THE WASHBURN

Situated on the A59 Harrogate to Skipton road at Blubberhouses, when it's open it's a place to head for. Dam released from Thruscross Reservoir flowing into Fewston Reservoir about 1.5 miles below. Grade 3, very fast flowing with small eddies and a danger of a long swim if you bail out below the wier, not recommended for novices.

One little tip before you go, as the water is released from the bottom of a very deep reservoir the water temperature is always 4 degrees C, which is not very warm. On a hot day you may want to think twice about your kit before you launch!

Access and further details from: Norman Taylor, 73 Gateland Lane, Shadwell, Leeds LS17 8LN. Tel. 0113 273 7393

email: [email protected]

Best Spots

After the start at the carpark there is a fast surf wave above the first bridge, it takes some getting on and the eddie to the right (looking downstream) only holds one or two boats, but there are usually enough people around to make it worth a little showing off!

Just below the bridge is a large rock to the right which produces a very fast jet, if you sit below the rock and try a tail squirt as you enter the current you'll either hit a superb vertical move or capsize spectaculary. Very fast! Above the rock there is another surf wave and this is usually the first place where there are queues to play.

One more surf wave on the way down to the first weir but it takes some getting, next to no eddie at all, the best way to find it is to walk up from the weir and launch next to it. You can just breakout and frantically claw your way up the vegetation to the spot but I wouldn't recommend it. Also if you have a lot of power you may be able to drop on it as you flow downstream backwards but not that many seem able to.

The first weir. Small and playful, flat spins, sitting around sideways and blasts are all fairly easy although the flow tends to take you towards the large tree on the left (again looking downstream). Get it badly wrong and a swim will not be easy, I've seen a paddle disappear under the roots of trees further down and I'm not sure they were rescued. Still this is probably the no.2 playspot on the river.

This is the bast surfwave on the river in my opinion, access from eddies at both sides and easy recovery (relatively) if you lose the wave. Very popular especially as some of the other spots are too difficult for many to play or too intimidating. Well worth the wait.

Just below the last surf wave is a bridge, then the river veers left. At this point there is a submerged rock that you can sit on all day and twirl your paddle in an effort to look cool. Who would be sad enough to pull a stunt like that and pose for a photo? Don't answer!

The weir. The main playspot on the river, this is where the rodeos are held and there are usually enough good paddlers around to create a fair bit of interest. Most weekend tours have safety cover here and a swim is not usually that bad if a rope gets to you quickly. Wednesday evening tours can be more dodgy, it's still nearly a mile to the bottom reservoir and I've rescued a paddle from the middle of it after a friend took a swim at the weir. First time down go river left for a fairly easy descent, there is a rock shelf that smooths the flow down. River right it is more vertical and you are more likely to "meltdown" as you drop it, whether you come up properly is another thing however, treat with respect.

There is a large recirculating eddy river right that is the waiting pool for anyone playing the weir. If you edge your nose into the most vertical part of the weir you will hit some cool vertical moves with ease!! By that I mean your boat will dive very quickly and after that it all depends on your skill. A good roll is essential if you try to play here as is the need to stay calm while you are washed out of the stopper, you will be eventually but it can take a while! If you are used to something like "Acid Drop" at Teeside when it is at it's best level for vertical moves (before it gets too big and gnarly) the weir will take you down with about twice the power.

Below the weir are a couple of spots to surf but most people walk back up to the car park at this point and make the full run the last of the day as you really need a car at the bottom. Unless you really like carrying your boat for a mile and a half!

RELEASE DATES 1999

WEEKENDS

IMPORTANT NOTE: ALL MAY RELEASES HAVE BEEN CANCELLED - CHECK BEFORE TRAVELLING!

Regional information line 01426 978654

WWR details 01483 450101

WEDNESDAY EVENING DATES

Please ring Norman Taylor for more details on the above dates (01132 737393)

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