Secret Ironbridge: Rapid kayaking

The river Severn is the longest river in Britain, and it has flowed down the Ironbridge Gorge since it was formed during the last ice age. Within the Ironbridge Gorge is a stretch of river, well-known and popular with kayakers: Jackfield Rapids.

The rapids are reported to have eroded over the years and are not as severe as they were. The difficulty changes depending on the river level, with it getting harder at higher levels (presumably because the flow of water is greater).

Although these rapids are a natural phenomenon due to ground movement, there is anecdotal evidence that they have been enhanced over the years to make them more challenging to canoeists and kayakers.

Which leads to a question; at what point did the term ‘kayak’ replace ‘canoe’ in the UK? When I was a mere lad, these small, usually one-man, self-powered boats were always called ‘canoes’. Apparently, there is a difference: a ‘canoe’ usually has an open deck, can be used seated or kneeling, and has a single-ended paddle. A ‘kayak’ has a closed deck, a seated position and a two-ended paddle. Now I know!