Page 68 - Wish Stream Year of 2019

ing to improve our technique. We
then had a look at safety prac-
tices in kayaking. This meant
firstly going over hand signals,
which was a concept we picked
up well, with us all understanding
the importance of ‘the linkman’.
Next, Sam taught us how to use
the lifesaving ropes, getting us to
take it in turns to wade out into the water and throwing the bags out to save our fellow OCdts. We also finished off the session by doing time trials around the course of training gates hanging over the lake, with instructor Sam timing each of us and the rest of the OCdts looking on, shout- ing encouragement and observing how to best tackle the sharp turns.
A few of the group managed to make rolling on still water a consistent event for several attempts, before eventually becoming unstuck through eagerness to speed up the movement and flop- ping gracelessly back upside down before hav- ing managed to fully invert. We also moved on to still parts of the neighbouring river to gain some
variety of kayaking. The picturesque, still portion provided us a mile or so of flat water on which we could pad- dle downstream and enjoy the sur- roundings. Setting off in line with the instructor in the lead, we meandered down the pleasantly cool water, as we did so focusing on correct pad- dle movement, attempting to stroke
forwards whilst maintaining an even keel on the kayak so as to increase efficiency of movement and not waste energy.
The sad journey back to RMAS went smoothly after a week of K2F training, with post-exercise admin included, handing in fuel receipts to 44 squadron, emptying and cleaning down the vehicles, and moving all of the loaned kayaking equipment up to the platoon lines to be returned in the first week of Senior Term to the CQMS. Once the vehicles were checked and approved and all kit had been accounted for, it was time for everyone to disperse and enjoy some time at home before the final term.
The sad journey back to RMAS went smoothly after a week of K2F training...
66 SANDHURST