Kayaking

The thirteen of us, Nazri, Imran, Yu Xiang, Azhari, Dina, Farhain, Fiona, Ameera, Sherrie, Faridah, VI Farhana, Sally and I signed up for the 1 Star kayaking course this year. As the 2-day course was conducted on Sundays, our once lazy weekend was revived from boredom, and brought to life as we battled against the horrendous conditions of nature.

     We kayaked on the Kallang River as we signed up at Kallang Sea Sports Club which was under the Nicoll Highway. We had a beefy and tough looking instructor called Mr. Daniel and we were accompanied by our own Operational Officers, HO Raja and VI Song Sheng. Together, the three of them imparted their valuable inputs to us.

     The first lesson was on 19th January. Firstly, we were taught the parts of the kayak and were introduced to the different kayaks and their functions. Then it was practical time! Under the unforgiving dark sky, we learnt the basic strokes called the "Forward Pedaling" and "Backward Pedaling" to move front and back. Next, we learnt how to turn 360 degrees by applying the "Sweep Stroke". We were also taught how to move sideways by using the "Classical Draw" and the "J-Draw". These draws were especially useful during rafting to close the gap between two kayaks. Before the lesson ended, we learnt the "Capsize Drill" whereby we had to capsize and tap the hull of the kayak three times while under the salty water before resurfacing. We also learnt the "T-rescue" and "H-rescue". As their names imply, these are rescue methods done when someone capsizes. For the T-rescue, only one kayak is to rescue the one which capsized, hence, a letter T is formed. While in a H-rescue, two kayaks are to rescue the one which capsized, hence, a letter H is formed.

     The second lesson was on 26th January. Unlike the first lesson, the challenge we had to face was not the bone chilly rain. This time, it was the angry sun. Mr. Daniel tested us on what we were taught the previous lesson before teaching us the "Left Steer" and "Right Steer" to turn left and right. Finally, we were taught the "Low Brace" whereby we had to use our pedals to hit the surface of the water to prevent ourselves from capsizing. As it was our last lesson, we rafted up and shot pictures so as to capture the memories of this unforgettable experience we had spent together.

     The whole course officially ended after Mr. Daniel gave out our certificates of participation. Everybody passed! We missed the touch of icy rain against our velvet skin and the heat of the sun against our scarlet cheeks as we walked out of Kallang Sea Sports Club. We will be back...

SSGT Ho Shu Swen