The Pete Collins Challenge

River Barle 2010

The Pete Collins Challenge is a race held firstly in remembrance of Pete Collins a very popular member of Wellington Canoe Club who died in 2001 in a climbing accident. Secondly the race is held to race money for the Pete Collins Trust. The Trust uses all the money raised to help local clubs with training and equipment needs.

The Race takes place over about a 7 mile stretch of the River Barle starting at Tar Steps.

We met at Cartgate and sorted drivers and boats leaving in convoy heading for Dulverton and the “get out”. We arrived after an uneventful trip and then reduced the number of cars again so some cars were left at the get out and some at the launch site ( thanks to Tracy for allowing me to cram in the back of her car and to Roger for taking my boat and equipment).

Once at the car park at Tarr Steps we all changed and carried boats to the river. After a quick safety briefing the racers set off  and we ,the tourers got on the water and started our paddle by paddling under the steps. There was only two steps really high enough to go under without injuring yourself and laying right back on my boat i managed to make it under.

The trip down the river was very “interesting”  with hidden rocks just under the surface of the water just waiting to knock you off balance, push you off your line or just frighten you. Along the way there was small drops about one foot in height and a couple of others near the end that were bigger, various overhanging trees to whip you in the face, my first weir of about 6 foot in height  and 23 other paddlers to contend with.

Not long after we set off it was decided to split the group into two smaller groups as it was very hard to watch, control and help everyone at the same time. I hit a rock and got stuck on it only to be rammed from two other paddlers behind me in turn this knocked me off balance, I wasn’t quick enough with a support stroke and went for a swim! The river level was too low making it hard for me to roll so I disappointingly had to bail out . Bleeding hand and very bruised ego i got into my boat with the help of Dan and Roger and we set off again.

The coaches called it a very “Technical” grade 2 paddle as much attention had to be taken over the  line we took with evasive action having to be made to avoid under lying rocks.

I loved the paddle and cant wait to do it again soon although i was mentally exhausted by the end of the seven mile paddle.