The great 'Mud Run' February 2009

A few of my fellow instructors got together for the winter Mud Run at Stubbers Adventure Centre 4x4 track. You don't have to be mad but it helps... Pretty warm at 9 degrees but the water traps a tad chilly. I spent the first 5 minutes laughing madly as I followed Andy through the first part of the course. His wellies collected the mud nicely and every step saw a gush of water and mud shoot up his body from inside his boots.

The ladies started first and we soon caught them up however Ben took a full body splat at the first major pool. Just staying on our feet was a challenge. The field soon spread out with me sitting in the last third gradually pulling my way up the ranks. Absolutely brilliant fun followed by a dip in Coys Lake. Martin was the victor closely followed by Bob however everyone finished with only a few minor injuries. Thanks to everyone who took part and especially to Bob who organised the event. If you ever wondered what outdoor instructors do for fun and to keep fit this will give you a rough idea.

Powerboating and Kayaking over the next few days. Let's hope for continuing good weather.

Kayak and Canoe Fun in February

Well done Chris, Emily, Ken, Daryl and Jon on getting their 1 & 2 Star awards. It was a little nippy and eveyone really enjoyed the swim at the end of the session. Highpoints; Jons novelty hat, huge flocks of waders in flight moving as one, Daryls low brace a.k.a caress the water stylie, Emily swimming in and forgetting to remember the kayak and last but not least Kens zig zag technique.... Everyone was brilliant and a big thankyou for your company.

First Powerboat Course 2009

Saturday and Sunday 7/8th February was our first Powerboat Level course of the year with Saoirse, Ben and John. All 3 are medical students at Barts hospital and keen sailors who needed the Powerboat Level 2 to help support their work with the club. Saturday was very cold but fine. We spent the day covering the essential safety points and getting as much driving done after launching from the 2 tree island slipway. Early in the season it's best to get as much time on the water on day 1 just incase the weather deteriorates.

After squeezing as many clothes, hats, waterproofs on as possible we got on the water Mr Blobby style. We headed down river and worked our way through man overboard, picking up a mooring, anchoring, 360 turns on the spot, reversing and slow speed boat control. Everybody did well in fairly difficult conditions (strong tide and freezing wind). It was a relief to get off the water and head back to Leigh for a good lunch in the warmth of Sara's restaurant. After lunch we covered Chartwork, Pilotage, Buoyage and Tides. Everyone still smiling we settled on a 10.00 am start on the Sunday.

Sunday dawned a glorious day. Sunny, not much wind a pretty warm 8 degrees. A real pleasure to be on the water. We visited the Marina and spent a couple of hours perfecting coming alongside, towing, holding station and slow speed/tight spot manoeuvres. Then heading out into the estuary for the high speed work which included a visit from one of the many curious seals. Everybody was a star and after finishing with ropework, engine maintenance, boat characteristics, launching and landing it was time for those well earned certificates. Good luck guys and thanks for your company.

If you would like to join us for our next Powerboat Level 2 course just give us a ring on 07887 890389/email sales@perfect.uk.com or visit www.perfect.uk.com for more details.

Party Time at Coco Cuba

Work hard, play hard that's our moto. On Saturday Jan 31st we partied till dawn. The theme was 'when I grow up'. It's never gonna happen....Judge for yourselves. If you want a great night out then come and join us at the next party.

So if you want to have a great time Powerboating, Sailing, Windsurfing, Kayaking and JetSki with the Perfect Day Crew then just give us a ring on 07887 890389 or email perfectdaywatersports@gmail.com

Time flew....

Not sure what happened to December and January. Time flew... Christmas presents and do's, somehow ended up buying another wayfarer for the fleet, great Christmas with the kids, Snowboarding with the team in Austria, a few great sea kayaking expeditions and back down to earth with a bump. Kayaking and Powerboat bookings looking good. Prices held at 2007/2008 levels still makes us the best value in the UK...apologies for the plug but we really are best for quality and value. Look forward to a few great days on the water with you in 2009.

Powerboat Fun in December

This week has been a great week for Powerboating. Started the week with Julie and Tom on their Powerboat Level 2. We had a great laugh which started with Julie's choice of footwear...Crocs and socks in December. After kitting up Mr Blobby Style we headed out onto the water from Two Tree Island Slipway. A beautiful if somewhat chilly December day with good visibility and small chop. We worked hard at getting through the practical driving skills and enjoyed a late hot lunch at Sara's Restaurant when we came off the water. Tom had it all nailed from the word go; with loads of driving experience going back to the 60's and their own boat in Croatia. Julie's confidence and skill quickly improved and the banter was great. Bad weather on day 2 allowed us to get the pilotage, navigation etc up to scratch. Congratulations to both of them on passing their PB2 and best wishes in Croatia.

On Friday I headed up to Bradwell Outdoors for an Advanced Powerboat Course. We had a great time over the weekend with 5 brilliant clients. Weather was cold but sunny and clear. We completed night journeys up to Maldon and Tollesbury visiting Brightlingsea during the day. Ian from the Fisheries, Jeff who does such good work with the scouts, Ed the fisherman/scout instructor plus Frodo and Flick from Bradwell Outdoors made for a great weekend. Magic moments include much confusion when approaching lit buoys whose lights had failed, including one that we passed fully lit, later on being off.... Overall the clients did brilliantly. The estuary was stunning and the weather was great. Many thanks go to Derek and Jim from Bradwell Outdoors for their outstanding company, experience and facilities.

Sailing from Leigh on Sea, Essex 26/11/08

Weather pretty good with a light SW force 3, ideal for a great day out in the Wayfarer. Tom and Miriam joined for the second day of their RYA sailing course. The previous day a couple of weeks ago it blew old boots, so today's weather was a treat. Miriam is a medical student in London who had completed her Level 2 some time ago in the west country and Tom works in publishing. They both did a brilliant job in tough conditions last time so we spent the first hour sharpening up tacking, gybing and upwind technique. After a welcome coffee on the water we set about practicing picking up a mooring, man overboard and the 5 essentials. It was an absolute joy due to the great company and good weather. Tom amazed me with his knowledge, mostly gained from reading books. The Encyclopedia Britannica on all things nautical; next stop around the world. Miriam absolutely brilliant and a fast learner on all fronts. After some tight manoeuvring by the clients amongst the moored boats to get back to the slipway we headed for the local cafe for a hot drink and some food.

Tom amazed us with his knot tying skills before we moved on to cover basic pilotage and chart work. Time to award those well earned certificates and bid a fond farewell.

Another brilliant winters day on the water.

If you would like to join the fun give Mike a ring on 07887 890389 or visit the website at www.perfect.uk.com