SPORTY SUSSEX
Gently Down
THE ADUR Kayaking offers one of the best possible workouts for arms and shoulders so Ruth Lawrence took to the River Adur to explore a stretch known as the West End Levels that meander through water meadows near Henfield
O
ne of the most challenging aspects of kayaking is carrying the craft to the water. This is why, last year, I bought a ‘packraft’, an ultralight inflatable kayak weighing 4kg, originally designed for hikers needing a portable boat for exploration. This makes it considerably easier to walk any reasonable distance before launching, which is handy as most rivers are rarely near car parks. I popped on my life jacket and ‘put in’ just west of Henfield at Bineham Bridge and was soon coasting between steep sided banks, watching acrobatic swallows overhead while being observed by inquisitive lambs on the bank. The West End Levels are tidal, so its sensible to time the downstream journey, paddling against the incoming tide, allowing the same tide to make the return leg easier, later on. While paddling a family of mallards passed close by and a small formation of geese honked above. The water surface broke occasionally as a small
fish leapt out to avoid a predator, but otherwise my only companions were chaffinches and rooks. Paddling against the tide in an inflatable kayak is easier at the edges of the river, away from the stronger current in the centre, where a heavier, rigid craft would be better.
The tranquility of being afloat on the water is one of its main advantages The Downs beckoned to the south and Truleigh Hill gradually led my eye towards the Devil’s Dyke in the east. This stretch of the River Adur is sunk below the flood plain, so mature trees are the only significant landmarks, which is why the distant sight of the Downs felt so prominent. Kayaking usually takes participants far from roads, so the tranquility of being afloat on the water is one of its main
advantages. Apart from the flapping wings of disturbed ducks or the buzz of passing insects, my experience was utterly peaceful and relaxing. I found a comfortable rhythm and although my shoulders felt the pull of the water, it was not too tiring to travel against the tide as the river gradually widened. The West End Levels are designated by Henfield Birdwatch as one of eleven areas surrounding the village, being particularly rich with birds during winter, when migrating flocks settle on the low-lying wetland. The group have been surveying the areas since 1999 and with over 40,000 records submitted
June 2021 | SUSSEX LIVING 29
