Bertie's blog

St Alban's Head

noreply@blogger.com (Bertie..) — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 17:42:00 +0000

I've just spent a great afternoon out paddling with James Best, another local Weymouth paddler and long-time friend now living in Bournemouth. We launched from Kimmeridge Bay, and headed east along the coast, past Chapman's Pool, and onto St Alban's Head.

Our main aim was to get out to the race at St Alban's Head and have a play session. Under the watchful eye of the Coastwatch station there, and having communicated our plans to Portland Coastguard, we enjoyed 30 minutes or so playing in the confused 4ft+ swells kicked up by the 4 knots of tide and westerly force 4-5 winds opposing it - a great time! Unfortunately, the forecast was for the wind strength to drop, and it did the exact opposite was the case. The 3 mile paddle back, into a fairly strong headwind, was no fun, but we made it back.

Both of us took turns paddling with a set of the Lendal Kinetik Sea Wing paddle that Lendal have lent me. Watch out in future issues of Ocean Paddler magazine for a review of these.

Pyranha Theft

noreply@blogger.com (Bertie..) — Sat, 18 Aug 2007 16:26:00 +0000

Message from Pyranha:

Hi threre, Some of you might have heard on the grapevine that Pyranha has
suffered a robbery. Over the weekend of the 4-5th Aug the yard at Rivington Road
was broken into and a number of boats were stolen: Acro 270 Blue/White and
Yellow/Jaffa Acro 275 Yellow/Jaffa Ina Zone 232 Blue/White G3 Blue /White Recoil
S Rapid + Yellow/Jaffa Recoil M Rapid + Blue/White Recoil L Rapid + Blue/White,
Yellow/Jaffa, Burn L Blue/White Red/Grey, Yellow/Jaffa Burn M Blue/Grey
Jaffa/White Blue/White Ammo M Lime/Grey, Lime/White, Blue/White, Jaffa/Grey,
Jaffa/White Ammo L Yellow/Grey, Red/Grey, Blue White, Yellow Jaffa lMaster TG
Yellow/Jaffa As ever with any boat purchase please make sure there is a serial
number on the boat (normally on the rear deck) virtually no kayaks are sold from
any manufacture without a serial number being present. Some of the boats are
also in new 2008 colours and so will stand out even more. If you are suspicious
of any new Pyranha boat you have been offerd(especially those from the back of a
van!) please note the registration No of the vehicle and get as much detail off
the seller as possible and contact Pyranha with the information and/or serial No
if possible and we will be able to verify that a boat is genuine or otherwise.
Office: 01928 778 888 E mail: bobcampbell@pyranha.com There is a £1000 reward
for anyone who passes on information that leads to a successful prosecution.
Please keep your eye and ears open.Thanks for your assistance. Bob Campbell
Marketing Director

Ocean Paddler Magazine

noreply@blogger.com (Bertie..) — Tue, 29 May 2007 11:38:00 +0000

I've been a bit quiet lately. One of the reasons for this has been the huge amount of pondering and then hard work in setting up Masik Publishing, which from the middle of July this year will launch a new sea kayaking magazine - "Ocean Paddler".

At last weekend's Scottish Sea Kayak Symposium we launched it on an unsuspecting public, and the response has been incredible. Lots of subscriptions were taken there and then, and more are coming through the website on a regular basis. A great amount of support from the industry players and top coaches, and a wealth of possible contributors and articles.

I'd like to say a big thank you to everyone I spoke to at the symposium about the magazine. It's been a huge undertaking, and as with any new business venture it's stressful and involves an element of risk, so it was finally good to be able to speak to a wide audience about it.

I won't give you the sales patter - that's on www.oceanpaddlermagazine.com, but I would like to say that I want the magazine to inspire paddlers to get out and try new things, paddle somewhere new, and get out more.

Anyone who's anyone these days...

noreply@blogger.com (Bertie..) — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 12:37:00 +0000

...seems to be writing a blog about how they're getting on writing a guidebook about going kayaking.

I guess Mark Rainsley was the first one that I came across doing this, and now it seems that Cailean Macleod is at it as well, with his blog about a book about kayaking in the Nortwest Highlands.

Is this the kayaking personalities version of a celebrity reality TV show?? Are Mark and Cailean soon to appear on Celebrity Big Brother - after all, these days it seems I hardly know anyone on any of these 'celebrity' shows, so it might as well be people I know!

I think Cailean has his work cut out though, as Mark has obviously set a standard for blogging and for building expectation of the forthcoming book.

Keep up the good work guys, the world awaits...

New Course Dates

noreply@blogger.com (Bertie..) — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 11:27:00 +0000

I've just published new course dates for the rest of the year, if you're interested have a look here.

Mostly, these are sea kayaking courses throughout the summer, with some surf kayaking courses from the Autumn onwards. I've also included details of when I'll be at other events.

As you'll see I'm also doing more sit-on-top guiding this year, following Mark Rainsley's outing of me..

Do we need to hear this?

noreply@blogger.com (Bertie..) — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 09:35:00 +0000

It would seem that the radio distress call made by Andrew McAuley has been released to the media, following a request through the NZ equivalent of a freedom of information-type piece of legislation. (If you want to read more click here - this does not link through to the recording)

I can only begin to imagine how terrible Andrew's position was when he made this call, and I hope I never find myself in this position. But I don't think I need to hear it to gain further clarity over the position, and I can't understand why it needed to be released.

I suppose there's two issues here: firstly, people's morbid curiosity, and secondly, is this what was intended when this legislation was passed?

I must admit, I do enjoy watching the TV shows, showing dramatic rescues, but then only in the understanding that in the end it all worked out well. I don't see the fascination in hearing the last words of someone who dies.

As for using the legislation in the way, well I have no real knowledge of the NZ system, but I frequently get annoyed by what the UK press uses our 'Freedom of Information Act' legislation for. It certainly isn't what was intended in many cases.

More bad news..

noreply@blogger.com (Bertie..) — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 09:06:00 +0000

Apparently the search for Andrew McAuley has been called off..

http://home.nzcity.co.nz/news/default.aspx?id=70318

Bad news..

noreply@blogger.com (Bertie..) — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 08:50:00 +0000

As many sea kayakers will have also heard, Andrew McAuley who was attempting to cross the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand by kayak has gone missing. It seems he made an emergency call on Friday, only 50 miles from achieving his goal. Searchers have found his kayak, but have found no sign of him.

My thoughts go out to friends and family of Andrew.

Ten Minute Rule Bill - Public Access to Inland Waters Bill 2007

noreply@blogger.com (Bertie..) — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 09:55:00 +0000

I've just received the following email from the Rivers Access people..

Press Release 23 Jan 2007 BRITISH CANOE UNION PRESS RELEASE 23rd January, 2007

It has taken a lot of lobbying to get this opportunity, and until now we have had to keep our activities quiet so as not to prejudice the work that has been done. Members writing to their MPs have helped in the lobbying process as more and more MPs now recognise that voluntary access agreement will not work and another way forward has to be sought. Thank you for your support

BRITISH CANOE UNION PRESS RELEASE 23rd January, 2007

The Rivers Access Campaign highlights the need for new legislation with a ten minute rule bill - Public Access to Inland Waters Bill 2007 Ten Minute Rule Bill - Public Access to Inland Waters Bill 2007 - is being presented today, Wednesday 24th January, by Des Turner, MP for Brighton on behalf of the Rivers Access Campaign and general public. The Bill outlines the need for legislation, similar to the Scottish Land Reform Act 2003. The legislation would identify canoeists and other water user’s right to access the waters as well as codify their responsibilities.
Over the past year, the Rivers Access Campaign has received increased publicity (see ref 1.0) in national and international media, today’s Ten Minute Rule Bill will show that legislation is the only way forward for access to inland waters. It will help keep the rivers access issue firmly on the Government’s agenda.

Chief Executive, Paul Owen comments, “Opening up rivers would help the BCU achieve its sporting and recreational aims. Greater access would also enable us to assist in reaching the Government’s aims for outdoor educational, participation in physical activity and the health agenda.”

The Countryside Right of Way legislation (CRoW), which gives some people the right to roam, has not included everyone. Canoeists, swimmers, non-powered watersports have not been given the right to roam right to go to, on, traverse or in waters which have no access agreement or public right of navigation. Even if you want to watch wildlife from a boat/canoe, put your hot feet in the water after a walk, or allow you children to wade in a river on a hot summer’s day you could be committing trespass if there is no access to or along that waterway. Despite lobbying, water was taken out of the CRoW Act at the eleventh hour and still there is no access to and along 98% of the rivers in England and Wales.

In essence England and Wales have a natural heritage which provides great opportunities for open-air recreation and education. Open-air recreation provides people with great benefits for their health and well-being and contributes to the good of society in many other ways. The Public Access to Inland Waters Bill (2007) gives everyone (non-motorised users) statutory access rights to and along most inland waters. However, people will only have these rights if they exercise them responsibly. All rights of navigation will continue to exist and are unaffected by the Public Access to Inland Waters Bill (2007)

Why Legislation and why voluntary rivers access agreements do not work From over 41,00 miles (66,000kms) of rivers in England and Wales without a public right of navigation, only 510 miles (812 kilometres) of mostly highly restricted access has been negotiated. Some agreements are for just a few days each year adding very little to the 2% of inland waterways with a public right of navigation. Ultimately, access is in the hands of riparian owners. If they refuse to engage in negotiation, there is no way a canoeist or others can make progress.

Legislation, such as this Bill, will codify responsible access to and along water. It protects the environment and activities of canoeists, anglers, other users and landowners who are all required to adhere an Access Code. One similar to that of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code would be developed to support the Bill. A legal right of access to rivers would provide more recreational opportunities for a group of people who want to use the water for recreational and educational purposes including canoeists, swimmers, and boaters and members of the general public with knock-on benefits for public health. The recreational aspects of canoeing could coincide effectively with government’s “everyday sport” and Welsh Assembly Government’s “Climbing Higher Strategy” if only river users had more access.

Legally protected access would provide clarity and certainty for those visiting our inland waters and remove the potential for conflict. Canoeing can provide numerous benefits to the individual and as well as community.

Our sport and recreation, which is currently the most popular watersport in the UK, contributes to the Government's targets on; health - it is a healthy outdoor activity which encourages a respect and passion for nature and the environment. It also contributes to the local and national economy. With the London 2012 Olympics on the not too distant horizon, England and Wales should have the same access to our waters as the rest of the World. Water related activities are dramatically on the increase and access would provide millions of people with the opportunity to recreate near their homes and on a variety of waters. The Campaign is supported by; the Inland Waterways Association, the canoeing community, many sporting and non sporting bodies, uniformed youth organisations and the thousands who think the law is archaic and needs to be clarified though new legislation.

For more information on the campaign visit www.riversaccess.org

South West Sea Kayaking

noreply@blogger.com (Bertie..) — Mon, 22 Jan 2007 15:44:00 +0000

Back from Andorra (yes, snow was sh*t, but still managed 4 hours snowboarding a day) and just catching up on what's been happening on various blogs. Of real interest was a blog on PesdaPress that Mark Rainsley (pictured left) has started a blogging on his progress in putting together a guide to sea kayaking in the south west (UK).

I think this will be really interesting to keep visiting for two reasons, firstly to see how the book is getting on and secondly, to gain an insight into what putting together a book is all about. As this quote shows, there's a lot more to it than you might think..

"What is different this time?
Well, the first culprit is Pesda
Press, the publishers. They have supplied a daunting pamphlet full of rules and conventions to follow. These rules are 30% absolute, 30% relative and 40% nebulous. For example, you’d never believe what a big deal it is, trying to figure out whether to type ‘miles’ or ‘kilometres’ (or ‘km’ or ‘knots’ or ‘nm’ etc.). Don’t get me started on numbers. Added to this is the business of explaining tidal flow and behaviour, which is a bit like trying to nail jelly to the ceiling, with ‘amusing’ consequences for future paddlers if I make even a minor mistake. I am culling information from several sources and often they don’t even have the good grace to agree with one another…arrgggh."

Good luck Mark, and I'm looking forward to more posts.

Global warming

noreply@blogger.com (Bertie..) — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 13:40:00 +0000

I'm off to Arinsal, in Andorra, this coming Sunday for a week of snowboarding.

Unfortunately, the snow conditions in Arinsal are not good, not good at all - 30cm or so deep, being maintained by snow cannon as it hasn't snowed in ages, and what is there is apparently turning to slush in the afternoon. I reckon I've had better days snowboarding in the UK.

However, thankfully I'm also off to Whistler in Feb for two more weeks of snowboarding, and there the conditions couldn't be more different. It seems they're having one of the best years for a long time - knee deep in powder, with lots more forecast.

Meanwhile in the UK, it's rain, rain, and more rain. Most of the population is moaning, but us deviant river kayakers are loving it.

So, is all this the effects of global warming? I don't know - maybe Ollie has the answers.

Surf Kayak Comp, Bigbury, Sat 6th Jan

noreply@blogger.com (Bertie..) — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 11:47:00 +0000

Around about 12 years ago I competed in a couple of waveski surfing competitions, and to be honest, I didn't really enjoy them so didn't continue to compete. I found that I didn't enjoy the competitive nature of these events, and I couldn't switch on quick enough to deliver the goods in the 20 minute heats, preferring to enjoy my surfing at a leisurely pace. I became a kayaking soul-surfer, preferring to just get on with it and ignore the competitive aspect of the sport. That said, I didn't just sit still, I moved from waveskis to kayaks, became a BCU Level 4 surf kayak coach, and have helped introduced many kayakers to the subtle art of kayak surfing. I just didn't do competition.

Just before xmas, a post was placed on the UKRiversGuideBook forum that the BCU were going to run a 'fun' competition within a couple of hours from my house, there was some interest from various people I knew, and various members of the forum (like Stoneweasel aka Denzil) who I hadn't met were going to be there, so I thought why not?

Around 9am, on Saturday 6th January, Neal Burton, also from Weymouth, and I arrived at the venue ready for signing up. There were a number of people milling around, some of whom I knew from previous encounters, some of whom I recognised because of stuff I'd seen on the net, and others who I didn't know. Probably about 20 or so of us signed up, and not having competed before I signed up for both the novice and the open competition. A few others came over and introduced themselves as fellow novices, and friendly banter between us all ensued.

Heats were quickly arranged, and the comp kicked off around 10.30'ish, however I decided a bacon sandwich was in order so wandered off, lost track of the time and ended up rushing to get changed, haul myself and my boat down to the water and paddle out when my time came to compete!

Paddling out in my first heat, in the open competition, I knew I didn't stand any chance of doing well. Not only had the excesses of xmas taken its toll on my health and fitness, but I was up against Steve Bowens, one of the big names, and Ed Long, who I knew from his days at Weymouth Outdoor Education Centre. I knew nothing about the fourth and final competitor in my heat, but hoped that I could at least beat him - or rather not come last!.

Boy, did I work hard in the 15 minutes the heat lasted trying to get the waves I needed. I felt pleased with two of the waves I had, but couldn't bring it together to get a third decent wave - my best three were going to count. I came off the water, exhausted, and way to hot in my winter 5mm steamer that I use for long winter sessions. I now realised why the others were dressed lighter than I was. But it was worth it, I'd achieved my aim and wasn't last. I'd got through to my next heat.

My second heat, was an absolute disaster! On my first decent wave, I got caught out in the shore break and wiped out. Whilst rolling up, I aggravated a snowboarding back injury, my deck imploded, and I was later to discover I'd cracked the gelcoat on my surf kayak - possibly head butting it. I wasn't expecting to get through this heat, so decided it was time to retire..

Each competitor took turns judging other heats, so I spent the rest of the day helping out with this, and supporting Neal who was doing very well. Judging was great fun, it was all very informal and light-hearted, sometimes with a sadistic nature when watching over people get wiped out or stuck inside. It makes you wonder what the judges were thinking when I was on the water, but I'm not sure I really want to know.

I'd lost track of who was competing by the end of the event, people simply became 'the one in the red/blue/black/white bib', but it was great watching some of the big names show their stuff.

I really enjoyed the whole day - it was a fun, light-hearted event, I got to catch up with various friends I hadn't seen for a while, and meet a few new ones. Travelling to a new venue, and watching other surf kayakers in action, has given me some food for thought on how to improve my surfing (starting with competitive fitness). I'm not going to become a competition junkie, but I reckon I could be turning up at a few others this year.

The results came out.. I didn't come last, phew

noreply@blogger.com (Bertie..) — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 10:32:00 +0000

I'm sure a number of you will have seen this already - it's certainly been on UKRGB, but this sort of thing needs as much promotion as possible.

==================================

Roger L. Revell has set up a petition at http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/Canoeists/ calling for the Government to pass legislation to give canoeists and all other users of un-powered craft the free right to navigate all rivers and canals in England and Wales (similar to the right already enjoyed by cyclists to use bridleways, cycle tracks and roads). http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/Canoeists/

Please have a look at it and consider adding your name as a signatory. The more names it can receive will show the Government once again how important access is to a large part of the population. People want to enjoy their natural heritage for many reasons. In this day and age the restrictive situation in England and Wales is very archaic and needs changing.

Remember that after signing the petition, you will receive an email from the Government website. Your name will not be added to the petition unless you respond to the Government website’s email.

What we are calling for is the type of legislation that is a version of the Scottish Land Reform Act 2003. This Act is applicable to manually powered craft. The Act codifies responsible access to land and water it protects the environment and activities of all canoeists, anglers, other users, and landowners who are all required to adhere to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. This Act gives rights but also responsibilities and covers all users of the outdoors. The Act has been successfully implemented in Scotland so why not else where.

New Course Dates for 2007

noreply@blogger.com (Bertie..) — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 08:37:00 +0000

I'm in the process of updating the website with some new courses for 2007. In the mean time, I'll be running the following courses:

Intermediate whitewater(2 days) - 27th & 28th Jan 2007, and 10th & 11th March
Intermediate Surf (2 days) - 31st March & 1st April

If you're interested, get in contact.

In the Christmas drink

noreply@blogger.com (Bertie..) — Thu, 21 Dec 2006 11:21:00 +0000

Xmas day, each year in Weymouth Harbour, features a harbour swim, all in the name of charity (and an excuse to get out of the house in the morning for a number of people I suspect).

Weymouth, for a long time, didn't really have it's own canoe club. Instead many of us got involved in canoeing/kayaking through Weymouth Canoe Lifeguards, who are always asked to provide safety cover for the harbour swim. This year is no exception.

When I did my first harbour swim cover, I coulnd't help notice that our numbers on the water were swelled with lots of strangers in kayaks - these turned out to be older, ex-members of the lifeguards, who kept coming back just for this cover. These days, I guess I fall into the 'older, ex-member' category as I suspect I'll only know a few of the practising lifeguards these days.

Still, it's always a great morning. The 'safety' team arrives early, some more enthusiastic than others after the night before. Xmas cheer then takes over and we merrily attempt to throw each other in from the harbour walls, capsize anyone who is in a kayak, and generally keep the crowds entertained as they gather for the race. In the past, certain members of the lifeguards have been known to turn up with various excuses about why they can't help out on the water that year - but that hasn't stopped them being thrown into the water fully clothed!

After the 'serious' business of providing the safety cover is done (we usually get a few casualties - after all it's considered bad form by the competitors to wear wetsuits/dry suits) , we recommence the crowd entertainment. In the past, we've had various attempts at not-so synchronised swimming and at getting Father Christmas to walk across the harbour on a raft of kayaks, but I think generally the crowd doesn't care what we get up to as long as they see reluctant lifeguards thrown of the harbour walls into the water.

For some swimmers, there's the chance of being declared the winner. For others, it's just an opportunity to get cold, wet and look stupid in various fancy dress costumes.

Snap

noreply@blogger.com (Bertie..) — Wed, 20 Dec 2006 10:37:00 +0000

Ollie Bray has put me onto "Snap Preview Anywhere", which I've installed on my blog page today. It's a great little utility which allows the viewer to hover over any hyperlink on the blog and get a preview of what the linked page looks like. Having seen it in action on Ollie's site for a while, I've finally got round to looking at how it works - and it's easy to install.

Snap itself also looks very interesting. It's a search engine that presents the viewer with a preview of the page so you can decide whether to click through.

Dangerous Seas - Body Recovered

noreply@blogger.com (Bertie..) — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 08:48:00 +0000

Police have recovered the body of Kyle Moore, the 14yr old lost at sea in Portland Harbour.

Dangerous Seas

noreply@blogger.com (Bertie..) — Thu, 14 Dec 2006 11:09:00 +0000

Portland Coastguard is co-ordinating it's third major search in as many weeks. All of the major rescue teams are involved: RNLI lifeboats, HMCG helicopters, HMCG search teams, Royal Navy vessels and many unsung others.

Wednesday evening, the skipper of a fishing vessel went missing following the capsize of his fishing vessel. Two days earlier, Peter Lynham from Weymouth went overboard while laying crab pots. In late November, Kyle Moore went missing in Portland Harbour.

These incidents have set me thinking in many ways.

In a society in which global media stories bring us death & destruction 24/7 via satellite news channels, Internet sites etc, it's easy these days to forget that these lost souls are friends, relatives, work colleagues of many people who will be affected for a long, long time. It's easy for the public awareness to drift away, forgetting those still affected. My thoughts go out to those still waiting for news on their loved ones, still wondering what happened, still hoping for a positive outcome.

The latest incident has made me think a lot about "Internet distance". The latest boat came from Fife, in Scotland. I regularly read various blogs from Scottish friends, and keep in contact with them via the Internet - to the extent that Scotland no longer seems a far away place. In fact, the Internet now means that you can be there in milliseconds through blogs, email, skype etc - there and elsewhere. To me, this has shrunk the world to a point where the loss of someone from Fife feels as much a local tragedy as if it was my mext door neighbour. I read of kayakers deaths from all round the world and feel like I've lost a friend who I just hadn't yet met.

Finally, it's another reminder of the danger posed to those who venture out at sea. Wenley has recently posted a blog on the excellent "Essentials of Sea Survival" book by Golden & Tipton. Again, "Internet Distances" make me regard Wenley as a friend, through reading his blog - I've never met him, I may never do, but through his blog I have got to know him, and other bloggers.

Clearly as sea kayakers, we only ever encounter a small amount of what the oceans can through at us, not because we choose to, but because the seas choose to not allow us to experience more of their strength without serious repercussions.

when I'm 64...

noreply@blogger.com (Bertie..) — Thu, 07 Dec 2006 13:10:00 +0000

I've just purchased a copy of this - these sorts of books intrigue me for all sorts of reasons, but what caught my eye in this one, was a section where Shaun Tomson talks about surfing at Jeffrey's Bay - his local break - as a 50yr old, surrounded by experienced pro surfers half his age, and about his exhileration at catching one of the best waves he'd ever caught there.

A while ago, I was asked at some management training thing I went on, to name three three 'heros' - people who I respected for their achievements in life. After a while, I named Sonny Barger, Gerry Lopez, and Eric Jackson - not because I'd ever met any of them (though have been in the same surf line-up as Gerry Lopez once) but because they've all lived their lives refusing to conform to other people's expectations. Okay, so I've sold out, and in my day job I have a career in financial services, where I'm a senior manager.

I'm fairly close to turning 40yrs old myself (well, a couple of years off anyway), and increasingly I'm hearing people saying things like "When are you going to grow up?"and "Snowboarding is a young man's game" as if somehow just getting older means that I have to give up the sports that I've enjoyed all my life on the grounds of my age. Okay, so I might not be throwing 'blunt mcnasty's' down at the local playwave, but I'm still mountain biking, river & surf kayaking, surfing, snowboarding, etc and I don't feel the need to give up - in fact my snowboarding and surf kayaking has just been getting better and better over the last few years.

Just prior to buying this book, I was flipping through the pages of Method snowboard mag, and in the latest one they have a series of interviews with 30+yr old pro-snowboarders. One was asked, what do you think is the upper age for snowboarding, and his reply was simply "I guess we're the generation that's going to find out."

I'm increasingly finding it hard to understand the adventure sports marketing teams who still believe that only teenagers get involved in adventurous sports. I think in reality, these sports are still relatively young and people have yet to see just how long people will keep participating - Snowboarding & skiing are two great examples - plenty of older guys ski, and it's accepted. Snowboarding is still seen as something for the kids. But wait, skiing has been around for many, many years, whilst snowboarding is a recent phenomenon. The result?? Older guys are simply still defining the upper age limits for involvement.

Here's to growing old, not growing up...

Phew!

noreply@blogger.com (Bertie..) — Mon, 27 Nov 2006 12:14:00 +0000

Just back at work, after a week's holiday in Scotland, and glad of the rest!

A whistle-stop tour which saw us climbing in Southampton and Liverpool before arriving in Scotland. Once there, our non-stop week continued - snowboarding at the new Xscape indoor snowslope in Glasgow, exploring the Kintyre pensinsula, an overnight stop and day-time expore of Mull, onwards to Fort William and Spean Bridge, a great walk around Glen Roy and Glen Turret, then onwards to Aviemore on a shopping spree (well, the new snowboarding season is upon us), across to Aberdeen to see the seals at Newburgh and to catch up with the infamous Hicksy), then sout to Edinburgh to catch up with Ollie Bray and his good lady, Caroline, before arriving at Dryburgh Abbey for the wedding of two of our friends from Southampton.

Phew, I'm tired just thinking about it. A big hello to all the great friends we met up with, Ian, Keith, Hicksy, Megan, Ollie, Caroline, the boy Lard, and too many others.

In the end, we didn't manage any sea kayaking, despite the great help of several people who suggested routes, loacted hire boats, and even just offered us their boats to use. The Scottish weather, though good to us when out walking, just didn't stop the wind blowing. I must be a southern softie, far to used to the south coast weather, but I've never before heard the words 'violent storm force winds' used in a weather report - well not one when I've been considering going for a paddle anyway.

Perceived Risk

noreply@blogger.com (Bertie..) — Thu, 16 Nov 2006 11:59:00 +0000

Bruce Schneier has published some thoughts on perceived risk versus actual risk in his cryptogram newsletter. It's an interesting essay on why we over react to some risks, and under react to others. Apparently, we:

over-react to intentional actions, and under-react to accidents
over-react to things that offend our morals
over-react to immediate threats and under-react to long-term threats
under-react to changes that occur slowly and over time (implying the opposite is true)
exaggerate spectacular but rare risks and downplay common risks
have trouble estimating risks for anything not exactly like their normal situation
perceive personified risks to be greater than anonymous risks
underestimate risks they willingly take and overestimate risks in situations they can't control
overestimate risks that are being talked about and remain an object of public scrutiny

Whilst not rocket science in terms of risk thinking, the above list is certainly something to think about in our day to day activities.

What does this mean in kayaking terms? That depends on what you do I guess, but there are some obvious lessons to draw out:

don't underestimate the risk of things going wrong - be prepared for them, know what you would do
Pay more attention to those aches and twinges - it's your body telling you something
When sea kayaking, watch out for how far you're drifting in wind/tides when dealing with incidents.
Watch out for slow-build up events, use early warnings as just that, not a series of isolated incidents - they rarely are
Think 'outside the box' when thinking about what could go wrong, don't just think of familiar risks

and above all else...

Don't underestimate risks you willingly take

Portland Harbour

noreply@blogger.com (Bertie..) — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 14:22:00 +0000

Feeling somewhat lazy lately, and inspired by blogs of more active paddlers like Wenley, Derrick, and Douglas I headed out on Saturday morning for my first sea kayak paddle of the winter season.

Launching from Castle Cove Sailing Club, I was struggling to think of this as the 'winter' season - off water I had got changed in the warmth of the sunshine and shletered for the wind, and on water I shared the water with people snorkelling over the various reefs that lie in that part of the Portland Harbour.

I headed off towards Sandsfoot Castle, or rather the remains of, enjoying the still conditions, and practicing the silent inuit hunting stroke I'd learnt at the last Skye Sea Kayak Symposium by sneaking up on the sometimes startled snorkellers.

After a short while hugging the coast, I decided a blast out through the first harbour entrance and into Weymouth Bay was needed, so headed off downwind - arriving in next to no time. Though arriving implied a destination, not simply a point in the middle of the bay.

Hmmm, at this point, I'd realised the errors of my way, and spent the next 60-70 minutes battling against the wind to get back to the shelter provided inside of Portland Harbour - still, a good work out.

Learning from others

noreply@blogger.com (Bertie..) — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 13:22:00 +0000

The BBC has been reporting on an sea kayaking incident that occurred over the weekend just off North & South Stacks on Anglesey. Thankfully, the incident ended with all safe and well, and the Coastguards have praised the group concerned for being well-prepared and dressed appropriately.

Clearly, this was a major incident, an air-and-sea search involving an RAF Valley rescue helicopter and three RNLI lifeboats is no small affair.

In my day time role as an operational risk manager, we often search the Internet for operational incidents that occur to other organisations. These prove to be excellent opportunities to ask key questions such as:

could this happen to us?
what would we do?
what can we learn from the way in which the other organisation handled it?

Clearly, it's still early days, no doubt the press have got the details wrong (as so often happens), and I'm sure those involved don't want to be hounded. However, this is a good time to ask ourselves as sea kayakers,

am I equipped, physically, mentally and with the right equipment, to deal with such an incident?
would what I do, have the same successful outcome as in this case?
what do I need to change about the way I would react to better improve my reaction to this?

There are always lessons to be learnt for all of us from any incident such as this. As Holyhead Coastguard watchmanager, Andy Carroll, commented "Accidents do happen and I think that what was happened today.".

For me this incident supports what I've always said about risk - you have to be prepared for the unexpected, not just the expected. In this case, clearly the group were ready for it, were properly equipped and reacted correctly.

River Access & the CroW Act

noreply@blogger.com (Bertie..) — Tue, 31 Oct 2006 13:57:00 +0000

I've just received a reply from the William Crookshank, of the Environment Agency, in response to my emails about the recent EA report into English & Welsh river access. It would seem that the EA have used Section 16 of the Countryside Rights of Way Act (CRoW Act) to enshrine a voluntary access agreement into permanent access. Whilst they may well wish to publicise this as "unique", and applaud their efforts, they seem to have missed the point.

Kayakers in England and Wales have been actively pursuing 'voluntary agreements' for 40 odd years, and in the majority of cases there is little or no interest from landowners to enter into voluntary agreements. Where landowners have, they're usually limited and restrictive in nature and we've been expected to thank them for their kindness. So, in the absence of any willing to enter into voluntary agreements, how does the EA expect their 'unique' use of Section 16 of the CRoW act to actually make a difference?

It strikes me that their use of Section 16 will suffer from the Law of Unintended Consequences, and will actually mean less landowners than before consider entering into 'voluntary agreements' if they believe that these are irreversible because of the 'unique' use of the CRoW Act.

How much longer must we wait for a change in the law, similar to the situation in Scotland??

Solo Paddling

noreply@blogger.com (Bertie..) — Tue, 24 Oct 2006 13:00:00 +0000

Photo by Wayfarer
.

There's been a bit of debate and chat about the rights and wrongs of solo paddling lately on UKRGB. Some of it, surprisingly has been about whether or not it is the right thing to do.

Clearly, as with a lot of adventurous activities, undertaking any form of kayaking by yourself will change the nature of the risks you face. However, does this/should this, result in solo paddling being seen as the wrong thing to do. One commentator said that most coaches won't/can't condone it.

As Douglas Bader allegedly once said "Rules are for the obedience of fools and the guidance of wise men". So, what makes a group of paddlers foolish, and the solo paddler a wise man?

I believe it's easier to answer the latter. The wise solo paddler seeks to understand the environment in which he paddles, the nature of the real and perceived risks he faces, and understands his role within the grand scheme of things. He has thought about how to limit his exposure to the risks, and has a 'cunning plan' should they occur. Ultimately, he knows that he could lose his life, but has weighed up the risks against the benefits to be gained from escaping by himself into the real world. He is aware of his skills, his performance ability, his limits.

So, what makes a group foolish? Is that such a hard question to answer now that I've looked at some of the things I believe has made the solo paddler a wise man? A foolish group may not fully understand the environment, it's risks, or know what to do if they occur. They may each be hiding under the false belief that the other members of the group will look after them, or that somehow as a group they are stronger - when as a group they've not practiced safety and rescue techniques. Each member may have abdicated responsibility for their own personal safety to 'the group'.

But what about the other argument often brought out when a solo paddler/walker is rescued? "You shouldn't be so irresponsible expecting everyone else to risk their lives rescuing you?". A few of my friends belong to various different parts of the rescue community, be it Fire, Ambulance, Police, Coastguard, Lifeguards, Lifeboat crew and I can't think of a single one of them that would say such a thing, provided the solo paddler was properly skilled, prepared, and able to take on the challenges. And I'm sure they're attuned to spotting the ones who aren't.

So, is the solo paddler foolish, and the group wiser??

Personally, I think those who are against solo paddling (or solo participation of other sports, e.g. walking, climbing, etc) should take a deep look inside them and ask themselves the question "what is it, deep within me, that prevents me from undertaking solo paddling?". For I believe that it is more often a reflection of the critics weaknesses, not a concern for the solo paddler, that drives those who criticise the solo paddler.

I know this, I have friends who climb solo and run rivers solo. In both cases, if I look deep enough I know that, with the exception of extremely easy ones, I wouldn't climb solo or run rivers solo, because neither my climbing or river paddling skills are good enough. However, knowing this, does not allow me to impose my own limits on others activities.

*for the avoidance of doubt - he means she, him means her, etc..