The Dove Canoe Race
A short canoe race down the river Dove in Derbyshire. You can even let
people who have never been canoeing before drift down to the finish...
Actually that is probably why a member of Duffield VSU always comes last, by about
an hour after the next last competitor, drifting sideways past the finish.
At least they have a grin on their face to have got it all over with!
Hall of Fame
Congratulations to Debbie in 1998, she WON the female section,
(but don't tell anyone that there was only one female entry...)!
Alternative River Grading System
- Class I: Easy. Fast moving water with riffles and small waves.
Swimming is pleasant, shore easily reached. Almost all gear and
equipment is recovered. Boat is just slightly scratched.
- Class II: Novice. Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels
which re-evident without scouting. Swimming to eddies may
require moderate effort. Climbing out of river may involve slippery
rocks and shrub-induced lacerations. Paddles travel a great distance
downstream requiring a lengthy walk. Canoe hits a submerged rock
leaving a ding on gunwale.
- Class III: Intermediate. Rapids with moderate, irregular waves
which may be difficult to avoid. Water is swallowed. Legs are
repeatedly ground against sharp pointy rocks. Several eddies are
missed while swimming. Difficult decision whether or not to stay with
boat is made. Decision to stay with boat results in moment of terror
when swimmer realises they are downstream of boat. Paddle is
recirculated gently in small hole way upstream. All personal
possessions are removed from boat and floated in different directions.
Paddling partners run along river bank shouting helpful instructions.
Boat is munched against large boulder hard enough to leave series of
deep gouges. Sunglasses fall off.
- Class IV: Advanced. Intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring
precise swimming in turbulent water. Swimming may require 'must'
moves above dangerous hazards. 'Must' moves are downgraded to
'strongly recommended' after they are missed. Sensation of disbelief
is experienced while about to swim large drops. Frantic swimming
towards shore is alternated with frantic swimming away from shore to
avoid strainers. Rocks are clung to with death grip. Paddle is
completely forgotten. One shoe is removed. Hydraulic pressure removes
car keys and credit cards from zippered paddle jacket pocket. Paddle
partners running along stream look genuinely concerned while lofting
throw ropes 20 feet behind swimmer. Paddle partners stare slack-jawed
and point in amazement at canoe which is finally stopped by major
feature. Climbing up river bank involves an inverted tree. One of those
little spring-loaded pins that attaches watch to watchband is
missing. Contact lenses are moved to rear of eyeballs.
- Class V and beyond: Expert. Not recommended for swimming.
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