Page 79 - The Wish Stream Year of 2022 CREST

The OCdts of Ex STINGRAY took to the Welsh waters of Bala to develop their abil- ity, confidence and teamwork around the beautiful Snowdonia National Park. After quick lessons on safety, the OCdts took to Llyn Tegid, and began a 6km route under the beaming sun- shine, getting to grips with the fundamentals of kayaking before returning to their cottage, to unpack and prepare for a week of exploration.
The second day dawned with the OCdts on the way to Llyn Padarn, a long lake surrounded by mountainous terrain; it was the perfect depth for the OCdts to practice T-rescues, rolls and capsiz- ing, as well as enjoying being drenched before a quick stop at a Welsh café, and then returning to Cae Hir to start a barbeque, testing their fieldcraft.
Day three heralded the start of the rains, but didn’t dampen the OCdts’ spirits, moving to Llyn Y Bala for the morning to play some kayak- ing games focused on developing balance and confidence, moving to Snowdonia National Park to take a trail walk in the evening, enjoying the sunset and amazing flora and fauna Wales had to offer.
OCdt Waters
On the penultimate day, the OCdts were required to film their progress, demonstrating skill and confidence in their kayaks to earn the first half of their K1F certificate. The OCdts showed courage and discipline, completing the stillwa- ter partner rescues and self-rescues in the mid- day sun of Bala. The OCdts, still full of energy, decided to spend the evening on a run around the local town, greeting locals and getting a meal before their final day.
After a late wake-up, the OCdts went to film the completion of their K1F certificate, showing abil- ity to navigate in narrow waters downstream. The OCdts completed this challenge with poise on the Llyn Glaslyn, a narrow lake bisected by a narrow river. This was perfect to prove the competency and composure of the OCdts of Ex STINGRAY. Leaving lush Welsh valleys behind, the OCdts returned to the Royal Military Acad- emy Sandhurst, ready to begin their Senior Term of the 44-week Commissioning course, with new skills under their belts!
Exercise STINGRAY – braving the Welsh waters
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