Back in 2008, we held a ‘book launch weekend’ to celebrate the arrival of ‘South West Sea Kayaking’. The weekend was based at East Prawle in south Devon, and was a lot of fun. We did it again in 2009. Purely for want of a name, it became the South West Sea Kayaking Meet, and this appears to be becoming an annual event.
This year’s event is being held from 3rd to 5th September 2010.
- The weekend is non-profit-making (indeed I can think of one person who loses money on it, every year) and is run simply for the fun of it by volunteers. We will however raise some money for two local charities; Dartmoor Rescue Group and the Devon Air Ambulance.
- It’s an informal get-together of friends and soon-to-be friends. It’s not a Symposium or a Coaching Festival. There are no workshops or clinics. It’s just some people going paddling and getting together socially. I’ll do my best to make it all run smoothly (generously aided by volunteers) but don’t expect a tightly choreographed event. Think: ‘shambolic’.
- The weekend is aimed at folk who just want to go paddling and enjoy the wonderful south Devon coast. All abilities are welcome, but the paddling will not suit complete novices.
- On Saturday night, there will be an evening of talks in the hall attached to the wonderful Pig’s Nose Inn. The guest speakers will be invited purely because they’re entertaining and visually appealing; no Big Names and no dull-but-worthy PowerPoint lectures from Highly Respected Coaches, I’m afraid.
- PH Kayaks and Venture Kayaks are kindly supporting the weekend and will be offering a fleet demo kayaks for use on the water, each day.
- There will be a range of paddling trips on the Saturday and Sunday; there will be a choice of doing your own thing, or joining small guided groups, led by experienced volunteers. All paddlers participating accept full personal responsibility for their own safety (as frankly, you should do every time you go paddling…).
- We will be camping at Higher Farm, just along the road from the pub.
- You can eat at the pub, but previous experience has suggested that it isn’t well geared up for large numbers of paddlers descending upon it on the Saturday evening. I would suggest that you consider bringing your own food and cooking at the campsite. I will be bringing along a large group barbeque and you are welcome to cook on it. Please don’t disappear off to Kingsbridge on Saturday evening; the talks and pub get-together are the focus of the weekend.
- Everyone who would like to participate will need to donate £20; some of the money will pay for camping, anything left over will be added to the charity pot. It doesn’t matter if you are camping or not, staying one night or two, paddling one day or two, or indeed paddling or not. You will have to donate £20 if you are going to join us.
The event has room for limited numbers and will fill up on a first come, first served basis. If you are planning on coming, please confirm as soon as possible. You can do this in one of two ways…
1* Paypal £20 to mark@ukriversguidebook.co.uk and email me your details at the same time.
2* ‘Post’ a ‘cheque’ to Mark Rainsley, XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX and email me your details at the same time.
Note that I will be away from home in the Shetland Isles for at least a month between now and the event; however I will have access to email.
Any questions? Email me or post them here: South West Sea Kayaking on Facebook.
I will supply more information in due course. Watch this space and also here in the weeks to come!
Cheers,
Mark R
Some further details
The campsite is at Higher Farm in East Prawle village, South Devon. It is located (I’m quoting the owners here) 50 metres past the telephone box on the same side, heading towards the sea. It’s not a big village, you won’t struggle to find the farm.
It’s a farmer’s field with limited facilities, so please don’t expect Butlins! The owners ask for quiet in the evening and dogs must be tethered.
Whether or not you are camping, the event starts at 9.00 am on Saturday morning with a briefing in the camping field. If it’s raining, I have no idea how we’ll do this, but we’ll think of something no doubt. There will also be a similar briefing on the Sunday morning.
Hi Mark
I’d definately be interested in coming along to this and would be grateful if you could put my name down. When do you need money to be paid?
All the best.
Cathy
Hi Cathy – the answer is in the text above – ASAP.
Many thanks,
Mark Rainsley
What do the limited facilities in the farmers field consist of? Water tap? Hole in ground?
Chris
There is a toilet block. It may even be built by then.
Mark
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I am unable to attend the meet on the 3rd – 5th Sept but would really appreciate early notification of anything else you plan to do / hold on the Sea in the future.
regards, Simon Davis
Ok got it only took just under an hour please put me down for one place PHCC member if that helps sending cheque to yours hope you have a back door cos the front one will be jammed with cheques
Mark
Sounds great – please count me in.
Cheque on its way.
Hope camping is ok on the Friday eve?
Cheers
Jonathan
Hope there’s still places available. East Prawle is a great venue. cheque in the post,
Regards,
Phil Stocks
(Exeter Canoe Club Member)
Hi Mark,
Hope there are still a couple of places for the meet at East Prawle. Cheque in the post for 2, myself and Helen Shackleton.
Cheers
Lloyd Turner and Helen Shackleton
(Stroud Valleys Canoe Club)
Hi Mark,
Hope there is still space for 2 (arriving from Wiltshire at campsite on Friday night for 2 nights). Cheque on its way to you.
See you next weekend.
Anne Brosset & Glenn Parnell
(Thameswey Canoe Club – South Gloucestershire)