Canoe Adventures
We Tried That...Canoe Adventures
Canoe Adventures was established by Phil Sheardown in 1999, making his lifetime hobby his livelihood and meaning anyone can enjoy the unique and stunning Dart Estuary by guided canoe, one of the most beautiful navigable rivers in the country.
Phil was raised in Newton Ferrers and spent most of his free time in his boat on the river. Later in life after trying other routes of work, Phil returned to his passion and turned it in to his career.
In the early 90’s Phil met his partner Flip Williams, and together they bought a two-seater canoe to explore the River Dart. From this, ideas started to develop and this adventure on the river later became more than just a pastime.
Phil gained coaching qualifications with the British Canoe Union before purchasing his first 8-metre 12-seat Voyager canoe and founding the new company Canoe Adventures, a first step to creating reality from a dream.
Today Phil and Flip’s vision that started with one 12-seat canoe has grown into four 12-seat canoes to which they have recently added the new sail canoe ‘Mystery’ . ‘Mystery’ is Europe’s first guided passenger-carrying sailing canoe. She has a streamlined canoehull trimmed by twin outriggers and Is licensed to board up to 8 people.
Canoe Adventures will also shortly launch their own-design 9-metre 12-seat ‘Voyager 912’ canoe. Built at Baltic Wharf In Totnes, the 912 is Intended for the UK and European markets.
Our Trip
On a beautiful afternoon after driving through country lanes to find the picturesque starting point for our adventure I parked the car nearby and walked down to the little shingle beach next to The Maltsters Arms in Tuckenhay whereupon I met my steersmanguide Phil Sheardown, his partner Flip Williams and the rest of the crew. Once we were all gathered we were kitted out with a buoyancy aid and a wooden paddle. Then we were given instructions on the correct way to paddle. The idea is to paddle in sync with each other so the canoe powers along smoothly, and to use your paddle with ease making no drag against the water or splashing your fellow crew and causing yourself unnecessary strain. It really is easy once you are shown and if you are a novice only takes a few minutes to get the hang of it.
Once the instructions had been given and understood and we had shown our practice paddling in imaginary water it was time to try it for real.
We walked down to the canoe where Phil positioned and seated us so that our weight was evenly distributed making sure we were upright in the canoe and that our craft wasn’t leaning either way to one side. Paddling in time with each other we cruised along the river and immediately saw a moorhen nesting. We didn’t go too close to scare her but just enough to get a good look.
It truly is a great way to see the nature we have on our doorstep; it’s amazing to see how much there really is on the River Dart.
Phil and Flip not only guide you through the River but are also extremely knowledgeable. They can tell you all about the history of the river, the villages you will visit, the nature breeds and species that inhabit the River Dart, the architecture, and teach you about the importance of being eco friendly. Their message and aim is for you to feel a sense of wonder and achievement, feel refreshed and gently exercised and know that you’ve left only ripples as a result of your trip.
Phil explained some of the history of Tuckenhay and of the abandoned lime kilns we passed along the way. There was even a story of the two old boat wrecks along Bow Creek, with two different versions of the story; the preferred one is of Smugglers against the Excisemen; I hasten to add, the smugglers lost out! (It was a draw - my Grandmother told the story. Phil)
It really does take you back to nature gently travelling on the tranquil river, taking in the fresh air forgetting busy roads and everyday life. It’s a real feeling of freedom and makes you understand the attraction that boat owners have for this other world.
After travelling for about 45 minutes we moored at Stoke Gabriel and came ashore for a much deserved ice cream at ‘The River Shack’ on the quay. We sat in the sun and ate our ice creams and after about half an hour we were then back in the canoe setting off for the next part of our journey.
Further on our journey we paddled to a small creek off the beaten track where we moored again and stopped for picnic lunches and a cuppa. Phil and Flip got the fire going in their very own bespoke ‘Hotsam’ which is a metal vented tray to contain a small fire without scorching the ground. Phil and Flip set about starting the fire with true bush craft techniques, using proper flint and steel, dried driftwood and twigs found on shore. Once the fire was going we soon had a brew in our hands and a chocolate biscuit. We sat on the beach eating our lunch, watching the swans while taking in the scenery and chatting amongst ourselves and then got ready for the final part of our trip; the return home.
We boarded the canoe and set off back downriver but with a little less effort, as the current was gently taking us home which meant we could take in the setting sun and beautiful views one more time.
On our trip we didn’t see any kingfishers or seals but they are frequent visitors and you may be lucky enough to see them yourselves. As for me it gives me another excuse to go back and try and see them next time. However the kind of wildlife you are likely to see are moorhens, ducks, little egrets, mallards, mute swans, cygnets, coots, shelduck and their fluffy diving shelducklings, and Canada Geese just to name a few.
It really is a great adventure for all sorts of occasions. On our trip we had a particularly peaceful quiet time, which was great but they can cater for all sorts of needs from Stag and Hen trips to toddler birthdays, nature enthusiasts and team reward excursions for business trips and university students. There is no age too young or too old to enjoy this experience it’s totally unique, rewarding, educational and great fun and I would recommend it to anyone.
First Published June 2009 By The Dart