Touring

                         Touring 2008

TL = Tony Laidler Tel 01397 702104 tlaidler@btinternet.com

LA = Lynn Aitchison Tel 01463 24944 lynnaitch@aol.com

JSm = Joan Smith Tel 01687 462206 smith.joan@hotmail.co.uk

MK = Mike Kingswood Tel 01687 450606 achnaskia@aol.com

BS = Bill Skeoch Tel 01320 366 707 cedartower@aol.com

JS = Jill Skeoch Tel 01320 366 707 cedartower@aol.com

SS = Simon Sims Tel 07770 885619 simon.sims@ hcs.uci.ac.uk

EG = Ewan Gillespie Tel 01349 866229 Ewan.gillespie@SEPA.org.uk

Welcome

Mallaig & District Canoe Club runs a number of kayak trips which are published as a Touring Calendar for members and posted on the Touring page of the club website (btinternet.com/~mallaigcanoeclub/) While the trips are organised for the benefit of members, a warm invitation is extended to paddlers who haven’t been before. Hopefully you will enjoy the trips so much that you will join the club!

Touring Calendar trips offer you the opportunity to experience some of the finest sea kayaking in the world in the company of like-minded people. It is an opportunity to gain experience, explore new areas and meet new people. As with any outdoor pursuit there is an element of risk, so it is important to study the information below, understand the basis of your participation and not put yourself or other paddlers at risk.

In order to give you some idea of the type of trip and conditions you might experience Trips are graded A or B. They can vary from a day paddle on a sheltered inland loch to the exposed headlands, cliffs, crossings and tide races among some of Scotland ’s rugged coastline and islands. If you are a newcomer you should start off on a Grade A trip so that you can judge your capabilities against other paddlers and minimise the risk to yourself.

Grade A is in sheltered water. Participants should be capable of paddling 20km (12 miles)per day in Force 2/3 conditions.

Grade B is in more challenging waters and may include tidal streams, exposed headlands, and open crossings between islands. Participants should be capable of paddling 25km (16 miles) per day in up to Force 4 conditions. A Four Star paddler would feel comfortable on such a trip.

Tour Organisers are volunteers who give up their time, free of charge, to act as a contact point for paddlers who are interested in paddling in a stated area. Organisers are not accepting responsibility for other paddlers or for instructing them as part of the trip. These are NOT guided trips run by qualified instructors.

Organisers will generally issue details of a meeting place and time and a suggested route from their knowledge of the area. Tidal conditions and distances involved make it important to be ready at the correct time. If you are late don’t expect other paddlers to wait for you.

Be aware that the organiser may have to change or cancel the trip due to weather conditions or for other reasons, so check nearer the trip that it’s still on.

Please be aware that Organisers may refuse to let you come on a trip because they are unsure of your competence/fitness or because the trip is oversubscribed. Participation is always at the discretion of the organiser.

Communicating with the Organiser

The first time you ask to paddle with an organiser, be prepared to tell him/her about your level of experience/competence. If possible refer him to an experienced paddler he knows who can comment on your abilities.

If you are interested in a trip please contact the organiser beforehand to get joining instructions. Do not leave it to the last minute as trips may be changed due to impending weather or other reasons.

Please do not turn up for a trip without having previously contacted the organiser.

 Your Responsibilities

·        On trips you are responsible for making your own decisions and for your own safety

·        You are responsible for judging if any medical problems you suffer from may affect your safety on the water. If you have any doubts consult a doctor.

·        Weather and water conditions will affect what you can cope with at your own skill level and physical condition. You should do your own planning, listen to the weather forecast and make sure you are happy to do what the other paddlers want to do.