exposing kelp forests, jellyfish, small fish and comb jellies.There are plenty of seabirds to spot, and if you are lucky, shy seals, porpoises, dolphins, and whales. Inshore, the sea becomes turquoise, enticing you to swim! Ashore, the grass is rich with spring and summer wildflowers. The midnight sun means you can explore or paddle endlessly until you realise just how late it is! To add to this, Troms is an excellent town with plenty to explore and cafes to indulge in at the start and end of the expedition.Day 1: Arrival and First Paddle, 22.5 kmFrom Troms, we caught a small Widere plane to Hammerfest, a town where reindeer freely wander the streets. We called into the local supermarket for provisions, then walked to the iconic site of the Outdoor Museum, which was to be our launch point. After much packing, we set off with great excitement for Srya; we were underway! Skirting the south side of two small islands during our calm crossing, we finally landed on the east coast of Srya. Even on this first paddle, we saw lots of puffins, guillemots, and a porpoise! We found plenty of driftwood on the beach for a fire, and our team fire-lighter set up a welcome fire below the high tide mark, where we had hot food and tea. Then, we rapidly retired to our sleeping bags after a very long day.Day 2: Westerly Winds and Coastal Progress, 11.1 kmThe winds and conditions favoured a clockwise circulation of Srya, at least taking an overall view! On day two, the westerly wind was strong, and after breakfast, it rained for two or three hours, so we took the not unwelcome opportunity for some further rest. We made a team decision to make some progress along the coast today, so once the wind had settled a little in the afternoon, we paddled along the south coast for some hard-won kms. We were rewarded with sightings of sea eagles.Day 3: Sunshine, Dolphins, and Decision Making, 41.8 kmThe following day, conditions had improved & we set off to see how far along the south coast we would reach. We again saw sea eagles, and this morning also some dolphins! A break on a small island prepared us for the next stretch. The weather cleared, the sun came out & the views south to the islands and mountains sprinkled with the winters snow were stunning. There was a strand of white mist along the coast at the foot of these southern islands, then kilometres of blue sea reflecting sun sparkles. This was an idyllic paddle, but knowing what lay ahead, and favouring a longer recharge in the sunshine, we paddled into a small circular bay/lagoon from which we looked back over the sea to the mountains. Some of us swam in the sunshine and slightly warmed water, and we all enjoyed some hot food. Well rested, we set off again, a little reluctantly, leaving this beautiful setting.The next phase of the day was all about decision-making. As a team, we decided to explore conditions around the southwest headland and along the west-facing coast of Srya to see if we could continue to make further progress today, knowing that there was significant wind in the forecast a few days ahead. Swell and the tide flowing around the headland made for some large waves, which were experienced as invigorating or huge depending on your perception at the time. We considered the sea and conditions, but our deliberations were drawn to a clear conclusion when the fog, which had been lurking all day, came in thick and fast and set. We retreated carefully to the sheltered southeast-facing beach, back around the south-western headland.Day 4: West Coast Challenges, 17 kmAfter a relaxed and chatty morning (waiting for conditions to subside a little), we again set off around the headland. This time, aided considerably by clear conditions, we made our way along the west-facing coast. Decision making was again a feature today, balancing paddling well away from the rocky shore with the smoother conditions afforded by less flow closer into the rock faces.After a couple of hours, we set off on a shortish crossing across a wide bay, where we were distracted from paddling for a while, having spotted the blows of a humpback whale, and then its back. We made significantly slower progress than expected, not least thanks to once again paddling into a headland. This was one of those times when good snacks made a significant difference to our energy levels; we continued and landed (some of us very gratefully) at the next sheltered beach and camp spot.One member of our group, with a passion for fishing and some enviable energy at this point, set out into the bay. Within the hour, they returned with three large cod! Barbecued on the fire, the fresh cod was delicious. What a way to finish a shortish but hard paddling day.Day 5: Dramatic Cliffs & Arctic Skua, 38 kmAfter hours of sleep, followed by morning chats while waiting for the wind to settle, we set off early in the afternoon to round the northern end of the west coast by the end of the day. This was a stunning paddle of high dramatic cliffs and multitudes of sea birds, including puffins, guillemots, kittiwakes, and the aggressive Arctic skua.In one of the many highlights of the trip, we called into Srvr for a provisions top-up and carrot cake. A couple of us visited Trrfiskloftet, the local community hall/cafe/bar, which was warm and welcoming. A real treat at this point was a quick face wash with soap and hot water!Again, happily rested and with provisions topped up, we continued along the coast to a beautiful and sheltered bay, spotting a dolphin along the way. Much later that evening, the midnight sun rounded the westerly edge of the bay, what a finish to a spectacular day.Day 6: Rest and RechargeThe winds, although in our favour now, were too strong to paddle and so we enjoyed a sunny day in the bay, with chats, swims and a hike.Day 7: Puffins & Mist on Kamya Island, 40.2 kmThe sun was still shining, the winds had settled considerably, and we set off to continue along the northern coast of Srya. This was a day of many puffins and a whale or two in the distance! Kamya, an island towards the eastern end of the north coast, was beckoning. The weather and conditions appeared to be remaining calm, and so after checking forecasts, we turned for the northern bay of Kamya. This had been a curious day with some strikingly warm thermals. Almost as we landed, the wind shifted to a cold north-westerly, and we believe that, combined with the warm air, this change caused the thick mist and damp that rolled in. A fire cheered us, and soon after our third 40 km day, we headed for rest.Day 8: Exploring Kamya & the north, 20.3 kmIn the morning, we hiked up to the ridge of Kamya to stunning 360-degree views, south to Srya and north to Little Kamya. The mist had lifted, the sun was out, and we set off for a paddle around Little Kamya so many puffins! before crossing to the most northerly headland of Srya and rounding to the east coast.The bay we had identified as a potential campsite had some cabins in the sheltered end, so we carefully considered a small surf landing onto a sandy beach in the more southerly end. Safely landed, we set up camp for the final time on Srya. It was a beautiful evening, including porpoise feeding in front of our campsite as we cooked and chatted.Day 9: Dolphins, Whales, and the Final Crossing, 26.5 kmOur final day of paddling did not disappoint. After a morning swim, we launched (the surf had disappeared) into a sunny day and began our journey along the eastern edge of Srya. This was an unbelievable day with comb jellies glistening, and close sightings of pods of dolphins and minke whales! Weve since learned that the comb jellies have small ridges of combs, which create the multicoloured sparkling effect along these ridges when they move.When we finally made a leisurely crossing back to Hammerfest and its reindeer, we were buzzing!Day 10: Homeward Bound on the Hurtigruten Coastal FerryOur return journey to Troms was by the Hurtigruten. This was traditionally a mail and supplies ship travelling up and down the Norwegian coast from Bergen to Kirkenes. Today, the ships are a cross between supply ships and smart ferries. There is a large deck area, and for much of the journey, occasionally interspersed with the familiar fog and mist, we had stunning views whilst the Hurtigruten returned us to Troms.SKW Arctic Circle+ Expeditions 2026Arctic Norway Bod, Lofoten Archipelago, Moskenesy, Vry & Rst Islands ExpeditionArctic Norway Troms, Kvalya, Sommary, Hja & Vengsya Islands ExpeditionArctic Norway, Hammerfest, Srya Island ExpeditionThese expeditions are open to intermediate and advanced sea kayakers who are ready to push their boundaries, immerse themselves in raw nature, and become part of a close-knit team exploring well above the Arctic Circle.To register your interest and stay updated, visit our website at www.seakayakingwales.com

WORDS: MIKE SHAWPHOTOS: MIKE SHAW & THE LONDON KAYAK SCHOOLMike ShawGoal setting for WW progressionPaddlesports and more specifically white water kayaking is one of those sports where progression doesnt happen by accident! Yes, time on the water matters, but if you really want to move forward, you need direction. Thats where goal setting comes in. At London Kayak School, weve seen time and again how the right goals can transform a paddlers journey. They give individuals clarity, motivation and something solid to measure against.Whether youre just starting out working with a coach or youre pushing into more advanced whitewater. Everybody benefits from goals. When we talk about goals, we like to break them down into three clear stages: the dream goal, the stepping stone goals, and the method.1. The dream goalThis is the big one, your reason for being on the river in the first place. Maybe its running your first Grade 4, competing at a freestyle event or joining a multi-day expedition. Dream goals keep you inspired on the days when the rivers are low, youve suffered a setback, or youre wondering why you signed up for a cold winter training weekend. Theyre the vision that pulls you forward.2. Stepping stones, smaller achievable goalsOnce youve got your dream in mind, its time to break it into smaller, achievable goals, your stepping stones. These arent just arbitrary milestones; they are the building blocks that give your dream goal a path.For a Grade 4 goal, your stepping stones might be:Confidently driving and edging your kayak on Grade 23 rivers.Boofing over medium drops.Maintaining control through longer technical sequences without panicking.Practising rolling under pressure until it becomes instinctive.These stepping stones make your dream tangible. Every time you hit one of these, youre not only improving your skills but also building your skills, confidence and ability to reach that dream goal.3. The methodFinally, you need a method. Your plan for how to achieve those stepping stones and ultimately achieve your dream goal. This is where the real work comes in:Identify the skills required. For Grade 4, thats skills such as edging, driving your kayak, boofing and reading water.Where can you practice safely? We should practice complex moves on easy whitewater first, then gradually increase the challenge. You dont just throw yourself onto a Grade 4 river and hope for the best! You build your toolkit piece by piece.Track your practice. Reflect on what worked, what didnt and what you need to try next. Be inquisitive. Ask yourself: Did I really engage my core on that move? Was my line precise?The combination of a clear vision, achievable stepping stones and a methodical approach transforms progression from random paddling into intentional development. You can literally see yourself getting better. Every session has a purpose and small wins!Practice with purposeIm often asked by paddlers whove been in clubs for years, I always see the young kids coming through and they get better so fast! Why am I not progressing?I usually ask them, When was the last time you did anything other than paddle forwards?The people who progress quickly are constantly experimenting. They edge, try new strokes, explore different crafts and disciplines, and ask questions. They see someone doing a skill and think, Well, why not? Ill try that. Theyre curious. They dont just paddle, they play, and they do it every session, often without even realising it.If you want to reach your goals, bring that same curiosity back to your paddling. Dont just cruise downstream. Catch that awkward eddy, try a new line, and develop new skills. Paddle on edge, on flat water until it feels effortless. Tweak your forward stroke. Correct your posture. Being inquisitive and intentional is the difference between simply spending time in the boat and actually improving.Putting it all togetherLets say your dream goal is to paddle a Grade 4 river confidently. Your stepping stones take you from Grade 2 to 3, mastering key skills along the way. Your method involves deliberately practising harder moves on easier rivers, focusing on edging, boofing, and boat control.Over time, confidence builds, skills sharpen, and when the Grade 4 river finally comes into view, its no longer a leap into the unknown; its a calculated step forward, built on countless intentional sessions.Remember: Dream big. Break it down. Build the method. Practice with purpose. Be inquisitive. Progress then becomes not just possible, but inevitable.Your goals on our white water progression programWhen you book onto the London Kayak School White Water Progression Program, one of the very first questions we ask you is: What is your goal? From there, we help you shape your dream into achievable steps and then give you the method to get there. Whether its your first roll, mastering edge control or working towards big volume rivers abroad, having clarity about your goals is the foundation for everything that follows.At London Kayak School, we help paddlers set and chase down these kinds of goals every day. Whether youre dreaming of your first freestyle loop or a big expedition to Nepal, the process is the same. Set the dream, break it down and then get curious and purposeful in your practice. Thats how you grow into the paddler you want to be.LONDON KAYAK SCHOOLLondon Kayak School was founded by article author, Michael Shaw. Mike is a highly experienced paddlesports coach and talent development manager for GB Freestyle. With a passion for kayaking and a dedication to coaching, Mike started the school to share his knowledge and skills with others and help them discover the joys of kayaking.https://www.londonkayakschool.com/adult-ww-progression-programme/

Words: Ben Wilde.Ben WildePhotos: Ben Wilde, Shelley Richmond, Tony Lucas & Amanda TravisConnecting people with craft: Archipelago FolkschoolOne of the best experiences of my life, I cant believe how much weve achieved. a participant from our June 2025 boat-building course.Its a sunny day on the Isle of Mull, and were on the last day of our last course of 2025. In the Archipelago Folkschool workshop, four brand new wooden canoes and kayaks are getting their final touches before we finish for the day. The open doors look out over our 10-acre croft to Loch Scridain and, in the distance, we can see Ben More, the only Munro on Mull. Tomorrow, our participants, who started the week as novice woodworkers, will load up their new boats and go home; Ill be left with a quiet workshop and quite a pile of wood shavings.The boatsOur courses run from Saturday to Saturday throughout the summer. Participants can choose between three boats: a 156 Peterborough canoe, a 17 Prospector canoe or the 17 Shrike sea kayak. Weve chosen these boats to be something that a complete novice can confidently build in just a week, without compromising on the quality of the result. They are light, practical and robust. The shrike is an exceptional sea kayak styled on Greenland boats: tippy at first, but responsive and incredibly capable once a paddler is used to it. The smaller Peterborough canoe is beautiful and an excellent choice for solo adventures or gentle days with two people. At the same time, the larger Prospector is a real workhorse, able to take multiple adults with plenty of gear for a multi-night expedition.The courseOn the first day of the course, we start with a safety talk and a pile of precut plywood planks, and by the second hour, everyone is busy drilling, glueing and assembling. We build in the stitch and glue style, so our boats are first sewn together with cable ties, backed up with masking tape and strategically placed superglue. Once the rough shape is in place, we use epoxy resin to glue the boat together and remove the cable ties. After a day of fibreglass and epoxy work, everyone has something boat-shaped. Then the real woodworking skills begin: we pull out traditional tools like block planes and spoke shaves, and we shape timber to make inwales, outwales, masiks and thwarts.We think its this balance of traditional work and contemporary materials which makes our courses special. Not only do you get a beautiful boat which will stand the test of time, but you also learn real woodwork skills along the way. Throughout the week, we occasionally stop to learn about related topics, such as sharpening tools or understanding how the cellular structure of wood influences its bending and moisture response.The FolkschoolArchipelago Folkschool is a social enterprise, founded in 2017 to connect people with craft. Our courses take place in our purpose-built teaching workshop on our croft on the Isle of Mull.We are also a mobile organisation, and work across Scotland on diverse projects, from community boat-builds to bespoke sessions for disadvantaged groups. Over the last eight years, we have run courses with disabled people in an old warehouse in Glasgow, and a course for someones 50th birthday party in Torridon; weve taught fathers connecting with their kids in a community garden in Musselborough, and an LGBTQ youth group in a canal boat shed in Kirkintilloch.Alongside our community projects, weve developed our public courses, fine-tuning and honing the boat-building process to make it as easy yet rewarding as possible. We aim to find the sweet spot where everyone learns valuable skills and has a great time in the process. Were proud to say that every single person has managed to build their boat and get it on the water. Weve lost count, but we must have built more than 100 boats across Scotland. Many have travelled far afield: at least two are in Switzerland, two in Holland, and one went on an expedition to Svalbard!The groupOne of the things we love to see is the way a group comes together. Through the process of building a boat, genuine friendships are forged. Its a social activity: we spend all day together in the workshop helping each other, and most people camp on the croft or stay in one of our cosy yurts. Once the work day is finished, people relax. Often this includes a beer at the kitchen table, but the intrepid head off to climb hills, swim in the sea or sample the local pubs.We encourage our participants to come in pairs, and one of the magical things we see is relationships reforged through mutual working old friends rebuilding a friendship, or parents reconnecting with their children. New friendships form, and people who began as strangers often keep in touch long after the course has ended.Finishing the boatsBy the end of the course week, the boats are strong, watertight, and ready to float, but not quite finished. We recommend that every participant take their boats home and varnish or paint them to a high standard. This protects the epoxy from UV damage, which makes the boats last while looking really good. We love to see photos of peoples creativity after the courses. Some people put on enough varnish to get on the water as quickly as possible, while others spend hours developing complex paint schemes which show off their new creation.Its perhaps best to finish with some of the comments from this years participantsTori came to build a canoe, and told us, The experience was immersive, mindful and full of achievement, the kind that can only be achieved when you use your hands and your body to craft something. working on our canoe, looking out across the Ross of Mull, we could see the rewards of our effort unfolding day by day as the boat grew, changed and took its final form Building our own canoe is just the start of the adventure.We cant say more than that!

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