Students and staff lashed canoes together and lowered the catamaran structure into the River Severn. Heading towards Buildwas, Arthog instructors pointed out a variety of wildlife, such as wagtails, damselflies and mallards. On an embankment, otter trails could be seen in the mud. However, this carnivorous mammal remained elusive.  

Students tried different paddling techniques: kneeling, standing and raised seating. The current did all the work on the way back as students sang, dozed or dipped their feet into the cool water.