This week’s discussion point from me is about paddling checks and preparation. The cooler months can often be a great time to thoroughly check our kit if we’re not paddling and give our grey matter a great boost of paddling and outdoors knowledge. We could check that the craft and paddles that we use are clean, dry and free from damage, repairing and making adjustments if and where necessary. When was the last time you thoroughly checked your buoyancy aid and other safety equipment? Give them a little TLC! Do you have and carry a safety or group bag or perhaps a general dry bag with your usual paddle gear? Take this opportunity to check through its contents and ensure that all is well and as it should be. Clothing – do you have all that you need for the seasons that you paddle? Some retail therapy may be in order to chase the lockdown blues away! We could brush up on our knowledge – dust off those books on that forgotten shelf, take a look at some instructional and development videos online or do some research on your current or perhaps an altogether different paddling discipline. Are there some awards or qualifications that you fancy doing? This could be an ideal time to consider if we have the knowledge and skills to put ourselves forward for these and look into and contact some local providers who could run these for us.

What else could we be doing?

What other checks and maintenance would you recommend for this period that we are unable to be on the water?

If you’re thinking of developing your knowledge – what subject areas are you planning to cover and how?

Any books or websites that you would recommend for fellow paddlers whether new, beginner or experienced to take a look at for any of the above areas?