River Dart facebook group
https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/riverdart/
A very popular and usefull page/group
Zet Kayaks – Sponsorship
I am pleased to be able to announce that I am now part of Team Zet UK and currantly firing it up in The Zet Raptor!!!
The Raptor is very fast and I am liking it alot – Photos to follow!!
Pyrhana Fest 2011
Team Kayaks and Paddles headed to Bala in North Wales for the 2011 Pyrhana Fest.
Photos by Tom Layland
Plenty of Beer, Parting and runs on the Trywern were had.
French Alps 2011
Room with a view!
So we had a great time in Italy, so after a couple weeks back, we headed back to Europe, this time to the French Alps. The weather was lovely, 30′c most days.
We spent a week paddling all of the classic, including the Guil, Durance, Gyr, Onde, Gyronde, Gusaine etc.
Mark & Matt discussing the finer things in Life!
Beer with the boys after our fine high water run on the Gyr.
Staircase rapid on the Middle Guil
A good week was had and we will return soon.
Italy 2011
So its the time of year we head to Val Sesia – and again we all loved it!
Mark Allen in his New Palm Kit
We sent a week in the region paddling the Classics including Egua, Seminzina, Sesia Alpine Sprint, Middle and Lower, Sermenza Gorge, Gronda and Sorba Slides.
Mikey C
Liam K
The day generally started with:
Mark Allen – Relaxing before a good day on the water!!
Then some boating
Mark Allen nailing a big boof on the Seminzina
Then some partys with the crazy Irish!
Surf’s Up
With the lack of wet stuff, We decieded it was time to head to Widemouth Bay. The Surf today was 3-4 and clean, hot and sunny weather. The new Dagger Axiom surf’s a treat. Will add some photos and more words as and when. With Italy and France quickly approaching I will be in a boat as much as possible to remain paddle fit, ready for the steep’s of Val Sesia
Sponsorship – Kayaks & Paddles!!
Just a quick update to let you all know that I am now sponsored by KAYAKS & PADDLES in Plymouth.
http://www.kayaksandpaddles.co.uk/
When you need new kayaking gear, please give these guys a call – they will sort you out.
Cheers
Mark Allen
This year – see me heading off to Val Sesia in May and The French Alps in June.
Dartmoor January 2011
Since returning from Portugal, the rivers have been filled and I have enjoyed about 30 trips on the Upper Dart, East Okement, Erme, Tavy, West Dart. Been a great month, lets hope the rain returns soon!!!
Super Boof on Upper Dart. – Paddler Mark Allen – Photos by Simon Westgarth GENE17
Portugal
So then,with Christmas out of the way and a very cold December passing it was time to head to Portugal!
Planning on the ferry – Photo by Pete Anderson
After a long ferry ride and a 7 hour drive we arrived at our warm up river. The Minho. 10km of class 2-3.
Mike Moxon surfing the wave at the start – photo by Amy Elsworthy
After this river we found overnight accommodation in Arcos De Valdevez, very old fashioned but good enough for us.
The following morning founds us checking the Rio Vez out, only to find it too low. So after a quick chat the team headed off to the Mouro, 8km of class 4.
Drew on the Mouro – Photo Pete Anderson
The Following day after another night in basic accommodation we headed off to the Tamega section 4. The Guide book was fairly wrong about this section. Was meant to be 7km of class 4 through an intense gorge – It was actually 6 km of class 2, with a rapid of 3 another of 4 and to finish a big volume class 5 rapid.
Photo – Amy Elsworthy
As it was Newyears Eve, everywhere was shut so we ended up camping on the side of a road – It was great, at midnight the surrounding valleys light up with fireworks.
Photo Amy Elsworthy
Newyears Day 2011! – We had received word from a local paddler that the Classic Cavado was on so we hit it – and boy it was good!!!
The Cavado is 4 km of class 4-5. The Start and end bits were a bit chossy but the middle section – the bit that you come to paddle is ace. Lots of slab, slide and Waterfalls. The rock was a fabulous white smooth granite.
Me on one of the many slides. Photo Mike Moxon
This style of things continued for what like felt for ever. Every slide was different, Wall rides, narrow slabs, a 6m waterfall (that we portaged) lots and lots of fun. Then we came to this:
Me on the final drop. Photo Mike Moxon
This river will always be remembered by me, it was great!!
After a totally exhilarating day we found a nice spot to camp, had a bbq and lots of wine and beer…
Photo Amy Elsworthy
Next was back to the Tamega this time section 1. 8km of big volume class 4 (5)
Pete Anderson – Photo by Amy Elsworthy
We headed off towards the border and stayed in a hostel in Spain a few miles from the Castro Laboreiro.
After an interesting meal of cabbage soup and a very cold night sleep we head off to the last river the Castro Laboreiro section 1. 7km of class 4-5 with several portages.
Photo by Mike Moxon
An interesting finish to the trip. The guide book states not to do this river in high water. As soon as the team put on the heavens opened and the river rose 3 feet in 45 mins. So an epic walk out was had.
A great trip was had by all.
