The 4th UK Annual UK Storm Gathering
2nd Sea Kayaking Cornwall Symposium
2009
This September saw Sea Kayaking Cornwall host the 4th UK annual Storm Gathering, the event was timed to coincide with their own annual symposium and bought paddlers from as far a-field as Denmark, Holland, Germany and even Australia. Coaches from around the South West were invited to participate and the Peninsula was explored by all.
Day one was a series of clinics where students at all levels were to explore and expand their skills in the Falmouth Bay area.
Day Two was a day for exploration with paddles around the county, trips to the Lizard and Lands End were organised and J.P Eatock of Falmouth Marine School even managed to lead his group out to the Long Ships and the Brisons Reefs which offered proof that the conditions were much less than Stormy, in fact the event could not have asked for better weather conditions.
Surfing sessions in Sea Kayaks on Cornwall’s famous north coast breaks were held by Steve Bowens, also of Falmouth Marine School and a lot of fun was had by all.
On the Saturday night a presentation was held on Simon Osborne’s recent attempt at Circumnavigating Madagascar, with some amazing photographs viewed and stories recited from a part of the world seldom travelled, let alone paddled.
Immediately after the event SKC held a series of 5 day clinics, these included the new 5 day Sea kayak Rescue and safety course which incorporated elements from the Sea Survival programme developed last year with Dave Whiddon from the RNLI, as well as night rescues and navigation exercises, clinics for both the advanced and intermediate paddler's were held.
A special thanks must go to 'Survival Equipment Services' for the loan of the one man life rafts and H.E.L.P packs. For more information on these and how Sea kayakers can use them as part of their contingency plans go to:
Jeff and Simon would like to thank all of the students and coaches who attended, making it a very memorable occasion indeed.
(photographer Peter Major)
(photographer Peter Major)