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OF THE BEST WATER ACTIVITIES
1 4 2 Rowing
Sometimes known in Scouting as pulling. Rowing boats come in all shapes and sizes, from single person to large gigs that need Scouts to all pull together. A good activity for those with little experience on the water to get used to being afloat.
Dragon boating
You’re unlikely ever to see this activity as an Olympic event, but the peals of delight as a motley crew of Scouts paddle to the beat of the drum is a great experience for all.
Narrowboating
The abundance of inland waters and canals makes the UK a haven for barges and narrowboats. Introduce your Scouts to water activities that engender leisure and careful steering. Operating the locks and cooking onboard make narrowboating a multi-skill day out.
Sailing
3
Paddlesports
Kayaking is great fun, and there are many different strokes and techniques to learn. Scouts will want to learn the Eskimo roll, but they should know how to paddle correctly and capsize safely before moving on to such complex skills.
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Sailing has its own terms and is where knotting comes into its own. Young people can graduate from small dinghies to piloting a tall ship across the Channel. Every year, Derbyshire Network sails a 49ft Oyster yacht off the Suffolk coast. ‘We spotted seals basking in the sun, and countless fish,’ said Dan Weaver, after a trip.
Powerboating
Whether taking a leisurely trip on a river or charging through open water on a RIB, powerboating is a serious pursuit. Learning to be responsible for a powerful craft can be a huge confidence boost to a Scout.
A LIFE OF ADVENTURE
Ian Ganderton has kayaked on the world’s most challenging waters, but it all started in a Scout hut in Stourport-on-Severn I first went canoeing with Mid-Severn Sea Scouts in the early 1980s and a lifetime of paddlesports followed. I now live in the United Arab Emirates, where I work as a sea kayaking instructor. Troop kayaking sessions led to me joining a local canoe club. Then I started a career in the outdoor industry. I’ve paddled all over the world, including a descent of the Mountain River in Canada, in 2005. I’ve also led expeditions in Honduras, Ecuador, India, Iran, Kenya, Uganda and Peru. I really want to pass on just how big an impact the Movement can have on people and the places it can take them. Scouting opens doors to the big wide world of adventure.
GET ONBOARD All water activities operate under The Scout Association’s adventurous activity permit scheme. For advice on the management of these activities for your Scouts, speak to your local activities commissioner or use www.scouts.org.uk/ findanactivity
19/05/2011 15:50