River Ure, Mickley to Sleningford in Open Boats

Sunday the 16th of November we headed up to North Yorkshire to lead a group down the rive Ure. The river was just fining down from previous rains and looked at a nice comfortable level - through my untrained eyes.

I was offered the position of leader but on this occasion I declined in preference to observe, concentrate on personal skills and to generally become more comfortable in a white water context.  

The day was a brilliant success and goals achieved, Fiona who has spent even less time than me on moving water thoroughly enjoyed the day, a really big thank you to the group for making it happen. All that aside and we even found time to make a little video - check out the grade 3 rapids at the end..

Canoeing the River Ure from Ken Oliver on Vimeo.

16 Hour REC First Aid

Second weekend in November and I travelled up to Catterick to re-sit a First Aid course. To be honest my certificate still had another year to run but thought an early re-fresh would be good.

Tim Cain is a qualified Rescue and Emergency Care (REC) Trainer, He delivers Rescue and Emergency Care 1st Aid training courses specifically tailored to people who live, work and play in the Great Outdoors. Tim is a volunteer for the Swaledale Mountain Rescue Team and this course was delivered at the SMRT purpose built rescue headquarters on Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire.

Most of us complete this training as a matter of necessity due to our leading and coaching responsibilities but it has to be said this was a very rewarding and worthwhile two days. This course goes beyond simple first aid and equips you with the skills to manage situations and incidents in the outdoor environment where a lot of us do spend a great deal of time.

One of the problems we may encounter in a rural environment is that it may be more difficult to 'get help' and the emergency services could take an awful lot longer to reach us. With this in mind we were equipped with the knowledge to make good decisions and taught the skills to manage incidents for, what could possibly be, a longer period of time.

It really is quite simple, if you enjoy and spend much time in the outdoors then this is the First Aid course to attend, don't put it off, your family and friends may be relying on you. The one thing I would really hate is to be involved in an incident and feel helpless, this course furnishes you with the skills that really could make the difference, the difference between life and death..

Scarborough to Hayburn Wyke

It was difficult to find the enthusiasm to load the car on Sunday morning, it was raining stair rods and the forecast wasn't that much better. I'm just so glad we did, on arrival in North Bay-Scarborough, the day was much brighter. Dave and Marion where having breakfast sat outside the beach front cafe and we were soon joined by Roger who had made the long journey from Lincoln.

A lovely trip, a little blustery and a small swell raised itself over the shallow scars making it more interesting, the sun was a welcome bonus too.

Four Star Canoe Training with Ray Goodwin

Last weekend saw me travelling across to North Wales to further my development and experience in Canoeing (Open Boating) with Ray. The course was run over two days, one day on open water and one day on moving water.

Saturday dawned and after a short briefing in a cafe we headed to the shores of Llyn Tegid. Many open water skills were covered and much fun & learning was had by all, the squally showers were all but forgotten.

BCU Kayak Angling Safety Course - October 2014

We were getting several more enquiries regarding the running of another one of these popular days. A date and venue was set and again this module was well received by all that attended. Delivered by Kim Bull and assisted by myself a good day was had by all, some really good skills learnt and confidence boosted. Feedback was very positive and I'm sure we will be running more next year. Some great photos by our friend Andy Money.

Driffield Lock Gate Grand Official Opening

Something a little different. The Driffield Navigational Trust were hosting the Grand Opening of the new lock gates in the town and asked for paddlers to be present. I organised a small trip for club members and guided them down from Driffield to Brigham. A simple and fun event.

This is a great piece of local water and it is nice to see the Trust promoting paddle sport.

A Simple Canoe Trip

Sometimes the best days are those simple un-complicated days were you just mess about on the river . A lovely day with some amazing warm October sunshine and wonderful company.

Anthony Kayaks under the Huge Cliffs of Bempton

A quick blast under Bempton cliffs with Anthony, Roger and Stuart. A long, lazy swell made getting in close a little difficult. A big well done to all the gang, Stuart 's first time on the sea, Ants longest UK journey and Roger 's first time under Bempton. We nearly finished them all off on the climb out of North Landing.

Ailsa Craig

September and I took myself off for a mini-adventure to this lump of granite. Its not the first time I've made the 14km crossing but its the first time I've journeyed across alone and the first time wild camping on the island. The forecast was excellent and improving, a great time to do the trip and explore..

Sea Kayak Brittany - August 2014

One trip to Brittany just wasn't enough this year and feeling quite awful as we never took Anthony on the first visit we made the journey across again, bringing the boy of course. Our destination this time was the south coast of Brittany, the weather was glorious and the following week turned out to be amazing with memories that will last a lifetime.

I hope you enjoy this small video we put together..


Sea Kayak Brittany from Ken Oliver on Vimeo.

KKC Sea Trip

I arranged and lead a short sea trip for some of the members of Kingston Kayak Club. It was a day of learning and I delivered several sessions on fundamental sea skills. An enjoyable day non-the-less.

KKC Summer Trip to the Lake District

I was delighted to guide and coach on this years summer trip. We had some nice weather and the weekend was enjoyed by all.

The Farne Islands - April 2014

Always a favourite trip and always great fun when the Northumberland paddlers are involved.



The Farne Islands by Sea Kayak - April 2014 from Ken Oliver on Vimeo.

Robin Hoods Bay - June 2014

Early June and with a nice forecast Fiona and myself headed up to Boggle Hole. Fi had brought along a demo boat to try and I of course had the Taran 16.

I took the opportunity to put the demo Tahe Marine boat through its paces, a very nice boat indeed.

Sea Kayak Brittany - May 2014

We had wanted to visit Brittany with the sea kayaks for quite some time. So with the company of Dave and Marion we made it happen.

During our week long stay we managed to get five varied and contrasting journeys under our belts.

The Isle of Eigg from Arisaig.

May 2014 and our first real adventure of the year. Some friends met on the west coast of Scotland for the trip across to Eigg. I hope you enjoy this short video that I have put together of our trip.



A Mini Expedition to The Isle of Eigg and Arisaig... from Ken Oliver on Vimeo.

Early Spring Sunshine

April 2014, the weather was breaking and Spring was on the way. We accompanied some friends for an easy trip on the Driffield Canal. The wind was blowing so an ideal time to play with the sail.

Very Important (little) Person

This was a real pleasure. As part of the re-structure of 1st Wet & Wild we are now inviting guests to come and paddle with us on guided trips and with a little coaching if it is wanted. Just before New Year we introduced a lovely family to paddle sport, we were so lucky with the weather and the most enjoyable day was had by all.

Little Henry, aged 4, was an absolute star, after a few tears to start with he went on to full engross himself in the day, chuckling and paddling for the whole session. This really was a highlight of the year for us and we look forward to introducing many more people to paddle sport.

Winter River Hull

Took myself off up the top end of the tidal River Hull just after Christmas. It was cold and very little water in the river, non the less, it was really enjoyable.

Four Star Canoe Training

More learning, this time 4* canoe, again up in Northumberland, day one a journey down the River Tyne and day two open water skills on the stunning Kielder Water. Delivered by Kim Bull it was an excellent two days, unfortunately I was quite under the weather and my performance was not what it should have been but very worthwhile regardless.

Driffield Navigational - A Spot of Canoeing with Anthony

A beautiful autumn day saw the boy and me down on the canal for another chilled out paddle and fish, the autumn light was stunning.

Moderate Water Endorsement - Sea

This was always going to be a great weekend and big thanks to Kim Bull for making it so. Two days in Northumberland, a deteriorating forecast but great fun and a pass.

Essential Sea Kayak Symposium

Always a brilliant success, cut short but still enjoyable. Saturday was spent on the tide races of the north coast practising incident management skills.

Sunny Bempton

A late summer paddle under the tall cliffs of Bempton, always a favourite.