exetercanoeclub.org.uk

With low water after a number of weeks of really good levels and forecast of a cold day in store eleven paddlers turned up at 8.30am and loaded boats and kit ready for depature to the Lower Dart. The car thermometers were registering -5 at this time. Due to the low water a number of our more experienced kayak paddlers decided to test their open boat skills. We must have looked quite an odd mix leaving the club. 5 open boats on the trailer and 6 kayaks on various cars.(Thanks to Colin for towing the trailer) On arrival at The Dart the temperature had risen to a stunning 0. Boats were off loaded onto the BCU land adjacent to Holne Weir, kit donned and shuttle to Buckfastleigh completed. We launced from Holne Weir most members below the weir but four of the open boats decided to run the weir,it was a challenge not to be turned down,especially for myself as I hadn't been in an open boat for almost two months. With the rest of the group on the water the four made their descents failing to give the others any entertainment by making clean shoots. Next challenge The Anvil in Holne Park. Unfortunately one of our less experienced kayak paddlers was tuned off line and took a swim. No harm done just dented pride. However our swimmer didn't feel quite so bad as while we were emptying their boat a member of another group under instruction came swimming by. River Dart Country Park have now errected a number of slalom gates at the bottom of School Rapid which are really good for practicing a variety of strokes and quite challenging in open boats. The low water levels made the next section a lesson in reading the water and avoiding rocks.good practice for all.The next real feature (known in the club as devils elbow) saw an open boater take a swim. no names it could be me next time around. An easy paddle now to the large weir at the back of Buckfast Abbey which was portaged. On relaunching after the weir the river narrows and flow increases giving a quick bouncy wave train for the next few hunderd yards.From here a short paddle saw us at the get out at Buckfastleigh. A low level run but good to be out on the river (certainly beats Christmas shopping)