PADDLE SPORTS STAGED BADGE

During the summer holidays I had some paddle sports days with Ancrum Summer Adventures.

For each day we met at Ancrum Outdoor Centre and rode a mini-bus to different places. We wore wet suits, life jackets, water sports helmets and after a safety talk and demonstration we got to have fun! I really enjoyed learning how to steer & stop a raft, canoe and powerboat. It was a lot of fun meeting other kids. We worked as part of a team to carry our boats and paddles to and from the water, and launch.

July 20 – White Water Rafting Day

My friend Rhys Black and I were both on this day and spent 5 hours rafting in Perthshire. It was very wet! I learned how to stand up properly in a raft and what to do if I fell overboard.

July 25 – Canoe Day

I spent 5 hours paddling a canoe along a gentle river. 2 other boys I met from Dundee were also in the canoe with me.

August 4 – Ancrum River Trip

Rhys Black and I were both on this day and we spent 5 hours paddling a boat along another river, enjoying the scenery.

August 5 – Powerboating on the River Tay

I really enjoyed this day the most of all. We got to ride in and have shots driving a powerboat along the River Tay for 5 hours, after setting off from Broughty Ferry. I was nearly close enough to wave to my Grandma!

Some great places to go kayaking, or canoeing are Monikie Park, the River Tay or Loch Tay.

Some places which teach kids how to do paddle sports are:

http://www.ancrum.com/

http://www.monikie.org.uk/cntryprk.htm