CSCC Reports 2010: CSSC Taster Day at Shepperton, 18^th May 2010

In mid-May the club put on a Taster Day to give CSSC members the opportunity to try their hand at paddling. Saturday was spent in transporting boats and equipment from Chiswick to Hamhaugh Island at Shepperton where we were using Cygnet Rowing Club's riverside bungalow as a base. The logistics took longer than expected but there was plenty of time for the attending club members to explore the old course of the River Wey before visiting the Old Crown at Weybridge for some and a circumnavigation of Desborough Island for others including Laurence and Nicola. Later, after testing the club's buoyancy aids, those of us staying in the bungalow sipped Pimms on the lawn overlooking the river as the sun went down and Stewart cooked an excellent barbecue for us.

On Sunday morning we were joined by 14 guests. After an initial warm-up session they were soon all on the water with Fiona and Martin coaching them in basic kayaking and open boating skills. After lunch the event concluded with a circumnavigation of Desborough Island. After loading the boats and equipment and clearing up the bungalow the club helpers repaired to the Thames Court for some well-earned refreshments. We concluded that the exercise had been a success. Thanks to Stephen, Fiona, Martin, Stewart, Dan, Mark, Eleanor, Richard S, Chris and Bridget. 

Bridget's photos here.