The spring is an ideal time to sart paddling on the River as with the trees dorment the opportunity to see wildlife searching out berries and grain left from winter days means animal have less cover to hid in and whats left of natures larder is available close to the river, as spring moves forward into longer days the first signs of nestbuilding and then eggs in secluded rush banks on the navigation appear, with birds busy collecting reads to weave into cocoons for theirs brood. Last years hatchings accounted for 14 ducks in one brood of ducks at Tednamebury lock and on one of our dusk paddles a close encounter with a Watervole was an evenings high light as it made its distinctive ‘plop’ into the water.
What’s a paddling taster session like?
Our paddle taster sessions start at Twyford Mill Car park where we gather in the car park and then head down to the Bridge next to Twyford Lock where we meet and prepare the boats. Mostly we paddle Ethos Ten Kayaks which are idea boats for an introduction to paddling.
Whoosh Explore found that the Ethos ten is an ideal boat for introducing paddlers as we have a skeg for paddling and this helps keep the boat moving forward.
The boats we use are great for beginners as they are fun but stable boats and are ideal for paddlers upto 18 stone, each boat has a storage compartment which would take a dry bag for spare clothes, or a picnic for a days paddling adventure. In the summer months paddlers often head downstream to find a quiet stretch of river or to the local swimming lakes for a swim.
