​On Saturday John, Jane, Alistair and John, a friend of Alistairs paddled on the Esk estuary/river. They put in at Ravenglass and caught the tide up the river. You can see Muncaster Castle in the background. Then on Sunday it was out again for John but this time with Geoff and Jenny. They paddled around Piel Island paying a visit to Sheep Island which can be found opposite Snab Point Walney. Barrow Borough Council built a small isolation hospital on the island in 1892 but it was rarely used and was abandoned in 1922

Over the past weeks a group of the clubs She Paddlers - and a couple of He Paddlers - have been coming down to the docks for skill training on Wednesday evenings.
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
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​There was alot going on at the docks this evening. Andy took out a group for rescue training on individual SUP boards followed by a paddle on the 8 person sup. John took out a group for a general paddle which was then followed by a game of practise polo at the dock side. A successful evening.

​This was a first for 3 of us. Ray had been to Ennerdale before so showed us the way. The gated track to the shore is only permitted for anglers and canoeist. It ends at the site of the Angler's inn, built in the reign of Queen E1 and demolished in the reign of Queen E2. My father once recounted to me his journey to the inn as a boy in a horse drawn trap from his home in Seascale. 
As those of you who have been out with me before will expect I recounted many fairly useless gems regarding the history, ecology and geology of the area during the 6 1/2  mile circumnavigation.
It was a very enjoyable couple of hours, the variety of early greens of spring, deer on the fore shore, a variety of bird life, a gentle breeze and fleeting clouds all added to a memorable morning's paddle. 

​DCC member Marley did his FSRT (foundation safety and rescue training) and Paddlesport instructor assessment over the long weekend with ‘Wild River’ On Coniston.The Outdoor Partnership funded £240 towards the £300 cost.