2nd Ahoghill Company Section got the canoes back out on the water as they explored the waterways along the River Bann.
This was our first outing since the summer, after a submerged rock had left the first canoe in need of lengthy repair works following a trip down the River Main in July.
This time we launched the boats from the safe depths of Portglenone Marina and paddled downstream about one kilometer before entering a stream on the western bank of the Bann.
The winding route offered a good test of our steering, and the calmer waters allowed us to teach the boys a few paddle strokes – the draw and pry – which would enable them to move the canoe sideways from a stationary position.
We continued along the stream until the growing current halted our progress, and we decided to turn around and head back to the marina. After reaching the mouth of the stream we crossed to the eastern side of the Bann, hugging the bank as we battled against the current to reach our starting point at the slipway.
