During August 2024, 6 Cadets took part in the first canoeing DofE Expedition organised by Kent Wing Air Cadets in over 15 years. This Expedition would see the Cadets complete a training programme designed to equip them with the skills to paddle their canoes before taking on their 30km Journey from Tonbridge to Allington on the River Medway.
On 6th & 7th July 2024 the cadets took part in a Paddle UK Paddle Explore Award in their Canoes. This training included forwards, backwards and sideways paddling, how to prepare for and plan safe trips on the water in Canoes and how to complete rescues of capsized Canoes whilst on their DofE. All of the Cadets passed this course and gained Explore Award Certificates.
On 17th July 2024 The group met in order to plan routes, menus and aims/objectives of their expedition. During this session, the Cadets studied maps of the river and outlined their routes, dangers on the river, escape plans and start/finish points. The Cadets also decided the aim of their expedition would be to document the locks of the River Medway and planned a details menu for their 3 day assessed expedition.
On 26th to 28th July the Cadets completed a practice expedition in order to prepare for their assessed expedition. The Cadets camped overnight a local Air Cadet Squadron on 26th July where their skills in cooking and campcraft were put to the test as they demonstrated their abilities to Staff. On 27th July the Cadets paddled a short section of the River Medway which included a number of ‘Canoe Chutes’ which were paddled by all of the Cadets. The Cadets camped out overnight at a campsite on the banks on the Medway and paddled back to the start on 28th July, but not before completing a number of canoe rescues to refine their skills before their assessed expedition.
On 9th to 11th August the Cadets took part in their Assessed Silver Expedition and paddled from Tonbridge to Allington whilst being remotely supervised by Staff.
Day 1 – The Cadets paddled from Tonbridge to East Peckham and navigated a number of Canoe Chutes whilst journeying along the River Medway. During this journey the Cadets researched and documented all of the locks which they passed on the River. The Cadets camped overnight in a campsite located next to the river.
Day 2 – The Cadets paddled from East Peckham to East Farleigh and navigated a number of locks and canoe chutes again. The Cadets paddled through the Kent countryside and had encounters with a number of birds whilst continuing with their aim of documenting locks. The Cadets camped overnight at a local squadron located near to the River.
Day 3 – The Cadets paddled from East Farleigh to Alington Lock to complete the third and final day of their assessed expedition. The Cadets paddled through the centre of the Town of Maidstone and finished their expedition being the first Cadets in Kent Wing to have completed a DofE Expedition on Canoes for a number of years.
The Cadets worked well as a team during their training and expedition to portage canoes, navigate the river, rescue each other and cook/camp. All 6 of the Cadets gained confidence in their paddling ability and experienced the joy and pleasure of touring on Canoes. This expedition had a positive impact on the Cadets, who have expressed their desire to complete more expeditions on the water. This expedition was a big test for the Staff in Kent Wing and has shown that they are capable of organising and running water-based expeditions.
One of the Cadets said “This was an amazing experience. I completed my Bronze DofE expedition as a walking expedition and really struggled due to having pain in my knees. Having the option to complete my Silver expedition by canoe, completely changed my outlook of doing my DofE expedition. The expedition was challenging, but great fun and I would highly recommend this all other Cadets in our Wing.”
Due to the success of this expedition, the Staff Team in Kent Wing are now looking to plan and organise a Gold Expedition in 2025, looking to complete this on a touring river such as the Wye.
The Ulysses Trust also wish to thank the generosity of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust for supporting this expedition. www.rafct.com
