This is an article I had published in Canoeist Magazine in Feb 1999. Enjoy…..

It had to be done; it was Tyne Tour time again and I was packed ready for a quick escape from work. As always, the South and North Tyne, as well as the Allen were open and after so much rain there had to be a shed load of water. How wrong can a paddler be? Absolutely unbelievable as only four days earlier the North Tyne had been on yellow flood alert but the big water had long since gone, although the now average water levels proved to be more than a match for the procession of paddlers swimming down the now notorious Wardens gorge (not really notorious but it makes the swimmers feel better; you know who you are and cramp is no excuse). Even with all this excitement floating by there was the usual frenzy to ride every available wave, whether or not it was vacant. Predictably carnage often followed. As with all good and most bad things an end is always in sight although it was often difficult to remember when we were paddling the long flat water sections in our Vertislows back to Tyne Green. With so little water around many of the other rivers included on the tour either had little water or nothing of interest for the budding whitewater warrior. Further entertainment had to be sought elsewhere.

Back at Tyne Green purchasing opportunities and a warm welcome were provided by 4 Seasons and Carlisle Canoes. The Peak UK boys were also around offering some top boats on demo, thus allowing paddlers to spice up further runs down the North Tyne. Palm and Pyranha put in a show, but without a shadow of a doubt Pyranha deserve top marks for providing the only escape to bigger water with some top boating vids.

After a couple of hours to dry off and recharge it was time to warm up with some liquid refreshment ready for the traditional Tyne Tour ceilidh. The stage was set, a top band, plenty of drink and couple of hundred tanked up paddlers, perfect. Nuff said really; you know the scene, lots of wasted paddlers, giffers standing at the side not wanting to dance, the idiot on the dance floor who thinks he’s playing rugby etc… So as expected it was a good night. But what Saturday night would be complete without the inclusion of a spectacular human tower collapse and what a truly fine one it was! At this stage a special mention must be made of the mystery paddler who, without a boat, common sense or an inch of water in sight meltdowned fifteen feet plus into terra firma. Nice move; how are the ankles?

Sunday came, as did the hangovers and the eternal longing for decent water levels. That morning many paddlers, including the Loughborough Uni chaps, headed off to the most excellent Teesside WW Course for some guaranteed play waves, but with or without water it was a successful weekend with a fantastic atmosphere and fellow paddlers getting out there and ripping it up to the max.

Big thanks to all those involved in organising the tour – a good job, and apologies to the population of Hexham who may have found themselves running short of pizzas, burgers and beer over the weekend.