Damart tour 28th December

CarlS · Damart tour 28th December

There is a Washburn release on the 28th December for anyone who is interested. We had a great deal of fun the last time we did this trip and it is an ideal introduction to fast flowing water which whilst not being technically difficult does have several weir type drops. The river is dam released and on the 28th there will be a shuttle service. Anyone interested?
Carl

Steve T

I quite fancy a trip to the Washburn - anyone else up for this? It doesn't need many of us since they're running a shuttle so it can be a one-car trip.

Jon W

Would be up for some form of paddling between Christmas and New Year but not all my 'friends and family committments' are sorted yet. I'll have to let you know nearer the time.

Steve T

Jon

After your performance on the Greta in spate, you'd be fine on the Washburn.

The Washburn only releases on certain dates, so that would be fixed. If we end up doing something else then I can make the Saturday or Sunday, but no other day as I'll be off to Ireland for New Year.

Steve

Mel Stoddart

I won't be able to make this one either, will be away between Christmas and New Year.
Hopefully be able to make a few trips in the new year tho

Steve T

Mel,

Would you like us to arrange a refresher course?

Mel Stoddart

If you wouldn't mind! Doing a course at the mo which is unfortunately on a Wednesday night. Will make it out one day tho

GrahamS

I'll be interested in a trip between christmas and new year.

Might borrow the h3 if we're doing the washburn tho.

CarlS

Watch the forum and we can discuss when and where

BobM

I would be up for this one (if it is within my ability!) and so far I am free that weekend.

Steve T

Bob

If you're at the pool tomorrow chat to myself or Carl but I would think you'd be fine. The main thing with the Washburn is not technical difficulty but the speed - which is hard to appreciate until you experience it.

We've been before, there are two write-ups on the website from August's trip and from last June, and pictures in the gallery so have a look at them to get some idea.

Steve

Steve T

I was thinking what a good idea it was to run a Christmas paddle, and couldn't remember whether there has been one in the last few years, then I came across this picture of Carl, Graham and myself .....

BobM

Sorry Steve, haven't been able to get down to the pool to discuss the Washburn with you. If the trip goes ahead I will come along with my gear anyway and have a look. If it looks a bit beyond me I will watch and heckle from the bank!

Steve T

OK Bob,

Watch this space and we can arrange lifts etc.

Steve

CarlS

So far it looks like Steve, Graham, Bob and myself. The Washburn is a fast narrow river with a few drops, but is not technical, although eddies are difficult to make. Being an offical tour there will probably be lots of people around and the local paddlers use the river in much the same way as we go on the Burrs. Mel/Jon if you are reading this then 'you will be fine', you've both done harder rivers in the past.

The only drawback is that any swims will probably involve rescue by throwrope in some parts, but what the heck! Lie on your back, feet in the air and think happy thoughts. Actually just in case I get into trouble for the previous sentence, what I am talking about is defensive swiming, you need to be on your back and avoid getting your feet stuck on the river bed. You will then roll into an eddy, get rescued by another paddler or be thrown a rope.

Suggest meeting at the site about 11am. Ask for directions if unsure and please confirm if you want to go, so lifts can be arranged.

Steve T

For interest, Graham did some video of the second half of the river with Chris's camcorder in August, and I have just figured out how to get the format suitable for YouTube. See it in the Washburn thread in the paddle reports forum, or go to:
http://uk.youtube.com/user/keawyedsinkayaks
where there is also video of Andy playing at the main weir.

Steve

Steve T

Possible problem:

I’ve just checked the Washburn water information line (0845 833 8654), which hasn’t been updated since early November and which states that the 28 December cruise was “tentatively pencilled in”. I have emailed the organiser for clarification but I guess that we need to consider a plan B.

There won’t be enough of us to run a decent river. The Tryweryn is closed, but JJ’s might be open.

You may get your taste of the Irwell yet, Carl.

Steve

CarlS

JJs may leave a bad taste anyway Steve, following their involvement with the law earlier this year. However, I don't mind going so long they make it exactly clear as to what they are providing, for the money we have to pay. We should make a decision on the 27th.
Carl

Steve T

OK, I'll see if I get a reply from the Washburn people.

Watch this space.

Steve

Steve T

Back to plan A

The water info line was updated yesterday - the Washburn will be releasing so I guess it's big boats & thermals on Sunday.

I'm happy to drive, who wants a lift?

Steve

Jon W

As predicted I have some friends coming over on the 28th. I won't join you paddling but I'll come along to scout it out for next time and to help with filming/rescuing for a couple of hours until I need to leave if that's OK? As I need to make a speedy departure I'll make my own way there.
I'm guessing we'll meet at the egress point (near the second reservoir?)....is it obvious?

Steve T

Actually the car park is up at the top - there should be a shuttle running so we can leave the cars there and get driven back to the top.

There's a path on river left so that's good for spectating & the river's not that long so easy enough to walk back up.

Drive up the lane just before the river towards Thruscross Reservoir and there will probably be a sign marking the narrow track to the car park. They may try to charge you as you get to the car park, but that's for paddling - if you explain that you're just watching it should be OK.

See you there.

Steve

Steve T

Also -

It's deep in a valley so don't hold out much hope of getting hold of us by 'phone.

Steve

CarlS

Steve, do you fancy travelling up together, perhaps meeting up at Westhoughton first?
Carl

BobM

I forgot about the night shift I am working the night before (Doh!) so i will make my own way up as I will probably go straight from work.

Steve T

Carl - if you get to ours you can leave your car here. I'll text you my address / post code. Say about 9:00 - 9:30?

Bob, we'll see you there. If you need directions post here. My truck is a blue Ford Ranger WK53YWU, see you at the car park.

Graham, are you still up for this one?

Steve

Allen

Carl & Steve,
got December over, stressed and worn out. It's always our busiest month with Father Christmas and all that to the point where I felt I was going to get ill again. With a few days rest now (our christmas days are quiet) I should be alright for the Washburn on Sunday.
Steve, is there room in your truck for me? If so, Carl, can I have a lift in your car to Steve's. Obviously we'll share the cost of fuel. Do you know how much it costs to go on the Washburn?
Hope Father Christmas makes your wishes come through tonight...
Allen

Steve T

Hi Allen

It will be good to see you out again - the more the merrier.

Last time we went to the Washburn it was £8, plus £2 for non-BCU members so bring your card. Bob, if you're not a member I'll bring the club membership card which shows you're covered by BCU insurance which should mean you don't pay the extra £2.

Have a great Christmas and see you Sunday. Santa's bringing me a helmet-cam so make sure you look your smartest.

Steve

GrahamS

Sorry, I can't make this one - been roped into some decorating at the last minute!

Enjoy and have a good new year!

BobM

Sorry to pull out at the last minute but I pulled my back this morning (moving kayaks for the scouts!) I was adamant all day that i could still kayak tommorrow but my wife and finally common sense have told me that I can not. I can just about walk but struggle to get out of a sitting position. I don't fancy having the same problem when upside down in a kayak in a fast flowing river. I am hoping to still come along to watch at least but I will see how the nightshift goes, so I might still see you there tomorrow. Hope you have a good paddle.

Steve T

Hi Bob

Shame about that, but better safe than sorry, no point making it worse.

If we don't see you tomorrow then I hope you have a swift recovery.

Steve

CarlS · Change of venue!

Steve can't make it, so Allen and myself are going to simply paddle at the Burrs until lunchtime, hope this message gets to those of you who were thinking of going to the Washburn to watch, if not the Washurn Valley is a nice place and I can only apologise for not posting in time.
Carl

Jon W

I wondered if the plans had changed!
Should have checked the forum this morning but never mind.
Got up there for about 11am, had a nice walk down the river watching the various kayakers. Saw a few swimmers and only one spot where I thought....hmm portage point perhaps! Definitely would fancy giving it a go sometime.
Decided to go for a walk around Thrurscross reservoir which was great - nice part of the world. Now home and resting tired muscles.
Hope the Burrs was fun.

Steve T

Apologies for the chaos. Amy was ill and had to be admitted to hospital first thing this morning - same thing as in June.

Good to hear that at least you had a nice walk Jon - you're now fully prepared for our next Washburn trip.

How was Burrs (I'm guessing low)?

Steve

CarlS

Actually, the Burrs was okay. The bottom step on the weir was covered and had it not just been Allen and myself, then we would have spent more time playing, with two paddlers, safety must be a concern (it was far too cold to do anything which may have got us wet!). There are some pictures of today's Washburn release on UK rivers guide and it makes me feel cold just looking at them.

It sounds like you had a nice day Jon and you would be okay on the Washburn, was the portage part the big drop? If so, you did bigger on the Greta, you are ready for grade 3 now without a doubt.

I think for future trips we need to ensure that we have everyones phone number so a general text can be sent out.

Jon W

Yes - it was the big drop. The Greta is now (was) a blur so if you reckon we did similar drops or bigger on the Greta then I'll give it a go.
Sorry to hear about Amy Steve, hope she's better now.

Damart tour 28th December

Change of venue!