On the weekend of 1st – 2nd October the UWC RCN Outdoor Leader Programme had its second overnight trip. After packing and loading canoes on the trailer on Saturday morning we left for the river to paddle down Guddalsvassdraget back to the college. The focus on the trip was to practice canoeing on flat water and in running water with easy whitewater and rapids as well as learning how to manage a group on the water. We also had time for general personal skills for being outdoors.
On the rapids
On the first day we started out by the Hovland bridge and started practicing in the currents coming into the lake to get a feel for the movement of the currents and how they effect the canoe. One canoe team also had the opportunity to learn to get rescued if you fall in. After lunch we continued with practising different paddle strokes as we paddled over the lake to the next short section of rapids. After assessing the rapids from land at Hellebust it was decided that those who were keen could paddle part of the rapids. A huge water flow after the recent rains made the bottom part of the rapids too dangerous to paddle in a canoe. So after a short portage we continued partway over the lake to then arrive at our camp spot in a sheltered cove. We put up tents and started cooking and eating our dinner. The evening was spent around a small fire – talking and having tea and hot chocolate.
Sunday morning was foggy and slightly chilly but with the promise of a beautiful day. After packing up and eating breakfast we set out over the lake down to the next set of rapids by Rennestraum. Here it was decided that the rapid was possible to paddle after an assessment on land and most paddle teams tried it. Everyone managed well down the rapids and after a short paddle over the next lake we arrived at Trollefossen. We had lunch and started the trip’s longest portage down to the fjord that would lead us back to the College. We then paddled back to the college in beautiful weather and no wind.
Click here for a collection of pictures.
