A joyous return to paddling after pandemic measures.
Paddlers enjoyed perfect conditions for the first paddling session of 2021 which was delayed for a week by strong winds the previous week. Sunshine and calm conditions made for a gorgeous day of paddling.
The covid-19 safe paddling plans carefully risk assessed by the trustees worked well. Three socially distanced, pre-booked paddling sessions took place during the day with groups kept separate.
Roz, Peter and John helmed the three sessions and did safety talks and paddling instructions and techniques for both newer and more experienced paddlers. This was valuable as most paddlers have not been able to paddle for 18 months.
Here are photos of the three paddling groups.
Group 2 safety talk and paddling technique.
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Group 2 paddling technique and helm instructions.
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Group 2 paddling technique.
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Dressing the boat and preparing to move to the slip way.
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Moving the dragon boat to the slip way.
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Ready to launch the dragon boat on Windermere.
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Dragon boat launch on Windermere.
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Taking paddling positions in the boat.
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Ready to cast off for the first paddle after lock down.
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A beautiful day for paddling on Windermere.
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Bracing the dragon boat.
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Learning timing with stroke pair.
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A moment of refection.
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Happy to be paddling at last.
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Good technique for paddlers newer and more experienced.
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Rebuilding strength and fitness.
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‘Attention’, ready to paddle.
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Calm conditions for a first paddle.
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Stretches for tired muscles in a cool down.
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Gentle paddle to the pontoon.
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The boat is dressed and ready for the water.
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Waiting for a space on a busy slip way.
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Another team on board the dragon boat.
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Off we go.
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A tour of Low Wood bay.
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Instructions from the helm.
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Bracing the dragon boat for stability.
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A moment to reflect.
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Vertical paddles for maximum power.
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Good to paddle as a change from helming.
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At last a chance to paddle.
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Enjoying glorious Windermere in calmer conditions.
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Enjoying glorious Windermere.
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Getting into a paddling rhythm.
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Introduce yourself to the the team.
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Introduce yourself to the the team.
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Concentrating on technique.
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Experienced paddlers.
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Watching stroke pair.
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A chance to practice paddling technique.
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A moment of respite.
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Paddles buried in the water for power.
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Perfect timing.
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Getting the boat off of the slipway.
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Safety talk and ‘buddy’ system.
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Basic paddling stroke reminder.
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Paddling technique review.
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Pre paddle ‘warm up’!
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Boarding from the pontoon.
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Boarding from the pontoon.
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Ready to leave the pontoon.
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Ready to paddle.
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Backward paddling to manouver the dragon boat.
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Practice the ‘drawing’ paddle stroke.
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Practice the ‘drawing’ paddle stroke.
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Brace the boat.
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A splendid sight for lakeside visitors.
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Rehydrate on a hot day.
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A good place to be.
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Another moment of rest.
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A moment of rest.
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A moment to enjoy the striking landscape.
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Our stunning paddling location.
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It is good to be back on the water.
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It is good to be back on the water.
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Good timing from paddlers newer and more experienced.
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It was busy on Windermere and there were waves from power boats to navigate.
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Getting back into the rhythm of paddling.
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Many members took other roles ensuring covid-19 safety by signing people in and cleaning boats and equipment with members heeding the covid-19 signage and used the sanitisers.
What a fabulous day we had on Sunday . I had the privilege of paddling with old friends and new on the 11.30am slot . It was a joy to be back on the water after such a long break away from the boat and the camaraderie of the team . I look forward to being with you all again very soon .
Paddles Up
Eve 💗💗💗💗💗
Thank you Nick for recording this momentous day in photos. We all moved forward together safely to our “new normal” and made new friends and buddies. Also seeing great buddies missed this last 18 months. It was a fantastic day of happiness, paddling, exercise and a return to our beloved Lake Windermere “our home” and connecting once again with our Dragon Boats, the water and ourselves.
Thank you everyone in making the day so special.
Eve Elliott-Pearson
May 31, 2021 (5:26 pm)
What a fabulous day we had on Sunday . I had the privilege of paddling with old friends and new on the 11.30am slot . It was a joy to be back on the water after such a long break away from the boat and the camaraderie of the team . I look forward to being with you all again very soon .
Paddles Up
Eve 💗💗💗💗💗
June Baker
June 1, 2021 (8:43 am)
Thank you Nick for recording this momentous day in photos. We all moved forward together safely to our “new normal” and made new friends and buddies. Also seeing great buddies missed this last 18 months. It was a fantastic day of happiness, paddling, exercise and a return to our beloved Lake Windermere “our home” and connecting once again with our Dragon Boats, the water and ourselves.
Thank you everyone in making the day so special.