Gwilym's Adventure Blog

Today Jo, Hannah and I had a quick blast on The Barle from Tarr Steps down to Dulverton.  I think this was my first (and possibly only) white water kayak trip of 2020. I am clearly out of practice in taking in focus photos for a start

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

I was out on The Loop section of The River Dart today with a small group from Plymouth College. Some good paddling demonstrated and lots of fun had by all even if the river was a little low in places. All the main features still had plenty of water. Looking forward to getting back on the water with a different group tomorrow.

Today I was working for Wet and High Adventures Ltd down at Salcombe with Sam who I was assessing for his Sea Kayak Award . We had a great time in warm water, low wind with just enough "wind over tide" to make things interesting at Bolt Head. A large and friendly Barrell Jellyfish cam over to say hello. As part of my development, Rich Uren was there overseeing my assessment so that I can get a recommendation to be a provider in my own right and I am pleased to say he will be making that recommendation to British Canoeing. Well done Sam for a good performance.

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.

A quick blast down The Barle from Tarr Steps with Hannah and Mike before having lunch in The Tavinty in Dulverton. Good levels today and loads of paddlers out on the river including a large group of 20 plus paddlers.

Back on The Dart today with Dan and Mike. A classic run of the Loop and Lower but with a little detour. We carried the boats about 300m up the Webburn before blasting back down onto The Dart to continue playing. Good levels just on the slab and this gave a good play wave at the bottom of triple. As always, coffee and food at The Salmon Leap Cafe to finish off the day.

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.

Today was a busy day. This morning, Olly and I were drinking coffee and cake, think about the day and discussing should we run The Loop or The Lower section of The River Dart and should we canoe or kayak? As we were unable to make a decision we came up with a plan (now about 10:30am) - do it all!! So, my van to the end of the lower dart, all boats in Olly's van. Up to the top of the loop, canoes off and ready to launch (11:45), canoe down the loop and down the lower section, off at the cafe and lock up the canoes (13:30). Drive my vehicle up to the egress for the loop, pick up Hannah, up to the top (13:55), kayak the loop, Hannah left us here and Olly and I continued down to the cafe at Buckfastleigh. Blag a lift back up to New Bridge and load all the boats. back drinking coffee by 16:30

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.