Two years ago I took my first trip to Yorkshire and got the paddle the Swale for the first time, and I loved it! So when I got asked if I wanted to tag along on a trip and have the chance to revisit one of my favorite rivers in the UK, I had to say yes. As the trip was getting closer, and everything was super dry, the big pray for rain began! Unfortunately it all came a little too early, the week leading up to our trip had a couple of days of heavy rain, but by the time we got there it had all gone. About 10 minutes before being picked up, I decided I’d swap my Wavesport Recon, and take my Dagger Jitsu instead as with little water, I thought a playboat would be a little more fun.
On the Saturday morning everything was going a bit slow. There was no real water about so no one was rushing around to get ready, and we were still working out what to do.We decided we’d go check out the Tee Barrage whitewater center, as most of us had never been, and there was actually water there.
Unfortunately I was too busy paddling to stop and take any pictures. I wasn’t sure what to expect of the course, but it was actually quite good, a couple of nice holes and a fun wave to play on, with a few people getting some beatings.
On the Sunday we ended up going to the Washburn, another place I’d never been too.I wasn’t too sure about the idea, but nothing else was running, and paddling is paddling! It turned out to be a really fun day on the water, with a good couple of playspots on the way down, even found somewhere deep enough to loop, and great company to spend it with.A playboat was definitely the correct choice for this trip.
Next stop is Scotland, where hopefully we will be blessed with a bit more water, and the Recon will get some use.
See you on the river,
Pete
Dynamic Kayaking Productions 