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Pearls of Wisdom From the Alps

There is very little in this world that is really original. However, there are always lessons to be learned from other paddlers so here are a few pearls of wisdom from the Alps trip this summer(2005).

White Water Safety and Rescue

You might think that a weekend of throwlines and swimming in moving water is not for you. You might think that it is only for experienced paddlers. Think again. Hazel had the misfortune to end up pinned in the Schuls Gorge: she was not in any immediate danger but it took 9 other paddlers with 75m of throwlines about 20 minutes to rescue her. Fortunately she had been on the White Water Safety and Rescue course a month or two earlier so she understood what we were try to do and could assist without needing instruction. The result was probably less stress and a quicker rescue. The moral is that the White Water Safety and Rescue course is just as valuable to potential victims as it is to potential rescuers!

Wear Your Kayak

Is it important to pad out your kayak so that it fits like a glove? Don`t modern kayaks have enough adjustment to avoid all that hassle? The simple answer is no. The Alps gave a number of paddlers a chance to test their own personal limits. At that standard every little advantage helps and a snug fit at the hips to prevent sliding across the seat or around the thigh braces to give instant response can make the difference between staying upright, rolling or even swimming. So if you still sit in you kayak go for the cheapest upgrade and pad it out so that you can wear it!

Time to Say No

There is a very fine line between very exciting and just downright terrifying. Pushing to the limits of your adventure zone is a great way to improve both your confidence and your boat handling skills providing it is done safely. Overdoing it and experiencing terror can knock your paddling back by years. When a river looks exciting and your friends are urging you on it can be very difficult to say no and either portage or just get off. I have the greatest respect for all the paddlers on this summer`s Alps trip who made that decision, particularly once on the water.
Good call guys!

Croissants with Chocolate Filling

We all know how important it is to have a good breakfast before a hard day`s paddling on the river. Janella reckons that croissants with a chocolate filling make a particularly scrummy breakfast. I`m not so sure about their nutritional value...

Date first published: January 2000 by Peter Mansell

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