ROCK SPORTS:
Rock Climbing  |  Caving

AIR SPORTS:
Hang Gliding & Paragliding  |  Gliding & Microlighting  |  Ballooning & Parascending

WATER SPORTS:
Waterways  |  Canoeing & Kayaking  |  Sailing  |  Surfing  |  Fishing  |  Watersports Centres

ON FOOT:
Distance Walking  |  Festivals  |  Geocaching  |  Orienteering  |  Fell Running  |  Activity Centres  |  Safety Information

ON WHEELS:
Beginners Cycle Routes  |  Longer Cycling Adventures  |  Mountain Biking

HORSE RIDING:
Trails  |  Riding Centres

EASY ACCESS:
Routes & Experiences

Week 9 - Water Sports

Level of Fitness
Blue/red.  This is a Grade II/III white water section and you will need some experience, but this would be considered a suitable early trip in your canoeing career depending on water levels.

The Experience
This annual event is organised by Swaledale Outdoor Club and takes place on a beautiful grade 2/3 stretch of the river Swale.

This year money raised by the Paddle will be split between Swaledale Mountain Rescue Team and the Great North Air Ambulance.

The trip between Grinton and Richmond is nearly 20km long and has several good rapids including those at Marrick Priory and below Marske Bridge.  In between this lovely river flows at good speed with many minor grade II rapids. 

A shuttle car will run between Richmond and Grinton. The car will leave Richmond Green car park soon after 9 am and at intervals thereafter (the return trip takes 30-40 minutes). Passengers are expected to make a contribution of £1 each way to help towards the running of the shuttle service. Note that the shuttle is for drivers, not boats, so that the return journey time can be kept to a minimum and paddlers not kept waiting unduly at the put-in.

Have a go
Boats must be safe with adequate, properly secured buoyancy.
All paddlers must have appropriate clothing including buoyancy aid. Warm clothing must be worn. Please be aware that previous years have been exceptionally cold - this is the frozen north! Please carry spare warm clothing in your canoe/kayak, especially if you have children paddling with you.
All kayakers must also wear an approved helmet.
If in doubt at any point on the river, get out and inspect, portage if necessary.
Participants take part at their own risk and are responsible for their own safety. No safety cover is provided at any of the rapids. People are expected to paddle in groups and to look to the safety of each other and those around them.

Find out more, click here.