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Hi my name is Finn O'Sullivan and I am nominating myself for the role of Gear Secretary within the club. I have experience of being a on a canoe club committee, and in previous jobs I have had to take inventory of large whitewater based kit stores, which I have also completed safety checks of this kit daily as well as more thorough checks monthly. I also have the possibility to get new kit at discounted rates for the club which would be great. Thank you for reading why I believe I'd be suitable for Gear Secretary and I hope you vote for me.

Cheers,
Finn xox

Safety in and around water has always been one of my main priorities - having come close to drowning in the past due to unsafe and ill-fitting equipment, I know first-hand that it isn't a nice experience!

I believe I would be suitable for this position, as I have recently been on a whitewater safety and rescue course with the club, and have experience taking on a more active role on river trips where proactive safety measurements are required. I would also consider myself relatively knowledgeable when it comes to the club's equipment, having been an active member of LUUCC for almost three years now! In my role, I would be keen to introduce the following:
- Organise of the repair of cracked, or otherwise damaged boats, so that they can be used once more for pool sessions and low-intensity river trips (we've lost some great boats this year to high water and collisions with rocks, so it would be really nice to give the damaged ones a second lease of life!)
- Ensure those participating in river trips are provided with a safety briefing in the lead-up to the trip as a refresher, as well as a full briefing before getting on the river.
- The introduction of river trips focused primarily on safety techniques, such as proper swimming technique, use of throwlines, livebaiting, and boat chasing.
- Help to research and plan additional whitewater safety and rescue courses for the more experienced paddlers, so that an adequate level of safety can be provided on all river trips.
- Act as a source of advice for paddlers thinking of getting their own gear, and ensure they know what to look out for when purchasing it.