River Leven bridge works!

Today after work Me (Craig), Little Tom and John headed to the Leven for an after work paddle, with an interest of exploring the current works and scaffolding that had been put up on Back Barrow bridge. The river was at a reasonable summertime level and was worth a paddle. The works at Back Barrow now mean that the rapid under the bridge is not runnable, which is a real shame as this was a very pleasant main event on the river. Also two new differences is the work done on Back Barrow wier which has really changed the wier and for some reason it is holding back a substantial amount of water and channeling it down the flood gates. As well as this there is also a tree in the weir above the rapids under the road bridge, which used to be a great play spot...

Back Barrow Bridge from above



Back Barrow Bridge from below



Back Barrow Weir



Back Barrow Weir from below



Little Tom running the fish steps

More rain more boating :)

Another day of rain meant another after work run which means this week just keeps getting better. This time the guys headed up for a look at the lower clough just to check the levels and it was deffinatley going at a real good level. Not quite a spate run but a proper good high. So Me, Dave, Mike, Tom and Little Tom headed for the get on. Another awesome run down a reliably good river with some good lines to be had, meaty stoppers and even some classic beat downs (but not for me ha ha). Also a mighty play wave formed just on the Rawthey near the get out with fun had by all.

Mike on the Big Wier on the Lower Clough

Little Tom on the Big Wier on the Lower Clough

Me (Craig) playing on the play wave on the Rawthey

Dave firing off the top of the play wave on the Rawthey

Artle Beck goes down a treat!

After work paddles are becoming a regular occurance at the moment and the rain keeps on coming, me and the guys had hopes to get the local and well kept secret run of Artle Beck done with all this rain. So Me, Ant, Jonny and Dave headed for the get out and it was on. However many times I do this run I can never get bored of it, even if it's full of trees and requires four tricky portages! Check out the VIDEO and see for yourself.

Rain is back GOOD TIMES!

Yesterday we had, had rain all day and expectations were high so we headed straight to the rivers after work with a good run down the Lower Clough achieved. The good news is the rain is still coming so there is more after work boating to be had...watch this space.

The boys Fire up the Alps!

Well this year has been OK for boating so far but nothing special, so some months ago it was discussed that all the local lakes boaters would try and get together for some summer alpine boating and try and fire up some of the classics. So on Tuesday 6th July 3 of us started our journey in the good old reliable VW van loaded with kit we headed for the Alps. Me, Guy and Dave were met in France by Atty, Pilky, Jonny and Ewart all of whom had made there own way there. We were ready to go and fire it up. We worked our way through the classics like the Durance, Guill, Briancon Gorge, Gizane, Guyronde, Onde, Ubay, Chatuex Queras, Gardian Angel and many more. For me as an Alpine first timer it was an amazing experience and a great opportunity to develop my boating skills. We didn't get many pictures due to the unstoppable nature of the kayaking out there but what we did get will be put up on the blog asap.......

Me (Craig) on the big drop on Le Fournel



Me (Craig) on the Gizane

Long Time no post!

Well it has been a while since the last post this is due mainly to the lack of rain and lack of boating with only the standard trips to the Tryweryn to keep us happy. However after a long wait The Alps trip was due to take place and our story follows in the next Brookbank Lancaster post.