4 Star Training Weekend

It was a warmer weekend than of late when on the 14/15 March I attended one of Wilfs 4 Star Training weekends.
We were joined by several ROCK paddlers on the Saturday for a personal skills day. They were catching up after an an aborted frozen day earlier in the year. A wonderful trip from Whorlton to Winston saw us scrubbing up on our surfing and stopper riding technique, with excellent tuition from Wilf. We all learnt loads and improved no end. With some introduction to river leading techniques along the way we finished the trip just ahead of the massed ranks of open boaters doing the same trip. Talking of which, Paul went from nervous beginner to hot surfing OC1 dude in one short trip. Pretty good stuff.

The Sunday brought more sunshine and a trip from Cotherstone to Barny for river leading tuition. We were introduced to various techniques to lead groups safely down stretches of rapids. ROCK members once again joined us and bravely put their lives in our hands. (With Wilf keeping a close eye on us.) Thanks all, it wouldn't have worked without your help. A bit more surfing training and even taily practice filled the rest of the trip.

An excellent weekends training has left me keen to get out on club trips and try out some of my new leading skills. So watch out ROCK paddlers you may have me leading you up that creek hopefully with a paddle!

Tees Saturday 28th February 2009

What a perfect trip! Positively balmy weather (well compared to what we've been used to), almost perfect water, and a good laugh with friends. Can't ask for more really.