AWP August Social - Paddle Boarding

28/09/22

On a sunny evening in August, a group of AWP colleagues gathered at Exeter Quay for a paddling social to the pub and back. It was a good chance to meet some of the new faces who have joined us recently, and to introduce them to the fun side of our company culture! 

With a choice of craft available from paddleboards to canoes, an entire flotilla of civil engineers (a drainage? A flow? What’s the collective noun for floating engineers?) took to the water, some with significantly more confidence than others, which resulted in the first wet casualty of the trip a mere 90 seconds after entering the water (lessons were learned about showing off in front of your colleagues). 

With the water in the canal very low after a warm, dry summer, the paddleboarders had to deal with a large amount of weeds getting tangled around their fins, which later caused the second and third casualties of the trip as they vigorously tried to remove the problematic plant matter. The rest of the armada managed to stay afloat and despite some seriously dodgy steering, and a run-in with some brambles and angry swans, the group made it to the Double Locks pub largely dry and in one piece. 

After some drinks and dinner, the time came to make the return journey, with some opting to swap crafts for the trip back (turns out paddleboarding is hard work). The return leg resulted in several more wet bods, but fortunately the warm temperature meant we all dried off quickly. After coordinating a group photo (float-o?) back at the Quay, everyone made it back onto dry land. Despite a few soggy bottoms, it was agreed that the social was a great success, and we will definitely be returning!

A big thanks to Kayakhub Exeter for the hire of the paddleboards, kayaks and canoes, and for staying open late for us!