Ogwr Fawr, Sunday 30 Dec

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"

Tags: Afon Ogwr , River Ogmore