Page 86 - The Wish Stream Year of 2021 (Crest)

Exercise NORTHERN LAKES – Yorkshire Officer Training Regiment
2Lt Parker, and OCdts Cannon and Snaith
On the 3rd of September 2021, 3 2nd Lieu- tenants, 25 Officer Cadets (OCdts) and one Permanent Staff instructor (PSI) from Shef-
field and Leeds UOTC of the Yorkshire Officer Training Regiment travelled up to the Lake Dis- trict for a week of Adventure Training, delivered by 6 coaches from both inside and outside of the regiment, and supported by a field kitchen with 2 Chefs provided by 37 Signals Regiment. Once split into groups of kayakers and canoers, the OCdts were eager to be given their kit and finally get on the water.
Day 1 took place on Ullswater where basic strokes and techniques were taught such as the correct way to accelerate, turn and brake, which was essential as some of the OCdts had never been canoeing/kayaking before the trip.
The remaining days were all spent around Lake Windermere, with amazing weather for the time of year and clear blue skies. On day 2, OCdts went to the southern end of the lake, and prac- ticed more advanced techniques, such as the Indian stroke for canoeing, which allows for almost silent movement through the water.
By the end of day 2, many groups were confi- dent enough in their skills to start playing games such as water polo, Stuck in the Mud or even Kayak Tug o’ War on the lake!
The second half of the week brought along with it brilliant sunny skies and warm weather, giving OCdts the opportunity to continue developing their skills, with several of them even success- fully learning how to conduct rolls by themselves.
This trip was one of the most challenging AT trips I have been on. I started off not knowing much of how to kayak and could barely paddle in a straight line. However, over the course of 4 days, I was taught the basic skills of paddling and felt my ability improve greatly.
We learnt multiple different paddling styles includ- ing: how to turn and correct yourself, how to pad-
dle backwards and how to paddle with only one blade. We also learnt about the dangers of kay- aking and different risks that need to be avoided such as trees and branches and low water levels.
I was apprehensive about this trip as I am not the greatest fan of open water and going under water made me uncomfortable, but the instructors were extremely patient and helpful as they worked with me to improve my self-rescue abilities. During the days, OCdts took in the beautiful lakes whilst pad- dling and spent the evenings resting and recuper- ating with good food by a campfire, giving them the perfect balance between excitement and time off that Adventure Training provides.
It was an extremely relaxed environment which was great after a hard day of paddling. Every- one really enjoyed this AT experience and we are excited at the prospect of similar trips in the future.
A total of 12 members of Yorkshire Officer Train- ing Regiment achieved the Open Canoe Foun- dation (O2F) and 17 the Kayak Foundation (K2F) Qualifications and all plan to continue on their paddling journey. The Regiment hopes to deliver more of this style of Adventurous Training, potentially setting up OCdts to become instruc- tors in the future.
The Expedition was made possible with gener- ous funding support from a number of sources, including the Sandhurst Trust, and YOTR is grate- ful for the ongoing support they provide to allow challenging and enjoyable AT to be delivered.
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