UK Storm Gathering Symposiums

Sunday, 2 June 2013

Announcement: Event Timetable & Sessions

Below is a guide to the sessions that will be running during the 7th UK Storm Gathering.

A full list of activity descriptions will be sent out when booking forms are requested.

Please be sure to check what level you are when making your choices.

Each day will begin with a pre-breakfast option of Yoga for Paddlers with Helen Wilson.

We plan to put on some form of social event each evening including presentations.

SATURDAY 9 NOVEMBER

ALL LEVELS

Core Skills: Fun, Balance, Games & Rolling

Safety Essentials: Boat Care and Repair.

Fundamental Seamanship: Navigation

LEVEL 1 - 2

Core Skills: Effective Stroke Work

Safety Essentials: Leadership For BCU 3 – 4 Star Paddlers

Fundamental Seamanship: Sea Kayak Journey

LEVEL 2 - 3

Core Skills: Intermediate Moving Water Skills

Safety Essentials: Leadership For BCU 4 – 5 Star Paddlers

Fundamental Seamanship: Sea Kayak Journey

LEVEL 3

Master Class: Rough Water Boat Handling

SUNDAY 10 NOVEMBER

ALL LEVELS

Core Skills: Efficient Forward Paddling

Fundamental Seamanship: Navigation

Master Class: Greenland Techniques and Traditions

LEVEL 1 - 2

Core Skills: Introduction to Moving Water

Safety Essentials: Incident Management

Fundamental Seamanship: Sea Kayak Journey

LEVEL 2 - 3

Core Skills: Intermediate Moving Water Skills

Core Skills: Moderate Water Boat Handling

Core Skills: Intermediate Tide Race Skills

Fundamental Seamanship: Sea Kayak Journey

MONDAY 11 NOVEMBER

ALL LEVELS

Core Skills: Fun, Balance, Games & Rolling

Safety Essentials: Boat Care and Repair

Master Class: Open Crossings - Tools & Tactics

LEVEL 1 - 2

Core Skills: Introduction to Moving Water

Safety Essentials: Leadership For BCU 3 – 4 Star Paddlers

Fundamental Seamanship: Sea Kayak Journey

LEVEL 2 - 3

Core Skills: Moderate Water Boat Handling

Safety Essentials: Leadership For BCU 4 – 5 Star Paddlers

Fundamental Seamanship: Sea Kayak Journey

LEVEL 3

Master Class: Rough Water Boat Handling

If you have any question, queries or concerns please contact the UKSGS Team - info.uksgs@gmail.com

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Sunday, 5 May 2013

Announcement: What Level Are You?

It is important to us at UKSGS HQ that everyone has an enjoyable, comfortable and safe experience at the 7th UK Storm Gathering Symposium in Oban this year.

Of course, weather conditions will have an effect on whatever we take part in afloat, but our coaches will seek to deliver a session that aims to meet your goals and also reflects the publicised activity.

To help you make the best choices, we have set out three levels that link to the sessions we plan to run as part of the symposium. So think about your aims, your current level of experience and how much of a challenge you want during the event. Try to be realistic, as we aim to ensure that everyone finds the right activity, the right group and has the right experience at UKSGS '13.

Many paddlers may find themselves at or around the standard of ‘Level 2’ or BCU 4 Star. With this in mind, many sessions will be ‘Level 1-2’ and ‘Level 2-3’. This will allow you to choose coaching activities that will be either within your comfort zone or will stretch you somewhat. It’s your choice!

We will be asking participants to make session choices in advance and these will be advertised before we begin to take bookings from June 3rd onwards. There will be a little flexibility during the event to make changes and we will do our best to ensure that you get your first choices.

If you are not sure, get in touch - info.uksgs@gmail.com - and we will do our best to advise you. .

LEVEL 1

If you are used to paddling as a member of a led group and/or have previously restricted your sea kayaking adventures to relatively calm conditions (BFT. force 2-3), consider yourself Level 1 (about BCU 3 Star personal skills).

We will ensure that Level 1-2 sessions offer the right amount of challenge for your current experience.

LEVEL 2

If you are an independent paddler in moderate conditions (BFT. force 4-5) with personal skills at or around BCU 4 Star, Level 2 sessions are aimed for you. You should be used to dealing with wind and waves as well as be able to self-rescue effectively.

If you join a Level 1-2 session you can expect a more relaxed, comfortable experience; be prepared for rather more challenging conditions on Level 2-3 sessions.

LEVEL 3

If you are used to paddling with independent groups in more challenging conditions (BFT force 5-6) and are confident in breaking waves, surf and stronger tidal streams, you’ll be looking for the more challenging sessions at the 7th UK Storm Gathering. These are suitable for paddlers working toward the 5 Star award, or those simply looking to enjoy the best conditions we can find each day.

We aim to ensure that you get the right level of challenge, while placing the safety of the group first in our decision-making each day.

ALL LEVELS

These sessions can appeal to paddlers of all abilities and levels of experience. The aims are broad and inclusive and do not require specific sea conditions.

Other sessions, such as ‘Forward Paddling Skills Clinic’ and ‘Open Crossings - Tactics & Techniques’ require a specific interest in these aspects.

Look out for our next announcement which will be the scheduled sessions and the corresponding ability levels required.

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Sunday, 7 April 2013

Announcement: 7th UK Storm Gathering Symposium

When is it? - This year's UK Storm Gathering will run from November 9 - 11 in Oban, Scotland.

What's it all about? - The idea is to bring together like minded people not quite ready to hang up their paddles for the winter and to network with others looking to take their sea kayaking to another level. There will be challenge, adventures and fun.

What's on offer? - The intention is to run a number of practical workshops and journeys covering the following themes – Safety, Skills and Seamanship. Each day will begin with the option of Yoga For Paddlers with Helen Wilson. Evening sessions will include social events with presentations from guest speakers. A number of retailers and manufacturers have been invited to allow for Q & A opportunities and demo boats.

Who is it for? - Attendance is open to anyone with intermediate sea kayaking skills or above looking for the next challenge. The ability to wrestle a walrus and eat seaguls is not necessary. Please contact the organising team - info.uksgs@gmail.com - if you are in any questions, queries or concerns.

Where will it be? - The event will be held at Kilbowie Outdoor Centre which is situated on the edge of Oban and overlooks the Sound of Kerrera. Kilbowie will be offering three accommodation options - shared dorm, twin and single rooms. All come with dinner, breakfast and a packed lunch. Please contact the centre directly to book your bed nights.

How much will it be? - The cost of the event will be £150 for all three days or £120 for Saturday and Sunday only. We will be begin taking bookings from June 3, 2013.

What else is there? - BCU and specialist programmes will run in the week following the main event from November 12 through to November 17. You will have the chance to access various training and assessment courses as well as take private rolling classes or learn about Greenland Kayaking.

Who is organsing it? - Helen Wilson & Mark Tozer (Greenland or Bust) & Nick Cunliffe and Matt Giblin (Kayak Essentials).

If you have any question, queries or concerns please contact the UKSGS Team - info.uksgs@gmail.com