‘Matlock Bath’ – Inland resort destination for bikers, day trippers – and HCC guys.
As there was just the three of us (Richard, Ian and Stuart), we decided to use the trip as a practice session to hone our whitewater skills, rather than it as a trip from A to B. Especially as we only had the one car making a shuttle very difficult.
Water levels were good as we started the trip and we joined a small group from Doncaster to ferry and break in and out for a while at the top wave above the car park. The levels weren’t ideal for this section however so, we moved down to the wave by the car park to surf and play on the wave for a while. After a short break we moved down, eddy by eddy, to the slalom course with Ian showing off as per usual. There was a few others there with us, including a guy in an open boat who appeared to having a whale of a time.
‘Killer Rock’ was very visible with a nice small stopper behind it, and we worked this section for a while making the most of the exposed eddies.
We finished the trip with some rescue technique practice at the bottom of the slalom course and the section below, covering lots of aspects including livebaiting, throwline work, and defensive swimming.
Another great day which Ronald McDonald improved even further on the way home.
Richard Matthews