Dart Trip 2nd & 3rd December 06
As a newbie to this white water lark I did not know what to expect from the trip to the Dart. I had done the Exe weekend and that was a very good trip made even better by not swimming. I did however look at the UK Rivers Guide and saw the video of the Dart in spate. What had I done!
So on Friday morning after checking my kit was all there we set off on the drive to Devon. The talk in the car was of past trips to the Dart and how technical it was. It was at this point I started to worry. ‘Was I good enough, will I manage and 101 what ifs.’
The accommodation was good, dorms of 12 in bunk beds. Just like a school trip. Even some of the rules like no alcohol in the room and the doors are locked at 23:00. This would prove not to be an issue though as the room had a fire escape. So it was in and out the window for us.
After a few beers on Friday night and the swimmers sweepstake it was off to bed. As soon as I hit the pillow I was off to sleep yes the bed was comfy. At 03:00 I woke with a start the brain had remembered something important that could not wait. Keep hold of your paddle it was telling me.
Saturday morning and after the full English it was time. The kit was put on and the route planned. We would split in to two groups and do the lower in the morning and the loop after lunch. The nerves now kicked in.
Off we went Steve A, Tony, Glenn, Rod, Geoff, and I. The lower was not that bad Glenn took the lead as he had paddled the Dart weeks earlier. I was next in line. My boat seemed to have a mind all of its own. This was due to my nervous fear. I have found a good way of getting over this though. Go for a nice swim. This happened when I made the simple mistake of getting caught out going in to an eddy. After that the confidence came back and I started to enjoy the river with its wave trains and drops. The largest feature was Abbey Weir. We got out and had a look at this first then went river right. The get out was not far from this point and we all made it without incident.
The scenery was fantastic made even better by clear skies and some sun. At one point there were 5 buzzards overhead soaring in the sun. This is one of the reasons we do this is it not?
After lunch it was on to the Loop with feature names like the Washing Machine Rapid, Lovers Leap and Triple Fall, I should have been scared. However the early morning swim had reminded me, ‘what’s the worst that can happen, I will swim’ again. That and by now we were a group who could trust each other the morning had shown that.
Glenn again led with me just behind him. This was good experience for me as he passed on his knowledge to me and I think I started to paddle better as the day went on.
The main tester was Triple Fall. Glenn led the way with the ‘word follow me you will be ok’ if only. The first drop had more of a pull at the stopper this was fine for Glenn in the Dragon Lossi but the Honcho wanted to stay a while. As I was sat in the stopper Tony and Geoff tried to pull me out as they went past this resulted in Geoff taking a swim. As I went over Rod went over the top of me but Steve avoided me. I popped out of the boat and held on. I managed to push off the side of the drop just as Glenn came in to help and I was pulled to the side, still just at the first drop.
Steve A said he was impressed to see me spinning and holding the boat. I was knackered but I did not panic. I remembered what Steve A says if you panic you are on your own.
The rest of the river went without further incident though Geoff had bashed his arm when he came out.
Back to our room, hot showers for all before we went off to eat and drink. Tony offered the use of his truck as long as he did not have to drive back. So we all climbed in 6 up front and 6 in the back. Tom and I were sat in front of the open fire. I ended up with half a red face with the heat. The meals were good and the beer appreciated. Geoff won the Swimmers Sweepstake as the other group had no participants in Dart swimming.
Back at the room Tony produced a bottle of rum and it would have been rude not to flout the no drinking rule. I think we all slept well.
Overnight the weather had deteriorated and it rained and the wind had blown hard, so hard the road to the loop had trees down on it. So we would run the lower again but as a group of 11 Geoff’s arm was to sore to paddle.
The river was above the highest measurement on the indicator. I took one look and thought no way. However I talked myself into it, you guessed it ‘what’s the worst that can happen. I will swim.’ The river was running so fast I thought I would swim before the bridge. But I didn’t. I got passed there when another eddy caught me out this again calmed me down with a swim.
We went from eddy to eddy all the way down this was the safest way. I had Rob with me this time acting as my guide and counsellor all the way down. He was an invaluable help and again I learnt a lot. I could get in and out of eddies like a pro by the end of the decent. Once I got my head round it and started to trust the group and myself again
Abby weir was too dangerous to run. It was flowing over the sides in parts and onto the path. This was the only portage. The wave trains were that high the boat in front disappeared in the waves. It was like a rollercoaster ride just a lot wetter. I was having big fun but I was outside of my comfort zone.
I decided not to run the river for the second time, one swim was enough today. Also I wanted the rest of the group to have a run without having to baby sit me. I dropped them off, drove back to the get out and about 20 minuets later they were back. It was running fast. Packed the cars and off home we went.
I had the best time ever I learnt loads and challenged my comfort zones, I swam, and got wet but boy did I have fun.
If you get the chance this is one fine trip to go on to step up to bigger water just look at the pictures on the web site.
I would like to thank those who attended and organised this excellent trip. But special thanks go to Glenn and Rob who guided me throughout the weekend and passed on their knowledge to me.
written by Pete