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We’ve just returned from our open boat weekend on the dart. The trip was designed so that you carried all of your camping equipment, food, clothing etc with you in your boat. We were planning to start at Holne Bridge on the dart and paddle down to the very basic campsite however record low rainfall for the past 5 weeks has meant that there was no water. Instead we had to spend all of our time paddling on the tidal sections of the estuary as this did have water. We started at Dittisham. The weather on Saturday was a pig with very strong headwinds making paddling very difficult for most of us. After taking nearly 1 hour to travel the first mile with the tide on our side but into the wind many of us wanted to turn back and find an easier route. But Yoda persuaded us all to be patient and just take our time and we would get through it. As usual he was right.
We arrived after about 2.5 hours and set up camp right on the banks of the dart at Sharpham.
We built a nice fire, tucked into our rations, had some medicinal beverages and enjoyed the well illuminated night views from the full moon.
Sunday we got up early, breakfast, broke camp and were on the water by 8:30. What a contrast with the weather with practically no wind. The estuary was like a millpond. We headed off from Sharpham and went exploring. First on the agenda was the Bow Creek up to Bow where we had to turn back when the water eventaully became too shallow. From here we headed back down the creek to the main estuary and headed into Stoke Gabriel where we decided it was time for a cup of coffee just as the local cafe was opening.
From here it was just a short trek back to Dittisham, load up the boats and head back home.
Many thanks to Adam and Brian for organising the whole event which was great fun. Your efforts are appreciated and we look forward to the next expedition.
Here are just a few of my pictures with some more to follow from Ed later. Anyone else who would like to write some comments on the trip then please send them to me.
Updated with the additional following version of war and peace set from Clive on his iPhone. Hopefully I’ve fixed the spellings but you never know. Photos now follow this.
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Don’t forget the Xmas social on December 12th. More details to follow from Caroline. sent by text
Think about the WKCC canoeists who will be camping out in the rain and strong winds on Saturday. sent by text
Thursday 1st October- Pool , Junior session (1hr) followed by general session. sent by text
Thusday 24th September saw a visit to our pool session from Jason and Ross from Canoe & Kayak UK magazine. Jason is the magazines editor and Ross is one of the main writers at the mag. They were here to gather information on the club for their regular Club Scene articles that they publish each month so look out for the article in the December issue.
We had a good turnout as usual despite not advertising that they would be attending. The session was well structured and involved everyone and thanks to all of you who jopined in and many thanks to Jason and Ross and thanks to Ed Moore who organised it all for the club.
What a great day for paddling! We had a good turn out for today’s paddle from Eckington Bridge to Nafford. The level at Nafford was very low which made it ideal to practice edging, ferry gliding and break ins. Well done to all those who had a go. Here are a few photos (sorry if I missed anyone).
Just a few snaps from Bevere weir at Grimley. Unfortunately did not get any shots of the swimmers.
We had a great paddle today with cracking weather. We got in at the bridge at Cressage and had a gentle paddle down to Jackfield rapids where we stopped for a bit of a play. Only one swimmer (me) when playing and hitting a rock sideways.
See the few pictures I have so far
We are planning an open boat trip on the upper Severn based on the success of our previous outing from Ironbridge to Bridgenorth. This time we will start further upstream of Ironbridge and paddle down and finish just after Jackfield Rapids just below Ironbridge. The plan is for Sunday 9th August and we plan to be there for a 9:30 start.
We need to urgently know who wishes to go so we can plan transport options and ensure we have sufficient experienced paddlers.
Please contact Caroline to confirm you are coming before the end of Wednesday 5th August.
This years Bretforton Ladies paddle took place at Symonds Yat. We had a group of 9 ladies plus Ashley with paddling experience ranging from none to having been quite a few times before. The group was supported by 5 coaches from WKCC. Weather was pretty good despite the gloomy forecast. After a morning of coaching we adjourned to the Royal Lodge Hotel for lunch and a pint.
In the afternoon we played on the rapids building up the skills starting with breakouts, break ins, ferry gliding and crosses. Eventually leading up to breaking in to the big wave. Quite a few people took a swim but overall they all did brilliantly and should be proud of their achievements on the day.
Here are a few photos taken at the top. Apologies for anyone I missed while doing rescues.
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