Support Screaming on the Rawthey

After many months, Pete finally twisted my arm, to put pen to paper and write this short piece on our trip down the Rawthey. Firstly I might add that Pete's way of persuading me, was to ask me whilst my kayak and myself had just survived yet another capsizing. I was gasping for breath, shaking, with a look of sheer panic on my face and actually speechless. On asking if I was OK, my reply was, 'I think so but awfully shaky' to which Pete replied in an unsympathetic voice 'too shaky to hold a pen' what more could I say!

The day began - Richard told me to be at the crossroads at Bowes at 9.30 a.m. so I set my alarm for 6.30 am. and with true Yorkshire grit and determination made a decision to be there on time. We won't mention the fact that I was 1 1/2 hours late for my last outing (stop laughing Andy). With kayak safely onboard, I was ready to 'rock and roll' How did I know it would be more rolling than rock'in! I tootled up the A66 on my way to Barnard Castle and upon arriving at Bowes Museum, realised that the building did not have a moat and a purpose built white water rafting course. Having travelled around the world 3 times by myself and not being able to find my way on my own doorstep, I felt awfully silly. The map was read and off I set to the original meeting place, only 5 minutes late. My support blanket - Pete, Andy, Andy, Jonty, Clare, Richard, Dave and Sue.

After the usual swapping over of kayaks on cars, the journey to the Rawthey began. We did however, have a slight hiccup as Clare and Jonty's kayaks and roof rack decided that it would be much more exciting to part company with their car (well almost). The day was awful, cold damp and miserable. We arrived at the river and the boys decided that the level of water was not high enougit so they went to fill it a little more! Westy advised me to sit the first rapid out as it was a little too early in the day and I was so pleased that I did. I perched on top of a rock with Jonty's waterproof camera and took photos instead. Only thinking that I would be taking a few, I had a shock when the guys came down. Clare first and that water was going to take her as the first victim of the day. After a quick rescue, the invisible man took control of the kayak and proceeded to have a great time surfing in the wave. Andy got sucked into the wave too and I think Westy. By this time I was feeling very sick, had gone a green colour and wondered what on earth I was doing there.

It was time for me to board my vessel and off we went. I can't remember what happened next but I was put in the very capable hands of Westy and Sue. The first rapid came up and I managed it OK but upon landing was so shocked that I'd survived that I stopped paddling and that was me - dunked. Resembling a drowned rat I boarded my vessel once again and continued down stream, being given advice by my very capable, kayaking sitters. With my confidence a little better and having a little play in the water, rapid no. 2 was upon us. Westy shouted out 'go to the right' but I couldn't hear him, so I shouted back 'get out or go to the right of the rapid?' By this time he was paddling into the sunset, so I thought why not, lets give it a go. I got my line as close to Westy's as possible and off I went, it felt like Niagara Falls. I was so pleased that I landed upright, that I stopped paddling and oophs, over we went, yet again (I must learn from that). After having to be dragged out of the water once more, I realised how stupid I'd been and that 'if in doubt, get out.' I'm still having nightmares over the worst scenario.

The next rapid was too much for me and I had to abort, the only problem being, I had to ferry glide across some fast running water at the top of the raging thunder. Quite scared by now and not knowing whether I should cry or not, I attempted the ferry glide. It went smoothly but upon reaching the other side I found it much easier to scream and cross the river back to the others in sheer panic. Back where I started again and crossing for the 3rd time, Richard had to help me across by telling me to paddle and not scream. On my fifth attempt I managed the task and was pleased to be on dry land.

The next rapid found my instructors yelling 'follow Sue' the only thing wrong with that was that Sue found herself heading for a big hole and I was following her, I managed to sneak to the left a little and managed to survive. By this time I'd had enough and could have gone home, but with gentle persuasion from everybody, carried on. If I'd had a pound for every time I said 'sorry' I would be a millionairess and Pete said that my support screams were coming along quite well!!!!!!! Although it would help if I paddled instead of panicking and screaming. I did, however, manage to become attached to some rather nice gentlemen in another group so still managed to do a bit of chatting up of the opposite sex. Aborting the last rapid, I was finally happy and feeling a little more confident by not asking to be taken out of the water every 5 minutes. I think Clare got a massive hug from me when we eventually ended the day and was on dry land yet again.

Driving home was a bit dicey too as Pete and Andy almost had a collision in Kirkby Stephen high street but Andy's screeching of tyres off to the right managed to save the day. And what a pleasant way to finish the day, by finding a quaint little cafe and sipping Earl Grey Tea and Cafe Lattes. Thank you guys for a great day out and Pete sorry for hitting you over the head with my paddle 3 times during kayak training in the pool. I had to get my own back for you making me write this very extended write up.

Cheers guys.

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	Swaledale Outdoor Club

Support Screaming on the Rawthey

Sarah Olney