top of page
8026851c54f9039dcad7a2a27bab129818a6c3a84c651152fc89654c7b749b56.jpeg

Navigating the River Esk

Navigating the River Esk can be a lifelong adventure, but it also requires some knowledge and preparation. Here are some important steps to follow.

 

Where possible, always stick to the deepest water. Not only is it safer, it is faster too!

IMG_7498.JPG

New Bridge at Low Tide

IMG_9365.HEIC

View from the New Bridge looking toward the town

IMG_9366.HEIC

View from the New Bridge looking toward the Viaduct

It is clear from the pictures which is the best course to take through the New Bridge.

 

Head to the West Side of the central pillar and follow the river across to the East when approaching the viaduct.

Even at high tide, while it may seem tempting to cut corners. The banks of the harbour are steep, so the water is still shallow.  You will be much slower and will risk grounding/damaging the boat. 

IMG_3162.HEIC

Approaching the Viaduct towards Ruswarp

IMG_9374.HEIC

View from the Viaduct looking toward the New Bridge

View from the Viaduct looking toward Ruswarp

As can be seen in the pictures above, coming from the New Bridge, it is important to take a central route through the Viaduct before moving swiftly over to the right (West) side when heading to Ruswarp, always sticking to the deepest water. 

 

IMG_9382.jpg

The Ford at low tide. 

At very low tides, the ancient Ford at Spital Bridge makes going beyond impossible.

 

Always make sure there is sufficient water to pass over these rocks safely before proceeding. 

Positioning

Navigation-Review31-1024x550.jpeg

All boats should, where possible, navigate on the right-hand (Starboard) side of the river (in the direction of travel/from the coxswains point of view).

When we are rowing, we are travelling backwards, so we travel to the rowers left hand side. 

Sticking to the right is of course not always possible due to obstacles, low tide etc, so keep your eyes open for oncoming boats and return to the right hand side as soon as it is safe to do so. 

Overtaking

gvdf.jpeg

Be very careful on overtaking slower moving vessels and use the left hand side ensuring there is no oncoming traffic.

Give plenty of room.

Don’t cut the other boat up on returning to the right hand side. Leave a length of clear water before returning to the right. 

Parking up..

helen-beach-sprints.png

Should you wish to moor the boat for whatever reason, try to find an area of soft sand without stones or other debris for example Tate Hill beach. Only ever ground the boat at the bow (so as not to snap the fin)

Turning in the harbour must be done using caution and common-sense.

 

Do not turn the boat on a bend or in heavily trafficked areas.

 

Do not turn across the bow of oncoming vessels. 

Steering

When rowing at bow in a coxless boat, look over your shoulder every few strokes.

 

It is surprising how quickly hazards can appear in a fast moving racing boat.

 

This is a handy habit to get into even in coxed boats, as coxswains do not always have a clear view.

 

The person rowing at bow should be an experienced and technical rower, particularly in a double.

 

Peak Times

5fb3fa4a7c42f.jpeg

Warm weather, school holidays and weekends all increase the tourist footfall in Whitby, which means a big increase in river traffic, with fishing and pleasure trips and other recreational boat users. Use extra caution during these times.

bottom of page