Upper Dart Warts and all.

[Tim]

I’ve just seen a few clips of the upper dart from Saturday. I think I was on a different trip to everyone else.

Lets have a look at the facts and not get drawn in by misleading video footage.
There were 8 swims on the river involving 4 of our paddlers on the Upper Dart.
We can accept and cope with 1 or 2 mishaps on a river trip but not 8. Its not good enough and we need to do something about it before someone gets killed. The truth is non of us are as good as we think you are.

There is no way on this planet I will take the same group on the upper dart or any pushy river until they have invested some time and effort into having a white water roll. I cant be a guardian angel all the time setting up safety, rescuing people and boats, which are very often in precarious positions.

The group that came out Saturday need to take a step back and from a safety point of view put some fundamentals in place. I personally will not go out with anyone at the club on that sort of water again unless they have done a white water safety and rescue course as a minimum. I myself will be booking on an advanced course ASAP. I also will need to assess everyone on a river like the Dee performing white water rolls. I mean everyone. Im not paddling with anyone above grade 2 or 3 water if you haven’t got a white water roll.

Why was I the only one on the river with a set of split paddles? Again I will not go on that sort of water with anyone from the club unless they have split paddles in the back of their boat. I once gave my split paddles to a stranger on the dart who had broken his paddle. It was going dark and a lost paddle would have meant a long walk out.

Ive never held paddlers back at this at this club and want everyone to reach their goals. However, lets be realistic and lets make sure we are competent in basic skills required for white water. We need to make sure we are trained in safety and rescue techniques and we are capable of rolling.

Please feel free to call me to discuss any points made

[admin]

Valid points Tim I know my limits and 2 b honest found the upper Dart fine,but I’m under no illusion I need my roll back more often 2 b more of a complete paddler.As rescues go i think i can hold my own and did plenty Saturday and have done the 2 day FSRT with Ian already.I know where I’m at, thanks for the constructive comments.

[Tim]

Like I say I’m not going out with any paddler on that sort of water who I’ve got doubts about rolling.

[Chucky]

I was not at the dart this weekend but the pics, and videos show a higher level than i have ever run it at.
I think Tim does make a good point.
Part of the definition of grade 4 is a relativity high risk of injury from a swim.
grade 5 relativity high risk of serious injury or death.
A bomb proof roll is a must.
Yes – Even the best guys swim. but they roll on a majority of conditions and swimming is very rare.
I would recommend Lee valley Olympic course as a fantastic low risk training ground for those wishing to push grade 4. great place to get into that sort of water and plenty of opportunities to practice your rolls.

[Tim]

The dart was only grade 3 level Saturday, nice air temperature and perfect for a club run. Lee Valley Assessment would be perfect followed by training sessions down there on a regular basis.

[admin]

Fair comments tim the two swims i took were from stupid mistakes . i do need to take a safety course to gain more knowledge of hazzards. I will hone my roll back to perfection if it kills me.as for the two times i was out of my boat i was in full control of myself and didn’t feel at any major risk in the areas i was i understand about the paddle issue as it would be so easy to loose one on that river then you are shafted.will look into a course asap.

[Ricki]

Hi Loz,

I’m sure one of the club representatives can advise on the next available safety course is. Chucky’s advice to practice on safer courses is also a good idea to ensure safe paddle time, although I have old debt to settle with HPP from both a paddle and a digestive system prospective a few years ago with Chuck on a night-time birthday paddle. Yes Chuck, I was rescued by an attractive girl!!! ;-). I personally don’t like WW courses, but do appreciate they are a safer bet than swimming down the Upper Dart or other similar rivers!

I also agree with many that swimming does happen and can also involve stupid mistakes. I have seen and experienced many safe swims, but I guess it’s keeping these risks to a minimum for the swimmer and the safety of the greater group. I think I’ve seen more injuries and near missed from boat chasing than anything else!

I’ve also noticed a lot during my kayaking via forums and various conversations over the years that kayakers seem to rate their level via International Grading System. I disagree with this assumption and labelling. I think there isn’t a level of kayaking level other than competency on the water (knowledge and practice). Where I personally think that badge awards are not for my sleeve and star awards belong in the sky, I do admire the techniques and knowledge they set out to achieve and establish. I would certainly recommend these paths, read up on the theory and put it into practice.

[admin]

Appart from my small mistakes i do give myself a big pat on the back i have never run any of the dart and i started on the upper. I ran the major features ok it was a trip up on a boulder garden and a lapse in concentration after euthanasia falls. I did put one roll in after a ledge drop and pulled it of and ran the rest fine just need to brush up on high brace do more rolling on different rivers to gain more experience. In total I’ve probably only been out less than 20 times altogether on rivers since i started paddling and i feel I’ve come a very long way very quickly just need to keep at it !!

[Author]

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