21/3/26 Progression to White Water River Trip (Grade 2-3 River)

River Leven – Racecourse Section (Lakes Trip)

A cracking day up in the Lakes with wall-to-wall sunshine – not something we always get! Spirits were high as we took on the Racecourse section of the River Leven, managing two full runs and making the most of the fun, bouncy water.

We put on at Newby Bridge, with the weir arriving straight away to wake everyone up. At the levels we had, it was straightforward enough, though a few found out just how sticky that stopper can be if you hang around too long!

Below that, the river really gets going with a series of playful rapids – plenty of opportunities for surfing, catching eddies, and the odd unexpected swim to keep things interesting.

The brick-chute weir is always a highlight. The centre line was the place to be, offering a nice clean chute and a fun surf, while the sides looked best avoided. A good spot for a bit of playing and showing off… or not!

Further down, the river steps things up a notch. The two-metre drop on the river left around the island gave us a proper feature to think about, with a decent stopper forming. Some made the most of it, others chose a more cautious line – all good experience. There’s also a smaller drop, some great wide surf waves, and a more continuous Grade 3 section towards the end, including a punchy drop in the middle that kept everyone on their toes.

As ever, there were a few “thrills and spills,” plenty of laughs, and a great sense of achievement by the end. A top day out with good water, good company, and lots of smiles.

Paddlers:
Olwen, Jacqueline, Sophie, Ian G, Sarah, Gary T, Gary W, Keith