This is the Roll

I've just signed up for two days with Cheri Perry and Turner Wilson. They're coming to Pembrokeshire in June to do some intensive sessions. Two other people from HWKC are also going so it should be a great weekend. If you want to find out more about the Greenland Rolling techniques taught on the intensive weekends go to http://www.kayakways.net. They teach all over the world and are very highly regarded as great teachers as well as amazing kayakers. They've also got a brilliant DVD which teaches different Greenland rolls called 'This is the Roll'.

My other latest mentor is Paulo Ouellet  He's gorgeous and has the most lovely voice. I would love him to read me a bedtime story! Here's a link to some of his videos The lovely Paulo

My kayaking so far

I live in lovely Pembrokeshire in Wales. At the moment i'm smitten with kayaking. It's the beginning of summer and a great time to be out on the water. The coastline here is really beautiful and paddling is the perfect way to explore it.

I started paddling last year in the spring. A year on and after wild winter weather where we couldn't get out for months we are back paddling. I've just started to teach myself to Greenland roll. I'll be so excited when I can do my first one. I've got the DVD 'This is the Roll' by Cheri Perry and Turner Wilson and i'm also taking tips from qajaqrolls.com. I am very tempted to buy Helen Wilson's DVD 'Simplifying the Roll' but I think i've got enough to be going on with for now.

I've been practicing in a P & H Delphin

and using my Werner Shuna cranked paddle.

I don't own my own sea kayak yet but I did buy the paddle last year. It was cheaper than a kayak! I haven't made up my mind what sort of kayak to buy. It's a hard decision because there are so many ways to paddle and really if you do several different types of paddling you need more than one kayak. Most people in the club seem to have at least two boats and some a lot more (Chris!). Also as you become a better paddler it seems like you want to upgrade your boat to a better boat. I don't want to go out and spend a lot of money on a kayak when I don't really know what I need yet.

My favourite boat at the moment is the club's P & H Delphin. I've been out a few times on 2-4 hour trips. Did some rock hopping and we were out in a very big swell the other day (well it seemed big to me). Remember I am a beginner so none of it was very demanding. From my limited experience it seems like the Delphin is really responsive compared to some of the other sea kayaks i've paddled in, Valley Aquanaut LV and HV, Scorpio and a Capella. The Delphin turns on a sixpence and feels very safe. It might be a bit big and heavy for lighter people. The cockpit is large but if fits me well. I'm 5' 8" with a curvy(!) figure.

I did a little bit of surfing last year in 2-3' waves. I was in a little boat and it was really, really fun. Of course I spent most of the time dragging my boat onto the beach, emptying it and getting back in again having not learned to roll yet. I'm really looking forward to taking the Delphin out surfing. I think i'll be a little apprehensive as it is so much bigger than the little boat I was surfing in but that's what the Delphin does best apparently so it's got to be done.

Going back to what sort of kayak to get, now I'm getting interested in Greenland rolling techniques it brings a whole other side to the story. Greenland paddles, Greenland skin on frame kayaks, More high tech kayaks based on traditional Greenland kayaks, and it goes on. There is a bewildering amount to choose from and learn. My idea is to try out as many kayaks and paddles as possible and go to where there are people who take Greenland paddling to the next level. Nobody in our club is obsessed with Greenland kayaking techniques although Mike has made his own Greenland stick and i'm sure there is an awful lot of knowledge there.

First year kayaking

I'm learning to kayak with Haverfordwest Kayak Club. We beginners had a lesson once a week for six weeks in the pool and then we had another four lessons outside on the river or in the sea. The first time we went outside was quite hair raising for some of us. We were used to the lovely warm safe pool. The scary outside was very different. What is down there?!!!

Haverfordwest Kayak Club (HWKC) is a fantastic club and a great place to learn to paddle and meet a lot of really great people. If you live in Pembrokeshire it's worth coming along and finding a whole new outlet for your kayaking http://www.haverfordwestkayakclub.co.uk. Us beginners spent a lovely summer last year going out with the big guns who very kindly kept teaching us and encouraging us all summer and they continue to do so. Thanks to Chris, Simon, Richie, Aileen and Richard for all their help…

Here's what i'm paddling at the moment.
(Only joking!)