12 cubs, 4 leaders, dark cloudy skies - all the makings for a perfect day of canoeing - NOT! We started out at Jamieson Park for our canoe course under dark cloudy skies and occasional showers. Any doubts about staying dry were dashed when it was announced everyone had to do a 50m swim in clothes and PFDs. We learnt about the parts of a paddle: t-grip, shaft, blade, $50. Then there was learning how to use a paddle properly, capsize a canoe, and empty the water out. Luckily there was no wind and the water was smooth and glassy. Following a few short practice paddles we had morning tea, then headed off for lunch. This involved paddling towards the Pittwater Rd bridge and down to the caravan park. We pulled the canoes up onto the beach and attacked our lunches with vigour. Time for the paddle back. As we were heading back you could see the clouds building up to the south. The wind started to pick up and then the heavy rain came down. We quickly took shelter on a little island. The decision was made to abandon the paddle, car drivers went back in the power boats to fetch the canoe trailers and the rest made for the nearby shore. The canoes were loaded on the trailers and everyone was shuffled back to Jamieson Park. The canoe badge was well earned by all participants today.