Outdoor pursuits training diary, Dartmoor, Devon, UK and Spain

Weekly Diary <2008 - 2009>
Online diary recording the trainees' progress through the course.

Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Week 8
Week 9
Week 10
Week 11
Week 12
Week 13
Week 14
Week 15

Week 14 - Paddling the River Dart With more rain this week the group had lots of opportunity to extend their white water experience. Everybody was encouraged to paddle both canoe and kayak, although some by now have a preference and are much more comfortable in one craft than the other.

Will and Anna gave us a first class demonstration how to 'swim' down the river safely - on your back with feet up to avoid foot entrapment.	The day was clear but very cold, all those who ended up in the water really felt it!	Matt felt confident enough to paddle his canoe solo. This is quite a step up from the intial tandem paddling and he made a great job of it.

	Judging which line to take through a rapid or drop is critical and a skill which can take time to develop. Here Cheryl and Kirsty have come right through the main wave causing them to take a lot of water on board with a capzise almost inevitable.