Gwilym's Adventure Blog

Out on the Bridgwater Canal this afternoon with a small group of students. Warm and sunny (out of the wind) for a few hours of gentle paddling and a few games. Today I was working for Cannington Activity Centre running this groups whilst others were on High Ropes, Low Ropes and undertaking some Archery.

Out in some real mixed weather today, bright sunshine followed by rain/hail storms was the order of the day. My second year Bridgwater and Taunton College Outdoor Education students were running some sessions for my first years with a mix of tandem and solo paddling going on.

It's a Thursday, therefore I was out paddling with my L3 Outdoor Education students from Bridgwater and Taunton College . A trip up the canal was the agenda for the day with all the students paddling solo canoe. Some good techniques from most of them but with a few weeks left until their 2 star assessment, we have time to get it sorted.

Another day afloat with Bridgwater and Taunton College L3 Outdoor students today. Observing two of them running a canoe trip along the canal. Some good paddling and organisational skills displayed with plenty of peer and tutor feedback for improvement on their next assessed sessions.

An interesting day afloat in Canoes with Bridgwater and Taunton College students. This morning I was observing a session being delivered by a Trainee L2 Coach and then this afternoon I delivered a session whilst being observed by the same individual. A useful process for both of us as too often we work in isolation so good to chat ideas through.

Just because no blog for last few days doesn't mean I wasn't busy. All the Mountain Leader course admin and some general kit maintenance over the weekend. A day yesterday showing new college staff around the local climbing venues and then back aflaot today. L3 Outdoor Education students from Bridgwater and Taunton College  refining their open boat skills before they start leading some sessions next week.

After a long drive up from Somerset with my Bridgwater and Taunton College L3 Outdoor Education students, we launch on Llyn Tegid (Bala) for a spot of Canoe Orienteering. We are based at Glan Llyn for a week of adventure

A bit of play time on Canoe and SUP's for my First Year L3 Outdoor Education students from Bridgwater and Taunton College down on the Bridgwater Canal. They have now experienced a whole range of craft. After Half Term we will start on stroke development.

Running another British Canoeing  Foundation and Rescue Training course for  Bridgwater and Taunton College  L3 Outdoor Education students on the Bridgwater Canal. 6 students have now completed this award and are looking forward to using it as a progression to becoming a coach in the future. Thanks again to Robin for helping out

.... the sun shone, there was little wind and it was a relaxed day refreshing my second year Bridgwater College  L3 Outdoor Education students on the art of paddling Open Canoes.

Back out on the canal today with Bridgwater College students looking at how to handle Open Canoes in the wind. And it was very windy!

Well, it is September and a Tuesday so therefore I am out on the canal with L3 Outdoor Adventure students from Bridgwater and Taunton College in my role as Associate Lecturer. New first year students today so a gentle introduction into what is in store.  Forward paddle, backward paddle and turning were the skills for today which all 8 students made some good progress with.

This morning I was teaching some Sit On Top Kayaks at Durleigh Reservoir (forgot my camera) and this afternoon I was mentoring a trainee Level 2 teaching canoeing coach on Exeter Canal.

Today I was working close to home on Bridgwater Canal running a British Canoeing Foundation Safety and Rescue Training (being signed off by Gary). 4 candidates, a mix of boats, some sunny weather and warm water made it all very pleasant and easy to manage.