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Bertie expertly led a group of novice/intermediate
and experienced paddlers (10) down the Classic Loop trip in
Dartmoor....a graded 2/3 river. Putting in at Newbridge, the
plan was to the paddle the Loop and get out at the Dart
Country Park.
New paddlers to whitewater river
running were, Buddy, Chris and Pringle24.
The weather was good, with the
occasional shower as the group worked their way through the
twisty loop scenery. With walkers, runners and the
occasional horses noddling and waving to the group from the
river banks, the peace and tranquillity was occasionally
broken by the turbulent water and screams of excitement from
Buddy whilst negotiating the rapid descents !!!...
The water level was decent and the
morale was high as the intrepid group of kayakers, under the
watchful eye of Bertie, negotiated the Newbridge rapids, Top
Wave, Washing machine, Lovers leap, Triple Falls,
Spin-dryer, Haystack Falls and Holne Weir.
Chris Fryer managed several rolls
whilst trying to show off on his first river paddle by
surfing back up the river...it was met with lots of friendly
banter from the group....but Buddy wasn't so lucky with 3
swims.....Pringle managed the entire Loop without a swim but
didn't appear to change the grimace on his face for the
entire trip!
The group all safely made it to the get
out at the Dart Country park and refreshments were duly
taken, followed by a visit to the on-site kayak shop, where
paddles and boats were drooled over.
A successful trip that left all hungry
for more in the coming winter months.
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