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.