As I am writing this, I still feel like I am in water… where subconsciously I still feel as if my body is rocking left and right. It is as if I am still riding with the waves on the kayak!
After being in the sea for six hours two days straight, tiredness is an understatement! From experiencing muscle aches to getting slightly sunburnt (should probably have put on more sunscreen), this two day kayak course was definitely not a smooth-sailing one (pun intended)! With that being said, it was easily one of the best experiences I had this year! Especially since the COVID-19 virus has hindered many activities from taking place at the start of 2020, I am extremely thankful we get to go on activities like these right now.
What to expect
I went through my 1 Star Kayaking Award Course with Singapore Canoe Federation at Kallang Water Sports Centre.
Technical skills you’ll be able to pick up (and be examined on) include lifting and carrying, launching and coming ashore, embarking and disembarking, forward paddling with directional control, reverse paddling with directional control, stopping, forward and reverse sweep strokes, planned capsizing, emptying of water, moving sideways (‘J’ draw and classic draw), stern rudder stroke (going in a straight line), low recovery and lastly, the most challenging one rafted ‘X’ rescue. Throughout the whole course, you’ll be using a single-seater kayak.
Personal Experience
The morning didn’t start off well. One hour before the reporting time, rain started pouring heavily, preventing us from going out into the water. Thankfully, the rain soon lightened into a drizzle and we finally got cracking! We started off with a theory lesson from the instructors, where I learnt the names and functions of each part of the kayak, the paddling strokes, proper ways to wear the personal floatation device (PFD) and safety precautions to take note of. You’ll also be taught how to safely enter and exit the kayak, as well as how to properly hold them when moving it from place to place, so as to avoid potential injuries. This gave me a personal throwback to Secondary 3 Outward Bound School (OBS) camp days.
At the start, you might find yourself struggling to kayak in a straight line. You may turn in circles or start bumping into your group mates’ kayaks (which is what happened to me) and that is completely normal! If you keep paddling against the wind direction, you’ll be able to manoeuvre your kayak to go as straight as possible!
Capsizing Drill
The most memorable part of the course was definitely the capsizing drills. We performed the rafted ‘X’ rescue three times in total for the whole course! It involved many technical steps including how to capsize, rescue a victim as well as assisting a rescuer. I was initially distressed at the thought of this exercise, as I didn’t know what to expect.
However, the instructors clearly explained the whole routine step-by-step, making sure all of us understood the process. If you were the ‘victim’, we were taught to look out for 3 ‘D’s: danger, depth and defensive position. Firstly, we had to ensure our surroundings were coast clear, with no nearby boats. Secondly, we had to check the depth of the water was deep enough so that we would not injure ourselves when capsizing. Lastly, the defensive position referred to keeping our paddle on the water next to us, while hugging the hull (bottom of the kayak). After crossing these checklists, then we could shake our boat to turn towards the side our paddle is placed. WIth the kayak flipped, we had to hit the kayak three times under water before coming up. Afterwards, then we shout ‘Help!’ where the rescuer and assistant will approach you to help!
As the rescuer, there were many steps to remember as well! The role is extremely important as you wouldn’t want the ‘victim’ to stay in the freezing water for too long! Firstly, you have to line your kayak in a T-position with the ‘victim’s kayak. While they grab onto your boat’s toggle, you should grab onto the bow of their kayak. With the assistant, both of you will have to bring up the kayak, in an upside down position, onto both your kayaks with all your might! Perform the see-saw move and shake the water in the kayak all out! Upon hearing the gush of water pouring down, the kayak is good to go!
Before the rescuer and assistant flip over the kayak, make sure the victim’s legs are on the kayak to protect themselves from getting hit! Then, place the kayak next to the rescuer’s side and the victim can now proceed to push their body up into the boat!
It was definitely a thrilling experience for me as I went from being afraid to capsize on the first round to enjoying it at the end! Initially, water rushed up my nose and entered my mouth, making me feel distressed. I even almost lost a side of my shoe while getting out of the boat underwater! However, you will soon get the hang of it and overcome the difficulties! I could definitely feel myself improving for both the capsizing and rescuing portion over time. During the capsizing drill, it is probably when you will grow closer to your group mates because everyone is cheering each other on and helping each other out! The sense of fulfilment you will get after everyone gets through it together just feels very rewarding.
If you have no swimming experience, do not be afraid! The PFD will be more than sufficient to keep you afloat comfortably in water. Additionally, the instructors are always near you to ensure your safety! Trust them and yourself and just have fun out there! Besides the capsizing drill, you can look forward to learning all the strokes mentioned above. The instructor will make sure to go through each of them slowly and give you time to practise as well. During which, they will give you constructive feedback on what you are doing it right or wrong!
Reflections
I don’t regret this experience despite the aches in my arms and thighs! I learnt so much in the span of 2 days and exceeded my own expectations by travelling a significant amount of distance on water for 6 hours straight on each day! What makes this whole course better is the amazing scenery at Kallang River. You will kayak from Kallang towards the Marina area, where you will witness the view of Singapore Flyer, Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay.
The instructors I have met were extremely friendly and helpful! Am very thankful for their guidance and patience throughout, making the course a really memorable and fun one. Do not hesitate to ask your instructors any questions you may have!
Whether you are looking for a family activity to do, or hoping to pick up a new skill/water sport, consider going for the 1 Star Kayaking course! The minimum age to participate is 12 years old so parents with children ages above that could spend a weekend there for some family bonding time!
Tips:
- Remember to apply loads of sunscreen if you do not want to look like a lobster after the course.
- Report early on the first day to report your attendance and ask the instructors any questions you may have.
- The whole course is 6 hours on each day, with no meal breaks in between, so remember to eat before coming down! Not too full though because you do not want to puke!
- Always exercise safety to avoid risking others’ and your own life.
- Be proactive and enthusiastic!
- Have fun!
