River Soar

10 club members met on a crisp sunny day to paddle the River Soar from Loughborough.

After a short paddle along the canal we were on the river.

I was surprised the river wasn’t higher after all the rain but it was ideal conditions with the advantage of a cloudless sunny day. This was only my second outing with the club having only joined a few months ago.

During the trip I shot my first weir and did my first seal launch into the Soar from what seemed like a great height albeit only about 15 feet.

Having stopped for lunch and chatting to my fellow paddlers about the new club waters and upcoming events we were of again to finish the trip. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who gave me advice and demonstrations on new paddling technics that I can now practise.

The second weir we came to was more difficult due to a low barrier across the entrance point. This stopped many of us from shooting the weir and we had portage at the lock gates. A short paddle to the finish then followed. I would like to thank Richard Matthews for organising the trip and Dave Clarke for supporting.

This trip was very enjoyable combined with new experiences. Being a new member I am looking forward to more outings to gain those vital skills which will make my paddling more enjoyable.

Many thanks Paul Morgan