For those of you who are planning to visit the Washburn in July for the div 1/2 double or just planning a bit of general river cruising, be aware that whilst this Slalom Chatroom has been 'down', there have been major changes to the river bed, particularly at the big weir area (but elsewhere too)
If you have not seen the mods yet, the major change is that the big weir has been narrowed to give a very distinct fast central flow. The pool below has been dammed to create a large still eddy and this backing-up has reduced the drop a wee bit but has created a very good, retentive play hole - the 'Best in Britain' it has been said. Exit from the pool is via a fast central but slightly diagonal chute. It is suggested that this is now approaching Grade 4 standard.
Also, narrowing the main weir has backed up the flow above to create an eddy area from which the pool can be checked out for paddlers before going down.
There are also plans to improve the gorge section below the big weir down to the broken weir by the wire baskets on river left. I'm not sure if this work has yet been put in hand.
I think the div 1/2 will be on the upper part of the river but probably the prem in september might run through the big weir pool - that's up to the organisers!
So - a good place to go BUT, take care as it will be quite a change from the river you saw last time the event was held there in 2003. :;):
