Both the weather and the river level for the trip to the river Wye this year were near perfect. Recent rain in the week prior to the event meant that the water was about 60 cm above normal for this time of year but by the Friday the sun started to shine and stayed with us for the whole of the weekend.

On Saturday we started the river trip from Kern Bridge turning the usual 6 mile journey to 8 miles. The coaches on the water this year were Myself, Paul Burness, Pete Holloway, Richard Massey and Kevin Nutt. Wayne also brought along his group from the youth section this year so we had 25 paddlers on the water. The Wye was busy with other groups of canoeists but we had great fun chasing each other down the river practising breaking in and out of the currents and trying to surf the occasional wave.

After lunch on the river bank just below Symonds Yay rock we made our way around the long bend finally reaching the gorge. A brief stop at a large rock gave an opportunity for the brave to try sliding off the rock in to the water some 3m below! Then on to Symonds Yat rapid its self. Until last year this was an entirely natural rapid but the British Canoe Union completed its purchase of the site and over the winter undertook some remodelling. The centre chanel has been deepened to remove shallow rock obstructions and roock pools have been developed behind some sizable rock groins. The result is a perfect improvers play area where you can practice some white water manouvres. including surfing some tricky waves.

Saturday evening was spent having a bar b q and games at the remote riverside campsite. As the sun went down we finished the evening around a warming camp fire.

On Sunday morning Wayne and the youth group had a lazy start and decide to make their way hom having completed their 3 star assessment. The juniors however took to the water once more and paddled back up to the rapids for some more play. 

At mid day we returned to the site and packed up our tents and some weary kids and exhausted adults made their way home. The whole event went very well with the kids being on their best behavior. Thanks to all the volunteer leaders without whom this annual event would not be possible especially to Kevin Nutt who drove the minibus and to Miriam my wife the official catering manager, child counter and administrator for the weekend. Thanks also to Ian Clarke who though not there was the official base contact.  

Keith