Windy day alternative activities for Instructors
Raft making -
There are times it feels like the weather is against us, for example you have a weeklong holiday program for kids and while planning out the week, you find out the 5 day Weather forecast is:
Monday: 8-10 Kts
Tuesday: 23kts
Wednesday: 18+kts and rain all day
Thursday: 20+kts
Friday:10-15kts
With the priority of using your time wisely, you plan to cover the majority of the on water syllabus targets on the first day, freeing you up to concentrate on creating engaging, on shore activities or on water activities that can be done safely, the rest of the week.
Most instructors know how to fill 1 to 2 days of windy/ bad weather days but when there is a third or fourth day, that’s usually when you have to get a bit creative. You could always reschedule for another time but that isn’t always possible and providing the syllabus is covered and the kids are engaged and having fun, you should take the challenge of windy days as an excuse to be creative. Activities like raft making, while requiring a bit more time, effort and planning are sure to be a successful addition.
Here are some tips for the various aspects of raft making and an example of the plan for the week using the previous forecast, applied to a Tackers 2 program.
Floatation - Buoyancy
The most important thing about your raft is that you need something to keep it afloat. Anything that floats will work. Inflated tractor or car tubes, (your local tyre centre or garage may usually give you these free of charge), steel oil drums with lids, plastic barrels or plastic milk bottles could work. These water barrels were previously used to hold down marquee’s when filled with sand. Your club may use large camping water tanks for marker bouys, explore your club and see what you can find that may work.
Structure
Timber poles or plastic pipes are normally the most commonly used items in recreational activity rafts. Plastic or PVC pipes have the advantage that they can be also used as the buoyancy element, just remember that it needs to be durable enough to hold your rafters! Be cautious about protruding sharp edges or any stray screws or nails. There are lots of plans online.
Paddles, Oars etc
All aspects of your raft can be made by your rafters. A daggerboard or praddle from an opti work well. It’s probably best not to use double-ended paddles in a confined space as the rafters may end up tangled.
Rope
Natural fibre ropes like manila will tighten when wet, resulting in tighter lashings on your raft but this can be difficult (and expensive) rope to source. Its proper care and storage is also important. Synthetic rope like polypropylene is light and it floats but it may loosen with the weight of your crew. Experiment in order to find the right one for your team.
Safety
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Appropriate Supervision- The person in charge should be of sufficient proven skill to oversee the activity and there should be some sort of rescue structure in place. While rafting normally takes place in shallow water, there should still be sufficient provision for rescue. A small powerboat should be sufficient in most cases.
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PFD’s should be worn and the person in charge should know the swimming ability of all participants and have sufficient safety arrangements in place to account for weaker swimmers.
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Define the Area of rafting- accounting for tide and other location risks, clearly define the area the testing of the raft takes place.
“Frapping” a barrel- Begin with a round turn and 2 half hitches on one spar connected to the barrel. You should then tightly wrap this rope around the barrel at least 4 times. Ensure these wraps stay as close and tight together as possible. Finish on the spar you began on, with another round turn and 2 half hitches.
Whether the raft a success (it floats) or not, the activity will usually be a hit, as it means they are engaged, learning knots and happy because they are getting on the water in some form.
Example of a Tackers 2 - week plan:
