Fresher's Trip - River Dart

Get excited, it's almost time for the first whitewater trip of the year!

We're heading up to the River Dart in Devon for a 2 day, completely beginner friendly intro to whitewater kayaking
For those who haven’t been - Devon is the promised land, full of cider, sheep and epic valleys and rivers for us to play in! This trip is suited for anyone and everyone. You don’t need to be a Sendy Wendy or gnar legend, all you need is to be keen for an adventure and ready to get wet!

Freshers are all welcome. Leaders - please let me know if you’re able to help out, we need as many people as possible so it would be awesome if you could come on this one We will be loading boats Friday evening and setting off to Bovey Barn as soon as everyone has finished their lectures!

If you’d like a place on this trip please press ‘GOING’ on the Facebook event and pay here on the Union website! (Ask a committee member if you’re not certain how to do this). For what to bring, check out the kit list attached below! We provide all kayaking kit but if you need to borrow anything else (like sleeping stuff or thermals) let us know and we’ll sort something out 

Looking forward to paddling with you!

Kit List:

This is a guide as to what you will need on a weekend paddling trip but if you can think of anything else you will need then do bring it! Please don't feel like you have to go out and buy loads of kit, if you don't have something on the list, just post up and hopefully someone will have a spare (older members love gathering spare kit!).

Available to borrow from the club

If you are a fresher then we are assuming that you would like to borrow all of the following! However, if you have your own then please do bring them if you prefer. Non-freshers, please post up in the trip FB event what kit you will need to borrow.

• Buoyancy Aid
• Deck
• Helmet
• Wetsuit
• Paddles
• Boat
• Cag (waterproof top layer)

Sleeping Stuff

We’ll be staying in a barn so you'll need

• Sleeping Bag
• Pillow
• Sleeping mat
• PJs

Paddling Gear

It is important that you are warm enough when paddling. Cotton materials tend to hold water and make you colder, materials like fleece are much better. If you are unsure, please post up as I am sure plenty of members will have things you can borrow. Note that club wetsuits are long john style so they have legs but no arms, you may want to wear a thermal top/rash vest underneath but it's not essential.

• Fleece top (that won't hold water) x2
• Thermal tops x2 (not essential if you are using a wetsuit)
• Thermal bottoms x2 (not necessary if you are using a wetsuit)
• Thick Socks x2
• Sports Bra/bikini x2
• Underwear x2
• Water bottle
• River Shoes (old trainers will be okay) - some are available to borrow from the club
• Dry Bag (bin bag will be okay)
• Clothes
  We usually socialise in the accommodation or in a local pub so we are not going anywhere fancy - just bring warm clothes you are comfortable in.
• Underwear
• Socks
• Rain Coat
• Hat
• Warm clothes!!

Food

On Saturday night, the club usually provides a meal or we head to a local pub for food. You will have a chance to buy food at a service station on the Friday evening. For breakfasts, we recommend something easy such as brioche, bread or croissants. For lunches, something that travels well in the back of a boat such as individually wrapped pasties/slices/sandwiches, premade sandwiches or any food in a sealed container!

• Saturday and Sunday breakfasts
• Saturday and Sunday Lunches
• Snacks
• Alcohol for Saturday night if you would like

Other

• Phone Charger
• Towel
• Toiletries
• Money
• ID
• Medication (any tablets/inhalers)
• Contact Lenses/glasses