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I am hoping to run a river trip suitable for beginners at an introductory level this Sunday. To join in this trip, all paddlers must have brought kayak, paddle, buoyancy aid, spray deck and a helmet. These can be ‘hired’ from the club if required – contract the equipment officer. The routine for such trips is to assemble at the arranged ‘meet’ location and to then share transport to the river (parking is often very restricted). It helps to arrive before the quoted time, such that equipment can be moved around and not delaying departure. We depart ‘on the dot’. This time is often 8am to get to the river whilst there is a few parking spaces left! or 9am is some cases. Check first.
We have had a very dry summer/autumn so the ground water levels remain very low despite some rain in the last few weeks. This means that the rivers are VERY low. I will be reviewing the forecast and making final decision on choice of trip nearer the time.
On these trips, it is often too cold to make a lunch stop. You are welcome to bring something along, but a choccy bar stop is more likely. Please wrap up warm. A cagoule is essential. Windproof over-trousers can be helpful even in the boat.
White water paddling entails navigating down rivers, finding a route down rapids, a bit of adrenaline on the exciting bits and enjoying the wonderful scenery when calm. The trips involve learning new skills, breaking in & out, edging & leaning to manoeuvre into and out of moving water from the calmness of eddy pools. Being able to defend yourself against mishaps, mistakes and unexpected events helps. The moving water provides challenge and excitement to many, to be able to dance across the water, using and understanding the water and how to having fun!
The beginner has to rise up to the challenge and will then learn the skills. The occasional mishap is to be expected (wrap up warm!) but should not put you off.
Any questions, please ask me.
If you wish to attend this trip, please let me know.
Thanks, Doug
07966740025PS: I rarely look at FB..
Looking at the current river levels and the forecasted rain, the trip on Sunday will be on the Tamar as the Dart is too low. We plan to go on the Tamar from Latchley to Gunnislake for an easy grade 2 run.
The plan is to meet at Woolwell, just off the roundabout leading into Tescos, towards Lidl in Towerfield Drive PL6 7FG. We can shuffle boats around as needed to leave at 09:00. If coming to Woolwell is not sensible/suitable for you, then please meet us at Gunnislake at around 9:30 (on Devon side of bridge over Tamar there is a track up-river past the water pumping station to a muddy parking area).
Doug ๐ 07966740025
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