Present: Murty, Robert, Mike, Dolina, Christine, Mark, Allan, Dave, Chris & Tim C

First Pool Session

• We will try running the first session in terms with the first week as a trial after which juniors will sign up for the next 6-8 weeks and pay upfront. This should mean that those who attend will be committed and will have the opportunity to make real progress.
• The trial week will focus on assessing water confidence so that those taking part can get the most out of the canoeing. Murty will organise this first session on 2 September.
• There will be 12 spaces a term, though some flexibility may be needed for existing junior members. The first term will then consist of 6 sessions with the last on 14 October. Allan, Tim C and Chris will plan a programme for this first 6 weeks.
• Robert will do letters both for those who get a place on the first term.

Intermediate Pool Session

• We will continue to run with the current intermediates but will try and split them into abilities.
• It was felt that progression to this session should be the basis of a standard assessment.
• Dave, Mark and Christine will look at the first term of intermediates

Adult Pool Session

• Sessions to remain as at present with some structured coaching at the beginning and then an open session. Coaches who are confident of any stroke being coached will sit out of the first part to provide space for the practice.
• We will nominate a buddy to keep an eye on new paddlers so they get the most out of sessions.
• We will bring in a Sit on Top for use.

General Coaching

• Tim has offered to run a First Aid Course for those that need it.
• Mike will progress disclosure forms.
• Robert will see if anyone else wants to do the UKCC Level 2 transfer course with Dolina
• We can have four places on the Skyak 4 star training in September. Robert is organising a 3 star session on Sunday 5 September.

UKCC Level 1

• Second weekend is 25/26 September.
• Participants need to get to 2 star level and FSRT to complete the course.
• Mike will run an open canoe session on 11 September.
• Robert & Murty will run FSRT over two Wednesdays (8 & 15 September) and Sat 18 if necessary.

Trips

• Day paddle for intermediates possibly weekend of 2 October;
• Murty is organising a Rhenigdale weekend late October
• Robert will organise a November trip.
• Mike’s Berneray Trip will be weekend of 17 December.

Gear

• We discussed an annual levy rather than a daily hire fee
• We will look into some more appropriate boats for juniors.

To enable junior paddlers to get the most out of canoeing in the pool we are changing the way we organise our pool sessions for beginners.

We think that juniors will make better progress if they are in a smaller group and are able to come every week. The minimum age will continue to be 8 but we will look for children to be comfortable in and under the water before starting canoeing so that they are not held back by a lack of confidence.

To achieve this we are moving to a termly system which after the first session on 2 September will offer 12 places for a six week block starting on 9 September and ending on 14 October. The cost for this will be the ususal £2.50 per week but we are asking for the total of £15 to be paid on the first night as this will also speed up getting started.

At the moment this session is full. If you are interested in joining our next block  (which starts with a  trial session on 21 October) please complete the slip at the foot of this page and had it to one of the coaches.

If you have any queries please ring either Murty (870340) or Robert (820242) or alternatively you can email us at info@stornowaycanoes.org.uk

SEA KAYAKING AROUND THE ISLES & ST KILDA

At 7pm on Monday 5 July 2010 Mike, Tim and Robert will be launching their new book in An Lanntair. After hearing about the book from the authors you will be able to buy a copy and retire, suitably inspired, for refreshments in the bar.

The meeting will start at 9.30pm, or as soon as possible thereafter (after the pool session).