November/December 2006

Sunday mornings Bed or KCC shed? WW Open boating Getting your fittings sorted A Scottish Adventure KCC Highlands The Bitches Hydrographical marvel Access denied Cover Photo (Fred Wondre): Dave Superman 2nd Drop: Triple Falls, Etive (Scotland) & Lisa top left and thought you would be interested PLEASE REMOVE airbags from boats in adding your support. To read about and thoroughly hose out the interior the petition and to sign it just visit of the boat before taking into the pool. http://www.petitionthem.com/ River closures for DAMAGE to shallow end of pool: I am default.asp?sect=detail&pet=2856 fairly sure that this has been caused £4.75m upgrade There is also a forum where you can by blades coming into contact talk about this petition and of course Navigation of the River Thames will be with the bottom. So guys and gals DO many other worthy petitions that restricted by a series of lock closures NOT LEVER up off the bottom when need your support. this winter to allow for a £4.75m you fail to roll, instead have a bow upgrade of facilities. Overview of this petition: The Welsh rescue or bail out. Assembly Government is urged to From Wednesday, river use will If we do not attend to these matters consider and implement a Bill to be restricted along a stretch from ASAP the privilege of being able to benefit Wales that would enshrine Teddington Lock, London, through hire the pool will disappear. IT is up access rights and responsibilities to Rushey Lock in Oxfordshire. to YOU & YOU & YOU… for the public to and along natural resources in the same way that the Happy Christmas, Peter (on behalf Scottish Land Reform Act encourages of OCP) co-operative use of the outdoors for healthy, low impact recreation. This bill must provide and permit I’m afraid that our webcam has been access to and along non-tidal water offline recently as we are having our turbine installed and we had to switch The largest project is at Bray Lock, in in the face of the massive lack of the webcam off while this work was Maidenhead, Berks, where £700,000 is legal clarity and restrictions that exist being carried out. As soon as we are able being spent on a major refurbishment. at present, which act as a barrier to sport and recreation and the to go back online we will, but I’m afraid Out of hours power will be installed at promotion of Wales as a place to visit that I can’t give you an exact date as to Osney, Abingdon, Caversham and Bray. for Adventure Tourism. when this might be. I’m sorry I can’t be Paul Power, the Environment Agency’s of more help. engineering manager for the River Gemma Farmer, Assistant Manager Thames, said the work has been ( Adventures) possible due to extra funding from the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). Due to a large leak in the pool “We are continuing to maintain, pipework, location unknown, but Llangurig to Rhayader 17 Km Grade iii (iv) develop and modernise the River probably underground somewhere Hopefully we will have some water in Thames in line with the needs of the pool *WILL NOT* be available 2007. This is a scenic and exciting river today’s river users,” he said. for the KCC session on the *14th DECEMBER.* with many small rapids and 3 major Other improvements include a drops. £500,000 refurbishment of Days with Investigations will take place during It is suitable for most of the club and new lock walls, a £350,000 new tail the week of the 14th and subsequently. all at low water. Beautiful scenery, lay-by at Clifton and new lock gates at Depending on the results of these despite the wind turbines and a good Osney and Pinkhill. the pool may or may not be available from January 2007 onwards. Watch this chance of seeing Red Kites Mr Power added: “I’m sure boaters space as they say. I will let everyone DATE: Sunday 4th March 2007 and other visitors will enjoy the know as soon as I know. improvements next summer.” MEET: Rhayader Leisure Centre car park at 10 a.m. GR Sheet 147 970682. (Taken From http://news.bbc. CLEANLINESS The journey takes 3 1/2 hours. co.uk/go/em/fr/-/1/hi/england/ During the last session there was a berkshire/6107146.stm) large amount of leaves on the bottom Should you want a snack before you of the pool. NOT GOOD. start, we can meet at the Café at Crossgates on the A44 GR.089 649 at In order to help alleviate this 9.00-9.15 a.m. problem the pool manager is providing a length of hose which Please ring/e-mail Ellie so transport (Dave Surman) has just signed the can be fixed to the OUTSIDE tap on can be coordinated. Look forward to petition entitled: A Land Reform Bill the wall to the left (facing) of the seeing you on the day, Ellie Collins for Wales, similar to the Scottish Act pool pedestrian entrance. Tel: 01865 820907

TRASHER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 06 2 Ellie’s nomination was made in coaches. Few can match Ellie’s energy 2005 by the Local Coaching panel and drive, even now she can be found of the BCU. The nomination talked and coaching several nights of Ellies’ tireless and good-natured a week in the summer and running Early this year the Trasher encouragement of young people and river trips in the darker months. Well announced that Ellie adults all over Oxfordshire. Running the done Ellie and her rather special team young peoples’ club at the Riverside member, Peter. Collins had been named Centre Oxford, OCC Tadpole Bridge as the Geoff Good Youth Centre and when requested coaching Coach of the Year. and assessing with Pathfinder Club and Schools in Abingdon. Ellie’s The award has now been presented adult beginners classes run on at the AGM of the Southern Region behalf of the Kingfisher Canoe Club Development Team which was held have been the induction for many to on Tuesday 7th November. this club. Ellie also has had, for more So who was Geoff Good? He was the years than anybody can remember, BCU Director of Coaching in the 1980’s. a special affinity with Scouts from all He edited the first edition of the BCU over the King Alfred District. It would be hard to estimate just how many Handbook and was very Ellie being presented with her trophy influential in the evolution of canoe young people Ellie has influenced and by David Walsh and another of her scout trainees. and kayak coaching. many have gone on to be enthusiastic

Date 13/2/03 18/2/05 10/12/05 28/9/06 2/11/06 3/11/06 6/12/06 10/12/06 10/12/06 11/12/06 28/12/94

R Usk Chain Bridge 1.49 0.88 1.17 0.36 0.77 0.74 2.24 1.73 1.62 2.12 3.88 Llandetty 1.32 0.91 1.08 ? 0.79 0.76 2.23 1.41 1.48 2.05 3.15 Brecon 0.8 0.47 0.66 0.32 0.32 0.32 1.71 0.77 0.98 1.5 2.25

R Wye Rhayder 1.24 0.62 0.73 0.28 0.6 0.56 1.29 0.98 1.15 1.42 2.44 Erwood 2.38 1.27 1.53 0.5 1.09 1.04 2.47 1.88 1.91 2.54 4.59 Hay 1.3 0.27 0.39 0.12 0.06 0.04 1.22 0.74 0.63 1.24 3.66 Bredweardine 4.04 1.08 1.58 0.19 0.76 0.68 3.41 2.35 2.02 2.7 5.36 Hereford 4.08 0.9 1.45 0.01 0.59 0.51 3.32 2.23 1.86 1.95 4.27 Ross 3.45 1.09 1.68 0.07 0.71 0.61 3.77 2.58 2.2 2 3.08 Redbrook 2.34 0.91 1.74 0.38 0.4 0.27 3.88 2.69 2.38 2.14 2.64

R Lug 1.65 1.23 1.45 0.19 0.56 0.52 2.63 2.63 2.35 2.12 2.5

R Monow 0.34 0.19 0.27 0.07 0.09 0.08 0.77 0.39 0.37 0.37 1.02

Comments Usk in Wye low Wye at Wye low Fine for KCC. Usk in good OK for Erwood - Builth to Standing spate. flow. OC in needs ~1.7 Boug’d OK waves Scarry Wye in Builth for an ideal for open would push full flood area KCC run open canoe

Ainsworth ‘Skid Lid’’, medium size (57cm), used 4 times, brought new in ‘06. for approx £50 Sensible offers to [email protected] or see Iain Shield

TRASHER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 06 3 After an hour or so in the weir Alastairs‘ idea of avoiding the flow and heading round Culham Cut seemed like a good one, so downstream we went, under the bridge and round to the lock. It was open, and the group piled in! It was miles easier to walk round but I clearly didn’t get the point! About 20 mins Well let’s hope that keeps most of Nix & Rog checking out the weir later they all them off the water for us to enjoy the popped through Sunday morning paddling! Wouldn’t the gates, a bit Lazy lot! want the whole club having as much of slalom past fun as us last Sunday would we? the fishermen and then into the main Last Sunday (Oct 29th) was fab flow that we had been putting off. It weather, no frost and bright sunshine. wasn’t that bad actually and just good There was a good turn out too. exercise, although you start to realise A strong flow took us to Sutton just how inefficient a spud boat can Courtenay without much effort, and be. There were a few rowing skulls we all got out over the bank to put about and I could think of some good Alastair in the sweet spot in again in Sutton pools and the weir tractor/Ferrari analogies. below. Rog and Nix watched from the walkway as people got started in the Ray in the lock weir, made a great silhouette. The water level was dropping very slowly and marginally improving the hole in the weir. It would let you surf in It was refreshing to do some exercise, just one small sweet spot, but you had great to chat to mates, and satisfying to get it just right. Not quite Hurley, but to know I had beaten the urge to stay still a challenge, and a great spot for in bed. So next Sunday, what are you improving your skills in the white stuff. doing? - See you at the hut 9.30! by the editor

Not even staged and everybody’s smiling! A good turn out on a Join in on Sun mornings: 9.30 at the hut Sunday morning.

TRASHER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 06 4 Congratulations to Neil, Les and Ash (left to right above) for passing their 2*

The sea event of the year Activities led by top sea paddlers & coaches 25th – 28th May 2007 (29th May – 1st June Extended Activities) Sleat, Isle of Skye (Slèite, Eilean Sgitheanach) For further information contact: www.seasymposium.org [email protected] Tel: 01471 833428 The 2007 Scottish Symposium promises to be a special occasion combining the fantastic paddling opportunities of the Skye coastline with top tips from leading sea paddlers and coaches. These individuals are accomplished speakers, top coaches, respected authors on kayaking, and expedition paddlers who will join with experts on the wildlife and culture of Skye to make this the kayaking forum of the year. Our well known contributors already include: • Gordon Brown • Kevin Mansell • Doug Cooper • Andy Stamp • Franco Ferrero • Douglas Wilcox • • Brian Wilson • Howard Jeffs • Duncan Winning OBE • Mike McClure What’s on offer? Whether working towards a sea kayaking award, wanting to learn more or just want to have a paddle with like minded people, the Scottish Sea Symposium has something for everyone. • Practical sessions and skills clinics. • Lectures and talks / Workshops / Slide shows • Guided paddle trips / Saturday night ceilidh • Activities for young children • Trade Stands from leading manufactures and suppliers Following the main event there will be guided trips lead by top sea paddlers. The trips will be graded for different abilities. Ken Nicol, Scottish Sea Kayak Symposium

TRASHER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 06 5 In Abingdon weir

by Alastair Wilson When you buy a new Open Boat 1) Buoyancy for White water Paddling (Canadian) it is, unlike a kayak, likely This Old Town canoe to have only a minimum of furniture is made of a buoyant material () but and fittings. additional buoyancy This reduces the price and so be prepared to haggle makes emptying boats to get the necessary extras for a reasonable price. If you and performing rescues plan to use it on moving water then it must be suitably much easier. Covered equipped. Before you rush into this it is worth looking at, solid foam blocks have and paddling, as many boats as you can and you should been chosen here in discuss the pros and cons of the many choices available. preference to air-bags There are many differing views out there but broad as they cannot be consensus on good practices. punctured. You could also fill air bags with polystyrene beads (like a bean bag). The blocks must be secured and The principle elements you will need to consider are: this has been done here with a bungee between the lifting 1. Additional buoyancy for white water loop and a patch stuck to the boat. Care is necessary to get the patch to stick. 2. Means to secure kit in the boat for those inevitable capsizes 3. Kneeling thwart for solo paddling for best boat control 4. Miscellaneous items to complete you safety kit

Carrying loops P loops You will need to fit a These have been riveted sleeve on each loop to to the underside of the prevent them being gunwale and a fixing line pulled inwards by the attached to the loops on bungee. the blocks

2) Secure Kit To prevent loss of kit after a capsize it should all be secured below the level of the gunwale. This can be made easier by drilling a series of holes through the hull for a line round the boat. TRASHER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 06 6 4) Miscellaneous Items You have lots of space in an open canoe for kit but you may have to it so think weight. You can buy a canoe trolley (small set of strap-on wheels). A jug or cut down plastic container is useful as a baler. “drill a series of holes through the hull for a line round the boat.” Safety lines should be A bungee cord can be tied to this or short lengths of attached to both bow and elastic with toggles to secure your spare and stern. These can be painters poles. Drybags should be securely tied in so it can provide (ropes) which should be “You have lots additional buoyancy (or at least displace water). approximately twice the length of the boat (10 of space in an metres) or throw bags open canoe for clipped to a strap attached kit but you may to the lifting handles. have to portage In the event of capsize it so think these can be grabbed and weight.” used for rescue. They are also used for lining and tracking boats up and down moving water and Alternatively you can secure drybags to straps/lines so rapids. that they can float free until any rescue is complete. With all these additions Large drums provide excellent storage for camping trips you have now customised but should be tied to a seat or the carrying yoke. your boat and are ready to go paddling. I hope this might encourage you to try out the delights of open boating on moving water and to develop a new skill set.

“Padding helps the bum…” 3) Seats These are provided in double canoes but a kneeling thwart should be fitted for solo paddling. Padding helps the bum and it can be surprisingly comfortable if installed Don’t forget the at a height to allow one to kneel and get heels beneath. Open Boater’s Hat! Knee-pads or a closed foam kneeler allow the canoeist to shift paddling position and weight around as required. Three point contact Next edition – a sail between knees, bum and kit for an open boat boat allows more control than the sitting position.

TRASHER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 06 7 Saturday brought a pleasant run down meal competition in the big chalet the Tay and a more exciting run of the commenced (who did win by the Blackwater. By all accounts Vicky tried way? I hear Simon is a dab hand with to run the hardest bit without her deck dessert. Who would have guessed?!). and then had a fight with a stopper. Day 2 Two swims (although one technical swim probably allowed – maybe!). With still no rain, we all headed for In true paddler-chaos style, they left the Etive, while Simon went on an epic the river in the dark, up the steepest journey to Kent (really) and Heather muddiest bank imaginable. Simon’s and Alice went to the Arkaig. The get- throw line will not be the same again. in of the Etive was absolutely freezing, with winds whistling up the Glen Day 1 from Rannoch Moor. And because After a huge first morning faff we there was a huge queue made up of somehow we got on the Spean Gorge. Adventurer Dolphins, Fred & Co. went There was a distinct lack of water, off for coffee at the pub to wait for so this was one of the few options. the queue to subside. Now the Etive is by Liz Garnett Off went three big groups, everyone probably the most photogenic river in eager to start their holiday. This is a the country and also makes for a very grand river; such a lovely gorge with good spectator sport. This is mainly deep brown peat-stained water. because the Etive isn’t really a river; Most portaged the Headbanger, it’s a theme park for kayakers. The first although Kevin, Mark, Michelle and group happily watched the Adventure Doug did give it a go. I believe that Dolphins contend with Triple Falls Michelle spent longer in there than and then set off, quickly followed she intended, but all was well. After by the soft coffee drinkers, with We had a mighty team a few hairy blind corners, we arrived Michelle taking up the position of club for Scotland, probably at a much-changed ‘Constriction’. I photographer – her wee Kiwi shorts the biggest and best KCC remember a boat wide gap, with a were not up to the Scottish wind. Ben sedate flow of water moving through. W had a swim on Triple Falls, whilst Lisa effort to date. It’s now a nasty slot/drop into a rock did a triple back flip with pike, scoring The KCC lot - Mike, Dave H, Simon, face, with the added fun of containing 9.98 with the judges (she calmed Dave S, Fred, Ben W, Stuart, Liz, Lucille, a large bouncing log that isn’t going to down after that and stuck to the more Michelle, Vicky and Lisa. And some come out any time soon. Somehow I usual headfirst option). friends - Dave P, Mark, Heather, Kevin, don’t think it’s grade 3 anymore. We all Alice, Steve, Doug and Phil. sensibly took the fun portage. Except Doug. Who proved that it really is as Well the journey up to Roy Bridge nasty as it looks. He did come out, with Lucille and Dave P was long and eventually, still in boat. tortuous – nothing to do with the company you understand! Purely an During this trip, Simon somehow M6 of many accidents and a one lane managed to put a small puncture into M74 with a 90-minute stand still. Well the bottom of his boat. 12 hours later we got there, only to Destroyed boat count: 1. find that a sneaky group had gone off to do pre-day 1 paddling. How rude. Well off we went to Morrison’s for lunch and supplies. A quiet afternoon So here is a day-by-day account ensued. Except for Michelle, Doug, from Liz’s hazy memory (sorry if I miss Simon, Dave H, Vicky and Mike who something important, like the true rushed off to the wilds of the Etive, swim account, or get stuff wrong). in search of more fun. When they Pre-day 1 returned home, Vicky’s tales of 20ft drops made me very very jealous. But Well Lisa, Vicky, Mike, Dave H and it didn’t last long – see day 2. Simon travelled on Friday night and Lisa’s poor Mother had to Everyone jigged the rain dance accommodate this horrible lot. But for the evening. And the 3-course TRASHER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 06 8 The Letterbox followed, with a tricky Well that was that. Off to the pub rapid comes the Slot, a small rapid with hard left line. Lucille got third time for cheesy chips, whisky and big grins. an undercut that is usually portaged. lucky after a couple of interesting lines Another evening of rain dancing, Dave P and I show everyone else how and subsequent swims, but she was lots of food and a few drinks at the it’s done (!), while Lucille, Simon, Vicky only following Michelle’s lead from Stronlossit. and Mike do a lovely sequence of rolls. the previous day! Then comes the Thankfully the rapid was safe at this Ski Jump, Crack of Doom and Crack level and the undercut exposed. We of Dawn, with terrible rocky scrapes soon exit the gorge and reach the red in between – the river really was at sandstone cliffs of the get out. After low levels. Before long you’re at the a bit of debate and a few goes on a infamous Right Angle Falls, with a 6m rope swing, we find the get out. I wish free fall (so the guidebook claims). I’d stayed on the river! The walk out SO MUCH FUN!!! But Fred had a swim was hideous. I now have a permanent in the eddy right above the fall and sideways stoop. I later find out that then landed a bit too flat on the drop most sensible people leave their boats (he didn’t paddle again on the trip half way and the take the car to get because of this – ouch). them. Hmph. By the way, Vicky says that this river was boring. Boots? Big? Soon the Etive was over, with all Some people get a creek boat, and it of us on a massive high. Then things just goes to their head!! get sillier and we get dragged off to the Allt a’ Chaorainn, a tributary of the More rain dancing, food and booze. Etive. Fred and Lisa pass on this one. You get the picture. The guidebook claims this river is ‘more Day 4 bizarre fun than should be legal’, but you have to pay for this fun. The 500m Still no rain, but the Moriston was walk up a peat-bog with boats isn’t fun. releasing! Now I had heard about this Not even slightly. This short section river and that it is ‘hard’. I was nervous! of river basically consists of four rock Fred, Lisa, Heather, Alice, Dave P and slides called Speed, Ecstasy, Pinball Day 3 Ben W became club photographers. Kevin, Mark and Michelle ran the rapid and Chasm. Well I swam on Speed and Still no rain, so Heather, Alice, Lisa, directly below the dam, whilst the Ecstasy (I blame lack of food – having Mark and Kevin head off to the Awe. rest of us get on below. Vicky, Doug, far too much fun to remember to eat!) The rest of us (this includes Simon, Dave H, Simon and Mike practically and watched as Pinball tried to take who’s back from Kent) head off up the abseil down a cliff, whist Dave S, out everyone’s elbows. Doug’s run was Great Glen Fault towards the Findhorn. Lucille and I find a more sensible get particularly amusing and resulted in Not before a quick trip to the paddling on (courtesy of me wailing that ‘I can’t quite a few ‘ouches’ from the spectators. shop in Aviemore, where Michelle go down there’ – no head for heights Phil was determined to break his purchases some ‘pommy’ dry pants you see). Kevin and Mark lead us down paddles (which he did by the end of (apparently she’ll never live it down this 500m continuous grade 4 upper the week) and Vicky took an excellent back in NZ). Two groups run the lower section. The first drop requires an lead down Chasm, revelling in her gorge section from Randolph’s Leap angled boof, to avoid pencilling into much-loved Mamba. to Sluie. I take one look at Randolph’s the unpleasant stopper at the bottom. Leap and promptly get on below it. As But it seemed quite friendly today as it turns out, only Doug and Michelle a few people didn’t quite get the line run this section, with Doug doing an and nothing untoward happened. The unintended splat-come-pin in the I styled it, but was so shocked that “ middle of the rapid. I set off with Dave guidebook I capsized. Oh well. Another rapid, S, Dave P, Phil, Steve and Stuart, with a pop-out, another slightly more claims this the others following behind. Phil has a exciting roll than I was expecting! river is ‘more swim after head-butting the bottom of Another rapid, yet another roll. Hmmm the river, on probably the easiest rapid bizarre fun – not my day. And somewhere during of the week. I was really surprised at this upper section, yet another boat than should the volume of this river, much more bites the dust. Mike manages to split be legal’ like Austria, and this is with low water the seam of his brand new CFS. “ conditions? It must become a beast when it rains. After one big bouncy Destroyed boat count: 2.

TRASHER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 06 9 Then it’s all over. Kevin’s group climb stuffed up the get-out and found out to drive to the lower section, some goats! whilst we do the 2 mile flat paddle in Meanwhile, Mark, Kevin, Simon, between (it isn’t actually flat you know, Michelle and Dave H went to the there were some grade 2/3 rapids and Kiachnish. Well it was big and Simon it was quite nice, so there). says he was scared! Let’s just say: Well I discover that I’m as tired as a Destroyed boat count: 4. tired thing (explains all the rolling) and get off at Invermoriston, whilst Kevin Day 5 runs the tricky left rapid above the bridge. I’m very glad I got off because It rained plenty overnight and the you should have seen what was below Roy was stonking. We went right to Simon split his boat again, this the bridge! Well you can see actually, the top of the Upper Roy, where it is time from cockpit to base. Dave H check this out: usually flat. It was blowing horizontal improved the dent in the end of his rain at us, and the car said it was 4°C. boat into a hole that was mended with http://www.youtube.com/ Another ‘come on holiday by mistake’ a Mars Bar! Mark put a huge gouge watch?v=2UNnXTJmfIE moment. Anyway, we all got on and hole into the side his boat; it While Kevin, Doug, Simon and after much shivering. The flat bit had looked like he had paddled a river with Lucille did us proud, you can see that become big bouncy grade 3 and the metal spikes. Apparently Michelle, in Dave H did some safety testing of his mini-gorges were fast and furious her river-running play boat, wiped the helmet (apparently it was like being grade 4 – the watermark the next day floor with the blokes in their creekers! hit on the back of the head with a was 1.5m higher. Dave S going directly Respect to the Kiwi! But she did take a sledgehammer, repeatedly, and the over a pour over at the start and taking swim and had a nasty cut on her hand headache didn’t leave for 24 hours a swim wasn’t a good introduction. along with some impressive bruises. – double ouch). Lucille did all that and Bye bye Dave’s paddles. The large The day ended with everyone going then fell in on the eddy line and had standing rock in the middle of Rooster to the Stronlossit for a meal. We took a swim, swiftly followed by Dave H! I Tail was completely underwater and over the whole pub and it was great to can say that everyone did some great the feature had become a narrow see such a big KCC turnout. paddling on the Moriston and I was s-bend of safe water between two only a smidge jealous that I got off stoppers. We sensibly got off above Thanks to everyone who was there; (honest). Wish You Were Here and kept well it was a fantastic group (and sorry for such a long article). Liz Vicky then left us for some romance away from the Gorge. I would say in the Highlands with her hubby. Kevin that only half the people that got and Mark then went off and did some on finished this section and the four crazy falls; the photos made it look groups got a bit thin on the ground. quite painful. Lisa, Heather and Alice After swapping groups mid-river, I went to the Arkaig again. Whilst the ended up finishing with only Dave remainder of us rested! H and Dave P. Dave P was shocked by his 2 rolls and so was Ben W, and And then it started raining. Yippee! I think Lucille swam? But I thought it was excellent, my favourite run of the week. Freight train river running, eddy hopping brilliance!! Woo woo! Well the afternoon got complicated. Heather (and a beginner friend John), Alice, Lisa and Mike went off to the Arkaig again, again. Most of us went to the Lower Roy, which had also become big bouncy grade 3 with masses of wave trains. There was a strange moment when I saw Doug carrying a swimmer on the back of his boat. Turns out it was a chase-boater from another group getting a lift back to his boat! Some of us completely

TRASHER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 06 10 ‘‘ ‘‘

by Ashley Mead

Ashley on the top wave The seals were endearing but then worryingly one followed us. We were half expecting to feel a bump under our boats as the seal, bored with fish, decided to give polyethylene a try. We saw glimpses The Bitches is a hydrographical marvel. One of dolphins as they lifted briefly out of the water, and all manner of bird life covering the rocks. of those naturally occurring features that makes one think it has been designed by The Wait So with still a good hour to go before the flowg ets going some kind of higher order. First there is a we found a nice jagged rock to sit on and wait for the fun relatively straight stretch of headland on the to begin. Our guide, Ant, who worked in an activity centre Pembrokeshire coast then there is Ramsay close by and was due to join us later, had told us that the features only work for about an hour and a half either side Island, whose coastline runs parallel with of high tide, and that it was important not to be tempted the mainland. This creates a 3 mile channel to get into the water too early. Energy reserves were apparently very important as the paddle back can be many about half a mile wide. Around high tide the times harder than the paddle out. Another gem he told us sea rushes though the channel at up to 10 was that there can be no swimming. To get out of one’s knots; this is when the sea becomes a river! boat in the flow would mean being dragged out into the Irish Sea. I’ve got nothing against Ireland but I did not fancy Add to this the Bitches; these are a set of an unscheduled trip there. Another joy to look forward to rocks running perpendicular to the flow, this was horse rock, a low lying rock lying right in the path of our paddle back. This is an infamous rock that with flow combination creates the features of a white creates nasty drags, wave trains and whirlpools; it has been water river. Last October during the freakish known to take down a 20ft fishing boat, nice! So I sat there high tides, three friends and I drove the long contemplating the dangers and thinking of those times when I’ve been unable to roll up, for what ever reason, and way down the M4 to find this phenomenon. hoping that today I do not have one of those times. I have only been kayaking in white water since last winter, so my The Paddle Out experience is far from comprehensive. Luckily my three The Bitches rocks lye on the landward side of Ramsey friends had many years experience and all currently work Island so paddling out from St Justinian’s harbour there was as instructors at an activity centre in Devon. As the hour a good mile of water to cross. Those of you paying attention passed we saw what had previously been flat sheltered will notice that I stated earlier that the channel was half a sea water transform into a fast flowing river. Just below us mile wide. The reason for the extra distance is that it was where the water squeezed between two rocks, the Bitches necessary for us to paddle up the Wales coastline to get to hole had formed. the headland. We were then effectively upstream from the Bitches rocks before we crossed the flow. In our eagerness The Bitches Hole we had left about 4 hours before high tide so there was I was keen to get in before it got too big; the white water very little current to be concerned about. The paddle across stack was already over two feet high. Ant had finally arrived was far from arduous though as the wildlife was amazing. and so it was time to launch. There were already about 20

TRASHER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 06 11 other kayakers in the water already and Ant spoke of the deadly the second day. I personally witnessed a whirlpool Pyranha team making an appearance. Of course they had with a good half meter hole to it. Whilst queuing to drop a rib to ferry then back and forth. The hole required a hard in on the second wave I witnessed a friend get dragged paddle to enter, but once in was fairly stable, and with a v into a one of these whirlpools, his boat flip up and over shape in the middle that provided an easy flush out. Playing backwards then proceeded to rotate as it slowly sunk below was fun however it was the mistakes I made that provided the surface. Luckily as quickly as these pools form they also the most entertainment. After completing a 180 I let my disappear, so my friend eventually bobbed to the surface upstream edge drop just a little too much, as I felt it grab I again. I experienced a similar incident; after rolling up I luckily remembered to resist up stream bracing, in this flow was dragged back under again, the shock make me gasp it could have easily cased breakage. After what seemed like for breath. I was upside down gagging from the water I’d easiest of rolls I was upright on top of the stack, all ready to breathed in. As I reached for the surface, it was not there, drop back in again. This was appreciated with whoops and it also seemed to be getting darker. I simply had to wait cheers from the on lookers. It wasn’t until later watching the until I could feel the surface again. As mentioned before, video did I fully appreciate the move. As I flipped over my swimming was not an option. I was so grateful when the head had barely scrapped the water before landing upright roll finally worked and I could breathe the precious air. It again. A similar experience was encountered when surfing was times like this I looked around as the powerful swirling backwards I let the stern drop into the flow resulting in my mess of water and thought ‘What a crazy place!’. boat shooting up the stack and flipping over back wards. I The Paddle Back landed vertical with the bow in the water. Unfortunately it all happened a bit quickly and I didn’t have the presence of So after about 2 ½ hours of play it was time to make our mind to complete the move. way back. Looking at the state of the water and the distance involved I knew it was not going to be easy. We started by making our way across the flow, eddy hopping behind each of the series of rocks. This was in no way simple as the eddy lines where vicious and the flow would drag us tens of meters down stream away from the relative safety of the line of rocks. Getting to the last rock it was time to dig in and go for it. Away from the shelter of the rocks we were open to not only the powerful flow, but also heavy chop from the wind. When it seemed we were close to the shelter of the headland our progress stalled. The call was Ant on the wave then given to paddle back the way we came, our efforts as it got bigger were in vain as we had dropped too far down stream and The Top Wave were heading straight for horse rock. This chaotic mass of The wave was the biggest and cleanest standing wave I whirlpools and wave trains was not to be messed with. have ever encountered. The launch is tricky to say the least. Dropping down stream it was then back on the power The rock is sharp and steep and decorated with chunks to get to the shelter of the rocks on the Welsh coast of brightly coloured plastic gouged from boats that have before being dragged past the headland and off down slid down it. Setting up for the launch I had to get a buddy the coastline. We were surprisingly close to not making it. to hold the boat on the slope as I got in. Then with the This just added to finishing off an all in all very crazy days all clear the boat scraped grinded down the jagged rock paddling in an absolutely amazing place. and entered the water directly into the flow. This required The swirling mess some quick manoeuvring before I was dragged down behind the wave into the nasty hole on the other side of the rock. Having survived the launch it was then a fairly easy ferry glide out into the middle of the flow. Once lined pu it was a matter of waiting for the trough before a mad paddle to catch the wave. The wave was a joy to ride, smooth carving and easy flat spins, a completely different character to the hole; much less urgency, mellow almost. Even losing the wave by carving too far or too high is no worries as there is another two waves to catch behind. After the waves is just a swirling mess of water. This was the darker side of The Bitches that reared it’s head on the second day. The eddy lines that on the first day were dicey were verging on

TRASHER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 06 12 In his article Simon has added another log to the fire that is the long running gripe of the anglo/welsh paddler – the access issue. As they say in many a less absorbing publication, the views expressed and the antics described therein* do not necessarily represent those of the editor or the club generally, but please feel free people to send in your thoughts, adding your pennyworth on this or any other paddling issue that plays on your mind. (* in the words of G. B. Shaw: “all change depends on the unreasonable man”)

a hard right line and a left handed boof. However failure to boof leaves you at the mercy of the tow back. With Andy, Ben and I providing safety, Dave valiantly went for it. Taking a right-ish line he landed in WARNING: If you believe that current confirmed the water levels. However the tow back and was quickly sucked access agreements in England are fair all that talking and reading of the back into the drop, back-looped and and should adhered to at all times guidebook seemed to of inspired us, got generally trashed. Worse was to then please stop reading now. rather than just do another run of the come. By this point Dave’s boat was we’d do something else Friday Evening: we’d talked about broached upside down, across the while we had the water: THE ERME. it earlier in the week and it looked as slot, below the drop with Dave in it. It though the rain was doing what we ACCESS VIOLATION NUMBER ONE: was at this point I became quite glad wanted for a change. Frantic phone the Erme runs into Ivybridge from of the hole I’d accidentally ripped in calls were made, a promise of an early several miles north up in Dartmoor. the backside of my dry trousers as morning wake up call and coffee The guidebook has this to say about images of Dave pinned underwater when he got to my house secured a access: flashed through my mind. Fortunately lift from Mr Surman. he pulled his deck and surfaced, still “Paddlers should let the access in the tow back, but only a throw line Saturday Morning: So 7:30 on advisor be aware of their intention away from safety. Saturday morning arrived and we’d to paddle” With Dave back on the bank we left, it seemed my anti-faff stance was We, of course, didn’t. actually working! A quick phone call turned our attentions to retrieving his established that Andy Newell and Ben The Erme is a narrow, rock infested boat which was still stuck in the hole, Williams were also on the way and river with continuous grade 3 sections though no longer broached. Trying to rumour had it that Andy McDoom was interspersed with trickier grade 4 grab it as it performed an impressive someway ahead of us. sections (although the guidebook series of cartwheels proved fruitless. So puts it 4/5). Paddling through the whilst Andy stabilized the boat using Driving down the M4 we started to beautiful forest surrounding there was a paddle to wedge it against the wall get a little nervous about the amount little time to stop and admire them of the slot I constructed a paddle hook of water falling from the sky, the lakes as stopping in eddies was usually from Ben’s paddle, a karabiner, a throw that seemed to of formed in the fields because we needed to take a look at line and lots of duck tape. Amazingly on each side didn’t help. Conversation what was coming up next. using this contraption I managed to quickly turned to ‘what rivers go if the clip a line on the boat and pull it free. Dart’s in spate?’ and the guidebook Eventually we arrived at the famed With the paddles found in an eddy was brought out. ‘Erme Slot’ or as its now know ‘Surmanator’s Folly: As it turned out our fears were Number 243’. Andy Newell, unrealised it appears that it stopped Unknown drop on the Erme raining in the early hours of the We got out to inspect morning. Still a message from the slot, about a 1.5 metre McDoom, who’d already made it to the walled-in drop with an evil Dart Country Park, said that the levels looking tow back followed were good being ‘above the slab’. He by a boilly under-cut. We was off for some class 5 runs with Chris decided to walk around it, Wheeler and Mark Rainsley or as Dave and then Dave said: named them ‘The Axis of Terror’. ‘I’m going to do it...’ We arrived at the Dart Park by 11:00 We later established and after a quick chat with the locals that it can be run taking TRASHER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 06 13 drop was all that remained between the gradient increases as it reaches us and the get out at the towns sport . centre. Straight forward but rocky it left It was a tranquil paddle once we’d a nasty looking gouge in the front of stopped to fit a new drain bung to my nice new boat Hmmmp. Heathers boat and paddled as fast as River done, and just in time as the possible to escape the farmer chasing Ivybridge town centre: sun set whilst a not-so-quick shuttle us down the riverbank waving his Boatbreaker was run. hands in the air and shouting wildly. We would have stopped to engage just down stream we were on our way Returning to the Dart Centre we him in an educational discussion about again with the thought that we might thought it prudent to secure some access but, as Chris said: have a candidate for this years ‘Trash of accommodation for the evening. A the Year’ award already. few beers followed at RDCP and then “We had a schedule to keep!” dinner at the Church House Inn an Over next few miles Ben developed early night was called for. an uncanny ability to make his roll seconds before he went over a drop, Sunday Morning: Sunday arrived brilliant timing. and the early night had obviously done the trick, even Dave was up and Next up was an old weir which to us breakfasting at the agreed 8 AM! After looked a pain to run. Andy, Ben and the previous days excitement we had Dave portaged it as I intended to do, decided to do a more familiar run, the but just as I was returning to my boat Dave S: Slotted! Upper Dart followed by the loop back McDoom, Wheeler and Rainsley shot to the centre. With the boats and kit all Apart from Zoe receiving an OBE* past and over the drop making it look on Andy’s car we could leave Dave’s at near the end of the river it was an easy, so I hopped back on, followed the bottom making shuttling a doddle. uneventful yet pleasing paddle. Well their line and all was fine! apart from the tirade of obscenities We headed up to Dartmeet and McDoom stopped briefly to explain that were emitted from Zoe’s mouth started unloading the boats then that they’d already done the Plym and after the previously mentioned Mark R sped into the car park (actually Avon and were rushing off to run the experience! Heather was driving) and uttered the Upper Dart when they’d finished the follow words: Once we arrived at Dartmeet Erme. At this point Andy got dragged Heather and Zoe hopped out to head of by Chris who was complaining that “I thought we might head up and down to Newbridge whilst the rest of the schedule was being affected by run the West Dart if you’re interested?” us ran the Upper Dart. unnecessary chatting! At this point I And so further into Dartmoor we ACCESS VIOLATION NUMBER THREE: realised that my anti-faff stance was far headed in the company of Andy Mc, the Upper Dart runs from Dartmeet too lenient! Chris, Mark Gawler, Zoe Newsam and to Newbridge and the start of the Mark & Heather R. Dart Loop. According to http://www. ACCESS VIOLATION NUMBER TWO: the dartaccess.co.uk: West Dart runs from high in Dartmoor ‘BCU Access Season: Upper until the confluence with East Dart section: Dartmeet to Newbridge forms the Dart. The guidebook has this – 1st Dec to 14th March’ to say about access: We paddled on the 26th of Dave S: ‘At time of writing, there is no Pre-Slot! November, oops. permitted access to the West Dart. Soon we came to the Erme gorge; Paddling this could have an adverse ACCESS VIOLATION NUMBER FOUR: starting under a massive viaduct effect upon the access situation for Again according to the Dart Access it leads all the way into the centre the separate river Dart’ website: of Ivybridge. A quick inspection Predictably we paddled it anyway. “Permission from the BCU LAO confirmed that it is narrow and steep. must be obtained before paddling. Only run-able when there is a Paddling it confirmed that it’s also All requests must be accompanied sensible amount of water the West quick, it felt more like riding a roller by an SAE, the ADMIN FEE and a Dart is a more interesting grade 3 run coaster than paddling a river! BCU NUMBER.” than the loop. Lots of boulder gardens, Now in the centre of town the final running through open moor land until Oops again.

TRASHER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 06 14 What followed was the quickest run A quick (32 minutes according to levels are suitable yet ‘out of season’ of the Upper Dart I’ve ever done in Dave’s watch) run, through a frankly the river will go un-paddled. a level higher than I’ve run before as overcrowded river, stopping only to Surely a more sensible solution is well. Having said this our 55 minutes rescue another group’s pilot-less boat to take an approach to paddle the wasn’t a patch on the 37 minute run finished the day. rivers when the levels are appropriate. that the “axis of terror” made the day Apart from having to wait 45 minutes When they’re not, don’t do it, go before… in the dark. without any shoes whilst the shuttle surfing or find a river where the levels Still we did have to stop to re-unite was run all that was left was the journey are more suitable. Dave, his boat and his paddle after home; we’ll have to wait to find out if Full out bans are even more ‘surprise surprise’. the flash from the speed camera results frustrating. We live in a country with in another ticket for Dave. I can’t think of anything else to say limited resources that we must share. If really it was all over so fast, far different Notes on Access: Unlike Scotland paddled with due consideration to the to the slower runs in lower water that (which takes a more enlightened view environment and take care to respect I’ve done before and much better for it! on access) the situation in England and other people’s sensibilities there Wales is somewhat more…restrictive. should be no reason why rivers cannot After the excitement of the Upper be shared with over river users. After the Loop was more sedate. Frankly the state of access below all it works in Scotland, Europe and the Hadrian’s Wall is a joke. Access ACCESS VIOLATION NUMBER FIVE: rest of the world. agreements that restrict or ban Once again according to the Dart paddling rivers regardless of the water This is of course just my opinion, Access website: conditions are next to pointless. you undoubtedly have your own and “Permission from the BCU LAO many people have expressed similar Look at the situation on the Dart must be obtained before paddling. opinions far more eloquently. Just Loop and to a certain extent the All requests must be accompanied remember simple trespass is a civil Upper. The group booking system by an SAE, the ADMIN FEE and a offence not a criminal one. means that if people have a ticket BCU NUMBER.” they’ll paddle no matter how low the - Simon Knox Ah well. rivers are. Likewise when the water * OBE: Dave speak for ‘Out of Boat Experience’

It was hard to shake the nerves however, with a place called ‘Hell Hole’ looming somewhere in the near distance. I was a wimp and portaged it! Ifinally got my (inevitable!) swim in about a mile from the get-out on the nasty drop that caught a few Ellie on ‘Hell Hole’ Nov 2005 Ellie on ‘Hell Hole’ Nov 2006 paddlers unawares. Slightly trickier than the actual swim was clambering up the muddy slope to get down- river where the others had caught We set off in bright sunshine, with from that point on and stuck to her up with my boat. Fortunately no Liz leading our group, which included tail like a bad smell. walkers where there to witness the Terry, Ellie, Ashley and confusingly me It was to be a chilly trip down and mud-covered, one shoe-wearing wreck Aisling (pronounced Ashling). Got not really a day for leisurely cups of that emerged from the sinking feeling that things were tea on the bank so it was head down the undergrowth. going to go horribly wrong upon for me and paddle like a loon through It makes perfect practicing my breaking in technique wave trains that fortunately weren’t sense now why the just meters from the put-in – ikes, as scary as they looked from my Taiwanese paddlers just a tad trickier in moving water inexperienced eye. With the paddling James Farqhuarson than those couple of practices on going okay it was time to take in a few talked about had the Thames then!! So with the fear of the sights - great autumnal shades, brillo pads attached of God instilled in me I took Liz’s lead buzzards and a couple of kingfishers to their feet! Ash TRASHER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 06 15 a manner which does huge credit to donations be made from Lochaber them, and it was an honour to work Mountain Rescue to assist their appeal with them to try and save this man’s in gaining new premises following life.’ their recent eviction. Dave Hodge’ has since received and forwarded on Steve was well known to many £415 from club members as donations Dear All, members of the Club who have to the team. In addition to this been deeply affected yb his death. Just over a month ago now, KCC sum, I know that members donated A KCC member before moving members were shocked and greatly generously at the funeral. Lets hope from Oxfordshire, Steve frequently saddened by the tragic death of the team are soon out of their garage reappeared to join the club’s annual former member and friend of the club, lodgings and based somewhere Scotland trip. The following has Steve Pullinger. appropriate and with rather better appeared in the December 2006 security of tenure. Steve died in an incident that edition of Canoe Focus: occurred on the River Roy, on the * * * ‘Stephen Pullinger 1957 - 2006 last day of this year’s Scotland trip. It is now over a month since His boat capsized above a drop On Friday 27th October, Steve the incident on the Roy. However near the end of the middle (gorge) Pullinger was tragically drowned on excellent canoeing/ kayaking is - and section of the river. He exited, and the River Roy north of Fort William, it is - the incident was a powerful was immediately drawn head-first whilst canoeing on the ‘Gorge’ section and grim reminder of the risks of the into a powerful siphon, with his boat of the river. He was paddling with activity and the consequences, in following. Although the group had members and friends of Kingfisher this instance, of rotten luck. Those split into three before entering the Canoe Club (KCC) from Oxfordshire. directly involved have discussed the gorge, all the groups were in the Steve had been a member of the events at length and doubtless have vicinity when the incident started and club for many years when living in reflected long and hard. I would like people responded quickly to assist. Oxfordshire and Bucks and although to thank again everyone who helped Rescue attempts proved far from he moved away to Kent, kept in touch, in compiling the full account that straightforward, due to difficult and continuing to participate in the annual we sent to the BCU. Revisiting those awkward access, the low temperature autumn Scottish river week and other difficult and tragic events could not of the water and the power of the events when possible. have been easy. siphon itself. It took several attempts and considerable efforts to extract Steve, whilst never being totally Amongst those who weren’t on the first the boat and then Steve from the canoe orientated, thoroughly enjoyed Roy that day, I am sure that I am not siphon. the sport and its camaraderie. His the only soul to have been thrown into cheerfulness, enthusiasm and vigour contemplative mood by the incident Once clear of the siphon, members were an inspiration. His death and to have reflected on their own of the group administered CPR for occurred in circumstances that ‘personal arrangements’ for paddling over 30 minutes before the arrival of were completely unpredictable and (appropriateness and adequacy of kit the ambulance service and Lochaber invisible at the time and despite the carried, current level of fitness and Mountain Rescue and this continued tireless efforts of paddling colleagues, skills, sufficiency of insurance etc.) and until sadly, Steve was declared dead at paramedics and the Lochaber gone into ‘what if’ mode - giving these the scene by a doctor. Mountain Rescue Team, unfortunately issues the consideration they really All those involved must be he couldn’t be saved deserve, but don’t necessarily always commended on their efforts. The Our sincere condolences go out to receive. Central to these reflections is doctor who attended the scene his children, family and friends. He the club’s constitution, declaring that complimented the team and said touched us all for the better and will KCC is an adult club, we engage in an that they had acted correctly and be deeply missed.’ ‘assumed risk’ activity and we retain had done all in their power to do to sole responsibility for our own safety assist. Mark Rainsley wrote on the UK Steve’s funeral was held on 15th at all time. That stated, in addition Rivers Guide website ‘I was present. November 2006 at St John the Baptist to being mindful of our own safety From what I witnessed, the paddlers Church, in Grove. Various friends we clearly want to look out for one involved - young and old, experienced from the canoeing world attended, another and assess risks accordingly. and inexperienced - did everything including those who had been For anyone looking to improve their possible to rescue and resuscitate the involved the rescue attempts on the personal safety skills and the ability victim. Kingfisher Canoe Club and Roy. to help fellow paddlers, Liz’s article in their friends conducted themselves in Steve’s family requested that the excellent Sept/Oct edition of the

TRASHER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 06 16 Trasher serves as a powerful advert for At the evening meal which grade of water. the value of white water safety courses concluded this year’s Austria trip, I None of the above is intended to put to those who have yet to experience recall proposing a toast along the lines anyone off paddling (not that it could) one. The course not only seems to of ‘to many more memorable, exciting or imply we have any serious lack of have been enormously helpful, but and safe paddles’, to which someone proficiency within our midst - the also a lot of fun. pointed out ‘if it’s safe it probably won’t comments above from Mark Rainsley be exciting’. People will often want In terms of ways that others can and the doctor are testaments to that to push their own boundaries and be helped to help you, one thought - but they are intended as reminders try different rivers - I’m no exception. that I know has occurred to a number and considerations on which members Even if they don’t, incidents will always of us is the issue of having access to may wish to reflect as necessary. be a possibility on any river (the club’s members’ emergency contact details Trash of the Year award usually has a “I’m always ready to learn, but I do (not an issue in Scotland as people light-hearted edge, but the incident not always like being taught” knew who they could contact, but in that originally inspired its creation was a different situation it could be). My Winston S. Churchill anything but). The incident on the Roy intention is for this to be discussed at occurred on (what would have been In the meantime, take care all, and the committee when it next meets for me) a fairly challenging section of I hope 2007 proves a great paddling in January. Any other thoughts water, but as we know and beginners year for you. from members for the committee’s should be made aware, severe and consideration will, as always, be Best wishes, Neil complex incidents can happen on any appreciated.

White Water Wine Tasting Coming soon at a bar near you, for White Water – Kevin Francis, Les Rivieres Wasters! Quebecois (The Quebec Rivers). Look out for details on the Aiming for 2nd half of January. To be held at Steventon sports website or speak to Dave & social club. All welcome. Donation £2. Surman Contact Dave Surman on 01865 373115 Look out for details.

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