Canadian Canoeing on the River Wye
Canadian Canoeing on the River Wye
Saturday 18th April 2009 saw 20 adult members of Worcester Dragon Boat Racing Club take to the waters in a different kind of vessel - Canadian canoes.
We arrived at Monmouth Canoe & Activity Centre on a hazy morning which turned to sunshine as we were issued with buoyancy aids, a map and instructions on how to traverse the route. After being transported to Kerne Bridge, our starting point for the 14 mile paddle back to Monmouth, our instructor felt there wasn't much point in him explaining the finer points of paddling and steering canoes to such experienced Dragon Boat Racers - how wrong he was!
After loading all personal possessions into waterproof barrels to be transported with us on our canoes, we all launched onto the River Wye with great anticipation. Oh my God - did they wobble! This was nothing like dragon boating! To shrieks of "Don't move" "Sit in the middle, no sit to the side, no back to the middle" we tentatively paddled the first few hundred yards before settling into a comfortable stroke and enjoying the sunshine glimmering off such a beautiful river.
It soon became apparent to us that steering was our main difficulty. It was incredibly entertaining watching our most experienced helmswoman steer determinedly from bank to bank in a pronounced zig-zag fashion, although she did claim that she just wanted to see what was happening on both sides of the river. We figure she paddled 30 miles that day instead of the recommended 14, however, to be fair to her, everyone found it difficult to paddle in a straight line although it did make it easier to chat to fellow team members when colliding with their canoe before attempting to move away again without capsizing.
We paddled on for 2 hours, enjoying the beautiful countryside, the warm sunshine and gentle breeze and after only a short refreshment break, reached our lunchtime destination quite ready for a cool beverage and a bite to eat at Symonds Yat. We felt that this was an appropriate place for a break, as shortly afterwards we would have to tackle our one and only stretch of river which featured Grade 2 rapids. After approximately an hour and suitably refreshed, we all clambered back into our canoes ready for the final leg of our journey - and those dreaded rapids! Mandy had already done a 'recce' and declared that it was only for a very short stretch of the river, so shouldn't be as bad as we anticipated - famous last words! Our instructor at the beginning of the day had suggested that anyone not feeling confident enough to tackle the rapids should be lashed to another more experienced crew for stability, so Ben and Andy agreed to join up with Olly and Andrew, as the latter crew felt more confident going through with experienced paddlers.
Helen and Lorraine were the first through the rapids, making it successfully to the other side before doing a celebratory spin (well, thats what they told us it was) once arriving in calmer waters. Rob and Ellie also made it through safely, closely followed by Sue and Eddie - who were the first to come a cropper! Still unsure as to quite how it happened, the canoe toppled to the right-hand side depositing Sue, Eddie, their camera, and barrel into the fast flowing river - and boy was the water cold! They clambered safely to the bank just in time to see Ross and Maxine swimming to join them. The group shivered on the riverbank and watched Mandy and Nigel follow the same route (damn that seat cushion slipping from under you, Mandy!) with Nigel frantically shouting "Keep paddling, keep paddling!" but to no avail - over they went. Meantime, unbeknown to us all, Maggie and Lisa were frantically trying to reach the rapids, having grounded their canoe on a rock and creating a see-saw effect as they desperately endeavoured to release themselves. At least they didn't get wet!
Whilst the successful members of the team were frantically collecting up lost possessions, canoes and paddles, we all stood and waited with bated breath for the final members, who were in the conjoined boats, to attempt the turbulent waters. There they were in the distance, coming steadily through the gap in the rocks, until ..... yes, there they were, steadily folding in the centre and sinking lower and lower into the water. We envisaged someone standing to attention and saluting as they slowly sunk below the water line!
Exactly 50% of our paddlers ended up very wet on that day, but fortunately no-one was injured and the weather was warm enough that everyone dried out pretty quickly. All boats, paddles and personal possessions were rescued safely (apart from Ross's specs) due to great teamworking by those who got through the rapids safely.
The remaining trip passed uneventfully, but everyone agreed at the end of the day that, although we were all extremely tired and aching, it was a FANTASTIC day and we're looking forward to doing it again - one day - maybe!
We would all like to pass on our special thanks to Lisa who arranged the whole trip and then discovered that she couldn't take part - we missed you Lisa!
