Intermediate White Water

We decided to do a trip for some of the intermediate white water paddlers in the University of Hertfordshire Canoe Club. These paddlers were all paddling confidently at grade 3, and we felt they were ready for the next step.

We headed down to Dartmoor. The plan being Two days of river trips, Day one solid grade 3, Day two grade 3 & 4.

We paddled the Walkham the first day. A realy good run, the whole group loved it. Some realy fun grade 3.

Day two we decided that the best section in the low water we had was going to be the upper Dart. We started with a kilometer of shallow, rocky, bumpyness. Then the river deepens and the rapids turn into grade 3, 3+ and 4. Probably the gratest stretch of white water in England. This river deliveres rapid after rapid, where you look back with a massive smile on your face, shout to eachother how brilliant that was, then move on to the next. There were a few swims but the group remained possitive remembering they were there to test themselves, and the whole group left with a massive sence to achievement and a whole load of stories.

If you are interested in advancing the level of your paddling and would like a guide to help you do it safely. Get in touch lostpropertycoaching@hotmail.com.



Some of the group imaginging we had the power to make rivers 20 times bigger.

Thames

We were contact by two gentlemen who were training for DW this year. They were interested in a bit of coaching on their technique and a bit more experience. So After two, hour long sessions on flat calm water on forward paddling techniques, we decided to gain some experience on the waters they were going to have to paddle. This meant a trip through central london on the tidal Thames.

A bit of caution ad consideration needs to be taken when considering this trip, as the nutorious undercurrents and other river craft can provide a challenge and with a spring tide the standing waves around tower bridge can get fairly sizable.

That being said,it is a great trip. There is no better way to see the sights of london and it is the closest you can get the houses of parliament and the london eye without going in them. A great day had by all, and a trip We intend to repeat as soon as the sun comes out.

I have done the stretch of the Thames from Putney to Wapping Twice now and both times have found a coconut floating down it. Very strange!