Taunton Canoe Club Spring Exe Trip

Spring 2004 Exe Trip

The South West Region has some exceptional white water rivers, but these only have access agreements through the Autumn and Winter. Fortunately part of the river Exe can be paddled all year round, provided that there is enough water. On the 2nd May, members of Taunton Canoe Club linked up with Wellington Kayak club for a short Exe Circuit down the river over Trews Weir and Salmon Pool Weir and back up the canal. Both weirs have small playholes, which in the right water levels can be good training grounds.

Playing in the top weir Jane shooting Salmon Pool Weir

The picture of Trews Weir to the right shows the diagonal fish run with hole visible at the bottom. This is a good place to practice squirts, popouts and wheels.The picture to the left shows Jane shooting Salmon Pool Weir, around 3/4 of a mile downsteam of Trews. In high levels this can have a holding stopper, and even in low to medium (as here) a decent sized playhole. The wave at the front of the hole is surfable, if a little bumpy. However, get the timing right and serious popouts can be had. The river becomes tidal after Salmon Pool but it's not a particularly long paddle to the get out Vertial on the Poontoon point and across the field to the Two Locks Pub. The small pontoon there offers a chance for some messing around while sending the support crew for drinks. Then it's back up the canal to the original starting point and some seal launching off the bridge.

Note from the BCU SW Web Site on Salmon Pool Weir:

A shoot is possible at most levels of water, either down the face or using the diagonal fish run. When the river is high beware of the strong holding stopper and tow back, which runs for most of the length of the weir. The weir pool and river below is affected by the tide and is an important salmon fishery. Relations with the fishermen are generally very good; if you ask them, permission will be given to pass quietly downstream, but please do not play in the weir pool if fishermen are in the area. If necessary, a short portage can be arranged along the right hand bank.