Last weekend, a number of club members ventured off to the river Wye to taste a little white water kayaking. Tents were pitched up at a local camp site on the Thursday afternoon. On the Friday we made our way to Kearn Bridge, and 7 kayakers and 1 hired Canadian set off down the Wye. A lovely sunny and warm day panned out for us.
River Wye - Kayak from Kearn Bridge to Symonds Yat
The Wye itself, the 5thlongest river in the country, is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and justifiably so; it is a very beautiful, flowing river that can provide enjoyment for Kayakers of all abilities. For us, todays 13km trip was a gentle paddle around the meandering bends, punctuated by the occasional faster flowing water over shallows and gentle white-water; for some of us this was our first white-water experience.
River Wye - Kayak from Kearn Bridge to Symonds Yat
We stopped for a late lunch and then played for a while practicing ferry glides on a faster stretch of water (good preparation for the next day’s outing). Setting off again, we met up with Rob and his 2 sons, who had paddled up the river
River Wye - Kayak from Kearn Bridge to Symonds Yat
from Symonds Yat (yes “up” – that took some doing against the current – apparently 2 hours to go “up” to meet us and then 30 minutes to go back down)
Eventually, we ended up at Symonds Yat, where we met up with the 2 drivers, and, after loading up the cars and having a quick beverage of the alcoholic variety, we returned to the campsite via a local supermarket.
Campsite BBQ - BCC
A BBQ was quickly set up so that we could then enjoy some après-paddle merriment – a fine end to a great days paddling.
Next morning, with a full complement of 13 paddlers now (Eric, Andy and Izzy had arrived) we all met up at Symonds Yat and donned our helmets for our baptism of fire down the rapids; a bit mellow dramatic I suppose, as the river level was apparently quite low, but to us newbies, it looked a bit intimidating.
River Wye - Kayak at Symonds Yat
Eric and Andy gave us our instructions, and we all filed off, one after the other, down the easiest path through the white water. No frills or spills were had, so then the group split into two. Most stayed down the lower end in the morning, practicing their skills against the gentle flowing water.
River Wye - Kayak at Symonds Yat
Some stayed and played in and around the rapids. Later on, after lunch, we all stayed up in the rapids. All in all, over the next few hours, we all went through the rapids, top to bottom, 3 times and everyone had a great time and learnt a huge amount. Swimmer awards went to Paul and Izzy, but apart from that, it was a hugely uneventful but very successful day for all.
Many thanks to Eric and Andy for arranging the trip, and for providing so many great tips and advice. We are looking forward to next year’s trip already.
Several videos of us going down the rapids are on the Braintree Canoeing-Club Facebook account, if you want to check it out, including 2 more new ones seal launching at the Yat.
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