It was the English Canoe Symposium , and the main guest was Harry Rock , the American poling champion . I had been running workshops through the weekend , and Sunday evening was my first chance to chat with Harry . He was delighted to discuss the merits of square stance poling but was undoubtedly not dogmatic about it . I had used and taught a diagonal stance for years , so I looked forward to learning from and bouncing ideas with Mr Rock the following day .
Ash and I were there early and got kitted up . Someone made rude comments about my lack of optimism in donning a drysuit . Ash and I were quickly on the water and , before the session proper started , we were attempting to climb the rapid and ledge above Brathay Pool . The route was awkward and even getting to the ledge was hard . The ledge stopped both of us , and we were burning a lot of energy . The majority of the group were still on the bank , but Harry was now on the water .
With no fuss , Harry headed upstream towards us . The awkward rapid now appeared straightforward , and his canoe climbed up and over the ledge with fluent ease . Ash and I could only look on with envy . Harry said nothing , but his body language was asking , “ Ok boys , do you want some of this ?”
Yes , Mr Rock , we did !
After more than a day of brutal carrying and dragging sledging down the Carnoch ( Knoydart ), I was glad to take to the water again . It was shallow , but the pole provided a welcome respite to the previous efforts .
Part two : in the next issue will be white water
Thanks to : Venture Canoes , NRS and Freebird Paddles
ThePADDLER 33