KI at Camelot

I would say it was quite an experience helping as KI at Camelot, for the fact that it is the first time I'm doing kayaking in really open water and the wind, waves, tidal flow and current is totally different from the previous places that I have went to. I think I just upped one level after teaching there for 3 full days. Not exactly 3 full days as the 2nd day was CAT 1 all the way, thus sea activities were all cancelled. I think i would not be blogging if it were really 3 full days of expedition.

Moreover teaching at a place which is totally new to me and meeting instructors with the different styles and patterns were also an experience. And i noticed that almost all, like 3/4 of the instructors including GIs have a pair of oakleys. At least that is one thing which all have in common.

First day of the expedition was quite screwed due to bad winds and bad tides. We paddled from Camelot to some food court in East Coast just after Bedok Jetty. The return journey was screwed as i was literally on a threadmill. As one of the back markers, i had to wait for the kids to catch up and I when i stopped, i went back to the same place that i was just 3 minutes ago. The expedition was not completed as everyone was threadmilling and i had to tow 2 kayaks to the place where they had beached up. Lucky safety boats were around or we would not even reach back after sun set. And i really know what it means to launch kayaks in places with waves. I guess I'm too spoilt by paddling at places that is literally like a swmming pool.

Slept on the abseiling tower in the first night. It was damn cool. Hung my hammock at some sheltered area on the abseiling tower. It was freaking cool as my hammock was facing the sky and the sea. It would have been cooler if the planes did not have to fly in and out of Changi Airport every 10 minutes.

The second day was screwed as I just mentioned. CAT 1 the whole day. Slack, slack and slack more. And its the first time i see a camp that has afternoon nap. Even though its not really normal, I think that everyone was over the moon when they could have an afternoon nap.

Third and final day was one of the better days. Slight drizzle, good tidal flows and mild winds. Cool weather with no sun, and most importantly, shorter distance to paddle. After learning our lesson, we decided to paddle to a nearer destination.

Well the people there were quite interesting, both the group instructors and kayaking instructors haha. Oh and I saw Mr Kuang, he is with CCAB now, and since the camp was organized by CCAB, well no surprises then.

There are more interesting stuff but shall not talk more.