Muck Experience 2024

For the 4th consecutive year, the Cumbria Canoeists sea kayak team delivered, an amazing week, for the 9 participants who signed up for the 2024 Muck Experience.

Based from a compact and well-appointed Bunk House on the edge of the shore, we had a home to return to.


We covered aspects of:
Paddling skills - turning, edging, draw strokes, bow rudders, forward paddling etc.
Rock hopping and getting up close to the coastline
Planned crossings   Trip planning - A and B plans
Use of the coast Guard services and on-shore support/communications
Approaches to different sea states and weather conditions
Wind management
Wild camping - on the Isle of Eigg
Decision making
Safety and independent rescue, Towing
Navigation - mainly with OS maps, but some charts
Tidal and weather management
Group management on the sea
Independent paddling - without qualified coach/leaders
Wildlife spotting
Sharing kit ideas - essential and optional
In addition we developed our relationship with the islanders - at the Lodge for a well-earned drink, Bruce and Pam at the  cafe - supplying us with cake, beer and freshly baked bread. Sandy the fisherman - catching fresh Langoustine for us and Emily the schoolteacher - delivering a student session around the theme of “what do you carry in you kayak”.
Finally we managed the crossing to Eigg, climbed An Sgurr and camped the night - retracing our tracks and making the return crossing in turbulent waters.
Enough of the talk, let the pictures tell the rest of the story.
Grateful thanks to Bob, Dave, Andy and Mike who - as Cumbria Canoeists volunteers - delivered this amazing Muck sea kayak Experience to those who signed up to LEARN and develop their knowledge, skills and experience.

We plan to return to Muck Sea Kayak Experience for May 2025.
Mike Sunderland