Upper Dart Warts and all.

[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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