On Mon, 05 Jan 2004 20:37:57 GMT, "Mike Taylor"
wrote:

Darren,
Don't go by yourself!!!!
Best to go with an experienced friend, preferably one who knows the river.
Mike in Canada


I was just thinking this. Join a local club. The BCU has a list of
clubs available on its website www.bcu.org.uk

I'm a three star paddler and an L2 Coach but when I started paddling
on moving water the way in which the river can affect the boat took me
by surprise even though I knew all the theory.

Go join a club, train in the basics and if you must do rivers from the
get go, make sure you go with experienced paddlers - preferably with
people who REALLY know what to do if someone gets into difficulty. By
the time you are pinned , head under water, it is too late to discover
your paddling mates have no idea how to save you.

Ewan Scott


http://www.claytonwestscouts.org.uk