New Year's Eve 2010 - Paddling the River Kent



Icicles hanging down into the final gorge on the River Kent



The last time I paddled the Kent was in the Autumn of 2008. I was as confident as I'd ever been, and it should have been a fun high water run. However, I capsized, split my head open on a rock, took a long swim and ended-up walking out. Shortly after, my already dodgy back gave way, and I spent two years not paddling in a bid to recover. 

That brings us to now. Since returning to paddling in November 2010, I have paddled five easy rivers. My confidence isn't anywhere near where it was, and since my little swim on the Kent back in 2008, I have been apprehensive about getting back on this river. But it was decided, and despite being slightly nervous, I wasn't going to sit this one out.

On arriving at the river and having a quick look, it was obviously low, and therefore about as friendly as it was going to get. We drove up to Scrogg's weir to get in, and after shuttling, we slid in to the cold water, and believe me, it was cold. By the time we arrived at the gorge section, my hands were as white as the recent snow.

The first drop into the gorge went smoothly, and instantly my confidence rose. First fall out of the way, and I wasn't feeling too bad. The beautiful icicles hanging down the gorge walls made it particularly scenic, and I realised I was actually enjoying myself. 

The beautifully icy gorge

As we continued through the gorge, taking a few pictures as we went, I found that although I was looking forward to the rest of the river, I also couldn't wait to get to the end. I tried my best to concentrate on taking photos, but the cold was making it difficult. The camera was also on the wrong setting, although I didn't realise until the end, so I wasn't happy with my shots. At least all my faffing stopped me from thinking about the drops ahead.

We soon got to the Z-bend rapid, the scene of my 2008 swim, but it didn't look difficult. Sticking out of the water by about a foot was the steel pipe that had caused my capsize, so at least I knew where not to paddle. I eddied out at the top, picked my line and then nailed it. I plunged over the edge and made the eddy below. Sweet! Confidence restored, river demons exorcised, and fun all the way.

Callum on his way down the series of falls at the Z-shaped rapid

We all made it without incident, and had a fun paddle down to the final gorge. I took a few more piccies, but was hoping that James' new GoPro HD headcam had captured some better footage of our trip. It was certainly tested as we went over the L-shaped weir, and I can't wait to see how well it performed under water!

I knew our trip was near its end, and I had enjoyed every minute. All that remained was Force Falls, but with the big pool at the bottom along with my rediscovered confidence, I wasn't worried. James and I went first, as we were equipped with the cameras. We both hit the line, paddled over into the drop, and eddied out at the bottom displaying ear to ear smiles. It really is a fun drop to run.  Callum and Glenn gave us a minute to set up our cameras, and then they too negotiated the run-in and drop, and emerged from the hole with huge smiles.

Glenn in the bottom of Force Falls

That was it. Kent done! I'm glad I did it. I didn't feel my back once, restored some of my long lost confidence, and realised that the river is where I want to be. Thanks to my paddling buddies for a great trip, and I can honestly say that I couldn't have had a better end to 2010. Bring on 2011!