During the weekend of 02-04 Aug 2024 some 15 cadets with 4 supporting staff descended on the Thames in Oxford at the watersports facility owned by Cokethorpe School (where one of the accompanying RAFAC staff runs a Summer Paddlesport Scheme over the school holidays). The activity was aimed at newer cadets who have not started their DofE journeys, introducing the idea of DofE Expeditions on water as well as having a fun weekend where they would learn new skills, both water-based and camping.
Day 1 started with a safety brief, safety kit fitting and familiarization with the site and equipment. The cadets then had taster sessions in open canoe, kayak and paddleboard delivered by the two coaches Flt Lt Hill and CI Osborn with help from Flt Lt Beal. The sessions were a mix of skills learning and games to consolidate the skills on a moving water environment, with cadets rotating between the craft throughout the day. The weather was kind and meant there was an opportunity for some jumping in from an oversized paddle board on reaching the school pontoon and camping area. The day ended with a trip to the school for showers and then shopping for a well-earned BBQ.
Day 2 was much more journey-focused and started with a session on how to pack for a waterborne expedition, both the dry bags supplied and the craft. The cadets then chose their craft of choice for the first part of the journey from the Paddlesport Centre to Northmoor Lock. The route was winding and the teams had to use communication skills to avoid motorized craft on the Thames and couple of capsizes meant work for the coaches and the more competent paddlers helping rescue the swimmers and kit, but the cadets worked really well together to make it a safe morning.
While lunch was taken at the Lock, the cadets also needed a lock explained. A craft passing through whilst we were there meant that some of the cadets helped operate the lock for them which was appreciated. The cadets re-packed and then all swapped to a new craft for the return journey. By now the wind had picked up a little and we were paddling into what flow there was, so the cadets had to employ new skills to trim the craft differently and use foliage along the river to take out the worst of the wind, avoiding the centre of the river where possible. No further capsizes meant there was a bit of time for some water-based games when we got back to the centre before the cadets had to drop camp and head home.
A thoroughly enjoyable weekend that the cadets really enjoyed as well as learning lots of new skills, not just how to paddle different craft, but team-work, safety, communication to enable a journey akin to a DofE expedition. As a result the cadets are keen to venture into the world of water based DofE in 2025. The weekend was made possible by the financial support of the Ulysses Trust and RAF Charitable Trust along with Cokethorpe School community outreach program for which we are most grateful.
Quotes
“This is the best thing I have done since joining cadets and I am well up for a water based DofE Expedition next year – it will be amazing!”
Cdt L 1401 Sqn
“It was so nice to use some of the skills and qualifications I have worked hard to get and to see the cadets enjoying themselves and keen to do more makes it so worthwhile.”
CI J 140 Sqn
The Ulysses Trust also wish to thank the generosity of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust for supporting this expedition. www.rafct.com
