[CKF Info] Summer Paddler Practice Session

[Beverly Waldron]

  Thank you Peter for hosting a fun and successful Summer Paddler  
Practice Session today.

There were 14 of us who showed up at Hobie Beach this morning. Peter  
O’Sullivan, Lee Shurie, John Peterson, Chris Wood, Robert Tongen,  
Taylor Burch, Mary Looby, John Ernst, Julianne W., Maryke & Dick  
Brannin, George & Carol Miller, & myself, Bev Waldron.

We all headed out to the pond with Chris towing his surf boat.
Some of us stayed with Peter while others worked on their own  
practice & rescue skills.

First Peter had us do wet exits and reentry’s giving us suggestions,  
guidance and demos. Robert was right there helping us with these  
reentry’s and offering encouragement.
Mary, a very proficient paddler, had her brand new Suka  and was   
doing very smooth  reentry’s even though this boat had a different  
personality than her previous boat.

Peter helped Maryke do an underwater reentry and roll. With his  
patience and tips she  did it!! This was a first for her and we were  
all excited about this.

Dick has been working on his roll  with a paddle float and with  
Peters help today he now can now do a real roll. He was a very happy  
man!!! Congratulations Dick

We then progressed to assisted rescues. Maryke and I were successful  
with the bow-toggle roll up, ( I am not sure what this maneuver is  
really called). I have been practicing this a lot with anyone who  
would loan me their bow. But today was the first time I was able to  
come back up. It was easy if you just watched the sky.

Then we did bow rescues, with demos from Peter. We all did well and  
had a lot of fun with these.
Robert stayed right with us to offer help & assistance the whole time.

Chris and John E helped Julianne  with her reentries, which she is  
very comfortable with.

Later we all took a beach break. At this time Chris gave us some  
bracing practice. He simulated a breaking wave hitting our side by  
using a webbing he wrapped around our boats. Then he would pull us  
quickly causing our boat to nearly capsize if we didn’t brace. It was  
realistic and fun. Thanks Chris for standing in the cold water, and  
being a “pretend” wave.

We then returned to the water for some additional practice and review.

After a bit some of us went back to the launch, some did a little  
more practice & a short paddle and the rest of the group went for  
some surf play.

Everyone had a fun time and learned a new skill or improved upon an  
existing skill.


We then went to Dadio’s and shared our experiences of the day.  Mary  
said, in essence,  “One of the nice things about kayaking is that as  
soon as you reach one level it opens up another level, always  
presenting a new challenge.”

Thank you again Peter and all who helped us develop skills and  
confidence in a fun atmosphere.


Beverly Waldron
bwaldron at impulse.net

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