File:Awkward drop on River Tees - geograph.org.uk - 1713681.jpg

English: Awkward drop on River Tees The section of the River Tees from Cotherstone to Barnard Castle is a favourite beginners' trip and has several bouncy rapids, but little to cause concern at any but the highest or lowest levels. This little drop is the place that most swims occur, though it is a straightforward blast through at high water on roughly the same line as seen here at low water. At this level, most lines river left are too shallow, but the deepest approach leads to the pour-over seen to the right of the paddler here. That drops you into a big haystacky stopper that tends to backloop boats, especially short ones. The best line is to keep as far river right as possible, aiming for the edge of the pourover, and keeping the power on. One rock sticks out, though, and a bit too far right and you slide sideways off it, requiring a quick and powerful brace. Even with the right line, the water kicking off that rock can produce enough rotor to capsize the unwary. There is a big pool to collect swimmers, and any description makes a rapid sound much worse than, in reality, it is, so there is little cause to worry about it. Most beginners in fairly large volume boats suitable for their skill level just bounce through - it is intermediate paddlers just into more technically demanding boats that tend to come to grief. At high level, more lines become possible, but retentive stoppers form river left and centre, and inspection is recommended before being creative with the route.