Some call it professional development, some call it playing. Either way, this weekend was a great opportunity for me to learn some new skills in sea kayaks. The 3 star training course was held over 2 days, and based on Anglesey which is a favourite venue for sea kayakers due to the combination of its stunning scenery and complex tidal systems.

After a very uninspiring start to the weather on Saturday, we were all pleasantly surprised to enjoy a day in the sunshine. The day concentrated on personal paddling skills, adapting river boat techniques to control these long boats with a very different hull design. As with anything it takes a while to get used to something new and, although I was getting the boat to behave how I wanted it to, more practice will definitely be needed before assessment in order to make things more fluid and natural.

On Sunday, we went on a journey to practice what we’d learnt the day before through the Menai Strait, starting at Beaumaris and heading down to Caernarfon, getting out in the harbour by the castle. The journey was timed to take advantage of the tidal assistance which caused some very interesting water after the Menai Bridge, with eddies and whirlpools everywhere you looked. The fact that the we were paddling with the tide, but against the wind created quite a choppy ride, but this proved to be quite a learning experience in itself.

Having arrived at Caernarfon castle, it was time to practice some rescue techniques which involved going for a swim. Most of the group, including me, seemed rather reluctant to jump in the cold water to start with, but it was definitely a worth while exercise.

Overall, it was a great weekend. With a lot learned and even more to go away and practice, I’d like to thank Alistair Othen who ran the course, for his professionalism and flexibility as a coach.