Event details:
The second Intro to White Water will be taking place on the 31st October :) !!!
Whitewater is easily the coolest and most exciting part of what the club does and is literally why I paddle.
If you would like to give it a go we are running a couple of super chilled out intro day trips so you can get a taste of what it's like and begin to develop the key skills needed to become a whitewater paddler.
Likewise this is also a fantastic opportunity to brush up on some skills if you started whitewater last year!
Unlike some of the other adventure clubs DUCC doesn't do "guided trips". Ie we all help out and share responsibility for the trip. Obviously whilst people are learning the "leaders" will assume responsibility for decisions on the river and safety, but everyone will help with loading boats on the cars etc.
This also means that from the beginning we will teach people river safety skills, how to read rapids, and also how to run features safely as a team. The idea behind this is that over the year the leaders take progressively less of a "lead" in the trip until we are essentially peer paddling and making decisions together, which is essential to developing independent paddlers.
Where we will go depends on the water levels but is likely to be a section on the Tees or the Swale (NOT the waterfall section).
Meet at the boathouse at 9am and we hope to be back at 4pm. The expected cost will be between £5 and £10 to cover the cost of fuel. Further information on trip finances can be found in the WhatsApp community.
This trip is strictly only open to those who:
- Can confidently paddle on flat water (i.e. straight line and turning)
- Are comfortable wearing a spray deck AND has performed a capsize drill that was witnessed by a DUCC leader.
Capsize tests can be done during a pool session (warm) or at the end of a Wednesday session (less warm). This includes people who have paddled before university. Any questions please send me (Devon) a message. Do NOT sign up to this trip until you have completed one.
If you cannot paddle confidently on flat water, it will not be appropriate - or fun (lots of upside down time) - for you to come on this trip. However there will more intros and trip in later terms so in the meantime hone your skills by going along to the Wednesday session.
We will provide wetsuits, cags, and kayaking equipment but you must bring:
- Warm layers* (thermals and fleeces- NOT jeans)
- Shoes you don’t mind getting wet and muddy (old trainers are ideal- NO CROCS OR SLIDERS)
- Packed lunch
- Water bottle
- Change of clothes (including hat gloves etc)
- Towel to change with
- Waterproof jacket
- Any personal medication you may need, e.g. inhaler (please let me (Devon) know if this is the case and I will ensure we have a drybag to keep it dry)
Also please make sure you have eaten a good breakfast before you arrive at the boat house on Saturday. Points for anyone who has an entire rotisserie chicken.
Any questions or concerns please do message me, or any other exec members!
Hope to see you there!
Devon - Trip Officer
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