First and Last Loop paddle

Last weekend I managed to get a first and last Dart loop paddle in. It wasn't my first Loop run this season, but it was Bens first Loop run ever. Ben is only Nine years old, and has been badgering his dad Rog to go and do the Loop for most of the winter. So after lots of practise on the lower Dart, and with water levels low but paddle able we set off.

Ben running a rapid before Triple Drop

So with me taking point, Ben following and Rog sweeping up the pieces we set off into the great unknown! Ben paddled really well, following my line perfectly down the rapids. Ben managed to give Rog and I one little heart stopping moment when he went straight for the only hole on Lovers Leap, but he bounced over the hole and carried on regardless!

Me, having some fun at Lovers Leap

The first problem for Ben came in the shape of the first drop of Triple Drop. Unfortunately a slight miss understanding about the line lead Ben to drop straight into the middle of the hole. A quick spot of un-intended rodeo action lead to a quick swim. But after emptying the boat Ben ran the rest of Triple drop without a hitch.

Rog and Ben below Triple Drop

Bens second and final hitch was provided courtesy of The Spin Dryer. Ben took a great diagonal line across the river and was about to punch into the river left eddy, when the spin dryer wave caught him and flipped him in. Another quick swim and Ben was back in his boat to finish off his run.

Passing under Holne Bridge, Ben completes his first Loop Descent

All in all not a bad run for a Nine year old on his first Loop trip. I was certainly impressed, and so was Rog, and Ben realised why Dad had been putting off the trip for so long! Ben can almost roll in a pool at the moment, so with the summer to practise he may well make a few more Loop trips next season!