Poling at Dedham

Only a couple of days until my 2 star assessment so decided to get a bit more practice time on the water. Started out at Dedham and paddled down to Flatford. Followed a kingfisher for quite some distance but never did get close enough, even with silent paddling, to get a good view though. Practised stopping, turning, moving sideways, ruddering and paddling backwards in the area above the lock gates.

After a short while I headed back upstream paddling on my weaker left side for a bit of practice, the water was flat calm and mirror like only disturbed by my bow wave and the occasional jumping fish. Kept a look out for the kingfisher again but the light was dimming by this time and I didn't see it.

Got back to the mill pool at Dedham and practiced some poling where I felt like I'd improved upon previous attempts. Overconfidence got the better of me and whilst performing a sweep stroke and tipping the boat to aid the turn I lost my footing and landed on my arse in the back of the boat. I was quite pleased with myself though because, as I was falling, I was thinking about getting myself central in the boat and not splaying my arms out in case I injured myself on the gunnels. I found myself on my back with my feet and arms up in the air still hanging on to the pole and looking at the sky. After collecting myself for a few seconds and thinking that was lucky I got up and carried on with a bit more respect of the pole.

Time was getting on and it was starting to get a bit dark even though it was just after 8pm so I decided to call it a night and head off home.

River Stour @ Sudbury

Took the kids out for a second time in the Big Blue Canoe, this time we started at The Granary which is the headquarters of The River Stour Trust. Parking is free, and the put in point is great, there's a nice slipway and jetty to cast off from.

The rowing club can just be seen in the distance and there were several boats around, some of whom were learners so we had to keep a close eye on what they doing. The cut joins the main river shortly after where we were met by the local scout group in a bunch of small dinghies careering around all over the place.

We headed upstream into the wind to start with towards the A131 road bridge.


Both kids had their own paddle this time, however the youngest who was in the back insisted on facing the wrong way and paddling . He was enjoying himself so that was fine.

The river splits after a short while and one of the channels had a fallen tree partially blocking the way so we took the other one.


Eventually it became too shallow to continue so we did a U turn and headed back to the blocked channel and decided to force our way through. It was just about a metre wide so no problem. Again, this channel became too shallow and overgrown with reeds etc for us so we headed back downstream only to discover the wind had changed direction. Isn't that always the way?

To keep the kids interested and stop them getting bored we took along some bread for the ducks. The oldest decided he was a duck and ate most of his.



Anyone got other ideas to keep the kids interested on canoe journeys? I'd like to hear them.

Trip time was only a few hours but we all really enjoyed it, so much so the youngest wanted another go after lunch before we headed off home.