Exham House Kayak Club were out and about on the River Wye on Sunday 28th November, bravely utilising new skills in the face of the harsh winter weather.
The following report and video is provided by Mr Barber:
The trip had already been postponed due to COVID and so found itself pushed into late November when on Thursday storm ‘Arwen’ looked like she was going to make the trip Symonds Yat Rapids impossible. The plan had been to kayak down the rapids, implementing skills learnt in the Wednesday pool sessions and master some basic manoeuvres. To demystify terms like ‘ferry glide’, ‘break in’ and ‘eddy’ while having time in the outdoors working as a team to overcome the challenges.
Mr R. Matthew was very kindly on standby to drive the team from Bloxham and Mr Barber and Mr J Clark were posed with boats, paddles and wetsuits to meet them. Things were looking bleak till a window opened and a break in wind conditions was forecast for Sunday. River level gauges showed that we could expect average winter levels and all would be well. By lunchtime Sunday, a group of seven found themselves standing by the banks of the Wye bathed in winter sunshine.
Air temperatures were not high and some snow melt was surely mingling with the river water, making it a truly gripping experience. The river was in magnificent winter condition, pushing through with the appearance of large waves at the top of the rapids. After a brief journey up stream, as an introduction to tandem paddling in ‘si- on-top’ kayaks; the group soon transferred their skills from the school’s pool kayaks. Care was taken to discuss the route ahead, river signals and emergency procedures so that it was not without a heightened awareness the group approached the top of the rapids. Nerves put to one side, the team held a good line behind Mr Barber, bobbing and weaving through considerable waves to reach a large eddy (calm water) towards the end of the rapid. Mr Clark pulling in behind as he acted as Sheppard.
The recirculating water in the eddy and a strong wave free current lent itself nicely to a period practicing the basic skills necessary for diagonally traversing water flows (ferry gliding) and also going to and from the eddy (breaking in and out). After crossing over the Wye using the ferry glide, perhaps the toughest part of the day began. A muddy 200m portage of the boats along the river bank and then a 300m paddle against the flow back to the access point.
The team pulled together very well and despite at times thinking they were off back down the rapids they soon met a smiling Mr Matthew waiting patiently by the bus for home. Cold, a little damp and whilst struggling with chilly fingers, the team managed to work together to remove their safety kit. Soon dry and warm inside the bus, munching supplies, they were waved off towards a snowy Bloxham.
A fabulous day with a brilliant group of children that the Outdoor Education staff will surely want to repeat next year.
Maybe next time we will order some summer sunshine too!
Many thanks to all staff who gave up their time on an Exeat weekend to make this happen.