Author: Mags Elliot

Paddlers: Chris, Iain and Mags

The intrepid trio were on the river again today!

The Tay was another first for Iain, and both Iain and Chris had the new experience of paddling river running kayaks, which they found have a bit of a different feel compared to the touring kayaks they have been used to. As well as being more fun to paddle, the river runners also gave the opportunity for some rescue practice, which is always good to have, even in December!

Jessi, who had been enjoying some shopping in Perth, met us afterwards and we all headed to Stewart Tower Dairy to indulge in their irresistible ice cream.

Great way to end a year of fabulous river paddling with Helensburgh Canoe Club!

Thanks to everyone who came along on the trips and looking forward to more white water adventures in 2025!

Paddlers: Chris, Iain and Mags

The trip almost didn’t happen today as there was so much snow yesterday I thought I would have to cancel it, however, the forecast for today promised mild, dry weather with even some sun, so we decided to risk it and luckily we were blessed with a beautiful day!

The Awe turned out to be on a slightly bigger release than usual but still okay for us to run, and Chris and Iain took it in their stride. The water was more powerful and eddying out challenging, but the rocks were less exposed making the rapids less technical.

The Magnetic Rock rapid was particularly big and bouncy and Chris and Iain made the most of it by coming down twice!

The photos were taken towards the end of the river when we were able to relax and paddle gently into Loch Etive.

Another excellent day on the river!

Paddlers: Chris, Iain and Mags

This was Iain’s first white water trip and the Teith was an ideal venue to start learning river running skills. There are also plenty of opportunities to try out more challenging moves, so Chris was kept busy too!

The weather was unexpectedly better than forecast and a combination of fun and a good core workout was had by all!

Paddlers: Jessi, Chris, Andy R and Mags

First time on the Tay for Jessi and Chris. It’s a step up from the Teith, and even the Awe, and they paddled very well!

The most notable moment however was the most unusual self-rescue I’ve ever seen on the river, successfully performed by Andy.

The day was rounded off with Andy introducing us to the Stewart Tower Dairy, only a short drive from the river, where we had the most amazing homemade ice cream. There were even several vegan fruit sorbets for me to choose from.

Thanks to everyone for a great day!

Paddlers: Adele, Stuart T and Mags

Original plan for today was the River Awe but it turned out it was going to be on full release this weekend which would have been rather too much ‘fun’!

Instead we had another enjoyable on trip the Teith which was at a perfect medium level.

Great paddling again from Adele and Stuart but unfortunately no photos on this occasion!

Paddlers: Jessi, Chris, Adele, Stuart T and Mags

Lots of fun had on the Teith today and plenty of of river paddling skills development too!

Paddlers: Paddy, Stuart T and Mags

Original plan had been the River Teith but the level was very low, so the River Awe was chosen instead. Despite there being no release on from the dam, there is always a compensation flow, making the Awe paddleable all year round.

As the Graveyard section was quite rocky, Paddy and Stuart wisely portaged it, while Mags demonstrated the negotiation of the rocks.

Fun, followed by lunch, was had at Magnetic Rock and we ended the 8km trip paddling gently into Loch Etive.

Paddlers: Jessi, Chris, Paddy and Mags

A grand day was had by all on the River Teith!

We paddled 6km from the Meadows car park, Callander, to the Drumvaich layby on the A84.

The river level of 1.09 (the middle of Medium) was perfect, and the sun shone!

Excellent paddling from the group, all kayaking for their first time on a river, led by Mags.

Thanks to Paddy for the photos, unfortunately that’s why there are none of him.

Jessi and Chris ready to set off

Mags enjoying the sunshine

Mags keeping an eye on Jessi and Chris

Getting out to inspect the main event, Torrie rapid (Grade 2)

Jessi and Chris enjoying the beauty of the banks from the river