Page 78 - The Wish Stream Year of 2022

Exercise LIZARD CADET
OCdt Dunmall
Our first day out on the water started with an introduction and familarisation session on our equipment before launching from Mae-
nporth Beach. The calm water allowed us to get comfortable and build our confidence in the kay- aks. We stopped at Bream Cove for our packed lunch sandwiches. Mr Kirk had eagerly hunted for Cornwall’s most exotic crabs on the beach, but on launching became stuck in the rocks where the tide had started drifting out. Luckily, he was only waist deep in water when he cap- sized just meters from the shoreline. To finish we used the shelter of Maenporth Beach to practise our skills and drills and learn how to rescue.
On day two we departed from Praa Sands Beach. Despite choppy seas, we circumnavi- gated St. Michael’s Mount and round towards Marazion Beach where we finished our paddling adventure for the day. After a few shuttles back to the house and kit admin nipped, OCdt Wood prepared a fajita spread for everyone to enjoy.
Tiredness was common in the group after a tough previous day, but spirits were high, and everyone was keen to get on the water. Shortly after launching into the water, another group from Sandhurst was spotted. Everyone caught up, shared stories from the past couple of days and then continued with the day’s activities. We paddled down the Penryn River to the estu- ary; the weather was calm, and the water was steady. As we reached the sea, the conditions
got more difficult, allowing skills to be practiced as we landed.
The highlight of day five was the sea life. A seal joined our journeying as we practiced our turning skills, weaving in and out of the rocks just off the coast around Coverack. This was a real test as the quick waves coming from the crags required very small, precise paddling. This friendly pin- niped began nipping at the back of OCdt Wood’s kayak, much to the hilarity of her compatriots.
On our final day we launched from Falmouth. Exploring Pendennis Point from the other side revealed a large sea cave and some opportunity for rock hopping. We pushed against the wind, paddling back across towards Swanpool, with lots of people enjoying the water around us. The sun was shining as we landed for a leg stretch on a secluded cove with turquoise waters stretch- ing out from the shore. We practiced our turn- ing and manoeuvring as we avoided other water users coming back out and talked through the conditions. Our final stretch around the headland was a little choppy but all successfully paddled through with some speed races testing skills and friendships.
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