IWA Waterways Magazine - Summer 2020

canals by

kayak Waterways talks paddling the inland waterways and beyond with WRG volunteer Helen Dobbie I've been kayaking on inland and coastal waters for about five years. A stint in the Territorial Army many years ago first introduced me to kayaking, but it was only once I’d been invited to a local canoe club by a friend more recently that I took up the sport as a hobby. I’d say I get out on the water a couple of times a month – as with anything like this, it’s not as much as I’d like. You have to have a balance between work, other hobbies and family responsibilities.

A club is a great way to learn because you can hire craft and go out as part of a group.

We meet once a week and go along the River Colne in Colchester. Initially, I’d pay to use one of the club boats for each session but then decided to get my own. I’ve now got two kayaks; I started with a hybrid one that’s suitable for inland waterways and some white waters, and then got another one that’s designed as a seagoing craft. The hybrid one lives on top of my narrowboat which is based on the River Stort.

Volunteering with the Waterway Recovery Group.

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River Stour at Dedham.

The inland waterways are definitely safer than the coast. I don’t particularly understand tides or wind but I go with people who do. I’m more comfortable on non-tidal waters but canals do still come with their challenges – there can be a lot of portages because of all the locks. My partner Mark, who lives on the coast, is happier with kayaking on the sea, so we do both. If you’re going to paddle on the coast, you really need to be prepared and it’s always recommended that you’re with a small group.

There’s lots of useful technology available these days – you can look online and get up to date information.

You need to make sure that, as a minimum, you've got a phone (or a Personal Locator Beacon when going to sea) as well as your kayak, paddle and buoyancy aid – that’s your starter kit. I’ve also got a helmet and a spray deck, although I don’t tend to use those while inland; it’s only if you’re going over weirs or in white water that you particularly need them. I did have a wetsuit but now I’ve got some rubber trousers, a decent waterproof kayaking jacket and gloves (or something called ‘pogies’ that fit over the paddles and you put your hands in). It’s not just about having a kayak, it’s also making sure, as with any hobby, that you’re prepared.

You need the right kit, especially if you’re going to go out when it’s wet and windy. I do canal restoration work and I wouldn’t go on site without my steeltoe-capped boots, high-vis vest, safety glasses and a hard hat.

Limehouse Basin in London.

Summer 2020 16/04/2020 15:01