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Allen · Joined: 01 Jun 2008 Posts: 21

RIVER MERSEY FROM STOCKPORT TO JACKSON'S BOAT, SALE

There were 6 of us braving the cold and wet: Mel, Graham S, Jon W, Paul G, Dave S and me. The first four in kayaks, Dave and me in our scouts' open to have our first attempt at moving water paddling in the open.
After the shuttle and inspection of Brinksway weir we left Stockport about 11am. We decided that the first weir looked okay being at low level and indeed all went well. After a good mile we got to Heaton Mersey weir which I again thought looked okay. Paul went first okay but the next one got caught by the current and went in. He swam out of it alright but it took us 10 minutes to get his boat out and his paddle was a bit down river. Dave and me went down in the open and the rest portaged the weir.

The river slows down after this weir, unfortunately the wind and rain got up so it was hard going in places. We stopped at Northenden weir to stretch our legs and have a warm drink and a snack. We inspected the weir which was flowing well so the kayaks portaged it. Dave and me decided to go for it and got about 6" of water in the bottom of the boat; probably because Dave in the front disappeared in the spray when we hit the bottom. Good fun! Even better when we managed to stay upright.

We bounced through a few more rapids so we had to stop to bail more water out of the open. We'll have to remember a milkcarton for a proper bailer next time rather than having to pull over to tip it out. We soon got back to Jackson's Boat where we got warm and dry again in our cars. Well done to everybody for an enjoyable leisurely paddle, not to mention for coming out in the cold weather!

Allen

Jon W · Joined: 27 Nov 2007 Posts: 129

Thanks for keeping the swimmer's name secret for a time....but I have to confess it was me. Got sideswiped by the confusing currents and neglected to try a brace. Thanks to all who assisted in the rescue of boat and paddle!
Finally thawed out after yesterday...might have been one of the best hot showers ever once I got home....certainly the most appreciated.

Steve T · Posted: Mon Nov 24, 2008 12:49 pm Post subject:

Sounds like a good day out, I would have liked to have gone but it was Conor's birthday yesterday.

We had his party at Westhoughton pool and it was very annoying to be in such close proximity to the club boats but not able to paddle

Good to hear that Allen & Dave paddled a canoe, I can see that Carl & I will have to follow suit with the club open soon!

Steve
_________________
Steve Thomas
Secretary & Website Editor

www.westhoughtoncanoeclub.org.uk
website@westhoughtoncanoeclub.org.uk

CarlS · Posted: Mon Nov 24, 2008 10:16 pm Post subject:

Going over to the 'dark side'might be fun on a one off basis, perhaps we could do a river and camp out. My only concern would be the locals and being attacked by bears! Paddle faster I can hear banjo music.

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=1tqxzWdKKu8

Carl

Steve T · Posted: Tue Nov 25, 2008 9:50 pm Post subject:

You can also carry a lot of beer in a canoe, and that's why this sort of thing happens:

_________________
Steve Thomas
Secretary & Website Editor

www.westhoughtoncanoeclub.org.uk
website@westhoughtoncanoeclub.org.uk