2028 Squadron have another day Kayaking at Edgbaston Reservoir.
On Saturday the 10th July 2010 eight Cadets from 2028 (Southam) Squadron joined eight from 2030 (Elmdon and Yardley) Squadron at Edgbaston Reservoir in Birmingham. This was the third time 2028 Squadron had sent Cadets to experience a day out with a difference. The day had been organised once again by C.I. Steve Rogers from 2028 Squadron to introduce the Cadets to Kayaking. C.I. Rogers was assisted throughout the day by four Coaches from Birmingham Canoe Club, one of the UK’s top Clubs. Flt Lt Moreton from 2028 Squadron and Flying Officer Slade from 2030 accompanied the Cadets.
The weather on the day was very hot, if a little cloudy at times, with bright sunny spells. The day was packed with structured tuition and fun games, resulting in all the cadets gaining the new Kayak 1 Star Award.
Before going on the water, the Cadets were ‘fitted’ to their kayaks, the Coaches ensuring they were comfortable and ‘braced’ correctly. Each Cadet was then issued with a life jacket before being split into 2 groups with 2 coaches per group, one providing general cover. This provided for the best possible learning experience. Most of the required skills were covered in the morning session before returning to the reservoir after lunch for some fun games and a final run through the various skills needed to achieve the required standard.
Following the games, which in themselves used the skills already learnt, the Cadets were split into two groups, this time allowing for those with previous experience and those new to kayaking, in order to finish covering the entire 1 Star Kayak syllabus. Amongst other things, this involved demonstrating to the Coach a ‘capsize and swim to shore drill. The day concluded at about 1530hrs by getting off the water, returning the kit and spending nearly an hour chatting and ‘buzzing' from the day while getting changed. The whole day was a great experience for everyone and hopefully it can continue to be repeated in future years, with more Cadets and Squadrons becoming involved.
A Birmingham Canoe Club Coach said "I am a Teacher by profession and to have these Cadets to coach was a joy, they are all so respectful to others and are always keen to learn new skills."
C.I. Rogers commented, “I have tried to get the Cadets involved in something different and challenging over the past few years, hopefully today has certainly achieved that objective. My Squadron Commander has always given his full support but I must give special thanks to the Birmingham Canoe Club and their coaches without whom this would not have been possible. The Cadets have not only had great fun but also gained a Kayak 1 Star Award as well.”
Flight Lieutenant Moreton, CO of 2028 Squadron, commented, “This is the third year that CI Rogers has organised one of these days. I am personally pleased that more Squadrons in Warwickshire and Birmingham Wing are now taking up the opportunity for their Cadets to attend; it provides the Cadets with a safe environment on the water both to have fun and to earn a new qualification. My personal thanks go to CI Rogers and his colleagues from Birmingham Canoe Club.”
• Wing Web Site entry
• Regional Web Site entry
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