YOUR GUIDE TO THE U.K.’S
WHITEWATER CLASSICS
U
NRELIABLE WATER LEVELS, complex tidal patterns, unfavourable access rights, small geography and a choked road system hardly seems a fitting description of a place home to one of the strongest and most vibrant whitewater communities. Yet despite the barriers, the U.K. has a
rich history of whitewater enthusiasts that have forged their skills on the small but rugged isles. Finding whitewater in the U.K. can fit somewhere between art, science and sheer voodoo at times. Most U.K. whitewater, bar a few dam release venues, is rainfall dependent, making for a small window to paddle. Creeks can go from dry streambeds to raging torrents and back within 24 hours, requiring the pa- tience of a hunter to catch them in flow. Similarly, the tide races can be susceptible to wind variations, tidal pattern changes and general bad weather. These challenges have gone on to foster one of the most dedicated and hungry communities around.
The terrible dry spells between whitewater are filled with fantastic social gatherings—though with more talk than action. When, finally, the heavens open and the rain falls, folk travel from far and wide to converge upon the flooded streams hoping to catch that elusive flow. It would be hard to recommend the U.K. as a boating destination based on all of these fac-
tors. A trip to the U.K. could find drought, a flat tidal race or be plagued by rain the whole time. On the flipside, the U.K. has one of the strongest and most diverse whitewater populations in existence. From the huge university club scene to the small, dedicated pockets of creekers living close to their favorite river, the U.K.’s scene welcomes outsiders with open arms, be that for a paddle or, quite often, a few social beers. A trip to the U.K. may offer you world-class kayaking for your whole trip on more than 500 rivers, or a damp drizzle and naught much else. But one thing’s for sure; you will spend your time surrounded by a warm boating community. It’s worth the gamble.Here is a smattering of can’t-miss U.K. classics—the locals bide their time for them and some even travel across the ocean for them.
42 RAPID EARLY SUMMER 2013
STORY AND PHOTOS BY STEVE ROGERS
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