Reading the Dargle levels

yomchi

Hi lads,
Can anyone give me a run down on reading the blocks on the Dargle?

I've heard the river has changed over the last year or so and the description on IWW is old.

So what way does it work and what level is ideal for a first run on it?

Cheers

nookie

This post has been deleted.

yomchi

nookie wrote: »

The lower part of the river has changed slightly in the past few years and doesn't seem to hold as much water as it used to. The block system still works but its not as reliable an indication of levels on the river as it used to be and the numbers of blocks at which things start to work has changed slightly. At the base of the bridge at the take out there are seven blocks (counted from the top down). The river is doable so long as the water is somewhere on the 7th block and not simply flowing against the foundation of the bridge, however you will pay a high toll in plastic if you attempt it at this level, and more than likely there won't be enough water to get you over the main falls. Between five a six blocks (maybe even six and a bit these days) will be a lovely cruise with things getting sportier the closer it gets to five. At levels higher than that bring your game face, and expect big holes and few eddies.

Personally for your first time, run it low, get an idea of the layout of the river, as parts of it can be technical. Also trees can be a big problem on this river so keep your eyes peeled.

Cheers Nookie thanks for that. Makes sense alright, so the ideal run is about 6 blocks plus an inch or 2?

nookie

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KenHy

I wouldn't use the blocks anymore - seems to change every time I look at that river. Have done it at 6 1/2 blocks and there was a nice bit of water and a few weeks later 6 1/2 blocks was dirt low (more normal in fairness!)

I find the two rocks in the river upstreem of the take out bridge are more reliable ways of gauging the level.

Too low if not near the top of them - if just about at the top - (maybe the odd surge over) is low but good to go. water consistently going over the top over is a great level (medium).

I've never done it with them completely covered with a decent flow over them! would be on the high side!

If you can't see them at all go to the upper liffey!

yomchi

KenHy wrote: »

I wouldn't use the blocks anymore - seems to change every time I look at that river. Have done it at 6 1/2 blocks and there was a nice bit of water and a few weeks later 6 1/2 blocks was dirt low (more normal in fairness!)

I find the two rocks in the river upstreem of the take out bridge are more reliable ways of gauging the level.

Too low if not near the top of them - if just about at the top - (maybe the odd surge over) is low but good to go. water consistently going over the top over is a great level (medium).

I've never done it with them completely covered with a decent flow over them! would be on the high side!

If you can't see them at all go to the upper liffey!

Cheers Ken! So low to medium are good levels to catch it for the first run?
A lad from the club ran it recently at very low levels and mangled his boat!

KenHy

Yea, for a first run I'd be going low/med - but not too low. make sure it's laping the top of those rocks at least.

Otherwise you'll end up mangeling a boat!

And as Nookie said take it slow and watch for trees.