WKCC » River Trips

Sunday 6th May – Mile End Mill to Chain Bridge and down through Town Falls 2 reports

gpt27 — Wed, 09 May 2012 20:08:04 +0000

A sunny morning at Llangolen Mile End Mill where seven of us met at 10am. We had Graham, Adam, Jules, Paul C, Jane, Emma and myself. Once we were all ready, Adam and Graham dropped a car at the town get out, while the rest of us took the boats to the launch point. When Adam and Graham got back they did a short briefing before getting on the river and warming up by ferry gliding and braking in and out. After that we got out on the other bank where we carried the boats to the canal with an extended loop of the field to get us really warm, you will have to ask Adam about that! We then paddled up the canal to get on the river just above Serpents Tail.

After a short brake and discussion on how we would work in two groups, eddie hopping our way down river until getting to Serpents Tail, we all got off the water to inspect and discuss how we would run it, we then set up a rescue point. Adam was first to go hitting the micro eddie at the top, then worked his way to the tail making it look easy. Then Graham went, also making it look easy. Next up Jules and in his own style went through with no problems. Now it was my turn, visualising how i was going to run it , it didn’t quite go as planned! I managed to hit the eddy and position for the next part, even get my line position but something didn’t go to plan as I’m upside down and ready to bail! For some reason the rest decided not to follow! After getting in the boat managing 40yds before revisiting the water it was time for a refuel before having another go paddling down to Mile End Mill. Regrouping into our eddy hopping groups we went down a drop river left with the intention of eddying out on the left but the angle wasn’t quite right so I dropped down the steep part of the shoot and over I went again! We all worked through the rest of Mile End Mill without any problems. The trickiest part was to come, you could hear the sound of the water as we aproached and looking from the bridge earlier it didnt look too steep. Adam took the lead followed by the rest of us, I dropped into the slot at the bottom , lent forward and started paddling, wow what a rush!! As I came around by the bridge Jane was already out of her boat and Paul came next and both Paul and I rescued Jane’s boat. Next through was Emma (who swam) followed by Graham and Jules. A great day was had by all and everyone learnt something along the way. Nick D

Report2
Sundays paddle – keeping the locals entertained

Arriving at Llangollen just before 10am with Emma; Adam, Paul, Nick, Jules and Graham were already there. The water didn’t look as high as I thought it would have, given the amount of rain we’d had. Before we got on the water we had to pay £5 each for river access at Mile End Mill. Starting from the Mill, we had a quick warm up then paddled across the Dee to the other side, walked through a field, over the railway line to get in the canal. For a mile we paddled along the canal to get warmed up, passing barges, walkers (taking photos of us) and steam trains until we got to the end of the canal.

We stopped for a bite to eat and then Adam demonstrated how we were going to work in teams and eddy hop downstream. Divided into teams, we practiced on dry land with the use of throw lines placed either side of the path to represent eddies. Ready to put our new skills into action we got back on the river and eddy hopped down stream for a short while. Just above Serpents Tail we got out to assess the falls, to see if we wanted to paddled or portage it. Adam assigned us places along the river bank to help rescue any swimmers. Adam paddled first to show which line to take, followed by Graham, Nick and Jules. The rest of us just took notes, with one swimmer we practiced our rescuing skills. Heading downstream, we eddy hopped until we reached Mile End Mill. Here there are three drops, a stopper and a surf wave which some played on or some had lunch.

Continuing downstream where the river is quiet for about half a mile, then you arrive in the town centre. The Town Falls were downstream and the riversides were packed with tourists, so no pressure as they were pointing and taking photos of us! First there is a small right angled shaped weir leading you to a series of drops over the weir, then we were to go river right underneath the bridge. As I approached the first main drop, the weir lead into two big steps, somewhere I got turned over, so before I knew it, I was swimming! There was one other swimmer, Emma so enough to entertain the onlookers and enough to keep everyone busy in the group with rescuing! Paul managed to rescue my boat downstream so had to chase him down the riverbank, and by the time I’ve found him everyone was in the car park. We celebrated with ice-creams, then headed home weary but happy with what we had achieved!

Thanks Jane

Paddlepower River Trip Reports from Ed C, Claire and Sue – Sunday 1st April

gpt27 — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 18:14:50 +0000

Today was the first time I used my boat on the river, the first time I seal launched and the first time I capsized by mistake! Sophie & Emma did a great warm up which was follow the leader, then we played British bulldog. Then Emma and Lucy were on and Emma got me, I then tried to get Sophie, but she was too quick, I leant over too far and went swimming! Thanks to Ben for rescuing me.
Back on the water, we played follow the leader down to the weir with Paul at the front. Up at the weir we did a skills session which was good. I got very hungry, but my Dad had left the snacks in the car. Luckily Ed rescued me this time with some jelly babies – thanks Ed! Then I went back to the weir and I went down it a couple of times – it was very slow and I got stuck! We then played on the big rocky island that is now the weir. We then paddled back down the river to base. The day was exciting, but scary when I went over, but to sum it all up it was fun!

Edward C

I would just like to add to this that I thought all the coaches were really good today. Today was run largely run by the new (ish!) level 1 coaches and they all did a great job, well organised and showed great leadership. Thanks to them all!

Thanks
Simon

Report2:
After a chilly early morning the sun started to shine. A good turn out this morning, and after the level 1 ladies sorted out what our plan of action was we got on the water just after 10.00am.Perfect timing.
We went into 2 groups to watch some of the juniors do their paddle power skills .
I decided to go in an open boat with Ed to brush up on some of my skills ready for the Doggy paddle in May .
We had only been on the water for a few minutes with the younger members having a quick ball game when we had our first swimmer Ed C. He tried to reach too far to get the ball and over he went. After a quick rescue and Edward back in his boat off we went.

We paddled up to the weir at a nice leisurely pace. Once there some more assessing was done. Ben went up the weir to help anyone who wanted to shoot it, not that there was much water flowing over it. Ed went first and after much persuasion Lucy went too. They both loved it and had a few goes Ben being happy to drag them up to the top each time.

After some of the kids decided to explore the large rocks supporting the weir we headed of back to the Riverside Centre.

The sun was still shinning and after a good paddle we all helped put the equipment away.

Looking forward to many more paddles this year on the river.

Reported by Claire T

Report3:

Looking out of my window the ground was frozen over making the idea of a paddle slightly less exciting…. however it soon became obvious that it was going to be a glorious warm spring day. For those of you who know us, we are fairly new to the club, and we are rather a large family…. 2 adults and 6 kids; however today there was only 6 of us!

Getting 6 of us on the water for the first time could have been really daunting but when we arrived in the car park every one fell over themselves to help us. There were kind offers of loans of equipment by everyone and Ollie took us round to the well equipped containers to fit us out with buoyancy aids, helmets, kayaks canoes and splay decks. Everyone mucked in getting people onto the water.

We experienced our first seal launch. We were then split into 2 groups; paddle power and the adults. The kids had a game of bull dogs the girls proved too quick for the ever enthusiastic and dare devil Ed who was the first capsize of the season! As ever he was soon back in his boat undeterred and smiling.

The adults set off up towards the lock, soon followed by the kids. It was just a short paddle to assess how everybody managed. As usual there was plenty of advise about technique. At the lock a few of the kids went down what was left of the weir. The Jelly Babies ( apparently a tradition of the club) were passed around prior to paddling home.

It was a fabulous opportunity to find out about purchasing kayaks and equipment. It was interesting to sit in different kayaks to see the pros and cons of each, to make you aware of what you need to take into account when buying one.

The kids had a great time and we feel much more confident now and are looking forwards to many more trips over the coming summer. A great big thanks to everyone who helped us and made us feel part of the group.

Sue M

WKCC – Open Canoe Trip Sunday 8th April

gpt27 — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 11:26:35 +0000

The proposed camping weekend did not happen but instead we had a good 10 mile open canoe paddle. Here is the first report from Nick D and a few photos from Paul C.
p.s. New canoe/people friendly owner at the soon to be renamed back to the Fish and Anchor!!

Easter Sunday morning Graham, Paul c , John H , Fitz, Nick D, Liz, Emma, Sophie, Claire, Laura, Lucy, Rita & Caroline met up at PRSYC at 9:15.
We loaded up 3 cars with boats and paddles for the trip and dropped one car with dry kit in at the finish in Offenham. We then went to Luddington where in groups of 4 we carried the boats to the river. After everyone was changed and boats were loaded ,we set off. After about 3 miles we reached the first weir which curved round is a shallow angle with a step at the bottom where the river is at a low level.Not everyone shot this weir , Paul, Rita, Fitz, Emma, Graham and i did it. After this it runs into a short shallow rapid where at the end we stopped for a short lunch brake. We carried on and reached the second weir after a couple of miles, this one was a more rocky weir with a lot of debris in it but on inspection had a good runnable line. The third weir was only a mile down stream , this one was another rocky weir but with a nice easy line to run. The wind was picking up a bit and was making it more challenging on the windy sections of the river. We had another couple of miles before the third weir , this one had about a 2ft drop on it but there were no straight forward lines to run .3 of us ran the weir with different levels of success, unfortunately Fitz decided to take a run on the far side of the river where the flow was better, but the flow was going straight towards some trees and a large tree root which he managed to get pinned against. It then took Fitz,Graham, Paul & myself about 30 minutes with the use of a pruning saw, ropes and a pulley to get the boat free. After we packed everything away we paddled the last couple of miles, run one more very straight forward weir before we reached the fish and anchor, a very good day was had by all. Nick D

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River Trip Sunday 4th March Barle or Lower Tryweryn

gpt27 — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 17:33:45 +0000

Next Sunday we are scheduled to paddle the River Barle in Exmoor next Sunday 4th March. Unfortunately the current levels are very low.
If this is still the case at the end of next week and subject to dam release Fitz is suggesting an option to go and paddle the lower section on the Tryweryn which is similar in charcteristics. This section is Grade 2 similar to what many of you have done recently with one optional Grade 3 section.
We will give you more details later in the week.

Sunday 26th February – Symonds Yat

gpt27 — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 19:41:10 +0000

Report by Liz, thank you.

A good turnout of members on a nippy but sunny morning met for a play in the rapids at Symonds Yat and for some of us it was our first river paddle of 2012. The river was fairly high and fast flowing with strong currents which proved to be a challenge for most of the paddlers and resulted in many having a dunking in the freezing water; swimmers on the day included Claire, Ed, Ross, Tim, Harry and Jules.
Jules, having capsized more than once, did manage to roll up at least once whilst Emma, who capsized whilst avoiding a rock, managed to accomplish her 1^st unprepared river roll to the accompaniment of cheers from rest of the group.

Having split into two groups, based on ability, we practiced our ferry gliding, edging and breaking in and out of eddies with varying degrees of success. The more advanced group, some in open boats and others in kayaks, took advantage of the challenging water conditions and stayed on the water for the duration whilst the rest of us practiced and improved our skills in the calmer waters before disembarking at the beach, portaging back up to just above the rapids and descending once again with improved confidence and ability.

As usual there were moments of madness (realizing that their BA was in the car boot whilst they were in their kayak on the water!), silliness (falling off the back of a kayak which was attempting a seal launch!) and seriousness (listening carefully to the coaches and concentrating on the task in hand) which all added to make an yet another excellent day on the river for WKCC and their members.

WKCC – Sunday paddle moved due to river levels

gpt27 — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 22:41:53 +0000

This Sundays paddle on the Lugg is going to be replaced by Symonds Yat due to low water levels of the Lugg again.

We will be having a session at Symonds Yat East this coming Sunday. You will need to be ready to be on the water for 10 am so I suggest you get there for 9:30 pm. The car park is likely to be busy so you have to be patient to find a space.
The paddle is not suitable for beginners but you will know if you have enough experience. It’s a great place to park and play and try moving water, breaking out and in and running mild rapids so it’s worth the journey.

If you have any further questions or to verify you are coming then contact Graham or Adam before 14:00 on Saturday please via text if possible to verify you are coming and we know to wait for you as there is no or minimal phone signal on site. Numbers are on the programme.
You will need £3.50 for the car park per £1 per boat as a launch fee (or something close to this).

Go down the M50 and A40 and follow the signs to Symonds Yat east !! Car park is before you reach the pubs.

This trip is well worth the effort. Symonds Yat East Map:
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cheers

Graham

Web and Comms

Newbridge to Builth Wells – River Wye – Sunday 12th Feb 2012

gpt27 — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 18:36:43 +0000

Hope the 13 paddlers had a good day on Sunday. If I could have any small comments or write ups that would be great and I will add it to this post. Hopefully we all learnt something from the day;

Clive learnt that fire is hot, Tim discovered that shoes do find their own way home and Fitz found that it’s very hard to catch a sheep on a busy main road in the dark.

To start us off Nick Hall has sent us a batch of photos.
Cheers Graham

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Sunday 16th October River Trip

gpt27 — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 22:32:32 +0000

Due to very low water levels on the Upper Teme we will postpone this trip until later in the year. Instead after much deliberation and input from various people we have settled on an ideal local trip on the lower Teme and then joining the Severn to get a few miles paddling under our belts before the Canal Barn weekend. It’s about 4 to 5 Adam miles from Bransford Bridge down to Kempsey.

The plan will be to meet in the lay-by on the A4103 Bransford Road just before the bridge. This is on the left if you are heading from Worcester. We will need to be there ready to paddle by 10:00 a.m. please.

It’s a nice winding section of river that we can all practice our group skills.

You can see the start point on the attached Google map link.

Bransford Bridge Meeting Point

Please contact Graham on 07876335797 before 13:00 on Saturday to confirm if you are coming. Also let us know if you need any kit as we may be able to arrange for some on this occasion.

Cheers
Graham
Chairman, Web and Comms

Lugg Trip Report by Oli

secretary — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 19:57:06 +0000

Sunday 03 October 2011 – Leominster to Hope-under-Dinmore

The sun shone bright as we left early for our day trip on the River Lugg.

Dad drove, en route, picking up Adam and Liz. We arrived safely at the car park at 9.30am.

18 of us in all { Dad, me, Adam, Liz, Clive, Graham, John, Jules, Richard, Paul, my mate Harry, Rita, Claire, Wendy, Jane, Matt, Caroline, and not forgetting Tim, had turned up for a fun day .

Due to the dry spell we have had recently, {not knocking it!} the river level was lower than expected. The group was then divided into two separate smaller groups.

This day was going to be the ideal opportunity for Harry and I to work towards our paddle power . My group took the lead, attempting to chase Clive as we went!

We all took turns in leading the way along the route, avoiding many obstacles.

Wendy, decided to take the on foot approach, and Clive was attempting a daring approach by jumping over a tree and narrowly escaping getting wet!!

Lunch, was a welcome stop managing to eat our sandwiches without the swans stealing any.

After lunch, feeling refreshed and full, the water level became deeper which should have helped, but all were slowing down at that point. My arms were really aching .

At the finish line, to my amazement Adam was in a hole in the bridge.{unbelievable!}. He then proceeded to seal launch, closely followed by Graham and Clive, by becoming the nearest thing to a human submarine.

Feeling very tired we packed up around 3.30pm. On reflection a brilliant day out. A world record I was in bed for 9pm.

Oli Moore.
Photos by John Heath

Sunday 2nd October – River Lugg Trip

gpt27 — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 19:07:22 +0000

This Sunday, 2nd October, there is a trip on the river Lugg. It is an ideal trip, essential first river, for those that are going on the Canal Barn weekend away at the end of October as well as those people who are looking to do their first river trip. The Lugg is an ideal river to have a go at with lots to do.

This link, click here, is a map of the trip, please do not be put off by the weirs, the level at the moment is low, this link is to the environment agency and if you look at the current level and the usual level you will see what i mean.

These are previous trips we have done on the Lugg, here and here.

If you are interested in going on the trip please let Graham know this Thursday at the pool sessions as we just need to do some planning and sort kit out.

The weather is still a bit mild but you should plan on it being colder than you expect, the weather can change and the temperature only needs to drop a few degrees, think about what you will wear and lunch. There will be an announcement in the pool on Thursday, so listen out, but if you have any questions please ask them on Thursday.

The Lugg is one of my favorite local rivers and whatever the level it is a really nice, scenic river with wildlife and interesting things.

Clive Pearson

Note that you may need sun tan cream (in October!) – Graham