MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR

Here's wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Make the Most of the Outdoors in 2012

Warmest Regards

Dan

Exmoor Canoe Club Christmas Paddle

The annual Exmoor Canoe Club christmas paddle on the River Barle was todays choice of activity. A fine selection of Exmoor paddlers were on show for the chilly December morning outing. After an Icy drive down to the get in we were on the water by 10 am. Gwilym and I thought we'd bring a little christmas cheer by dressing up as Santa (me) and Rudolph (gwilym). Santa even made an appearance on the River Barle webcam at 12 pm! The river was at a great level after some snow melt and overnight rain! It's been a while since I've taken my open canoe on the river and I realised just how inefficient I've become, more open boating for me I think!!!

Thanks to all the guys at Exmoor Canoe Club for a great day out, looking forward to out next outing on the west country rivers.

Intro to White Water Kayaking

Today I have been out on the River Barle/Exe working for Wet and High Adventures. We had 5 clients on an introduction to White Water Kayaking course. Marsh Bridge on the River Barle to Exebridge on the River Exe was chosen as an ideal venue due to the water level. The clients were coached on basic river running techniques such as breaking in and out of the flow, ferry gliding, line choice and river reading. All the clients had a great time and are keen to get back out on the water.

1* and 2* Paddle-sport Assessment for Bridgwater College

Today was the last week of a nine week block of Paddle sports for the Level Three Public Services Students from Bridgwater College. The main aim of todays session was to assess all of the skills they have learnt in the last 8 weeks which will result in either a 1* or  2* BCU Paddlesport qualification. All of the students achieved 1* and a select few managed 2*.
18-20 mph winds proved challenging for the students and on a couple of occasions the open canoeists had to tandem up and tow a boat just to paddle against the stronger gusts.

Route setting at Marjon's University climbing wall.

Today, Jay and I went to Marjon's University to set some routes on their climbing wall. We set 4 routes and improved a few others. We were helped by Will (one of the students) who set some new problems on the boulder wall.

More Kayaking on the River Dart

Today Gwilym and I took 5 more students from Plymouth College out white water kayaking on the Lower Dart. The river level had dropped by 8-10 inches from yesterdays outing but still provided excellent teaching opportunities and was far from a rock dodging affair. To see the accelerated learning of the students over a few hours was fantastic. All the students managed to get to grips with breaking in and out, ferry gliding (some with their eyes closed) and we ran all of the features including Buckfastleigh weir. Another great day on the water.

Kayaking with the staff from Plymouth College

Back out working with Plymouth College today on a staff white water kayaking trip. We paddled the Lower section of the River Dart (Holne Bridge - Buckfastleigh). Gwilym and I took 5 members of the Plymouth College staff for an introduction to White water kayaking. This section has some good benchmark grade 2 and great places to teach breaking in and out of the flow and ferry gliding. All but Anya had a taste of the water temperature but came up smiling and keen to carry on. The previous nights rain pushed the water levels up so we opted to get on below Holne weir and portaged around Buckfastleigh weir. The day was finished off nicely with tea and cake at the station cafe followed by a sociable meal at Simon's house.

Kit Maintenance Day

I spent today doing all the jobs that need to be done following a few days of instruction. The fleet of 12 bikes were all give a deep clean and service and the canoes were delivered to Bridgwater college as they are out on hire. The day also consisted of the usual business paperwork.

Mountain Biking on the Quantock Hills

Back out on the Quantock Hills (AONB) today with the rest of the Level 2 Public Services students from Bridgwater College for some Mountain Biking. The students were bused out from Bridgwater in two groups, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. We started from Wilmot's Pool and headed out to Beacon hill on the northern end of the Quantock hills. The previous nights rain meant we all got very muddy but all the students enjoyed themselves. One of the students even made friends with the local ponies.