Well Coast to Coast has come and gone for another year. It was fantastic to have such great weather for this year’s event, what a contrast it was racing compared to last years epic struggle just to survive.

For me it was a huge day and to finally nail the big one really was a dream come true.

One of the aspects of a race like the Coast is getting experience on course or on similar terrain and rivers.

One thing that really disturbed me was the amount of people who were paddling on the Waimak solo. From talking to many others, it is something that seems to becoming more common, a disturbing trend when you consider the power of a river like the Waimak. If you get it wrong, it can get ugly really quick.

I did two trips down the river this year, both on weekdays when it was reasonably quiet on the river, both on good but not great days, and both with other paddlers. It was especially concerning to see that some of the solo paddlers appeared to be no more than beginner to intermediate in ability. The worst situation I saw was a supposed friend who had left his mate halfway through the Gorge and paddled out to Woodstock. When we passed his friend who was in a plastic sea kayak he was looking uncomfortable and in danger of taking a swim as he bounced through the centre of some of the larger wave trains.

Now I don’t know the full story but I can’t think of any situation where this would be acceptable – even if the friend had said he was fine, you should never leave an inexperienced kayaker on the river alone. I think this sort of behaviour is both irresponsible and inexcusable for a more experienced paddler to leave someone they have agreed to paddle the river with. It takes only a moment of inattention to take a swim and then the real trouble can start.

Rivers are dangerous places, especially when you aren’t experienced in the conditions or haven’t been paddling for long, but they can be just as dangerous for good paddlers who get complacent about the risks.

If people lose sight of the risks involved with paddling on rivers then it is just a matter of time before someone loses their life paddling solo on a river.

Remember sport is supposed to be fun and long river trips are more fun with others anyway, much safer and you may even learn something new by watching someone do something really well – or really badly as is often the case.

Once you can paddle like Steve Gurney you can make you own decision on who you do or don’t paddle with but until then be realistic about your skills. I know there are some very good paddlers, who do paddle solo for various reasons, usually on as a last resort, but even they take more precautions it seemed, than many of the paddlers we passed on our trips. Apart from having many more skills they also chose to paddle on days (usually weekends) when there are a lot of people on the rivers so if anything does happen they know there will be someone along shortly who can help them out.

Remember be safe, let someone know your plans, paddle with others, check the river conditions and the forecast before you set out, take plenty of spare warm gear, a first aid kit and a spare paddle is a great idea as well. Use air bags and practise your skills regularly. Remember you grade 2 certificate is not a guarantee you have the skills to handle all the river conditions but a piece of paper saying you have enough skills to get on there and start learning the skills in handling yourself and your boat on the river.

Well that’s my grip for now, please be sensible and take responsibility for your self and others, never leave anyone to there own devises if you have agreed to take them through the river. We have a great community of people involved in Multisport and it would be a tragedy if someone died from a needless accident on any river.

Stay safe and remember there is safety in numbers on the rivers.