Last weekend marked Palm’s first ever Groms get-together and it was one to remember. Groms from all over the UK, Chile and Norway came together in Wales to spend time kayaking, learning from each other and just having fun together. For me, it was the first time meeting the other groms as well as kayaking in Wales. From the moment we all met in Llandysul I could tell it was a good group of people and that it was going to be a great weekend filled with big energy and smiles.
We kicked things off with a slalom session at Llandysul paddlers who welcomed us with open arms and gave us the perfect place to start the weekend. Most of us had never, or just barely, tried slalom before, making it the perfect chance to learn something new from each other along with top-notch coaching from team paddlers Oli Cooper and Andy Kettlewell (Chips). Our first session took place in the slalom course, and despite hitting a few rocks due to low water level, it was inspiring to see how much everyone improved in just one session.
For our second session, we moved on to a lake to work on technique on flat water. Somehow, our calm flatwater practice quickly turned into playing around with all kinds of creative way to play around. We were finding every possible way to roll with and without the paddle, including stacking rocks on the bottom of your kayak before rolling up. Flatwater kickflips and tailees, and soon the mentors were finding every possible way to throw the kids into the water. The creativity and energy on the water was unmatched. We got everything from huge pogo flips to attempted double rotations before hitting the water. According to Palm Grom Riley Wilford (who was thrown in trying to over rotate at least 100 times) the key to not hurting yourself is landing directly on your head rather than your back.
The next day we had a quick morning slalom session ending in a big group team run before heading to our next camp. Before our next adventure, we had a quick briefing with Sea Kayak Guides Tommy and Martin who helped out with safety over the weekend which allowed us to focus on pushing our limits and enjoying every second on the water. On the agenda was three sessions at The Bitches, which is a tidal rapid with a set of amazing waves. The stoke and excitement was high as it was the first time at the Bitches for many of us. And for some, including me, it was also the first time trying out new boats.
Our first session was incredible. On the paddle out we were lucky enough to see both seals and dolphins. We had set off early, which meant that when we arrived it was almost all flatwater and no waves in sight. Over the next 30 to 60 minutes, we got to watch The Bitches slowly come alive. Seeing the rapids form in front of us was amazing. Throughout the tide everyone found different places to surf and play around. And when the tide came to an end a bunch of whirlpools were popping up on the eddyline. For many, this became a highlight. Trying to disappear into the whirlies, spin around for style points, or just watch the chaos from a safe spot. Watch our first day at The Bitches here.
The paddle back was one of the highlights for me. Everyone was happy and satisfied, paddling together in a big group. Before reaching shore, we were told about a small tunnel we had to kayak through for good luck on the next tide. It was just wide enough to fit a kayak and it led straight onto the shore, where many of us Groms found our favourite jumping spot, off the old lifeboat launch ramp. We ended every session at The Bitches with a few jumps there and it quickly became a tradition.
As we got back it was pretty late, but we still managed a quick trip to the shop to get some very much needed fish and chips, which we enjoyed under the stars back at camp. Sitting under the stars we made a challenge out of finding shooting stars (and there were so many!). Just before heading to bed, I think we all saw one of the biggest shooting star of our lives. This quickly became another special moment from the trip.
The next day our surfing session wasn’t until later in the day. To kill the time, we set out on a mission to find a bouncy castle. Sadly, the bouncy castle from a nearby festival had disappeared overnight. This however meant more time to go get ice cream in the sun, and a team effort, led by Riley, to get Oli some new flip flops after his last pair died in Norway a few weeks earlier. When we got back we were fuelled and ready for another tide. During our next session at The Bitches, everyone had improved and was feeling more confident on the water. After the tide we paddled back as the sun started to set. Tired but buzzing from another epic day, ready for more jumps and fish and chips.
For our last session, we went for a morning tide, which meant waking up around 04:30 to be ready on the water by 05:15. I can’t speak for everyone but a mix of excitement and knowing I had to get up early made it impossible to sleep, which actually made waking up much easier. Even though we were all up way earlier than we would like to, putting on wet gear in the dark with the stars still out, there was surprisingly little complaining from the group. Somehow, we managed to get on the water almost on time. As we paddled out, the first light of sunrise hit the waves, it was the perfect start to our final session.
The last tide had a totally different vibe. Windier, with way more swell. It was really cool to see how the spot changed with the tide and the weather. Everything, especially the wave felt a bit more chaotic than before, and was pretty hard to catch.
Getting back after the morning session around 9 a.m., already feeling like you’d had a whole day, was special. We had some breakfast and relaxed after our big morning. However, it didn’t take long before the Groms were ready for our last adventure of the weekend: coasteering. Again, with help from the local guides Martin and Ben, we were exploring the seashore jumping and swimming between rocks and in caves. It was the perfect ending to the weekend.
The weekend was packed with amazing experiences on and off the water and positive energy from the start. There were new experiences for everyone and lots to learn. While the kayaking was incredible, when asked about their favourite part about the weekend, most of the groms mention the atmosphere, meeting and paddling with the team, hanging out at the campsite and the all around good vibe of the weekend. Much appreciation to Joe, Chips, Oli, Del and Lowri for making the weekend possible and special, Llandysul Paddlers for hosting us, and the Sea Kayak Guides for keeping us safe at The Bitches.
This weekend was also extra special because Oli and I, in addition to Jools and Charlotte (who were unable to make it) graduated from the Palm Groms mentorship programme. I’m beyond grateful to be a part of this programme. Having Joe as a mentor and a network I can turn to if I want to try something new or don’t know what to do has been really cool. It’s motivating knowing there’s a crew of people ready to help, share advice, or just paddle with you.
Me with mentor Joe and Oli with mentor Chips holding our graduation present – photo, Del Clare
Note from Palm:
Over the past year, we spent a lot of time on the road at events with our groms from our Palm Groms mentorship programme. One of their highlights was the opportunity to meet each other, hang out and paddle together, as peers. This sparked the idea for a get-together – a special weekend that was all about them. Each Palm Grom brought a friend for a weekend of fun on the water. They all got the chance to try different disciplines, and for some (like Siren, the author of this blog, who travelled all the way from Norway), got to try fish and chips for the first time, and for many, got to experience the Bitches for the first time.
Our goal is, and has always been, to encourage young paddlers to get on the water, have so much love for the sport that they want to paddle for a lifetime. This event, and the other Palm Groms activities we do, are small steps in helping achieve that.
A huge thanks to team paddlers and Palm Groms mentors Chips and Joe for heading up this get-together.
The Palm Groms from the Palm Groms mentorship programme are hand-picked, there is no application process. Want to get involved? Take part in our Summer of Fun video competition, engage with us and our team at events and online tagging @palmequipment and @palmgroms. Don’t forget to pencil in the dates for the Palm & Pyranha Park Jam this year as well, meet some of our team and show us your stoke on the water!
If you would like to find out more about Palm Groms activities and updates, please visit our website: palm.equipment/palmgroms
