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.
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Where possible, always stick to the deepest water. Not only is it safer, it is faster too!
New Bridge at Low Tide
View from the New Bridge looking toward the town
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.
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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.
Approaching the Viaduct towards Ruswarp
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.
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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
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).
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When we are rowing, we are travelling backwards, so we travel to the rowers left hand side.
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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
Be very careful on overtaking slower moving vessels and use the left hand side ensuring there is no oncoming traffic.
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Give plenty of room.
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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.
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Parking up..
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)
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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
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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.
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Peak Times
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.
