Summer Canoeing Expedition

Writes Dan Z (5ths)

Launch day began in Haye-on-Wye, which was the shallowest point of our journey. After repeated attempts to push our canoes along through the rocky shallows, we began our journey down the river to our first camp point. This was a bed and breakfast inn, with a field for camping next door. We landed and tied off our canoes and sprinted up to race to set up our tents. My glorious team flew through the challenge and constructed our tents in record time. By the end of the trip, it was clear that we were tent building champions.

After nourishing ourselves with MOD rations and a warm mug of hot chocolate, we decided to call it a night to ensure we got adequate sleep for the next stretch of the river, which would be the longest segment in the whole trip. The following day was long, with much paddling, developing our skills and basic movements. Luckily, I had kayaked before, and some of my skills translated well into canoeing, allowing myself and my partner to progress toward more advanced skills. We stopped for a short lunch under a six arched bridge and passed notorious landmarks and gorgeous historical manors. With our longest day of paddling behind us, we tied out at a riverside campsite and flew through setting up our tents. There was of course an urgency... that day the Semi-finals of the Euros was scheduled, with England playing. It was a joyful and energetic night.

The next morning was stunning. Sunrise bloomed over the river, and birds chirped in harmony with Mr Sharrock's gentle guitar playing. We packed up and set off, this time trailed by a support vehicle, as we headed to the historical town of Hereford. Pausing for snacks and views, Mr Williams (our acting 'tour guide') pointed out sites of significant historical value and gave us all navigational challenges. That evening after arriving in the town, we lugged our canoes for what felt like kilometres but in reality, was roughly two hundred metres to set out and explore the town. We briefly visited the historic St. James' church, but sadly, not many shared my passion for history, so we did not spend as much time as I had hoped for inside. We arrived back at the campsite just in time to miss the rain, before a scheduled game of football with a neighbouring group kicked off.

The last day on the water marked the consolidation of our skills. We were being assessed the entire time by our resident white-water experts (Mr Williams and Mr Noorem) to receive our canoe expedition certificates from British Canoeing. After, we arrived at the final campsite for an impromptu game of cricket and a big, smoky, barbecue. We had steaks, burgers and chicken, followed by an evening of guitar and campfire singing. After a good rest, we packed our kit to set back to school.

The trip was an outstanding way to start our summer holidays, and embodied the spirit of outdoor education and adventurous training. I'd like to - on behalf of the students participating - extend our thanks to the staff who accompanied a group of amateur paddlers on a trip to Wales for a week of their own time. This trip has definitely set a great precedent of outdoor trips and hopefully will continue to go forward in coming years.