Clitheroe Canoe Club

 

River Ribble 25th April 2004

Page [1] 2 3 Next PageNext PageNext Page


For our April outing Jem originally planned a canal trip, but as the conditions were ideal for the normal mix of craft and abilities that make up these events, decided on a trip down the River Ribble. As the trip involved moving water a level three kayak coach was required and John Turner kindly agreed to come along.


The trip was from just below the bridge by the De Tabley Bar and Grill [map], who kindly gave their permission to launch off their land, to Ribchester [map], a short journey of approximately 1.6km. The objective of the trip was to introduce newcomers to paddling, like myself, to moving water and learn some new skills.

Jem, as usual managed, to arrange the most favourable of conditions, three 'S' weather - shorts, sunglasses and sun cream - the river conditions were also ideal for the mixed abilities present. This is becoming a most desirable trait, we can but hope that Jem continues to exert his influence with the powers on future trips.

As usual the party assembled at 10:00 at the club, the turn out was again very good at just over twenty and the party were soon off on the short journey to the start point. On arriving at the De Tabley car park we quickly unloaded the gear and then decamped to the launch spot. Though this presented more of a challenging than normal, as cars have tendency to race along this stretch of road - so adults were deployed to alert cars to our presence - while the party plus equipment crossed the road.

The drivers then took their cars to the car park in Ribchester while the rest got ready to launch. Launching proved interesting as the water levels were a little low at the rivers edge and many of the kayaks needed to be dragged in about five or six metres before they were afloat, while the opens had no problems with the conditions.

Page [1] 2 3 Next PageNext PageNext Page