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| Go-Paddle: An Introduction to River Running in the UK. |
Description
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River paddling covers a broad spectrum of canoeing and kayaking activities, from multi-day self supported trips in an open canoe, a club trip on the nearest whitewater river through to the first descent of a newly discovered Alpine torrent. Although not a competitive discipline, river running is the most popular form of paddling in the UK with the vast majority of paddlers being introduced to the sport on their local river.
The British Isles are blessed with an abundance of rivers suitable for all ability levels. With suitable rainfall, the North of England, Wales and Northern Scotland can be a whitewater paradise including a number of dam controlled rivers where water levels are guaranteed months in advance. Southern England and Ireland offer longer more
gentle rivers, suited to placid water touring, canoe camping and open canoeing.
Further afield, within a long days drive, the European Alps offer reliable glacial fed whitewater rivers with some of the most challenging descents in the world. Sweden, Norway and Iceland are becoming increasingly popular whitewater destinations for British paddlers, a useful training ground before heading to more exotic locations
such as India, South America and Africa.
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How Do I Get Involved?
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| River trips are the staple diet of most local canoe clubs and every weekend the motorways fill up with canoe laden cars heading for the rainfall. Experienced paddlers around the world will all remember their first
river trip with affection even if they spent more time in the river than on it. Joining your local canoe club is certainly the cheapest way to start paddling and you will find like minded paddlers of all ability levels. Search the go-paddle club database to find your nearest canoe club.
If you are looking for a more structured learning experience, including qualified instructors, transport and accomodation then try searching the go-paddle courses or holidays database to find the most suitable course to suit your ability level, budget and timescale.
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