Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

UKSG6 - Fund Raising


The organisers would like to inform you that we hope to do some fundraising at this year's Storm Gathering.

The intention is to raise money for the RNLI and Qajaq Japan's Tsumani Relief Fund.

Prizes have been donated by Kokatat, Blue Water Kayak Works, Fat Paddler, Joe O Paddles and Mitchell Blades.

Look out for ticket sellers over the weekend and the draw will occur on Monday morning.


Wednesday, October 12, 2011

UKSG6 - BCU Week


BCU Paddlesports Performance Awards are planned to run from the 25th - 30th October. These courses and optional trips will happen when workable numbers are reached. Please check the BCU website for full syllabus details and prerequisites. These are all non-residential and priced accordingly.


Options include:

3* Sea Training - Tuesday 25th October

This will be a one day course covering the 3* Sea syllabus and will cost £75

3* Sea Assessment - Wednesday 26th October

This will be a one day assessment covering the 3* Sea syllabus and will cost £75


4* Training - Tuesday 25th & Wednesday 26th October

This two day course will cover the necessary syllabus elements of leadership, safety and navigation skills required before progressing to assessment. The course will cost £150.

4* Assessment - Thursday 27th & Friday 28th October

This two day assessment will examine leadership, planning and incident management skills as well as personal performance as set out in the 4* Sea syllabus. Success at this level indicates that a candidate has the skills required to lead a group of competent paddlers in appropriate locations, up to moderate conditions. The course will cost £150.


5* Training - Tuesday 25th & Wednesday 26th October

This two day course will cover the necessary syllabus elements of leadership, safety and navigation skills required before progressing to 5* Sea assessment. There will be a night navigation element. The course will cost £175.

5* Assessment - Thursday 27th & Friday 28th October

This two day assessment will examine leadership, planning and incident management skills as well as personal performance as set out in the 5* Sea syllabus. Success at this level indicates that a candidate has the skills required to lead a group of competent paddlers in advanced conditions. 
There will be a night navigation element and a written paper. 
The course will cost £175.


BCU Coastal Navigation and Tidal Planning* - Tuesday 25th October

This one day classroom based course has been designed by the BCU for all sea kayakers who want to develop their understanding and skills in tidal planning and navigation. It is also a pre-requisite for the BCU 4* Sea Leader Award, as well as being suitable for any coastal paddler wanting tidal planning knowledge. The course will cost £50

BCU Open Water Navigation and Tidal Planning* - Tuesday 25th October

This one day classroom based course will give participants the tools needed to plan and navigate effectively on open water journeys in advanced conditions. It will increase the knowledge and awareness of the paddler and improve their seamanship. It is a pre-requisite for the BCU 5* Sea Leader Award, as well as being suitable for any ocean paddler wanting detailed tidal planning knowledge. The course will cost £50


*Those wishing to do either the 4* or 5* training have the option of completing the corresponding navigation course on Monday 24th instead at no extra cost, if they are registered for the main event. Those not attending the 6th UK Storm Gathering but wanting the Monday option will need to pay the full course fee of £50.

There is a degree flexibility to complete some awards on different days including the 29th and 30th October. Other course that could be offered include the 3* Touring and Foundation Safety & Rescue Training.


Get in touch with Mark if you would like a booking form or have any questions or queries.

Wednesday, October 05, 2011

UKSG6 - Cackle TV Special Offer


If you are a fan of digital downloads, or never tried and want to give it a go, I recommend you call in at Cackle TV to see what's on offer. Justine Curgenven has begun to provide many of her superb and expertly made sea kayaking films from the award-winning This Is The Sea DVD series as digital downloads. With over 40 films available with some never before seen footage, there is plenty of choice.


Justine is an award winning adventure filmmaker and expedition sea kayaker with an established reputation for creating professional, innovative and inspirational sea kayaking movies. Some her personal accomplishments have involved a number of challenging expeditions around the globe including a crossing of the Bass Strait, circumnavigating South Island of New Zealand, Tasmania and the Queen Charlotte Islands.


I am pleased to announce that Justine is offering a special discount to anyone visiting the UK Storm Gathering Sea Kayak Symposium blog on two selected films. Buy one or both of the following digital downloads and get 20% off the already incredibly good value prices. All you need to do is enter 'UKSG' at the check-out.


This is the Sea 1 - Penrhyn Mawr

Penrhyn Mawr is North Wales’ most famous tidal race. This film is a short introduction to the race with some explanation of it’s location and how the waves form. Filming from onboard the kayak gives a sense of scale. 5 minutes . Price: UK £0.99 (UKSG6 discount - £0.79)

This is the Sea 2 - Penrhyn Mawr

More action from the inner and outer races at Penrhyn Mawr tidal race on Anglesey. Skilful paddling (and good recoveries!) from Aled Williams, Phil Clegg, Simon Osborne, Harry Whealan & others. This was originally 2 separate films on “This is the Sea 2″ but brought together into 1 film here. 8 minutes. . Price: UK £1.99 (UKSG6 discount - £1.59)


Download today and get inspired to plan your own adventure, wherever that might be :o)