Waveney 1* night paddle
Published:September 2005| Written by: Ken & Jack Handley
There is no doubt in our minds that should you ever have the opportunity to paddle at night, as we did in mid September, then take it without a moments hesitation.
Following the obligatory phone call to Tim to check the trip was on, sixteen paddlers ranging from newly qualified 1*’s to L2 and 3 coaches met by the bait shop and old bridge in Beccles, Suffolk as the sun was setting. For those that have not been on a trip before there was a good mix of own boats (including Dancers and sea boats) and club boats. We tend to carry dry clothing, food, drinks and the instructors their tow lines and first aid kits etc. If paddling at night, when the temperatures drop as the trip progresses, it is highly recommended that you have gloves and a hat + perhaps an extra layer or two to put on – there’s nothing worse than being cold, damp or just plain uncomfortable when on a trip. The moral being – be comfortable.
As we set out at about 19:45 darkness was descending fast and the river taking on another look and feel. As we launched a small motor cruiser passed the slipway heading downstream with its navigation lights shining brightly after which we didn’t see another vessel moving on the water all evening.
With Tim in pole position and Rob bringing up the rear the group moved off at a reasonable pace. Past the many moored boats, darkened boat yards, the lights of Beccles and the restaurant lit up like Blackpool illuminations - where folk watched the spectacle of sixteen kayakers sporting multicoloured light sticks over their shoulder pass by. Across the water you could hear a multitude of conversations between groups of 2 and 3 as we paddled on.
As we exited Beccles we left the lights behind and entered the ‘darkness’ where neighbouring paddlers were identified more from their boat shape and colour of light stick. Trusting to Tim’s navigation we followed the meanders of the River Waveney west towards Geldeston Lock and the promise of a well know hostelry. Occasional stops were called to close the group up and conversations ebbed and flowed as small pockets of paddlers formed and reformed. In the gloom of the night, with no moon at this point, progress was measured by rather large and obvious landmarks like power lines crossing the river or the branch off to Geldeston Village - much more conspicuous than those you would expect during the day. Occasional moored boats with inboard lights on usually drew a response or a wave as did, to be fair, the few fishermen settled in for the night on the bank, rod tips glowing in the dark.
All to quickly we reached Geldeston Lock after about an hour and a quarter. A scramble on to the bank and out with the food and drink. A small party paid a visit to the pub while others stayed back and talked about it being the only pub they had been thrown out of - names withheld ? - and other times gone by paddling in this area.
Back on the river at 21:30 with Rob leading now and Tim mounting the rear guard. Although the tide was against us heading back we actually made it in about an hour. However, the speed at which we glided back belies the magical nature of paddling at night. If you’ve had the opportunity to ride up front you’ll have experienced the pleasure of your boat cutting through the perfectly still blackness that is the waters surface, seen the reflection of the trees in the newly emerging moon light and revelled in the knowledge that these opportunities are right on our doorstep – makes you feel great to be alive.
If you’re riding further back in the group you’ll witness the delightful vision of the various light sticks bobbing along ahead of you – for most of the time, in the inky blackness, that is all you see. Occasionally all conversations die down and every paddler is lost in their own thoughts for a brief moment.
Then, with almost brutal suddenness we emerged in to the lights of Beccles, past the moored boats, the brightly illuminated restaurant and to the noise of the traffic on the bypass filtering through the night. Even at 22:30 it is still reasonably warm and not a breath of wind. Exiting the river at the slipway, with the higher level of water, was relatively quick and many of the group on their way by about 23:00.
An absolutely brilliant night catering for all skills and abilities and reinforcing the truly family orientated nature of the Waveney Valley Canoe Club. As ever, our sincere thanks to the instructors and in particular Tim who took the lead role in the organisation of the trip.