Water activities

The Welsh Scout Council now has a well established programme of canoeing events in its calendar, and is developing a similar calendar for sailing.

These events provide both Scouts and Leaders with the opportunity to be trained and authorised properly, such that they can enjoy their water activity in both a controlled and safe environment whilst retaining that element of adventure essential to developing self-reliance.

The organisers of the events would welcome qualified coaches and permit holders to assist with the instruction on training weekends and leading on the cruises.

Dates for 2008

Camping

At each of these events it is expected that each attending group will be self sufficient in terms of submitting their own form NAN, holding appropriate level nights away permits, gaining parental permissions and medical information, and adhering to CRB procedures. However, if notified in advance, the organisers may be able to support groups without Nights Away Permits.

Photographs

It is usual for photographs and video footage to be taken of the activity on these events. These images may be used for Scouting promotional purposes but no youngster will be identified.

Indiscrete images will not be taken. If any parent does not agree to their child being photographed or appear in a video, even within these strict limitations, then the organisers must be informed. Photographs of previous events can be viewed by visiting:
http://barryherring.fotopic.net

Activity permits and kayak or canoe use

A Scout or Leader who wishes to take scouts canoeing must first apply for an adventurous activity permit. All information and an application form are available from your local Area Commissioner, District Commissioner, and the Welsh Scout Council and downloadable from www.scoutbase.org.uk (FS 120601 and 120604).

It is expected that all craft and associated equipment used on these events have been registered with the Group’s own Scout District or Area, and are therefore deemed suitable for the water conditions. Information is available from the same internet site (CT 120155)

Experience

Proof of experience must be available for inspection prior to an assessment.

Candidates for assessment need to be aware of the following:

  • For 2 star kayak or canoe assessment, evidence must be provided that one journey of 2 hours duration or 6km has been undertaken.
  • For a 3 star assessment, evidence must be provided that 3 journeys of 3 hours or 10km each have been undertaken.

Training sessions of a similar period will be acceptable provided that this is confirmed in writing by a coach or leader prior to assessment.

The Welsh Scout Council has produced pocket sized Log Cards which can be copied, or Leaders may produce their own. The card needs to have dates, purpose i.e. training, touring etc, time afloat, distance covered etc recorded and the coach or leader should sign it.

This Log Card will be a vital part of the candidate’s next Star assessment and assessment will not take place until proof of experience is produced to the level indicated above.

Experience can be obtained at any of the following:

  • Completion of any WSC Canoe Cruise
  • Attendance at either WSC canoe training weekends
  • Attendance at a District or Area approved Cruise or training event.

Whilst indoor swimming pool sessions build confidence and improve skills, candidates for 2 and 3 star awards must be more ambitious.

Remember – no log of experience = no assessment!

Further enquiries

Any enquires connected with sailing should go to Ron Cox
Tel: 01407 730592
Email water@scoutswales.org.uk

Booking Secretary for all Welsh Scout Council canoe events:
Barry Herring, 65 Pensyflog, Porthmadog, Gwynedd, LL49 9LD
Tel: 01766 512159
Email canoeing@scoutswales.org.uk

Camelot

Camelot is a 25ft Drascombe Gig, the vessel is approximately 10 years old and in top class conditions.  It was owned by Goodrich Sea Scouts but is now in the care of the Welsh Scout Council Water Activities team.  Find out more.