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!

1 Week till the South West canoe Show 2008

It's now only one week till this years South West Canoe Show.

So here is a quick run down of what you will be able to see at this years show; For the whitewater paddlers we have new boats from Pyranha, with the Kanarli and Z:One, Liquid Logic with the Biscuit and XP, Dagger with the Green boat and Axiom and Wavesport with the new Diesel range.

For the Sit on top paddler there will be new range of Tarpons from Wilderness Systems, the new Trident 13 fishing kayak from Ocean Kayak and new boats from Native Watercraft. For the Canoeists there will be new boats from Mad River Canoes to check out.

On the software front there is the complete new range of Yak waterproof cags, on display in the UK for the first time. The new range has something for the recreational paddlers, touring paddlers , and the whitewater paddlers alike. There will be a chance to see the new Sweet range of Helmets and the new Sweet gore-tex cag. Palm have some new gear, including some great new water shoes that look set to rival the mighty 5:10 boots.

And on-top of all this there will be all your favorite tried and tested gear from all our favorite manufactures; Palm; Dagger; Yak; Nookie; Typhoon; Sweet; IR; Astral; Pyranha; P+H; Venture Kayaks; Venture Canoes; Valley Sea Kayaks; Valley Surf Kayaks: Kirton Kayaks; Lettmann; Wavesport; Mad River Canoe; Wilderness Systems; Native Watercraft; Heritage; Ocean Kayak; Old Town; Perception; Exped; Ortlieb; Bending Branches; Pelican Canoes; Aquabound; Eckla.

Plus, as if that wasn't enough, also at the show will be local Colleges for those of you interested in becoming an instructor or coach and coaching and guiding companies like Gene 17; Canoe Control; Sea Kayak South West; Sea Sports South West and Haven Banks.

Don't forget there will be special Deals on Boats and Kit available for the show day only, and a whole range of package deals available on the day as well. For a sneak Preview of what's available check HERE. Plus all your favorite gear will be on sale from the stands and in the shop.

You can also demo a huge range of canoes, kayaks and sit on tops on the canal and river, beat the queue and download the boat demo registration form HERE.

And finally, there will be a BCU Club Forum held in the Exeter Canoe club, a 'Mexican roll' down the river Exe by Exeter School Kayak Club, a BCU White water race down the river Exe and the Hog Roast!

South West Canoe Show 2008

The South West Canoe Show 2008 may still be a few months away, but the wheels are already in motion for this years Biggest free canoe show.

Put it in your Diary now Saturday the 4th October 2008.

The Website is now up, and will be updated regularly so check it out.