Surrey Scouts participate in a wide variety of water activities, most of which are co-ordinated through the water activities club. Several Districts and others also offer restricted opportunities. Advisers are available for most disciplines and they will be pleased to provide advice and guidance relative to their specialities. Click here for a summary of this year's events.
County Advisers:
Canal Cruising: Brian Tidbury (01483 740913)
Canoeing: Ross Faragher (01932 341626)
Coastal Sailing: Geoff Dunstan (01737 555675)
Power Boating: Don Everitt (020 8337 5335)
Pulling Boats:
Sailing - Small Craft: Robert Stewart (020 8224 3419)
Sub Aqua: Phil Gaisford (01892 669994)
Windsurfing: advice from Russell Baldwin (01483 303667)
Form 'W's:
Enquiries and applications for form W's should be made using the form in the Factsheet FS120601 together with supporting information. These should be passed via the DC to the ACC(Activities), Geoff Dunstan (01737 555675).
Club & Facilities:
Water Activities Club
Chairman: John Farmer
Secretary: Mike Pantry (01483 821985)
The Surrey Scouts Water Activities Club aims to support and publicise water activities through meetings and by promoting events. It is also responsible for the operation of the County Canoe Centre and for County equipment, such as canoes.
Canoe Centre
The Canoe Centre, which was formally opened during 2002, occupies a new location and building on the Wey Navigation at Godalming. It includes changing and toilet facilities and has ample parking. There are 20 single-seater kayaks available and two Canadian open canoes. Hire charges are £3 per craft per session (morning or afternoon or evening); £6 for whole day.
To book the Centre contact: Roger Harris (01293 774900)
Cubs, Scouts, Explorers and Scout Network are all welcome at the Centre, but, as the Wey Navigation is Class B1 water, bookings will only be accepted from Groups that have arranged for a relevant Form 'W' holder (or holders) to be on site and responsible for their members whilst on the water. Please remember that the number of kayaks that an individual instructor can supervise is 8 at most, and may only be 2 (dependent on the instructor's qualifications). Large groups will therefore need the services of more than one qualified instructor. There are a number of canoeing instructors who have kindly said that, if they are free, they will be prepared to instruct groups who cannot provide their own Form 'W' holder(s) to take charge.
Please contact Roger Harris who will try to find such instructors for you: Roger Harris (01293 774900 Mob:07850 426880)
Canoeing / Kayaking etc., Programme
Fun events for Cubs, Scouts and Explorer Scouts
The diary below lists all Surrey Water Activity Club events and especially British Canoe Union courses. Other coaching and award training & assessments can be arranged on demand. For further details, contact: Roger Harris (01293 774900).
Canal cruising
Why not hire a Narrow Boat for a Pack, Troop or Unit expedition? You will need to have an appropriate Form 'W' but this is where the County adviser, Brian Tidbury, can help. He can arrange a canal cruising and training day for leaders, date TBA, to teach them the essentials for the safe handling and manoeuvring of these craft. There is no charge for this event!
For details contact Brian Tidbury (01483 740913)
Offshore sailing:
The Water Activities Club is offering opportunities during 2004 for Explorer and Network members and leaders to take part in the fun and excitement of offshore sailing using Scouts Offshore. Some other opportunities, including evening sails, can be arranged upon request and could include scout-age groups. Scouts Offshore is a nationally recognised sail training establishment with 2 x15m and 1 x 11m sailing yachts usually based in Essex. Further advice on this or other offshore sailing organisations can be given. Why not try out life at sea. Opportunities for a longer voyage in the tall ships race can also be arranged.
Ask Geoff Dunstan (01737 555675) for further details or enquire directly of Scouts Offshore (01206 385071) or web site www.scouts-offshore.co.uk
Introduction to Sea Scout Water Activities
1st Cuddington (Warspite) Sea Scout Group make several water activities including sailing, canoeing and pulling (rowing) available for all Scouts (and to Cubs shortly to join a Troop) at their Thames Ditton Activities Centre - date TBA. Novices welcome.
Swimming, Snorkelling and Scuba Diving
Our highly qualified adviser, Phil Gaisford, will be very pleased to offer help, advice and instruction to anyone interested in taking up these exciting activities. More than that, you can have a taster session in his private pool in Crowborough. Phil has a purpose designed heated swimming pool, with facilities for changing and instruction. Sessions are generally available during weekday evenings or Saturdays for swimming, snorkelling or scuba diving. An excellent opportunity exists to combine snorkelling with a camp on the farm. The farm is close to many facilities for climbing, dry slope skiing, hiking etc. Further events can be arranged as required. To find out more, contact Phil (01883 330031)
Windsurfing
Contact Russ Baldwin (01483 303667) for details of locations for windsurfing and courses available.
Check the County diary for the latest details on events to date.