In an attempt to gain their BCU (British Canoe Union) one star award, five 3rd Stoneleigh Scouts have joined in a training course lasting six evenings this May / June. The venue is the Kingston Scouts Canoe Club down on the banks of the Thames at the north end of Canbury Gardens. It is a beautiful location, especially on a sunny evening when the wildlife is in abundance (ducks, geese, gnats!).
The five scouts - Jeff, Matt B, George, Mike P and Paul T - had no problems learning the basics: paddling in a straight line, stopping, splashing your friends with the paddle, etc. Curiously, their biggest challenge to date has been trying to fall out of the canoe - a particularly important skill when it’s upside-down! Luckily, there are plenty of highly experienced instructors to ensure excellent tuition as well as safety.The final part of test is emptying the kayak of water - it’s incredible how much these kayaks can ship and still stay afloat.