Jason Smith's The Ed

Staff Training Canoe & Kayak Style!

Been a while since I got on the Blog, so will have to catch up in one big batch. Things have been so hectic leading up to, and over the Festive Season. First up was a visit to the whitewater course at Nottingham (www.nwscnotts.com) to take our new design whizz Robbie Relf for a day out on the water. Rob's luck was in as the usual cold, wet & windy course put on its best sunny weather for him although temperature wise it was still cold enough to freeze the whatsits off a brass monkey. First up was a spot of coaching from Canoe & Kayak's coaching expert Ross Montandon. Rob listened carefully and proved to be an enthusiastic and able student as he soon got to grips with the basics. An over-enthusiastic low brace saw the Robbster take an early bath in the pool at the top of the course, but despite the baltic conditions he was still smiling and up for more. Next it was time to climb aboard the Jackson Dynamic Duo that Paddlepluss CC from Leicester had kindly loaned us for the day (www.paddleplus.co.uk). Rob went in the bow and I went in the stern and Rossco rode shot gun in his creek boat, just in case! We charged down the course smashing our way through every hole and wave and it was so much fun we walked back up and did it all again, throwing in a few attempts at surfing for the hell of it. We had a few near misses, but stayed upright. As the light faded we headed for Number 8 Deli at West Bridgeford for a well-earned piece of cake and a strong brew. It was a great day and Robbo says he's up for some more paddling adventures, in between making Canoe & Kayak look the business, sop watch this space! (You can check out some vids of our duo action in the gallery here - http://www.canoekayak.co.uk/gallery/album.asp?id=627)

Posted by Jason Smith