Gwilym's Adventure Blog

I was out on The River Parrett this morning with 3 sisters for a birthday SUP. Mainly a dry session (well, for 2 of them) and lots of laughs had along the way. 

Today I was out on The River Dart "Lower Section" with some Lower Sixth students from Plymouth College . A couple of them in kayaks with me and a solo plus tandem canoe with Olly. Great fun had and some excellent river running skills shown. Also some excellent river swimming skills shown by the majority of the group.

Lower Dart with Plymouth College students today.  3 kayaks for me whilst Mr Rees had 3 Open Boats. First time on White Water for all the students (apart from one) and as always, the Lower Dart was a perfect intriduction.  A few swims of course but then Hot Chocolate in the Salmon Leap Cafe to finish whilst Mr Rees and I went to get the minibus back

A little lumpy on the sea in Torbay today for a 1:1 sea kayak award preparation working for Wet and High Adventures Ltd.  Launching from Meadfoot Beach and starting with acclimatising to a sea kayak and waves. After this it was some rock hoping and some self rescue skills before venturing round into some rougher conditions on the way to and under London Bridge. And that ends my sunny road trip of Cornwall and Devon. Back in the office tomorrow sorting out stuff for the next week or so.

Out on The River Tavy this afternoon working with Olly from Plymouth College with some of his students for White Water Kayaking (more muddy brown to be honest) with some challenging river levels all over the moor.

Another day on the river. This time with client Jamie and in my new Dagger Mamba that I picked up yesterday. We paddled the Loop and The Lower section of the Dart and it was great to have my usual paddle partner Olly along to help out as he wanted to try my Dagger Axiom out. This is my last (planned) work day of 2018 for Wet and High Adventures Ltd so now it is just fun, fun, fun until the New Year.

A different day, a different river. On The River Dart "Loop" today with one of yesterdays clients plus Ben who is preparing for his white water kayak leader and came along to get some experience and help out. Levels seems to be holding at a nice mid-low level and gave plenty of eddies to hit and waves to play on.

Out on the River Barle today with 2 clients on a white water kayak refresher course. The levels were good and both the water and air were pleasantly warm. Lots looked at including crossing the river, running rapids, hitting eddies and for one of them a little swim.

A great day coaching on " The Loop " section of The River Dart today with a group from Wellington School . A later start than normal just to allow the river to drop to a more friendly level saw 5 students with 6 adults paddle the river in two groups. A few swims today but good paddling from all involved.

Today I was down at the Mount Batten Centre for a British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor Tutor Orientation so that I can run these courses in 2019. Looking forward to adding this to the range of courses that Wet and High Adventures Ltd already offers. After a classroom based morning, it was on the water for the afternoon on a Stand Up Paddleboard session.

Out on The Barle from Tarr Steps to Dulverton today at reasonable levels conducting 3 Star White Water Kayak assessments for Wet and High Adventures Ltd . Well, more accurately mentoring Robin running one. 4 Candidates today and please to report all 4 passed. Following a good performance from Robin then I have also recommended he becomes a provider himself. Very bust on the river with some big groups (one was around 20) sharing the features.

Out on the Barle/Exe today from Dulverton to Exbridge with 5 clients for some White Water Training towards their 3 star assessment. Good levels on the rise and lots of skills covered today including some rolling and wet rescues at the end of the day before coffee in The Anchor Inn. I was working for Wet and High Adventures Ltd today.

Last day afloat with my Level 3 Outdoor Students from Bridgwater and Taunton College . From next week it will be all the land based activities. A number of 1 Star and 2 Star awards gained over the last few months and a number of good paddlers looking to progress.

Out in some real mixed weather today, bright sunshine followed by rain/hail storms was the order of the day. My second year Bridgwater and Taunton College Outdoor Education students were running some sessions for my first years with a mix of tandem and solo paddling going on.