The club was running a 3* trip to the National White Water Centre on the Tryweryn for which I didn’t feel ready for so I put a request out for a day trip to Matlock. Martin Stretton along with Sam were kind enough to offer supervision, Dave Hutt & Neil Smith came along too. The Day started as I like to start all trips with finding a cafe and a full english, mmm.
We all met up at the get on where Martin did a quick kit check, first aid, throw line, bothy etc and discussed contingency plans in the event of a mis-hap. After having a couple of knocks to my confidence recently I was feeling a little apprehensive but really looking forward to the next bit, getting on the water
A short paddle up river took us to the first feature to play on for a spot of ferry gliding and breaking in and out. We even did a bit of practice rolling with Neil and Dave doing really well but I need to do some more practice on this at the lake, I WILL crack it one day!
We then paddled down river, past the feature below the get on, to the slalom course and a feature called ‘Killer Rock’ (It’s not as scary as it sounds, honest). Both Neil and Dave traversed this with ease, I had a look at the bottom of it. My 1st and only swim of the day!
Despite my swim I was having a fantastic time.
We then paddled back up river to the get on for a spot of lunch.
After lunch I was feeling more confident, ferry gliding on faster moving water and surfing the wave at the top. After this we did some out of boat practice, swimming the rapids, river crossings and throw line practice. I could sense the others were getting tired but I was having far too much fun so got back in my boat. My enthusiasm wore off and the others joined in too “Oi Martin, thats my wave”
Paddling’s fun again, not scary!
Team Beers at the pub!
Rob Harrison.