2024 LCC Alpine Paddling Holiday
Day 10 Monday afternoon 29th July: Lower Durance “The Sunshine Run” by Amy
After some lunch, we set off from the beach, the river running fast with big wave trains to follow down.
It didn’t feel like long until I hit a big wave and was under! I was pleased to reach the riverbank holding both paddle and kayak, which I was able to empty and get back in.
Keith pointed out that I seemed to be paddling as if it was a Sunday morning at the docks, when I realised I had to really paddle. We continued, bouncing along more wave trains.
The scenery was stunning, the air hot, dry and windy. We stopped in an eddy to think about the Rab Wave. Knowing the strength of the water here, having practised swimming down it 4 years ago, I decided that it wasn’t the day for me to paddle down it. So I walked down to the bottom of the wave, whilst everyone else paddled on. By the time I got there, they had all effectively come down the wave and Cameron was walking back up the road to squeeze his long legs into my kayak and run the wave again.
The more proficient in the group stopped to play in waves and surf, choosing different paths down the river.
Using stronger paddle strokes, I tried to follow Keith. Being warned that someone had capsized the other day on the next big wave, I knew I had to go right to avoid it. But before I knew it, I was in the wave, which wasn’t letting me out, so I paddled and paddled, but capsized again. This time, a longer swim, but still held onto my kayak and paddle. Nick helped me to the bank where Keith had my boat and we were off again for the final short stretch.
Thank you to everyone on this paddle, it was challenging, but great fun!