100 Miles on the River Provides Real Test

The 48th Annual Canoe Test took place this year on the River Severn and was as ever a real test of character and determination! A team of 15 people representing Essex made their way to the Campsite and base for the challenge Bridgnorth Rugby Club on Friday Afternoon before the challenge began the next day. Our Super back up crew comprising of Chris, Jan and Dave providing the essential support to the 12 people that hoped to paddle the 100 Miles to the finish.

Having paddled the canoe test a couple of times previously the thing I know which makes this event so good is that every time it offers a challenge not just in the physical sense but also mentally in terms of each persons determination to keep going and make it to the end. The young people that take part inevitably learn something new about themselves and whether this results in completing the challenge or providing a further challenge or goal to aim at in the future its a valuable learning experience.

The first day off this years challenge was a tough one! Water levels were low in places and with over hanging trees to navigate coupled with rain it made for a tough days paddling. All most everyone swam in the river at some point or another during the day with Sam Woodgate’s capsize, subsequent paddle loss between tree roots and flowing water at the bottom of the Severn taking the prize for the most spectacular! The swimmers included staff support Rob Bayliss who was captaining the support canoe and his regular visits into the water were to become a feature of the entire canoe test! Following tears, a drop out and sandwiches saturated in river water we completed day one tired but in a respectable 6th place off the water.

By the beginning of day two our team of 12 paddlers was down to 10 with two of the lads deciding that they had had enough and could do no more (they have promised to come back next year and finish what they started...so we will see!). The sun was shining though and spirits were high despite the mini bus packing up the night before! It was great to see all the other counties and groups chipped in, helping shuttling us to and from the day start and finish points and to see the spirit of community and togetherness amongst the other counties still very much alive at this event. We were quick over the second day and finished our 34 mile stint in 3rd place which was a testament to the determination and effort put in by all the lads.

By the start of the third day and with a new bus (massive thanks to Chris for driving thought the night to sort it!) we paddled through the miles including Jackfield Rapids which once again saw Rob Bayliss swimming in the river. Over the day the lads knuckled down and paddled hard to leave us with just under 15 miles to go to the finish on the final day.

The Final day in drizzly conditions included navigating locks and weirs before we were all held back half a mile from the finish to insure there was a mass of paddlers to paddling the last few meters together . As we crossed the line I hope all the young people and adults involved felt a sense of achievement in a short space of time it had been one heck of a journey!

Clubs that represented Essex this year in the kayaking programme included Linford Boys Clubs, Colchester Senior Members, Upminster CC, Seabrook Rise, The Hut and RYLA.