On the 3rd of September 2021, 3 2nd Lieutenants, 25 Officer Cadets (OCdts) and one Permanent Staff instructor (PSI) from Sheffield and Leeds UOTC of the Yorkshire Officer Training Regiment travelled up to the Lake District for a week of Adventure Training, delivered by 6 coaches from both inside and outside of the regiment, and supported by a field kitchen with 2 Chefs provided by 37 Signals Regiment. Once split into groups of Kayakers and Canoers, the OCdts were eager to be given their kit and finally get on the water.
Day 1 took place on Ullswater where basic strokes and techniques were taught such as the correct way to accelerate, turn and brake, which was essential as some of the OCdts had never been canoeing/kayaking before the trip.
The remaining days were all spent around Lake Windermere, with amazing weather for the time of year and clear blue skies. On day 2 OCdts went to the southern end of the lake, and practiced more advanced techniques, such as the Indian stroke for canoeing, which allows for almost silent movement through the water.
By the end of day 2, many groups were confident enough in their skills to start playing games such as water polo, Stuck in the Mud or even Kayak Tug o’ War on the lake!
The second half of the week brought along with it brilliant sunny skies and warm weather, giving OCdts the opportunity to continue developing their skills, with several of them even successfully learning how to conduct rolls by themselves.
This trip was one of the most challenging AT trips I have been on. I started off not knowing much of how to kayak and could barely paddle in a straight line. However, over the course of 4 days, I was taught the basic skills of paddling and felt my ability improve greatly.
We learnt multiple different paddling styles including, how to turn and correct yourself, how to paddle backwards and how to paddle with only one blade. We also learnt about the dangers of kayaking and different risks that need to be avoided such as trees and branches and low water levels.
I was apprehensive about this trip as I am not the greatest fan of open water and going under water made me uncomfortable, but the instructors were extremely patient and helpful as they worked with me to improve my self-rescue abilities. In the days, OCdts took in the beautiful lakes whilst paddling and spent the evenings resting and recuperating with good food by a campfire, giving them the perfect balance between excitement and time off that Adventure Training provides.
It was an extremely relaxed environment which was great after a hard day of paddling. Everyone really enjoyed this AT experience and we are excited at the prospect of similar trips in the future.
A total of 12 members of Yorkshire Officer Training Regiment achieved the Open Canoe Foundation (O2F) and 17 the Kayak Foundation (K2F) Qualifications and all plan to continue on their paddling journey. The Regiment hopes to deliver more of this style of Adventurous Training, potentially setting up Officer Cadets to become instructors in the future.
The Expedition was made possible with generous funding support from a number of sources, including the Ulysses Trust, and YOTR is grateful for the ongoing support they provide to allow challenging and enjoyable AT to be delivered.
Write up from 2Lt Parker and Officer Cadets Cannon and Snaith
Click on the images below to see a larger slideshow version
