Peanmeanach Bothy

I was out with Nevis Canoe Club on their first Sea Kayaking trip of the summer. They have lots of trips taking place over the summer so check out their site and get involved.

Our first trip was just a simple overnight to Peanmeanach Bothy which was a good fun trip. With lots of laughs and an interesting disturbance during the night.  On the way back we managed to see an otter and remain dry. Only to get soaked putting the boats away.

Getting ready to go 

Jen up for it!

Jen, Steve and Allan

Our home away from home 

Getting ready to go

Warmer Water

I was out near Arisaig paddling today with Nevis Canoe Club. We paddled around the islands exploring and messing around. The weather was kind to us and after Wednesday I was expecting to be frozen however the water was suprisingly war.  Also we spotted plenty of wildlife from stags to seals. I can't wait to go back to that area and paddle again.

A Gentle Paddle

I took Anne out on Loch Eil for a shot on a Sea Kayak. The weather was absolutely gorgeous at the today, the air was crisp and the trees are well into their autumnal colours. Anne seemed to enjoy it so hopefully this could change her opinion on Kayaking.
From the Loch we were able to see the Ben had a dusting of snow at the top, however Guy was able to get a much closer look.

Anne trying not to capsize

More Club Sessions

I was out with the Nevis Canoe Club on Loch Eil. This was for their beginner/improver sessions. We had a nice journey up the Loch and looked at some simple skills.

Beginner on Loch Eil

I was working for Nevis Canoe Club  who were running the last of their beginner sessions organised through Lochaber Leisure Centre. There wasn't a breath of wind, which the midgies loved, but it made for a really pleasant paddle accross the loch.

Rock Hopping

I was enjoying the views of Skye, Eigg and Rum from a sunny spot in Arisaig. Ben, from RockHopper, and I were meeting the groups from here to take them onto the sea for a paddle around the coast. In the morning we had ten people with us, after a leisurely paddle around the islands we went to look at the seals. After seeing about 40 of them we headed back.
Eight joined us in the afternoon but unfortunately we only saw one seal but that wasn't a complaint because the weather was just stunning throughout the whole day.

Level 2 Training

Over the past four days we (Lochaber College) have been doing our Level 2 coach training for kayaking. It was a really good course and everyone came away knowing much more about kayaking and coaching.

Ben Nevis from Loch Eil

The weather was like this for five minutes over the four days we saw a lot of wind and rain

Kev gave us the TIP OF THE DAY

When righting a canoe don't use your face! This will break your nose!

Sea Kayak 3 Star Assessment

I passed my Sea Kayak 3 star award today, I was really glad since it was only my second time in a sea kayak. The weather was better than forecast but still very cold, luckily we didn't have to spend too much time in the water.
For the assessment we had to show that we were competent with 3 star skills like; towing, rescuing and rolling.

Kitting up out of the cold.

The group with Fort William in the background.

Gerry giving me a tow.

Sea Kayaking

Getting kitted up

Good views of the Ben

Craig was the only one man enough to take a swim. Everyone else thought it was too cold for that.

Out with college today, preparation, for our 3 star sea kayak assessment. This is the first time I have spent a lot of time in a sea kayak, adapting to the differences was tricky but good fun. I am looking forward to spending more time in this type of craft.