An Afternoon on the River Leam by Julia Baker

The Leisure Activities committee couldn’t have chosen a better midsummer afternoon for their kayak/canoe taster event on the River Leam. Participants gathered at Leam Boat Centre, strapped their life jackets firmly on and chose whether they wanted a canoe for two paddlers or a kayak for one. Decisions made and safety drill explained the kayakers sat in their craft on the launch pontoon, adjusted foot rests and seat positions and were launched pointy end first into the practice pool to get used to the paddling technique. The canoeists sat straight into their already floating canoes. After a few minutes getting used to their craft the little flotilla, guided by two expert young men, paddled out under the bridge into the river and turned right. If you turn left you go down the weir, no-one did!

It was glorious, the river was full of wildlife including dragon and damsel flies, coots, ducks, geese and swans. Wafts of perfume came from privet, elderflower and dog roses. There were also several other unidentifiable but interesting country aromas as we paddled down the river. The sun dappled the water out of which occasional fish jumped and the long green fronds of waterweed floated.

We paddled along with various degrees of skill, trying to remember which direction to paddle for turning round or avoid steering into the bank or one of the many overhanging trees. It was astonishing to realise that we were very near the town centre as we glided along below the many shades of greenery and blossom. The idyll lasted about 1 1/2 hours and then we were presented with the issue of how to get out of our boats – no problem at all, the kayaks were hauled back on to the pontoon with us in them and then we were offered ‘sailors’ grip’ hand holds to haul ourselves out onto the firm planks of the pontoon. The canoeists sort of rolled out on to the pontoon and were helped to stand up. It was great to have WFWI back on the water again. Look out for Dragon Boat racing next year!