On Saturday 15th May, while Furness cowered under rain filled sky, the sun shone for the She Paddlers at Talkin Tarn in the north of the county. They were there for their FSRT (foundation safety and rescue training) provided by Antony from Border Kayaks and I went along to see what was new since I did my FSRT on Aug.2nd 1992!!
I did pick up a few handy nuggets.
The day started with land based training but things gradually got wetter and wetter with tows and rescues using kayaks, sit on tops, SUPs and open canoes. All enjoyed and did well with the training and came away with information on their successes and where, when the docks warm up a bit, more practice is needed. Most importantly they are more aware of how to ensure safe paddling and what to do when a boat shows its bottom!!
Thanks to Antony for a 'great day out', to Fran for help with skills training, for funding from The Outdoor Partnership and British Canoeing and most especially to the She Paddlers - Tia, Sarah, Martha and Claire for giving up 2 or 3 evenings a week to train so they can give more time volunteering for Duddon Canoe Club.
John