Kayaking is one of those things that really becomes more fun and more rewarding the better you get and the more challenging it becomes.
For those of you who have just passed your Level3 and the others who are hot on its heels, here's something to look at. These provide a framework for progression and a target to aim for.
Level4All about paddling on grade 3 water, as part of and leading a group of your peers. Required for becoming a
Level3 instructor.
RSR2A course that teaches you all the skills you'll need for rescue on grade 2 water. It's exactly the kind of skill you'll be needing next year on river trips and any time you go on a river. It is now also a prerequisite for doing a Level4 assessment.
The main grade 3 river that we run is the
Annamoe but there a few more around the country like the
Boluisce,
Upper Carragh and
Middle Roughty (with a few harder bits).
What's a river grade?Training is great and I hope to get some organised as soon as possible after the exams. The RSR2 training hopefully in May and the Level4 training as soon as there's rain.
The
most important thing to
progress is to get out running rivers/paddling as often as possible. Cajole anyone and everyone to take you out (preferably without actually pissing them off). You may even end up enjoying their company.
I know that the gear lending policy has been hindering this, but we're earnestly working on this so that it doesn't hinder people.If you don't drive, now could be a good time to learn. If you drive, now is the time to get those roof-racks. Drivers have the power and being one will make you very appealing to everyone. It's also very important to make sure that the group is up to the task. Make friends with those old guys, they might show you a thing or two (if you're not sure then ask Maryanne, she's got a good head on her shoulders). ...just something to help get you through those exams...
