Cuil Bay, Duror

Track: Martin Basil

Pic: Martin Basil

A lovely evening at Cuil Bay saw Martin and Liz Basil, Ken and Liz Stevenson and Colin McCormick head off for Balnagowan Island where a few seals were there to greet us. Martin and Liz had tea on the island while the others set of on a circumnavigation – much to the annoyance of the seagulls who were noisily protecting their young “fluff ball” chicks which were clearly visible scampering along the rocks. We all met up again for the return journey by which time there was enough swell to make for an interesting return crossing and also, enough wind to keep the midges away. A very pleasant paddle.

LYC Regatta

Nevis Canoe Club took part in LYC Regatta week again this year, offering people the chance to come out and try a bit of paddling before sampling the LYC BBQ.

Around 35 people turned out on a pretty calm and clear night and paddles were organised for different levels of age and ability.  Some even went for a swim in the loch!

Pic: Allan Lindsay

Pic: Allan Lindsay

Pic: Ken Stevenson

Pic: Allan Lindsay

Come and Try Paddling! This Thursday!

No regular Tuesday paddle this week however as part of the annual Regatta, Lochaber Yacht Club and Nevis Canoe Club are combining to organise a "come and try it” night on Thursday 19th June 2014 at 7pm at the Yacht Club on Achintore Road.

We will have Sea Kayaks, GP kayaks, Canoes, buoyancy aids, paddles and some spray decks (all courtesy of OB Loch Eil), but not wet suits or other personal gear.  Prepare to get wet, but hopefully you won’t!  Changing facilities in LYC.

Some sailing boats will also be available and LYC will be able to offer ‘come and try’ sailing trips on the night.  Wet suits are advised for these trips just in case!

Catering, ie burgers, kebabs, beer, wine, and soft drinks will be for sale from around 6.30pm

Adult beginners and visitors are welcome and will be given club membership for the night. Juniors, accompanied by a responsible adult, are also welcome.

Two or possibly three safety boats will be on the water in addition to some more experienced paddlers acting as organisers.  The current plan (subject to weather) is:

1. Total first timers and juniors on the water close to the slipway from 7pm.
2. An organised paddle along the Fort William seafront for those with a little experience, departing at 7.30pm.
3. A longer organised paddle for those with more experience departing at 7.30pm.  Dependant on the prevailing wind, this will either visit Stronchreggan and Conaglen or circumnavigate the islands around Corpach.

Afterwards, a bit of a social in the LYC clubhouse.

Arrive at LYC changed and ready for kick off at 7pm.  Any queries please call on 01397 703711or 07780 546191 or email me on allan-lindsay@tiscali.co.uk.

Tues Eve Paddle 3rd June 2014 Outward Bound Locheil

Ben Nevis from the slip and pontoon of Outward Bound Locheil

We organised the outing here to coincide with the last session for beginners being run at the centre.

As we paddled accross the loch this gave the oppportunity to have a chat about how the Tues eve paddles work and to encourage any on the course to come and join in.

After the volunteer instructors had left 7 of us headed over to the Narrows, then came back with the tide. Packing up was as fast as we could while doing battle withthe midges.