Report from Phil: "Today's river was the Ogwr Fawr the 7 paddlers were; Phil D Dave C Red Nick Blue Nick Antlers Emlyn Ben M Paul M It was a brand new river for all the paddlers although Red Nick had walked part of the river and was able to offer valuable advice. The get in was at Blackhill on the Ogwr Fach which flowed into the main river just past a small drop. The river promised a good run when we shortly came upon a 10ft slide. The river had approx 20 small weirs some more technical than others. Because the level was on the low side I had a look at playing in a small sticky pour over. A good practice for setting an edge and skulling for support. All the paddlers had a go except the 2 Nicks and Emlyn. Red Nick went next and set a great edge... then lost his paddle... capsized... and then held on till support came. Blue Nick was then persuaded to have a go... and after making it out without with a massive grin Emlyn said "no way". Coffee break was taken while we scouted the boxed in weir from the bank. Myself and Dave ran it first and had a surf in the first drop, took the 2nd drop then waited for the rest of the group who saddled up after watching while giving safety. Everyone ran the boxed weir safely and in control. More drops followed and we were nearly at the get out when a giant squid (or was it a rock) attacked my boat forcing a roll-in-anger. No swimmers and a fabulous time was had by all. Leading an unknown river was an exhilarating and exciting experience. Phil D"
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Ogwr Fawr, Sunday 30 Dec
River Wye, Sat 29 December
The team: Matt, Dave, Mark, Adam, John O', John C, Euros, Owain and me (Hywel).
The river: Wye, from Dernol to Rhayadr (Rhaeadr Gwy in Welsh which as you may have forgotten means Waterfall of the Wye). UK River Guide description:http://www.ukriversguidebook.co.uk/wyeupper.htm
Water level: pretty high. According to John O', the Environment Agency said 1.17m on the gauge at 06.00 that morning.
Although we left Abercynon at 9.00 we didn't get on the water until after 12. The water speed then meant a fairly quick trip, over by around 14.15 (followed by a visit to the Lamb and Flag, we got home around 17.15).
Memorable events:
1. not recognising the Letterbox (where I got back-flipped and stuck in the slot before swimming on my last trip a couple of years ago, in very low water). High water meant it merged with the drop on river right.
2. Owain took a swim on one of the falls.
3. Euros rolled in anger on a river for the first time- twice, most impressively when caught in the stopper just above Town Falls.
4. Me, the only fool to try the main drop at Town Falls, capsizing and eventually swimming as my leg lost its grip on my third attempt at a reverse screw roll.
An exhilarating trip, excellent fun. Thanks to all participants.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Christmas Eve on the Upper Taff
We had a nice paddle, though the Christmas cake at Matt's at the end was the high point as the water was so low.
Here's a picture of us at the put-in, looking forward to the cake:
Here's the film: "http://www.youtube.com/v/Fz9NdMBNREE&hl=en&fs=1"
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Upper Taff in near flood, Friday 6 Dec
An account from John O'C:
"On Friday I went on the Taff with two Kayakers Phill & Dave C (Matt had to lay some thing, well that's what he said!)
At the put in at Quakers Yard the high water was grade 5 the tree was cpmletly under the water
I assume it was only a few yards at this grade I was wrong It lasted about 80yards, I was thinking this is not the place for a 16ft open, the rest of the rive was continues grade 3 with huge waves coming at you from all directions I have never see water like it. It made the Trweryn top section look like child's play
Some waves had to be over 6 ft No one stopped to play a swim would be very long
Then came to the grave yard (grade 5) it was huge water and rocks every where the others took the drop ion the centre of the river I arrived safely
I went down the LHS to avoid the drop which I was not confidant I could make, and if I did I would be full of water. All was going well I now had to move into the centre of the river to avoid a tree
I knew there was a 20ft wide wave across part of the river and I tried my best to get past it. the boat was at a angle and the long and short of it is I swam
The boys were waiting for me after this section and they rescued me and then the boat
My dry suite is in for repair so I was very damp
Then were on more features after the grave yard, just grade 3 with huge waves coming at you from all directions.
We were off the water before 3:30
It was a paddle I will remember, and I am glad I did it and survived, would I do it again NO not at this level
KNOW WHEN YOU'RE LUCKY
Thank you
John O'Connell"
Sennybridge- Aberbrân on the Usk Sat 1 Dec
Just to record a trip. Fairly low water, quite fine weather. Though a bit chilly, not bad for Aberbrân. We were: Matt and his mate Adam, Dave C, John C., Paul and Ben, Andy and Josh, me (Hywel) and Euros.
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