January & February 2011

Since my return to paddling in November 2010, I've been keen to get out as much as possible. After trips on some of my favourite runs, I've been doing some coaching and leading in the Lakes and around Lancashire.

The end of January saw me lead a club trip down the River Leven in the Lake District. As I haven't been down to the club in a while, I didn't know many of the club paddlers, but it turned out that they were a great crew who were keen to learn and who really enjoy their paddling.

There were thriteen novices altogether, so we split into two groups. The water was at a low/medium level, and was really ideal for a first trip. Most rocks were covered, but it was still technical in some places, so it gave people a chance to test their skills. It also gave me the opportunity to see where people needed to improve, and this became apparent after the first drop, Mill Falls.

Mill Falls is grade 3, and a fairly kind introduction to paddling over drops. Paddling is the most important part, and most of the group forgot to paddle, resulting in a successful drop, but a swin in the bouncy waves immediately after. The large pool at the bottom made rescues easy, but it was a wet start to the day for most of the group. 

The rest of the trip passed without much incident, and we even had time for a second run. Everyone enjoyed themselves, and I was back doing what I loved; coaching and leading on the river.

Two other easy rivers followed the Leven; the Washburn and the Greta at Ingleton. The Washburn trip was fun, getting in two runs on the dam released river. It did leave me totally shattered though, after chasing a boat and swimmer for almost half of the river. Everything was recovered safely, including the swimmer!

The following weekend, three of us took a leisurely paddle down the Great at Ingleton. Despite the low water, we had a fun paddle. It was easy, but the low water made some of it technical. It was good to do a river where I wasn't on edge once, and I really enjoyed myself.

That brings me to the Saturday 19th Feb. I'm doing my 16hr first aid, followed by a coaching update the following weekend, so my paddling might be limited over the next few weeks. Maybe I can squeeze a run down the Calder in my playboat, and have a bit of fun in the weir. Watch this space.......