Winter Programme:
There is some paddling on the estuary
in the winter (sundays in October/November perhaps) but mostly estuary
paddling is done between May and September. We use our paddle offered
pages (see link from homepage) for ad hoc paddles in the winter, you
can subscribe to be notified of them.
Winter is however definitely the best time
for beginners to
join. We have regular monthly winter pool
sessions, ring us for the dates if they are not listed on the Pool web
page (see links at left). These are very suitable for
new members / beginners. Warm water is a great luxury and the pool is
a fantastic place to have fun and learn. So don't
wait until the summer, get in touch and join us in the winter. Then by the
summer you will already know lots and get a really flying start on the
estuary.
We have white water paddles some Sundays from October to mid March. White water is
undertaken only by those with good basic skills. There are several
different sections of paddleable water on the Dart, some are ideal for
introducing people to moving water. Other parts are ideal for regular
paddles by experienced club paddlers. Then there is an upper
section that is really pretty tricky and actually we don't paddle
there as it is too difficult for most of us.
The environment on Dartmoor can be very
beautiful on a sunny day. Even when its not sunny it is pretty
and you get shelter from the wind as you are down in the bottom of the
steep valley all the time so it is not as cold as you might expect.
Members who want to paddle on the
estuary in the winter may do so whenever they want. You should
do so with other members for safety but we can let you have a key
whenever you want. You do need to reach a certain standard
before we let you loose on your own. So if you see a sunny day
and have a chum to paddle with you can get access to the club kit and
get out there.
