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POWERBOATING Speedy fun along the Kent coastline May 2001 There's only one way to put it: awesome. One of those weekends that makes you realise why you're prepared to drive the length and breadth of the country to get out there searching for the next adventure. An early start (though slightly later for Ed - well, it was his birthday the day before) saw 8 Scouts, Ed and Naomi head down the M2 for the Kent Coast. The weather got increasingly glorious and we arrived in Whitstable about half an hour ahead of schedule, ready to go for our day of power boating. After killing a bit of time mucking about on the beach in the sun (not the worst way of killing time, eh?) we met our instructors for the day (all Scout Leaders from Kent), who explained the safety procedures and showed how the boats worked. Then it was down to the water's edge to launch the various boats we would be using - a couple of RIBs (Rigid Inflatable Boats - like lifeboats), a wooden outboard motor boat and a more sedate fishing boat. After all this, the fun really began. A handful of Scouts bundled into each boat, each taking a turn at taking the controls themselves (either directly holding the engine rudder, or simply using the steering wheel). It's actually harder than it looks to drive one of these things safely at speed, but it wasn't long before everybody had mastered it and spent some time doing some turns, blasting along as fast as they could and generally enjoying the ride out to sea. After a very pleasant lunch break soaking up the sun, we were back on the water for an afternoon trip up the coast. Herne Bay way the venue and everybody got the chance to hop between the boats, taking turns at being passenger and driver. Whilst it was absolutely wicked hammering the boats out at sea in the controls yourself, the most fun to be had was grabbing hold of the front of the grey RIB, lying down and holding on for your life as Andy (or any of the other instructors) went hell for leather. Mega - exhilirating (just inches off the water) and getting soaked as the sea sprayed up - this really was a quality way to spend a Sunday. By the end of it, all were exhausted, thrilled with whopping great smiles on their faces and raring to go again. You can put money on us revisiting Kent for some more Power on Water - perhaps to do an RYA course. A McDonald's in Canterbury on the way home was thoroughly deserved and rounded off a wonderful day as a group - you've just got to wonder why more people don't do stuff like this? Use the menu on the left to continue.