A New Year and lots going on
Although the new paddling season does not start until April, paddles around the Harbour and Estuary delightfully called ‘Bimbles’, together with sea trips, will continue when conditions allow until the season begins. Surf kayaking at the mouth of the estuary is very popular with members of the Club and occurs most weekends throughout the rest of the winter for those who are experienced in the surf.
Club nights every Wednesday will start in April and coaching sessions for new and existing members will commence in May. On Club nights in the summer season from April to mid-September, outside of the formal courses, activities may involve anything from paddling round the harbour, a visit to the surf, learning to ride the standing wave in the Carnsew Pool sluice, longer sea trips [maybe St Ives and back with an ice cream in the middle], rolling practice or a mix of activities. These are usually decided on the night by those present with the conditions in mind as well as what our members want to do.
The Club and the Community
Covid affected many activities in the Club, none more so than interaction with the local community. In 2025 we aim to get back to being much more involved with the local community especially young people. Kayaking can be a very sociable activity and at the same time a wonderful exercise for the whole body – we aim to promote this in 2025.
Fun Days
We aim to have two of these for the forthcoming season for all the family at weekends when qualified coaches will be available to anyone that is interested to simply enjoy themselves on the water – they are meant to be fun!
A well-attended ‘Fun Day” with young people receiving kayak and canoe training – more are planned for 2025
Schools and Youth Group
The interest from the local Hayle Academy in giving pupils the opportunity to paddle will be explored in partnership with the teaching staff. If coaches are able to do this it will be the first time the Club will have engaged with a school during the daytime. In the past we have had training days for youth groups such as the Scouts – we would like to re-introduce these where possible.
Sea Kayaking trips
Organised trips will take place on Club nights and weekends. These will be on the open sea and also exploring the magical estuaries that west Cornwall has to offer. In the past these have been popular and well attended. ‘Bimbles’ will also continue around the Harbour.
Coaching
If you haven’t paddled before and want to give it a try, we run a beginners course – ‘Discover’ – fairly early in the season and maybe another one later. If you have paddled before but not with us, we do ask you to come for a paddle with a coach first so we can recommend a course or membership as appropriate. The harbour is mostly very safe but there are hazards members need to be aware of and it is very different environment to the average lake or canal ! We do want to keep you happily paddling with us undamaged ! To be a Member of the Club and kayak from the Club, individuals need to have passed the ‘Discover’ course or be able to paddle at that standard or above.
Further coaching will be available for those who want to improve their skills for flat water, sea kayaking and surfing.
Surf Kayaking
On Club nights coaches are available to lead groups in the surf and develop surf skills. At other times, especially weekends, members organise themselves through a social media group. In 2025 the Club will be promoting surf kayaking as conditions at the mouth of the Hayle Estuary are some of the best in Cornwall and no other Club in Cornwall can offer such unique conditions.
Pool Sessions
Learning to rescue and also roll in the surf is important so sessions in the swimming pool at St Ives are organised once a month for the remainder of the winter where coaching and training are undertaken.