Strangers, Swims and Shoulders- part 1

With flexible shifts at work and plenty of rain I’ve managed to get out boating quite a bit recently. This week I met up with some people of UKRGB and two mates to get some boating done . Meeting people from the internet is a bit odd, I think its only really acceptable in small communities like kayaking, climbing etc, well there feels like there is less chance of waking up in a bath without my kidneys. The most insight I could get into them was to read there previous posts and pass messgaes. Though off course I didn’t tell them that.

 As predicted though they were both good people and it was a pleasure to meet and paddle with them. 

 To avoid a ”this is what I did on my days off” bore here are some photos and captions…

With lots of water and paddling with people you don’t know paddling a easier grade than normal is good advice for all involved.  We decided on The Crake which was full of water and trees but a relatively easy river.

I did a good job of ducking trees and dodging the metal gates that were throughout the river. Until the last rapid, I watched as Kate paddled down, succesfully ducked the bridge with room and went out of sight. I set off next and peeled out of the eddy, eyes focussed on The rapid I ducked for the bridge and sought out my line. Unfortunately I hadn’t considered I was taller than Kate with more volume in my boat. I passed under the first iron girder that lay on the underbelly of the bridge but a small surge of water or standing wave pushed me up hard against the second. I heard a dull “thuck” (as did Rupert a 100 yards behind) as it struck my helmet and pushed my neck down into my hunched shoulders. A bit dazed but OK I shook my self clear hit my line made my way to the get out.

 Rupert’s enthusiasm and plenty of  daylight encouraged us to stuff the boats in the car and head to The Leven, a classic river that I was keen to show to Rupert on his first paddling experience in The Lakes. 

 We blasted down the Leven as far as Backbarrowbridge, which was at a very healthy level, a few bridge jumps all smiles and the end to a good day. Organised to meet again at get out to Sprint the next day so more was too come.

Too be continued…….

~ by liamkirkham on December 8, 2007.