Symonds Yat
| The traditional June trip to Symonds Yat was this year, for once blessed with exceptionally good weather and water. Some travelled down Friday night then had difficulty putting the tents up in the dark. Gas lanterns help but they don't mix with plastic boats. Others arrived Saturday morning, in all there were twenty paddlers plus a few shuttle bunnies and one dog.
This year we decided not to paddle all the way down from Lydbrook and launched at Huntsham bridge. A short mornings paddle brought us to the Paddocks car park for lunch and more sun cream. Brian amused himself getting the newer members to seal launch off the rock but was careful to make sure his new boat stayed well away from being scuffed. The afternoon was spent at Symonds Yat rapid itself. We had a brief coaching session, edge downstream, don't fall in, really in depth stuff, then on to the rapid. Matt managed to fall in just above the first drop but a quick X-rescue had him back in before the rapid. Some managed breakouts on the first run others took a bit longer but everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and made good progress. Simon swam after a close encounter with a tree while Brian and Phil sank in their attempt to paddle down as a chariot. The river was fairly high with a fast current. No-one quite managed to paddle right back to the top but we had some good ferry gliding practice. Eventually it was time for the slog back to the car park then the campsite or the rocks for some climbing. It was dinner in a strangely quiet pub for most then bed under the stars for those too tired to put the tent up. Sunday morning was a repeat of Saturday afternoon, practicing ferry-glides and breaking in and out. Mike had some more swims but also achieved good progress. Phil had some excitement when his Dagger water bottle filled with fizzy lemonade exploded between his legs, top tip make sure the top is pointing away from you. The river had gone down a little but was still too fast to paddle right up in a short boat. About lunchtime the rapid started to get crowded so we headed back to the car park. Lunch in the shade, it was very hot, then home. A very pleasant weekend with some worthwhile paddling for the newer members which is what this trip is all about. | Fishy BitsAs befits the beginners trip there were plenty of swimmers, far too many to list so we'll just pick out the more noteworthy ones.
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