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 1st UK Storm Gathering - Participant FeedbackModerators: Mark Jump to page : 1 Now viewing page 1 [50 messages per page] | View previous thread :: View next thread |
| Course Calendar -> 1st UK Storm Gathering Sea Kayak Symposium | Message format |
Mark |
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Location: North Wales | If you have any feedback regarding the Storm Gathering that was held on the Ross of Mull, please post your thoughts here Don't be shy in coming forward if you have any suggestions on what would improve the next event Many thanks to all those who attended and the guest coaches who supported the symposium (Christina.JPG) Attachments ----------------  Christina.JPG (109KB - 306 downloads) | ||
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| Carl Meade |
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| Thank you for a great weekend at the Storm Gathering, I hope the rest of the week went as well as the weekend (with possibly a little less wind!) Sorry I did not have a chance to fill in a questionaire so I thought I would post you a few comments: The communication before the event and the teaching were excellent, at the event I was a little worried that I was unable to eat before the meeting on the Sunday until I saw the size of the spread. As the weather seems so keen to co-operate with the title maybe next year should be called a calm gathering! My only real comment for improvement is that accommodation, food and the meeting hall were spread over a large area, which caused a couple of minor problems as I had got a lift from Oban to save on the ferry. Hopefully Lewis will be large enough for us all to be withi walking distance of restaurents, accomodation and the meeting hall. I believe it would be better if future events were held at a youth hostel large enough to house everyone who does not want to camp, Uig comes to mind although I must admit I am not sure what is like for such things as parking at the potential put ins. I have never been to Orkney but Kirkwall may also be suitable. Thanks again for all your hard work, it is appreciated (Carl Meade.JPG) Attachments ---------------- Carl Meade.JPG (136KB - 297 downloads) | |||
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| John Willacy |
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| Mark Congratulations on the success of the Storm Gathering, it sounds as if everyone had a good time - I've seen some impressive photos. Unfortunately I couldn't get away for that weekend, but maybe next time... John (Storm Paddler.JPG) Attachments ---------------- Storm Paddler.JPG (80KB - 284 downloads) | |||
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| Tim Parish |
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| Mark, Just to, once again, say a huge thanks for the efforts you must have put in to organise the 1st UK Storm Gathering. You, and your team of coaches, made the best of the weather and the adaptability of the programme made the event extremely memorable and worthwhile. I will certainly be attending the next one if I can, but the guys from Stornaway have an extremely hard act to follow! Well done and thank you. Regards, Tim (and Vivienne) Parish (Viv Parish.jpg) Attachments ---------------- Viv Parish.jpg (221KB - 280 downloads) | |||
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| Simon Willis |
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| Mark Congratulations for organising a great symposium in adverse conditions! By the time you get home, there should be a small padded envelope waiting for you. I've enhanced the symposium photos, tweaking levels and sharpness. There are also some shots you don't have which I snapped on the way out. They're done as iPhoto images, so the disc is sorted into folders - feel free to use as you wish, although where possible a credit would be nice. I've put a few of them on the web - if you're sending a mass e-mail to all the folk who went, please point them here and they might see themselves. The files are small-ish but good enough to right click and save onto their own computers. http://homepage.mac.com/simon.willis/SeaKakayRoutes.com/Menu149.htm... Only ten days of sound editing to do! I'll let you know when I've something you can hear. Thanks again for your help. Simon http://www.SeaKayakRoutes.com (Uisken-2.jpg) Attachments ---------------- Uisken-2.jpg (181KB - 282 downloads) | |||
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| Ann Turner |
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| Hi Mark, Many thanks for organising a fantastic symposium. Our only regret was that we could only attend over the weekend. The 1st UK Storm Gathering has certainly set a difficult standard for all to follow. I think the fact that you specified no trailers was a good move and I'm sure the people of Mull would back this up. Although not able to participate in the sessions which had been organised, we could see and appreciate that planning and thought to weather/ capabilites and personal goals were all taken into consideration. I was also impressed when I overheard people on several occasions being encouraged to push their boundaries in order to gain the most from the event. Personally I thought this was excellent, I have slowly been building my confidence back up over the past two years in kayaking and I know how important it is to be encouraged and pushed towards improvement and what better time to do it when you are surrounded by such excellent coaches. Hopefully you to were able to eventually relax and end enjoy the event yourself. Many thanks Ann Turner Teal Engineering Services Ltd 45 Hillhead Coylton Ayrshire KA6 6JT T : 01292 571019 F : 01292 571338 www.teal-es.co.uk (Geoff & Ann Turner.JPG) Attachments ---------------- Geoff & Ann Turner.JPG (111KB - 291 downloads) | |||
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| Debbie Shann |
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| Hi Mark, A fantastic symposium was had - very many thanks and well done for all that organisation. you will need a bit of a holiday now I'd guess. Phil and I are still chattering about it and planning a final paddle for the year (we are the fair-weather variety I'm afraid). Thanks again, and very best wishes, Debbie. (Debbie Shann.JPG) Attachments ---------------- Debbie Shann.JPG (108KB - 310 downloads) | |||
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| Jim Savege |
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| A great weekend, ideal conditions for what was intended, and a good gathering of some amazing folk. A spectacular talk from Patrick about his journey this summer from Glasgow to Muckle Flagga via a series of 11 open crossings, including Fair Isle to Shetland in a F7 taking shelter by paddliing in the trough of the waves... I managed to see more friends and people from North Wales that weekend on Mull that you would normally see in a month back home! Hats off to Mark for making it happen, and looking forward to next year with Mike and the gang on Lewis - dates in mid October, I think. (Towards The Burg.jpg) Attachments ---------------- Towards The Burg.jpg (87KB - 308 downloads) | |||
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| Adrian J Pullin |
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| Hi Mark, Excellent job. Didn't do any of the things I'd planned (Round Iona, Staffa, Fossil tree). Did loads of other things, including pushing my boundaries significantly and eating haggis for the first time (or is that pushing a boundary?)! Particular thanks to the coaches who helped me: Claire, Ken, Nick, Aled, Cailean. I thought the facilities were excellent. I also thought that the pub and most of the accomodation was within walking distance, at least if you weren't carrying a boat. When I sort out a repository, I'll post my photos. Cheers (Knifty and Her Crew.jpg) Attachments ---------------- Knifty and Her Crew.jpg (178KB - 278 downloads) | |||
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| Warren Parker |
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| It was a great experience to come over from New York and to see what paddling is like in Scotland I just wish there had been more time in the day to cover everything but that's life The coaches were friendly and knowledgeable, Mark made an effort to talk to people and the conditions were suitably challengeing for an event with the name Storm Gathering To all the Brits we got to know, thank you for making us feel to welcome We'll be back for more next year (Warren Parker - 1.JPG) Attachments ---------------- Warren Parker - 1.JPG (159KB - 296 downloads) | |||
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| Tom Thomas |
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| Simple put, the event had a friendly atmosphere with excellent coaches that were caring and helpful. The programme was well organised and flexible enough to cope with the varying conditions I was very satisfied with the organisation and delivery of this symposium. The location used was excellent All the best for future events (Tom Thomas.JPG) Attachments ---------------- Tom Thomas.JPG (118KB - 270 downloads) | |||
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| Carolyn McGregor |
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| It was all excellent, from pre-event arrangements to actually being there There was a wonderful breadth of background skills/ specialities of the coaches - what a fantastic group of people! Symposium content, evening lectures, location (for kayaking/ the amenities/ the local community/ the weather) was all brilliant The Storm Gathering was fantastic. Thank you for making the event such a rewarding and memorable occasion - I've come away a better paddler! (Carolyn McGregor.JPG) Attachments ---------------- Carolyn McGregor.JPG (99KB - 291 downloads) | |||
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| Taino Almestica |
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| Mark, what an awesome event How pleased am I to be the first Puerto Rican to be at the 1st UK Storm Gathering The paddling in Scotland is worlds away from the Hudson so thank you for putting together such a great symposium that inspired me to come over The guest coaches were friendly, Criech Hall made for a useful focal point and the community atmosphere helped me and Warren feel part of things It was great and I hope we paddle again someday (Taino Almestica.jpg) Attachments ---------------- Taino Almestica.jpg (120KB - 262 downloads) | |||
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| Margaret Pearson |
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| Overall I thought that symposium programme and facilities were good, held in an excellent location There were lots of guest coaches with plenty of trip and workshops options. I learned lots from Ken Lacey & Stuart Wagstaff at Uisken on Saturday, from Jeff Allan's incident management on Sunday, and I really enjoyed the trip to Iona with Aled Williams and Mark Jardine on Monday I think it went really well and was very satisfied with the organsiation and delivery of the Storm Gathering. I had a great time and everyone else seemed to as well (Uisken-1.JPG) Attachments ---------------- Uisken-1.JPG (163KB - 269 downloads) | |||
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| Richard McEvoy |
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| Hi mark, What an excellent week. well organised, excellent communication, inspiring presentations with superb buffet. The week has inspired me that much I feel I need to get out more. I have now booked for the Isle of Lewis and plan to take a minibus and trailor to encourge others and to help with logistics. I would like to thank you for your support and development of the 1st UK Storm Gathering. The coaches were excellent and thank them all for there input in my personal development as a sea kayaking coach. Keep up the good work Mark and all the Guest coaches. See you on the ocean some time Have a good'n Richard McEvoy (Richard McEvoy.JPG) Attachments ---------------- Richard McEvoy.JPG (130KB - 273 downloads) | |||
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| Douglas Wilcox |
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| Hello Mark, I thought the whole event had a fantastic atmosphere. On reflection there is absolutely nothing I would have liked to see done differently. So thank you to you and all who contributed to its success. Douglas :o) seakayakphoto.com PS elsewhere, Simon Willis has posted a picture of me in a blue Rockpool with white starfish. I do not look very happy! I was actually feeling very happy, it was just I was a wee bit tired, it was the first time I had been out for about 7 weeks after being ill. My GPS track showed I had paddled out of Uisken Bay into the SW wind and swell about 30 times! (061009IMG_0059uk.jpg) (061008gpsmapuk.jpg) (061008gpsmapmarketuk.jpg) (061007IMGP2491uk.jpg) (061007IMG_0043uk.jpg) (061007IMG_0041uk.jpg) (061007IMG_0040uk.jpg) (061006IMG_0024uk.jpg) (061006IMG_0008uk.jpg) (061006DSC01892uk.jpg) (061006DSC01876uk.jpg) (061006DSC01865uk.jpg) (061006DSC01861uk.jpg) (061006DSC01859uk.jpg) (061006DSC01849uk.jpg) Attachments ---------------- 061009IMG_0059uk.jpg (35KB - 295 downloads) 061008gpsmapuk.jpg (98KB - 264 downloads) 061008gpsmapmarketuk.jpg (69KB - 272 downloads) 061007IMGP2491uk.jpg (68KB - 275 downloads) 061007IMG_0043uk.jpg (57KB - 286 downloads) 061007IMG_0041uk.jpg (66KB - 277 downloads) 061007IMG_0040uk.jpg (43KB - 264 downloads) 061006IMG_0024uk.jpg (55KB - 249 downloads) 061006IMG_0008uk.jpg (39KB - 271 downloads) 061006DSC01892uk.jpg (64KB - 262 downloads) 061006DSC01876uk.jpg (55KB - 279 downloads) 061006DSC01865uk.jpg (66KB - 262 downloads) 061006DSC01861uk.jpg (59KB - 285 downloads) 061006DSC01859uk.jpg (48KB - 258 downloads) 061006DSC01849uk.jpg (49KB - 276 downloads) | |||
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| Ollie jay |
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| Thanks Mark, The boy did good! Great to meet you at last, thanks for all your work Ollie - Active4seasons All my photos will be available to download ffrom my web album at: http://s7.photobucket.com/albums/y276/active4seasons/ .............. once I have had a chance to load them. Weekend sounds good, Thanks again, Ollie Anyone in the Northumberland area give me a shout and we can get out for a paddle. (Mick Berwick - Olly Jay Collection.jpg) Attachments ---------------- Mick Berwick - Olly Jay Collection.jpg (140KB - 294 downloads) | |||
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| Howard Maliver |
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| Well done Mark, a fantastic weekend which must have given you nighmares to organise. You have certainly set a good benchmark for next years event in Lewis. Hopefully we will see you there. Howard (Stornoway CC.jpg) Attachments ---------------- Stornoway Storm Gathering.pdf (118KB - 276 downloads) Stornoway CC.jpg (14KB - 294 downloads) | |||
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| Christobel Fallon |
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| Dear Mark, It was really such an exciting weekend on the Ross of Mull and offshore! To be met at the pier with a friendly smile and "You must be Christobel" was such a lovely surprise. Top marks to organisation and encouragement given .I learned such a lot in the 3 days on the water. Please convey my thanks to our coaches Stuart, Ken, Fiona and Axel each of whom gave of their time and very qieutly helped me to improve my techniques and especially my confidence. I came away only sorry that I had not had a sample of the gear and repairs and all the other "dry" sessions that were hovering in the background--but then there is only so much one can do in a long weekend! I hope the rest of the week was splendid and I look forward to Lewis next year. The slide -talks were very inspiring the food on the sunday was lavishly plentiful Thanks a million Mark. See you next year hopefully. Kind Regards Christobel  (Christobel Fallon.JPG) Attachments ---------------- Christobel Fallon.JPG (116KB - 284 downloads) | |||
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| Clive Merrifield |
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| Thanks Mark for organising an event in October. The weather gods gave us just the right conditions to put old and new skills to the test. It was our first time on Mull and with the diversity of places to paddle managed to get out everyday that week which was great. We even felt duty bound to spend an hour or so cleaning the beach at Uisken. Just a thought but may I suggest that on Lewis next year,maybe not as part of the symposium curriculum but those that might be staying a little longer do the same. With a little organisation I'm sure we could make difference to beaches not easily accesible by land .We did feel better for it afterwards, honest !! and its always good for PR. Clive Merrifield Somerset Sea Monkeys (Somerset Sea Monkeys.jpg) Attachments ---------------- Somerset Sea Monkeys.jpg (117KB - 275 downloads) | |||
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| Rob Avery |
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| Mark, what a wonderful event and venue! While the UK is my home country, coming over from Seattle gives me great appreciation for the seriousness of Sea Kayaking. I love the open coast so now I can add Scotland to my list… I will be back! All your guest coaches where absolutely fabulous and the Islanders warm and friendly. I only wish I could have made the best use of the 3-day symposium, but trying my hand at the 5* skills took precedent. May be next time on Lewis! BTW: If anyone wants to come paddle the Pacific NW, experience true remote wilderness and see killer whale you are all welcome. All the best & keep the dry-side up. Rob Avery Bainbridge Island, WA USA rob@kayakkraft.com (Rob Avery.JPG) Attachments ---------------- Rob Avery.JPG (216KB - 290 downloads) | |||
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| Mark Pryor |
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| Mark Thanks for organising a great weekend on Mull. The coachs where great and so was guest speakers. I have been inspired to return to Scotland for more sea paddling. A little windy but that what you want for a storm gathering, luckly the tent stayed up. Hope to see you all next year. Regards Mark (Bunessan-1.jpg) Attachments ---------------- Bunessan-1.jpg (109KB - 271 downloads) | |||
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| Mark Jardine |
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| Hi Mark, Very good event, I enjoyed it very much. For me it was a great sight to see all these kayaks on the roofs of cars clustered round the hall, and better still to meet the folk and paddle with them and catch up with the scene in general. Despite the weather everyone got out there and had a good time. Well done for all your work, I think it payed off handsomely. I hope you went home and had a rest! Best wishes, Mark J (Attendees.jpg) Attachments ---------------- Attendees.jpg (127KB - 265 downloads) | |||
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| Martin Rasgauskis |
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| Hi Mark, Congratulation on a wonderful event and many thanks on all the hard work you have put in to make it happen, I am still buzzing from it. One slight suggestion I would like to make is, it is a long way to go there for some people for only three days if one is not interested in star training or coaching afterwards. Once the weekend finishes there appeared to be no organised paddles to do for people who stayed on. For the Isle of Lewis I thought if one could have it on the lines of the Jersey symposium a three day main event only 4 star and than informal paddling and socialising, for the rest of the week. Once again many thanks yours in paddling, Martin (Martin R & Justine C.jpg) Attachments ---------------- Martin R & Justine C.jpg (191KB - 287 downloads) | |||
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| John Hearne |
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| As a newcomer to sea kayaking I wasn't sure what to expect from Mark's invitation to join the Symposium on the Isle of Mull. Given the title of the event I thought I'd be out of my depth and landlocked, whilst all the 'Old men of the sea' battled it out on the white water. How wrong I was. Set in a beautiful location on the Ross of Mull, clearly the inaugural event was to succeed given the right mix of weather, location, but more importantly the common passion of the people who attended the event. The assembled range of skills and experience was diverse, there was something for everyone. I can honestly say I enjoyed every aspect of the symposium, from the excellent evening lectures, to the wide variety of practical sessions available, ranging from boat repair, navigation and planning, through to preparation for various certification levels. For me, a priority was attending Freyas rolling clinic. I need not describe Freyas dedication, or teaching style, suffice to say all her students that day successfully rolled by the end of their session with her. I particularly enjoyed meeting a variety of people with different skills and experience, all of whom were enthusiastic, and happy to teach and pass on their knowledge. I was struck by the diversity of what some paddlers have achieved, and how different a good day on the water can be for us all. I now know where I sit in the spectrum, and what I want to achieve myself. I was certainly stretched for a moment or two, but it was reassuring to paddle with Jeff and Aled. I look forward to next years event on the Outer Hebrides (Lewis), and hopefully some familiar faces. (John Hearne.JPG) Attachments ---------------- John Hearne.JPG (159KB - 302 downloads) | |||
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