Steve T
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Washburn, 19/04/09This was the run to the Washburn that we'd originally planned for 5 April. Unfortunately only Graham and I could make the rescheduled date so it was just the two of us. It started cold but as always seems to happen at the Washburn once the sun gets into the valley it was a great day.
It was as popular as ever, and I met a guy called Steve from Pendle Paddlers who Mick & I were on a course with two years ago. He then seemed to be stood on the bank each time Graham and I had something "unplanned" happen.
We had a few runs down the top section, breaking it down into shorter stretches and getting used to the speed of the water. After lunch Graham decided to call it a day so I paddled the length of the river solo, with Graham on camera duty running down the side of the river with a rope - it really is fast so I definitely had the easier part of that deal.
All the river modifications are now complete, the drop immediately after the main weir seems to be slightly different to last August, and there's a concrete ramp soon after that to get out although it is quite a tight breakout to get into. The bottom half of the river has much less flat water than before the changes and it is a great run. There is a also a new car park at the bottom just before the road bridge making shuttles much better than previously.
Although it's not too technical the Washburn is always a great buzz. It's challenging to improvers but safe to swim in and there are always plenty of others there to help recover gear and chuck ropes at you (and sometimes also at the guy who's paddling after you!). In fact the second time I ran the main drop I had to pause while someone jumped in directly in front of me so he could swim over it. I'd recommend this river to anyone who is no longer challenged by Burrs, but I can't stress enough how fast it is.
Another good day out. It's a pity more members couldn't make this but given that it's only released on certain dates that's unavoidable.
Steve
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GrahamS
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I'll certainly vouch for the speed of the Washburn! You don't seem to get a moment to gather your thoughts or compsure. It's a great rush as long as you can stay upright - I'll have to work on break outs (ins) at Burrs.
Would recommend it though - the worst that can happen is a lengthy swim (again something I can vouch for).
Thanks again for driving Steve.
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Steve T
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No problem Graham - thanks for the high speed run down the bank and also for the butties (mine were very nice when I got home and took them out of the fridge!) You took some nice pictures too which I'll post later (a bit self-indulgent though, since they're all of me!)
You're right that breaking in to the fast water was the issue - your paddling was OK and you got one small breakout twice with style. Unfortunately it was directly above a big ugly hole which had your name on it. You did pretty well though and as Steve said on the day you need to exaggerate the edge to get away with the speed. He has sent me an email to say it was good to bump into me again, and to say "Hi" to my mate with the balls of steel!
Steve
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