Last Sunday, the 2oth of June, 11 SUWW members headed down to Hazelwood pondage as trainees to gain some valuable experience and coaching on running trips and driving the boat. To help us do this we called upon our two most experienced Marshals, Luke Watts and Simon Crook as well as our Senior Marshal Sam Rickard. As we travelled down the highway, the weather was grim and drizzly, but started to break up the closer we got to Hazelwood.
Once we got to the pondage, and got over the shock of Lukie’s kit, we were all show how the boat is to be unpacked and set-up to be put in the water, with the trainees taking an active part it setting up the boat. First in the hotseat, Luke gave Pip her first taste of driving any boat, and then they were joined by Taz and Megan, who were also to get their first taste of driving our boat.
Whilst a few braved the cold and had a ski with some of the new trainee drivers, the others took turns learning how do back the trailer around at the boat ramp. Everyone had great fun with Lukie challenging everyone with their skills. we then set-up with fish’n'chips for lunch and changed over drivers for the afternoon.
Most people had their first taste of driving the Swinburne boat and of towing and backing the trailer which was great to see. Although it was right in the heart of winter, we all enjoyed reacquainting ourselves with the water.
A massive thanks must go to our 2 coaches for the day, Lukie and Chookie and also Sam for organising and running the day. We will be looking to run a few more training days and weekends before the season starts so stay tuned for more info.
See you on the water!
Tim
