On Saturday the 16th July 2011 nine Cadets from 2028 (Southam) Squadron joined six from 496 (Balsall Common) Squadron at Edgbaston Reservoir in Birmingham . This was the fourth time 2028 Squadron had sent Cadets to experience a day out with a difference. The day had been organised once again by C.I. Steve Rogers from 2028 Squadron to introduce the Cadets to Kayaking. C.I. Rogers was assisted throughout the day by Coaches from Birmingham Canoe Club, one of the UK 's top Clubs. Sergeant Wildman from 2028 Squadron and Flying Officer Slade from 496 accompanied the Cadets.

The weather on the day was mixed with showers and some late sunny spells. The d ay was packed with structured tuition as in previous years with some fun games as well, resulting in all the cadets gaining the new Kayak 1 Star Award.

Before going on the water, the Cadets were ‘fitted' to their kayaks, the Coaches ensuring they were comfortable and ‘braced' correctly. Each Cadet was then issued with a life jacket before being split into ability groups with coaches looking after each group. This provided for the best possible learning experience. Most of the required skills were covered in the morning session before returning to the reservoir after lunch for some fun games and a final run through the various skills needed to achieve the required standard. Sergeant Wildman also joined the Cadets on the water to refresh and develop skills he had learnt as a Cadet.

Following the games, which in themselves used the skills already learnt, the Cadets were split into groups, this time allowing for those with previous experience and those new to kayaking, in order to finish covering the entire 1 Star Kayak syllabus and in some cases the 2 Star as well. Amongst other things, this involved demonstrating to the Coach a ‘capsize and swim to shore drill. This year the Cadets got a surprise when they were told there had been a competition for the best male and female Cadet.

Cadet Jamie Bennett and Cadet Abigail Ognjanovic from 2028 Squadron were chosen as the winners.

The day was a great experience for everyone and it has now become an integral part of the year for both 2028 Squadron and other Squadrons in the Wing thanks to CI Rogers.

A Birmingham Canoe Club Coach said "It is always a joy to have these Cadets to coach; they are all so respectful to others and are always keen to learn new skills."

C.I. Rogers commented, “Over several years now I have tried to get the Cadets involved in something different and challenging, once again today has certainly achieved that objective. My Squadron Commander has always given his full support but I must give special thanks to the Birmingham Canoe Club and their coaches without whom this would not have been possible.”

Flight Lieutenant Moreton, CO of 2028 Squadron, commented, “This was the fourth year that CI Rogers has organised one of these days. I am personally pleased that more Squadrons in Warwickshire and Birmingham Wing are now taking up the opportunity for their Cadets to attend; it provides the Cadets with a safe environment on the water both to have fun and to earn a new qualification. My personal thanks go once again to CI Rogers and his colleagues from Birmingham Canoe Club.”