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On Wednesday April 12th, eighteen members of Slough Dolphin, aged 8-14, took part in the Hillingdon Open Water Meet. This was a new event for the club and one that introduced the swimmers to two new disciplines. The morning session consisted of kayaking. After a quick but comprehensive safety briefing the swimmers all donned wetsuits and learned what it felt like to be Ian Thorpe kitting up for a race. Although the water was cold, the skilful ones soon realised that there was no need to go in it. Lack of lane ropes also meant that the turbulence was greater than normal. With care, though, their kayak would remain afloat with them in it and they could still have great fun. For those who did capsize, the water temperature came as a big shock (even colder than Montem on a bad day), prompting an early retirement from one or two. Luckily for them, the faithful, cheering supporters were on hand with towels and a change of clothes. After a picnic lunch the afternoon task was to paddle a raft across the lake to the second orange buoy and back. The only catch was that the raft had to be built first. This was where teamwork was important, and it was interesting to see the various young people working together to make sure that the knots were as tight as possible and in the right places. One team of swimmers were able to paddle their raft in a straight line and made it out to the buoy. The other team had a few problems and simply went round in circles close to the shore. To make the afternoon a bit more interesting, the pilot of the rescue boat decided to make a few waves and throw up a bit of spray. Fortunately the rescue boat was also on-hand to pick people out of the water when the knots worked loose. Once ashore the swimmers dismantled their craft, had a quick rub down and then enjoyed a BBQ meal. They also found time to organise their own games of football and rounders. Harry Goods birthday was celebrated with a cake, candles and three cheers. At the end of the day, all the swimmers went home tired and happy with requests of Can we do this again, soon? being heard. They were not the only ones to enjoy the day, though. One of the instructors at Hillingdon complimented the group on their behaviour and attitude. Well done Dolphins! A big thank you to John Crowther and Sarah Bull for all their hard work organising the trip!       
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