The camp was Robert Pullicino’s initiative and was held over the long weekend from 19 to 21 March and was attended by Ian Busuttil, Frans Debono, Jean-Pierre Giorgio, Robert Mercieca, Robert Pullicino and Damian Schembri. On the afternoon of the 19^th March, we loaded our kayaks from the club and set off to the Scout Campsite behind the Radisson Golden Sands in Golden Bay, where we immediately set up our tents. Pullicino’s tent was literally set up faster than two shakes of a cat’s tail, while the rest of us lesser mortals went about the traditional way fitting poles and guy lines. When the tents were set up, we started preparing the barbeques for that evening’s dinner. We were joined by wives & children for the evening’s barbeque and also members Joe Borg & Janet and Anton Pace and his family.

After the guests had gone, some of us went for a walk in the dark to the old watch tower. The stars could be seen clearly despite the glow of light from the hotel across the bay. After that, we turned in and tried to sleep, the night was damp and the cold seems to have affected everyone, although we could tell from the snoring that some of us were getting intermittent sleep!!

We were up soon after dawn on Saturday, some chirpier than others! We had a quick breakfast and then took the kayaks down the hill and to the sandy beach, which was littered with dying jellyfish that had been washed up during the night, as well as tons of algae. Jean-Pierre stayed with the kayaks while we took four cars in a convoy to Xemxija, 10 minutes drive away, left three there and returned to Golden Bay. We then set off with a leisurely paddle along the coast towards Cirkewwa. We stayed close to the coast to better admire this unspoiled part of Malta. We crossed Anchor Bay without going in as we had only been there a few months before, and paddled on to Paradise Bay where we stopped for a quick snack before heading on to Cirkewwa point. From Cirkewwa we decided to cross the channel straight to the Blue Lagoon while keeping an eye open for the Gozo Ferries that cross frequently.

The approach to the Blue Lagoon is quite magnificent under the cliffs and huge rocks slowly being eroded by the incessant waves. We stopped again on the little sandy beach to stretch our legs for a little while, before heading on round Comino to explore the other bays, rock arches and caves found on that side of the little island. Then we crossed the channel back to Armier and on towards l-Ahrax tal-Mellieha. We stopped to explore a wonderful inland sea in the vicinity of a tall radio mast. This was no doubt once was a huge cave that collapsed. The entrance is through a little tunnel and is inaccessible to larger boats. We then paddled for a short distance along the cliffs to a shallow cave that had a sandy bottom which reflected the light beautifully. From here we continued paddling along the high majestic cliffs of l-Ahrax towards Slugs Bay, a little spit of sand which was unfortunately quite dirty, for a little lunch.

After lunch we continued paddling right into Ghadira Bay, where stopped for a chat with Clark Weissenger at his base in the hotel, and then on round the bay and out again towards Selmun. A few of us had been for a hike in this area only a couple of weeks before, when the weather was not good for paddling. The view from the sea of this unspoiled coastline is even better at this time of the year when there is still plenty of greenery around. We paddled on to Mistra Bay, hoping that this area will also remain unspoiled by development. Heading on towards Xemxija, we caught up with a lone kayaker in a huge blue/grey camouflage kayak, who turned out to be British and who shares our opinion that this is the most beautiful coast of the island.

We paddled round il-Fekruna bay and crossed to the slipway in Xemxija where we disembarked, loaded our kayaks on to our waiting cars, and drove back to the camp to get washed and start preparing for that evening’s barbeque. Again that evening we were joined by some of our wives and children for the barbeque, which lasted till quite late. No late night strolls that night, we were too tired! Fortunately the night did not turn out to be as cold as the night before and we slept better.

The following morning we were up early again and after a light breakfast, we drove back to the Xemxija slipway, unloaded the kayaks and set off towards Valletta, hugging the coast again. The coast from here to Valletta is all built up although there are still quite a few interesting features left, one of which is Qawra Point which some say show the remains of the legendary Atlantis. There are concentric circles and a cross engraved on the wave-beaten rocks, which can best be seen from the air.

We headed on to the “islands” off Salina coast, known to us as “Domij' Island”, an independent republic where we frequently stop on our paddles in the area to stretch our legs despite the hefty taxes imposed on us by the self-proclaimed ruler after whom they are partially named. We didn’t stop for long and didn’t even disembark, perhaps the taxes put us off J. Instead we upped the tempo and paddled straight back to Valletta to the clubhouse where we rinsed off the boats and were joined by some of our families for a light lunch of hobz biz-zejt and beer, and then back to Xemxija to collect the cars before heading back to the campsite to take down our tents, clean up and head off back home.

All in all it was a great experience with great friends, and we’re looking forward to the next one!!

The enthusiastic crowd taking photos at the Sliema seafront early last Sunday morning was not simply out to enjoy the perfect weather. The Malta Canoe Federation once again held its annual Virtu’ Ferries Manoel Island Races, with canoeists of all ages competing in several race categories. 

The Races kicked off with the much anticipated 10km, 3-lap race around Manoel Island. Veteran canoeist Gerald Degaetano was the first to cross the finish line in the K1 category, 46m44s after the start. He was followed by Nicki Borg Costanzi, also winner of the female K1 category, who in kept ahead of Peter Borg Costanzi in a closely fought third lap to cross the finish line after 51m40s minutes. Local champion duo Chris Camilleri and Matthew Schembri won this event’s K2 category in style, their stamina and determination carrying them through in spite of their canoe taking on water after the second lap, clocking in at 50m40s minutes.

The 3km single lap event also saw Gerald Degaetano finish in 1st place after 15 minutes 48 seconds, with Chris Borg Costanzi and Simon Gauci crossing the line in 2nd and 3rd place respectively, with only seconds between them. Matthew Schembri shot past his competitors in the 200 metre Senior race to gain 1st place, while Chris Borg Costanzi and Simon Gauci once again battled their way to the finish line in 2nd and 3rd place respectively.

This edition of the Manoel Island Races was particularly exciting for the 19 boys from Stella Maris College who participated in a 200 metre sprint for juniors. Three heats with six young paddlers in each were quickly organised, with a final race for the first two in each heat. Benjie Sammut finished first overall with a very respectable 1 minute 19 seconds, followed by Andre Catania and Kyle Mercieca. Future canoeists in the making? They certainly have the necessary competitive spirit!

The trophy presentation ceremony was held after a busy yet satisfying morning, with participation medals given to one and all. A truly memorable event, which will definitely be remembered by all those present.

Special thanks go to Virtu Ferries for sponsoring this successful event, and the Malta Triathlon Association for their invaluable assistance.

The Malta Canoe Federation recently met with Sue Hornby, BCU Director of Development to discuss local canoe sport and means of development. Whilst on her stay, Ms. Hornby visited local canoe clubs as well as met representatives from each club who explained the nature of the sport in Malta.

Ms. Hornby expanded on schemes currently enforced by the BCU which may also be applied to the sport locally. Paddle Power is one such scheme which has been designed to meet the needs of young people. It’s colourful and youth centred approach aims to encourage more young people to come into and stay in the sport, provide progression and reward achievement in a wide range of topics as well as show them all aspects of the sport – both competitive and adventurous. The scheme has recently been revised and now comprises of 5 Awards to support a young paddler’s introduction and progress in Paddlesport.

The MCF is currently looking into upgrading its current certification courses which had been based on the system imposed by the BCU which has since been restructured. Ms. Hornby was able to provide insight as to how the courses may be developed locally and what aid the BCU may provide.

MCF President stated that “it is indeed encouraging for us to have the support and encouragement of the BCU. Malta is an ideal location for kayaking and by strengthening our contacts with our international counterparts we can look to more qualitative growth and development of kayaking in our warm waters both as a leisurely activity and as a competitive sport.

The BCU is currently lobbying to get canoe sport into the Commonwealth Games. The MCF strongly supports this action and anticipated that should this be accepted, local athletes would be able to compete at the games. Through this visit, canoeing links between Malta and Britain have been strengthened and the MCF would like to send its extended thanks to Ms. Hornby and the British Canoe Union for their continuous help and support towards local canoe sport.