Well a fantatsic weekend was had by all. We started on the Troutbeck - slightly low and full of trees, but immensely fun. The gorge was a laugh and the low levels made the run quite technical in places. We then headed over to the Leven which could be described as pumping, before coffee in Asda and the drive to Shap.

The film night was a huge success - very busy, I spent most of the night on the door taking money and stamping hands. All the films were excellent, ours got the smallest (but still massive...) cheer! Next year we might even have time to put something decent together. We met hordes of people, both new and old, and had a great time (apart from sleeping in the cars).

Sunday led us to Langstrath Beck, my new favourite river. Jonny and I paddled down from the Upper Slabs; I didn't break any paddles; and Liam, Ness and the dog played along the river bank all the way to the car!

All in all a great weekend - roll on 2007!

Tom

Langstrath Beck

Snow sat on the hilltops as Liam, Shaun and I walked towards the get in for Langstrath Beck. Although the walk was long, the sight of the Upper Slabs kept us going. It was well worth it, and the whole trip left me personally on a high. The river has two distinct sections, both containing some slabby slides and small waterfalls. I nailed all my lines, but sadly broke my new blades at the final fall (first time out, so hopefully I'll get a refund). The dog had a great day chasing us down the river, and we left as a cold starry night set in. If you've been thinking about running this beck, I suggest you do it. Now!


On another note, we're all looking forward to this film night on Saturday (see last post), although Shaun can't go and I'll have to scrounge some paddles... We've been busy tinkering with our video of the River Twiss, to be shown alongside Rainchasers' (www.rainchasers.co.uk) video of the Doe, its sister river. This should make decent viewing, although we expect to be completely eclipsed by the other films on the night!

Tom

Cumbria Paddlesports Festival next weekend

Next Saturday, the 25th November, will see stacks of paddlers descend upon Shap in the Lake District for the 2006 Cumbria Paddlesports Festival. Highlights include the world premieres of 'Sick Lines 4' from Olaf Obsommer and Bread and Butter Productions' latest film ('See you next Tuesday'). There will be other films from Rob Coffey, Trey Chace, Fat Cats Productions, rainchasers.com, and the Crazy Davey Biggin.

Also, for some bizzare reason, we will too be having a short film showing - which we are editing this week (all very last minute)!

The event is in Shap, only 5 minutes from Junction 39 of the M6. Tickets cost £6 on the door, which are open from around 8pm. There will also be music from DJ Lew Dubs, heading right into the small hours. Camping is also available at £2.50 per person. Best of all, it's bring your own booze...

For more info on the event, which should be absolutely cracking, please visit http://www.rainchasers.com/content/view/178/66/

Also, its raining lots at the moment so hopefully the levels should be good for some of the classic Lakeland runs (and maybe the Swale too!). Liam and I are talking of Langstrath Beck for tomorrow should the rain persisit... Fingers crossed!

See you there.

Tom

It's been a while

A while it has been, but our website is finally updated, and now includes a full report of the Andy Jackson weekend from Liam. A fantastic (if slightly long) read!

So what have we been upto? JB has started a new career in plumbing (or a well paid apprenticeship at least!), Liams headed back up to Uni in Ambleside, Shauns killing time before moving up to West Scotland in March (work), and I now have a dog (as well as doing the usual [boring] uni stuff!).

Paddling wise, we have been down the usual low volume Lakeland suspects such as Whillan Beck, the Leven etc, as well as Janets Foss which is always a blast (although that's definately more Yorkshire...). Shaun and I also found a new playspot just down the road (under the bypass to Keighley - a bit rough and shallow but good for flat spins!); and it looks like we should be having one of the wettest winters on record, so roll on the rain!

Anyway, I'm off to work, so check out the updated site at www.designcrisis.co.uk, and our videos at www.broadbandsports.com/user/3657. Jonny's in Scotland till next week with the girlfriend, but when he gets back I'll try and upload a video of Pen Y Ghent Ghyll.

Until then, happy paddling

Tom