NIGHT PADDLING
As we draw to the end of the session for paddling on a Monday and Tuesday evenings we normally continue paddling for as long as we can. This means that we will be paddling in the dark
Night paddling can be a very rewarding experience for all but it requires all paddlers to take certain things in to consideration and carry certain items of equipment.
1 All night paddling on a Monday and Tuesday evenings must be lead by a designated Instructor/ leader approved and appointed by the Paddle Sports convener
2 All paddlers who take part in night paddles must follow the instructions of the designated leader at all times
3 The decision as to who is allowed to take part in a night paddle is at the discretion of the appointed leader
4 Paddling at night is normally cooler than paddling in day light hours so come suitable dressed
5 All paddlers must have a serviceable head torch and a chemical glow stick (the colour green is the best (or a battery operated glow stick) and cord to hang it on the rear of your buoyancy aid ( WITHOUT THESE ITEMS YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO TAKE PART)
6 Group control is vital when paddling at night and is extremely taxing on the designated leader YOUR CO- OPERATION AND COMPLIANCE WITH INSTRUCTIONS is vital to the safety of the activity and normally a diamond pattern will be adopted with a designated lead paddler and outriders to the left and right. Paddlers will normally be required to paddle in pairs (Buddy system) and must keep in contact with another pair. Paddlers may be given a number so if the leader want to check that everybody is in the group they will ask you to number off
7 Wind speed and sea conditions that you feel comfortable in daylight hours may feel challenging when paddling in the dark. IF YOU FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE YOU MUST INFORM YOUR BUDDY AND THE LEADER OF THE PADDLE
8 All leaders of night paddling activity from the club on Mondays and Tuesday evenings must ensure that they carry a serviceable tow line system and that there are at least another 4 paddlers with serviceable towing systems in the group. If possible a VHF Radio and flare pack should also be carried. The number of paddlers and destination and estimated time of return must be entered in the club signing out book
9 Owners of private kayaks can paddle at night at their own discretion, but if joining an organised paddle on a Monday or Tuesday evening place themselves under the authority and leadership of the designated leader appointed by the paddle sports convener
10 NO CLUB KAYAK MAY BE USED AT NIGHT OR IN TO THE HOURS OF DARKNESS WITHOUT THE APPROVAL OF THE PADDLE SPORTS CONVENER OR A QUALIFIED LEVEL 3 COACH (LEWIS SMITH OR KEITH CLAGUE)
11 THE DECISION AS TO WHETHER A NIGHT PADDLE IS UNDERTAKEN AND WHO MAY TAKE PART IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE APPOINTED LEADER AND IS FINAL
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