Progression to WW: River Dee from Horseshoe Falls by Sue L
Corwen Gauge on 0.48m – Low
Sunday’s were made for being on the water and what a terrific Sunday; the sun was out, the sky was a light shade of blue, it wasn’t frosty this morning and 20ish eager LCC paddlers gathered at Horseshoe Falls car park to off-load kayaks and get kitted up. The car park was busy with other groups gathering and off-loading and an excited buzz in the air of anticipation and gratefulness of a warmer day. Once the kayaks were down, drivers took off to Eisteddfod Car Park where we were to get out later.
The group had initially included enough paddlers to form 4 groups but with a few absences (hope you’re all okay by the way) we were able to go out in 3 groups, each group being expertly led and supported. After a short portage from the car park down to the Horseshoe Falls, the first challenge was to consider which way we wanted to enter the Dee. We all watched as other paddlers took the weir and ‘boofed’ down (Sue’s new favourite word). We however took the less frightening option and ‘dropped’ in to the left. ‘Dropped’ is the term I use because that’s exactly how it felt. Water levels were low and many more rocks were exposed so I was glad to have my glasses on.
After a quick check that we were all good Stuart led our group off into the main flow where we took the opportunity to play and practice ferry gliding and breaking in/out. As other groups came down it was only fair to let them have a turn so we pushed off towards the Chainbridge Hotel bridge where we shot through on river left by the hotel and avoided more big rocks. The rapids just after kept us busy for a while as we played again. Just after this point many of us got out and portaged our kayaks around the Serpent’s Tail. This was a good opportunity for a very quick lunch break while we watched fellow paddlers come through including many from our groups. We marvelled at how you all made it look so easy. One day…
The rapids by the Motor Museum were tackled and led us onto the rapids by the railway sidings. Here we heard the toot-toot of the train and it was all some of us could do to stay focused on what we were supposed to be doing. We waved to TNR as we negotiated our way past the site and I tried to recall if I’d done this section before. Would I have remembered the big drop with a big rock right in the middle? Um… At some point during the day’s paddle, I did nearly lose it but my trusty side-kick (well, husband) appeared at my side and I was able to support myself off his boat instead of going in. Unfortunately, I didn’t return the favour and poor Colin had 2 swims; one while trying to be kind and avoid the stand-up paddle boarders who were blocking the route. Like I said, it was a busy day on the Dee and everyone just wanted to play.
