Gwilym's Adventure Blog

Today I was down on The River Dart at Totness working with U6 BTEC students from Plymouth College.  

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 Plymouth College overseeing some 6th form students running paddling activities for Year 7. A nice relaxed day and nowhere near as cold as I expected. It was great to watch the older students take the lead from greeting the younger ones, loading boats and minibus, running sessions and packing up all the kit as the end.

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.

This week I have been working for Wet and High Adventures Ltd managing an activity week for a group of apprentices from Bridgwater and Taunton College .  As I had 42 clients, 9 instructors, 4 minibuses and 2 trailers to sort out I don't want to bore you with pictures of what I was doing so these are what the groups were getting upto whilst I was co-ordinating everything. We had groups out kayaking and canoeing, mountain biking and on a mini expedition across Exmoor.

Another day of Tech Advice today for Cannington Activity Centre with some staff training on the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal. We looked at the use of the canal from the Docks to The Boat and Anchor including a number of access and egress options. We even managed a bit of improvised sailing (proof you should always carry a group shelter) on the way back

Great day out with Olly playing on the upper section of The River Dart. I was all for Mountain Biking as water seemed a little low, but I was soon persuaded and to be fair, at 0.44 on the scale it was perfectly doable. First time on the Upper Dart in my Dagger Axiom and first time on it this season. Fortunately Olly could remember the order of the rapids which helped with running it mostly from the boat and apart from running Lucky Tor rapid backwards (which as was another first for me) I stayed upright all day. Sadly I think my drysuit is now leaking more than is acceptable so off to Rubberman with that next week.

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 with Olly today for a quick blast down The Loop (which had much better water levels than last time. I found it cold today but even so, there was a lady swimming by Spitchwick in just a swimming costume. I was impressed but she did admit it was cold. Very poor pics today due to my cold hands.

A lazy lap of a low "loop" on the River Dart today with Hannah and Will. It was like a slalom trying to avoid the rocks but a super chilled out easy paddle followed by lunch. A few other groups seen on the river but not as busy as I expected. Please rain soon and give us some water back in our rivers.