Canoe Wales and the RYA team up!

The SUP Development sessions on the Saturday and Sunday, saw lots of excited ladies participating in sessions on navigation, journey planning, safety and rescue. These sessions were split in to 2, part 1 on dry land and part 2 on the water. In the classroom we looked at the following topics in detail:

●      Effects of weather and tides when on the water

●      What kit is essential to bring along on any SUP session or journey

●      The different first aid kits, thinking about “do I really need all that?” When an ouch pouch would suffice! 

●      What’s best to take on the water for different activities and environments? 

●      Which leash is most suitable for what I plan to do?

●      Environmental hazards of SUP boarding

●      Planning a solo or group trip 

These topics encouraged free thought amongst the ladies involved and we heard a variety of great positive experiences each had, that lead to some excellent discussions about doing what they loved, in the safest way possible. Such fabulous heart-warming conversations, it was great to be a part of it. 

For the second half, we all prepped to get wet on the water, as the wind had picked up and we knew we were bound to fall in or have to swim at some point during the rescue session. 

On the water we had sessions in:  

●      Self rescue 

●      Rescuing others 

●      Towing 

●      The affects of wind, weather and how to find shelter

We discussed always having a plan B, whereby you should be prepared to not get on the water if the water and weather is not as expected once you have arrived. So, make sure when planning your location, that there is a nice cafe or pub nearby if you need to wait it out.

There were a variety of other sessions on offer from the RYA which included:

●      Wind surfing

●      Wing surfing

●      Wing foiling

●      Surf foiling

●      Master classes in both Wing foil and Wind foil

●      Races in all of the above including a youngsters only Wind Surf race!