We had a great paddle on the Teme today just doing the town section. The river level can best be described as high with a good flow which meant it was great to practice a whole range of moving water skills. The paddlers consisted of Adam, Clive, Luke, Graham(me), Wendy, Rita, Steve, Steve and Paul C. John H decided not to paddle and kindly ran the ferry for us and helped at the finish.
We started off with a briefing, assignment of roles and buddies. Luke and me to lead (supported by Adam) and Clive and Steve2 to bring up the weir and offer support at weirs. This was folowed by ferry gliding, break ins and break outs for warm up and then off we headed to the first weir. Nice and easy start with a breakout by the island on the left. Off we headed down to the second wide weir which had its usual full length stopper below with not many eddies to base ourselves so we opted for the right hand shoot bouncing off the wall. No problems here. Off we glided along the face of the bottom of the weir to the eddy at the far end by the sluice. From here Adam announced a good strategy to travel down the next bouncy section to the bridge before the main town weir. Our plan was to get people to break out behind the bridge while we inspected the weir. Wendy had other ideas and somehow managed to get caught out on the tail of the eddy and went over. Quick chase, Wendy followed instructions perfectly, boat captured partially emptied and then towed back so we could all resume. By now crowds had started gathering hoping for the worst but we all shot the town weir down the centre chute and broke out cleanly at the bottom.
Next off to the bigger one. The higher level meant it was possible to shoot it on the right over the bigger drop but it meant some focused paddling to then head away from the trees and to the central island. All did this well after adjusting their lines to allow for the strong cross flow at the top of the weir. Although everyone came down it well a slight lapse in concentration meant that Luke had to practice his roll in moving water (for the second week running).
All gathered together we headed down to the eddy above the bend by the tree in the middle of the river and the plan was to practice crossing / gliding in the flow below the tree. It was all going well when it was Ritas turn to go over when we least expected it. Again instructions followed and Rita swam to the side. Me and Clive chased the boat past some lovely waves 
but it was choosing to be a pig and was sitting nose down and vertical in the water on the outside of the bend. Eventually got it in an eddy which was unfortunately just below the get out and with a few dodgy techniques got it emptied and to the other side. Rita was delivered in style lying across the front of two rafted boats.
Overall it was a good paddle and everyone had a good time. Time to get changed and we all headed to the Little Chef for a cup of tea/coffee but as usual I thought it would be rude to not eat so it was me eating the pies and not Clive.
Sorry but I only had time to take 4 pics as always seemed busy.
