Fleetwood Seaquest - 20th September 2008

Format for this year's seaquest was slightly different from previous events. In the past there have been a number of controls to punch (orienteering style) that necessitated getting out of your boat. This year the event was more of an out and out race with only a punch at the turning point.

I entered the longer "seaquest" event that was advertised as 22kms round trip. I finished 2nd single kayak in a time of 2:07:43, just over a minute behind the winner, Glen Parry. Glen was paddling an Epic 18 which is a lot faster than my Capella 163. Might need to spend some money if I'm going to take these events seriously!

Weather was great and the event was very friendly with a BBQ afterwards at the outdoor action group base in Fleetwood.

RYA GMDSS course - 16/17th September 2008

Just spent 2 evenings in class getting my Short Range Radio qualification. I can use a VHF marine radio legally now. Just need to think of a name for my kayak now when talking to the coastguard...

Macclesfield Canal - 14th September 2008

Training paddle on Macclesfield Canal. Clarke Lane to High Lane and back.
Clarke Lane to Higher Poynton Marina - 61 minutes
Turned at 88 minutes, back to Higher Poynton at 112 minutes.
Higher Poynton to Clarke Lane return - 65 minutes. Total 175 minutes.

Macclesfield Canal - 8th September 2008

Training paddle on Macc Canal. Clarke Lane to Lyme View Marina and back. 7.44 miles total. Approx 41 minutes on the return.
Talked to Mark Finch from Macc CC and had a quick go with some racing wing paddles. Funny to start off with, but once going seemed more stable. Need to try some out properly (left handed might help too!)

Macclesfield Canal - 1st September 2008

Training paddle on Macc canal. 59.00 minutes from Clark Lane to Higher Poynton Marina. 10.4 miles round trip.
Usual chat with Macc CC on return.