NYAA - Physical Recreation - Entry 7 - Kayaking Expedition VII

Entry for Physical RecreationKayak Expedition VII

Participants:
-Edmund
-Jia Wei
-Seth
-Zhan Liang
-Calvin HanOverview:- Kayak from PRSSC- Used single Bandit kayaks- Kayaked to Changi
- Passed the busy sea channel that caters to ships traveling to and fro
the - Return journey back to PRSSC- Completed 10.6km of mileage in 7 hours, from 1000 to 1700 hrs


Date: 18/3/2007
Hours Completed: 7 hours, 1000 to 1700 hrs

Today, we went back to Pasir Ris Sea Sports Club (PRSSC) which we had frequented over the past few weeks. However, this time round we were to chart a different journey, one away from Coney Island and in the direction of the Changi Sea Sports Club (CSSC). This journey would prove to be longer and of a harder challenge to us than the usual trip down to Coney Island. The total mileage covered would be 10.6km as opposed to the 8.5km we had been accustomed to.

Upon reaching the PRSSC, we registered ourselves and soon got the necessary equipment needed for the expedition to CSSC. As this expedition was longer and involved crossing a busier portion of the sea channel, PRSSC had required one in our group to bring along a mobile phone as a means of emergency contact. By the time we had made the necessary arrangements-checking of tide table and ensuring every one had brought along water bottles for hydration throughout the expedition- and gotten our kayaks, it was 1035. We started familiarizing ourselves with the kayak, a routine which lasted 15minutes as we had used this kayak the week before and did not need much time.

By 1050, we had begun kayaking toward CSSC, careful to watch for any ships or boats in the sea channels. We used the buoys as markers to keep our sense of direction while crossing the channel. During this time we encountered 2 large container ships on our paths and had to proceed with extraordinary caution. In addition to these huge ships were the smaller yet faster boats that we had to watch out for, making careful judgements of whether to move or halt.

Stopping then paddling with all our might were common repetitions throughout when crossing the channel. While crossing the channel, we saw a few coastal structures that marked our expedition, the first being a shipyard of kind with “JACK BATES” written on its façade. We had passed this shipyard at 11.40 p.m. Kayaking further down to where sailing boats were anchored, we spotted the “Changi Beach Club” along the coast which we were paddling along. We kayaked past the area with anchored sailboats and chalets. As we approached the CSSC, we passed one final landmark which was the mouth of a small lagoon from which bumpboats making their way to Pulau Ubin would exit. This portion was crossed with much care before we reached the strip of beach where we were to disembark for lunch.

By the time we had beached up, it was 1240p.m. We went for an hour’s lunch break at the Changi hawker centre. By 1340, we had finished lunch and had done some light skills revision to past time while letting lunch digests before starting the intensive kayak journey back to PRSSC. We had managed to practise the 2 star kayaking skills learnt last year. This session lasted around 1410.

The journey back started at around 1420 after we packed up all the things we had brought with us. The journey back was basically very much the same as the journey to Changi. The time we took to return was slightly longer as we were kayaking against the tide. We reached PRSSC at 1615. We then decided to practise our kayaking skills and capsize drills during that time in the demarcated area till around 1640. This was to ensure we would not lose touch of the vital skills and drills. We packed up and left PRSSC at around 1730, hence concluding our kayaking session.