23 June 2013 – Sea/Estuary Trip - Neyland to Haverfordwest

club members: HJ, JN, GC, EJ

Our original thoughts were a sea trip off the West Wales coast so we planned dates and were off, unfortunately wind and sea conditions were against us and instead Captain Hywel decided (thankfully) it was more sensible to paddle the Cleddau Estuary.
After the worst shuttle ever looking for a place to get out, getting caught going the wrong way through one way streets in Haverford West and a our small group of cars getting split up, we eventually arrived back at the get in next to the Jolly Sailor in Burton, just up estuary from Neyland. By this time Hywel (who wasn’t part of the shuttle but stayed at the get in on his own waiting for our return) was climbing the walls and not in the best of moods but nevertheless held his cool and more or less said ‘’lets just get on the water I’ve had dinner warmed up three times, been for a walk, and looked for something else to do, now lets go’’.
By this time the wind had picked up and was terrifically strong, with the waves not huge but very strong being helped by the wind.
I was first on the water Hywel yelling ‘’paddle hard, fast and straight’’. We had to get out past a jetty/pontoon before turning up estuary and didn’t really want to get blown into it.
It was quite a task with the wind, the current, and the strong waves to cope with, trying to compensate for one, then the other, anyway Emlyn and then Grant followed and then Hywel, all of us turning the corner past the pontoon ok where the paddling was a little easier, but still hard going.
We paddled not directly into the wind but battled with quite strong odd squall winds, and changes in the direction of it etc for about 20 minutes until we were inside the land masses of the estuary and a little more sheltered. The going was still fairly hard and because we had taken so long with the shuttle we were eager to make good time before the tide changed.
After we had changed direction, following the estuary, the paddling became easier and the weather became much better, the wind having now dropped quite a lot and the sun trying to show its face from time to time. We were now more or less in the river not the sea although the estuary is still very wide at this point.
The countryside and estuary is very beautiful here and we passed Lawrenny Quay on the far side before stopping at Llangwm for a break and snack.
Hywel was doing the tour guide stuff, map reading and keeping up to date with our progress in relation to time and the change in tide direction.
We paddled fairly hard then for ¾ hour or so to the sound of Grant singing Calon Lan until we got to the ‘river proper’ where it narrowed and followed the valley up to Haverford West and the get out. There were a lot of fishermen along the bank here but no problem whatsoever. Then we shuttled back to the pub at Burton for a bar meal and then for a drink later.

The following day the wind and sea conditions again were not good and although we took a look at Dale we decided to call it a day and return home.
Thanks Hywel for a good trip even though we didn’t get out to sea, very far!!

JN.

22 February 2014 – Ogmore - Brynmenyn to Merthyr Mawr

(club members) JN, SW, EJ, NB

After deciding the usual get in at McArthur Glen to Merthyr Mawr was too short a paddle for today, we decided to get in up river not at Blackmill but at Brynmenyn.
The water was at a good level for an enjoyable paddle, no scrapes and high enough for plenty of play. Most of the drops gave a fairly good wave and we progressed fairly fast between them but spent the time playing at more or less each one. The closed weir about half way down upon inspection looked as if it may have been a problem if not hit correctly, but after having set up some safety, the first one through, Nick, blasted his way through no problem. We all duly blasted our way through, the tow back being a bit ‘grabby’ but no real problem. Steve was keen to try out his new camera and persevered trying to get action shots of us at the weir but unfortunately got plenty of kayak sterns, plenty of kayak bows, plenty of kayakers heads plenty of kayaker’s bodies but none complete (except one of Emlyn).

Then down to Bridgend town, where we stopped and inspected the weir in the centre, but it looked no problem and we just enjoyed the drop. After that it was plain sailing paddling down to the stone bridge just above Merthyr Mawr where we got out. Another good days paddling.

JN

25 January 2014 – Usk - Aberbrân to Brecon

(club members) JN, SW, EJ

Good to see Emlyn back paddling after getting over his bad arm/shoulder.
I had done this section (stupidly) in huge water and spate probably 10 years ago and swam a couple of times but not paddled it since, until last year when I did the WWSR course, the river section of the course being done here, the water levels were then quite low. Having done this section in spate and then 10 years later when the level was fairly low I was keen to do it at a ‘’medium’’ level.
We got in just above the bridge (the usual get out after the 3 drops section) at Aberbrân and dropped below the bridge where there were a couple of play waves before moving on down the river.
The river is fairly wide in places and is a very pleasant paddle with plenty of small drops and waves to practice in, which Emlyn made the most of.
Over the full section there are about six or seven sections of small rapid, but which form quite good waves & white water to play in, and one or two larger, dependent upon the level I guess.
Throughout the trip there were birds of prey overhead and the usual herons flying about, luckily with all the bad weather the morning remained quite sunny and the valley being fairly wide meant we paddled in quite a bit of sunshine.
The river was fairly fast in places and beside a little bit of play at various sections and a coffee break meant we were in Brecon after about 2 hours.
It was the consensus of opinion that it was an excellent paddle and to revisit this section again shortly, probably with open canoes next time for a change.
We got out at the promenade in Brecon after a very enjoyable morning.

JN

18th January – Radyr Weir to Llandaff with Open Boats (friends of the club paddle)

Friends: SW,JN,NB

Not much time to spare this Saturday morning, so the 3 of us, not having used them for a while, decided to spend a couple of hours in the morning on an easy section of river in open canoes.
We arrived at Llandaff Weir, only to be met by 3 obviously newcomers to the sport but with plenty of adrenalin to spare. ‘’I got turned out of the kayak last week in the weir mate, I managed to get out but my kayak kept getting turned over and over again almost like it was stuck!!!! but no problem I managed to edge my way along the edge of the weir on the narrow concrete bit and managed to pull it out’’ said one, ‘’mm’’, ‘’oh’’ came the response from us. Then looking at his two mates who both had buoyancy aids on but only camoufladge trousers, camoufladge jackets, jack boots and no helmet or anything else besides were obviously going to attempt to go over the weir on a sit on top. The guy who had the epic the week before was determined to go back into the weir also, he did have most of the kit, except helmet, I think he had a buoyancy aid, at least there was something bulky under his spraydeck that made him look 9 months pregnant!!
The water was tremendously high again with a very long tow back the full width of the weir.
Then these guys then wanted us to watch them, at which stage Steve and I turned our backs and started to move our boats to the beach just below the weir, while Nick continued to try to persuade them not to do it. Ten minutes or so later Nick came to join us having convinced them not to attempt the suicide and we proceeded on down the river.
The river was very fast at this stage and it didn’t take us long to get down to the natural broken weir, where although the ‘white water’ was mostly washed through the flow was very fast and formed huge waves so it was like being on a roller coaster. We had forgotten how much fun it was in these big open boats. We broke out on the beach just below the next bridge for a cup of tea and our thoughts went back to the three guys at the weir, wondering what the storey had been after we left them. We hadn’t had any sight of them since leaving. The next section of river was much slower, still some bumpy water in places but in no time we were down to the get out.
Not a long paddle bur again very enjoyable.
Back at the get in the 3guys vehicle had gone so we assume all ended well for themwhatever they did.

(by John N.)

11th January – Upper Boat to Radyr Weir (friends of the club paddle)

Friends: GC,SW,JN,AR,ST,NB

A quite day’s paddle with some coaching of a newish member of the club who joined us for the paddle as a friend not club member.

(by John N.)

28th December – Upper Boat to Llandaff (friends of the club paddle)

Friends: GC,SW,JN,AR,ST

After the enjoyable Club Xmas Paddle with the water still quite high 5 or 6 of us were keen to get out again, the forecast being very good as well. The stretch from Upper Boat to Radyr being fairly straight forward but with very big waves just by the first industrial estate which some shot twice (and another body surfed down) and the small drop just below the bridge at Taffs Well where the waves were very high also.
We arrived at Radyr weir and after taking only one second, decided to portage. We have all shot the weir many times and decided not to a few as well but on this occasion the tow back looked at least twice the longest boat length.
From there down to Llandaff took no time. Another uneventful day really but better that than the armchair!!!

(by John N.)

Club Xmas Paddle – 21st December Talybont to Llangynidr

After all turning up at the Indian on the A470 we all made our way to the usual get in near the bridge at Talybont.
At the first look at the water, one of the Last of the Summer Wine crew said 'looks fast and furious to me!'.
Followed by one of the Young Bucks who said 'ha! It was twice that height last time I did it, and twice as fast, in fact I capsized, lost my boat and never got it back!'
'Great' came the response.
The water was fairly fast and brown but Matt assured everyone it was our imagination running wild, and it would be fine.
After the shuttle we were all on the water and away, we drifted fairly quickly but without any problems, a bit bumpy in places from waves not rocks!
We got down to Mill Falls fairly quickly and broke out just before on river right as usual while Matt went to inspect as much as he could. Matt then broke out river left just before the falls and we all made our way one at a time ferry gliding over to Matt and from there on down through the falls. Toby’s turn came about midway through the process no problem ferry gliding about halfway across the river to Matt but then got turned and flipped upside down. Calum started to make his way to rescue but in no time Toby was upright again after performing an absolutely effortless and what looked a perfect roll and continued to proceed safely over to Matt as if it had never happened (well done Toby).
The rest got through the falls with no real problems. 10 minutes later we were into an area of very large hay stack type waves which was fun and lasted about 100metres or so, I have a fairly long boat but at one stage I think three quarters of it was bounced out of the water from the crest of a wave.
After that it was pretty plain paddling down to the get out at the bridge at Llangynidr.
Thanks Matt for leading the trip (and the cag), and other helpers for a ‘no incident’ but enjoyable paddle prior to Xmas.

(by John N.)

Eastern Cleddau, 1 - 2 November 2013

'3 pints of Guiness and a gin & tonic please,' 'what?', 'oh! don’t ask!!', 'who’s with us', 'oh! don’t ask!!!'

Hywel, Steve, Grant & John N spent the weekend in West Wales intending to do the Eastern Cleddau one day and then the Western Cleddau the following day. We all met in the pub in Little Haven the night before and planned the trip the following day. The planning took all of 60 seconds and the drinking took the rest of the evening. The following day the wind picked up and the rain continued, anyway we decided to give it a go whatever the weather and proceeded to the get in on the Eastern Cleddau at Llandisilio. Sladden’s book says the perfect level is 1½ to 2 foot on the gauge at the ford in Llandisilio, the water was up to just over 2 foot so we thought we would give it a go. After the usual sorting of kit, making sure we had between us all that we should and finding a hassle free parking space for Steve’s van we were on the river and away.

The river here, in appearance is very similar to the Ogmore but not as fast flowing, narrow and winding. A few obstructions and not much white water, nevertheless an enjoyable paddle if not for the weather. There were a few trees down and one section had to be portaged for a small section but generally no problem. However one section of the river was straddled almost the whole width by a tree giving a small gateway to get through but having to brush against small branches en route. Hywel went and inspected 'no problem, straight through the middle', Grant then followed and went straight through the middle, Steve followed and went straight through the middle but got tangled amongst the small branches, Hywel shouting 'stop playing around and let the branches go', 'I haven’t got the branches' came the reply, 'the branches have got me', anyway Steve made his way through with no problem. John came next straight through the middle but got his paddle caught under the bough and when pulling on it spun himself over and did some river bottom inspection, he emptied his boat and dried out about 20 yards further on!!!!!

The rain now started to hammer down and the river broadened out and became a lot faster flowing, but more or less an offortless paddle with beautiful countryside around, until we got to the wier at Blackpool, just passed Canaston Bridge. This can be a dangerous weir and we made the decision not to shoot it (the portage was not easy!). Just the other side of the weir was a smashing play wave where we spent the next 15minutes before the get out just another 20 yards.

We knew the rain had hammered down but when we collected Steve’s van from the get in, the gauge had risen to just over 31/2 foot while we were on the water.

Back to the pub, '3 pints of Guiness and a gin & tonic please,' 'what?', 'oh! don’t ask!!', 'who’s with us', 'oh! don’t ask!!!'

With the weather worsening the following day and the forecast not good we abandoned plans for the Western Cleddau and went to the pub for a coffee while Grant, desperate to get on the water, went surfing before returning to Cardiff.

Worth a trip but not a 'macho' paddler’s river.

Caldey Island, Sunday 6 October 2013

A GENTLE END-OF-SEASON PADDLE AROUND CALDEY………………………..?

Report by Rob G.

Hywel said he fancied Caldey as a gentle end of season paddle, whilst the weather was still mild. Sounded good so Rob joined him and after an early morning run to Tenby we parked conveniently next to South Beach where there were no charges after the end of September. A promising start!

We set off about 12.45 with about an hour or so left before low tide. No sooner had we hit the water than Hywel spotted two paddlers in the distance – turned out to be his mate Wayne from North Avon CC who he’d been to Scotland with earlier this year. Wayne and his mate had camped out on Caldey overnight and were on their way to Amroth. We continued our journey to the jetty on the island’s north coast, paddling into the breeze but mostly sheltered from it by Caldey.

We paddled around the island clockwise and after turning south-east we saw some seals at Caldey Point but as they were making some strange noises we thought it might be pupping season so carried on around the coast, stopping for lunch on Drinkim Bay.

After rounding Chapel Point we were into a stiffish south westerly breeze all along the south coast of the island with a lumpy sea all the way to West Beacon Point. Hywel had vaguely mentioned some “overfalls” there earlier in the day but I hadn’t paid much attention; wish I had because all along the south coast we could see a series of large breaking waves around the Point. I was concentrating on the lumpy sea but as we approached West Beacon Point Hywel said if we turned a sharp right (i.e. roughly north) then we could avoid the worst of it. But it still meant running the gauntlet for about 50 metres with breaking waves at your back. I’m not sure if Hywel heard my strangled cry to “stay close” but he was quickly around the corner and I had no real choice but to follow. After bracing against two waves which I reckoned to be about 1.5-2m I managed to turn and followed Hywel into the calmer waters of Sandtop Bay. Hywel said he thought I’d passed a bit too close to the rocks on our right – as if I had a choice. The sea was taking me where it wanted. I felt pretty relieved not to have taken a swim there, but more through luck than any judgment or paddling skills. Phew!

Sandtop Bay at 7.52 in the morning. Photo taken by Wayne from where he camped.

It was then a relatively gentle paddle to and around St Catherine’s Island before turning for home. With the tide and wind at our backs it took us only about 20 minutes to land back at South Beach again at around 15.45. A slog back up the beach but after a quick change and a coffee in an adjacent café (part of a new apartment block partially constructed at the end of the car park facing the beach) we headed for home.

‘’Upper Upper’’ Taff, Merthyr Vale, Saturday 21st October

John N, Grant, A N Other

Grant and I after paddling the Upper Taff on many occasions, last June decided to walk the section above from Merthyr Vale down to Quaker Yard to scout for a future paddle when conditions permitted. We walked the majority of it and decided it was worth a paddle as soon as possible. Last Saturday we parked in Merthyr Vale at a very easy get in and set off in quite shallow water, not surprising, but nevertheless we wanted to do the paddle. The sides of the valley in this stretch are quite steep and the river banks more densely populated with trees so although the morning was sunny a lot of the river was in shade.

Along the stretch of the river are a number of rock gardens and small rapids that could probably be a bit more fun with more water, we did have to portage one section for about 10 metres, not far, and scraped by on another occasion. It is a very picturesque section with the usual Kingfishers, Herons, and although having seen mink on a number of occasions previously was surprised to have come within 10 feet of an otter.

All in all it was a pleasurable paddle but not too exciting (probably different with another 300 or 450mm of water). Main hazards are trees and fishing line. The get out at Quakers Yard adjacent to the bridge is not  good, but an alternative may be found. Very much warrants another paddle in higher water. John N

Mumbles - Pwlldu, Sunday 8 September 2013

Paddling out of Mumbles for a round trip to Pwlldu is a sea trip I undertake quite often but it struck me that I hadn't done it in 2013. When John N. e-mailed asking if anyone fancied a paddle on Sunday the trip came to mind. I checked the wind forecast: XCWeather seemed to suggest a Force 3 from the south west, though the MetOffice's inshore forecast wasn't quite as good: F3-4, possibly F5 later. The tide was a Spring but with low water around 14.40, I reckoned if we got on the water around 12.30 we wouldn't have to wade through mud and we'd get to Pwlldu around LW so would have the wind and tide with us for the return trip.

Anyway, John and Rob G. bought this story and so we went for it. We got on the water around 12.45, still having avoided the mud although a bit later than the master plan. The put-on at Mumbles (Knab Rock car park) is nicely sheltered when the wind is from the south west or west so we started in very calm conditions. As we approached the light house though we could see some breaking waves on the outside. No problem, they weren't big and we were paddling into them and into the wind which was around F3 at that point. As we went on though the wind was variable - as was the rain! When we started to pass Caswell, the wind picked up to a stiff F4, maybe F5, as the next big black rain cloud came in and it became a hard slog to get to Pwlldu. Arrive we did though, in the end, more or less on schedule, around 14.15. As soon as I landed I got my bothy shelter out as the conditions were so miserable (and I was keen to use it as I've had it for years and never had cause to use it before). The three of us got under it - for a bit: John decided rather than peering through 3 inch square blurry plastic to see if he'd pulled his boat up far enough, he'd be better off outside. As the rain had stopped Rob and I shortly joined him.

We launched for the return leg around 14.45. Typically, the wind had now eased so we didn't have as much assistance from it as we expected. Paddling with wind on your back and a following sea is generally a bit trickier than paddling into the wind, so having a weaker wind wasn't all bad. As we went on the waves got a bit bigger as the tide picked up but we all seemed happy enough.  I started surfing a bit at the head of the group. As we passed Langland though a shout went up and I turned to see John in the water and Rob a fair way back. Back I went for a rescue, in proper sea conditions of course - cliffs on one side (though a decent distance away) and waves. Rob rafted up with us once he'd rescued John's hat and I'd got John back in his boat to give support as John pumped some water out and then struggled to get his spraydeck back on. Then we were off again.

Unfortunately, we hadn't gone very far when John went over again, after having put in some frantic splash strokes and low braces. At least this time he was just in front of me so I got to him a bit quicker. A touch more excitement this time as after I'd emptied my boat John pointed out that my spray deck had come off. He kindly offered to stay in the water before trying to get back in his boat, wisely spotting that it might get interesting if my boat too filled with water. As we were making a bit more progress towards the cliffs this time John didn't get as much time as before to pump his boat. Off we went again then though with John a bit wobblier again, and me shouting instructions at him - mainly just to keep paddling and to avoid putting in low brace support strokes if possible (they kill your speed and make you wobblier again). He made it around the lighthouse into the calm water (leaving me to be caught for a wetting and short bongo slide by a breaking wave).

Rob found this all so exhilarating that he suggested we should practise rolling/rescues. He'd shrewdly spotted that the water was really rather warm and guessed that if we didn't practise on this trip I'd be more likely to nag him on our next trip when the water would most likely be much colder. As he was wearing a dry suit, and I wasn't, he'd also spotted he had another advantage. So, Rob attempted a roll, failed, and so let me practice another rescue. Then it was my turn, but I discovered I could still roll, so no fun for them this time. John wasn't keen to get wet again at this point but he was persuaded by the time we got back to the take-out. Unfortunately, his roll failed but he wasn't having us rescue him again and walked to shore this time. No mud again, around 16.30 if I recall correctly. Good planning Hywel.

Although I'd had 6 days paddling in Scotland just the week before I really enjoyed this trip: rescues (as long as it's not me in the water) are fun, at least when the water is warm. If it was February, the story might have been a bit different. Finishing at Mumbles means you can have an ice-cream or coffee at the end of the trip. We went for a coffee this time. Very civilised.

Thanks to Rob and especially John for a good day out. We were all paddling sea kayaks by the way: don't think of doing the trip in river boats.

Hywel

Afon Irfon, Saturday 9 June 2012

As we'd had heavy rain in the preceding few days, a trip to the Irfon was decided upon on the Friday evening. Four of us met at the Indians on the A470: Matt, Adam, Steve S., and me (Hywel) at 09.30. As we reached Llanwrtyd we realised we'd come on a busy day. We found out later that it was a Man v Horse Marathon.

We parked for a get-out by the pipeline across the river described in the guides: Chris Sladden's book and UK Rivers Guidebook. When we arrived the river was about 2 foot below the pipeline. We eventually got on the river below Camddwr Bleiddiad gorge at just after mid-day. We had lovely sunshine then and for the whole trip. Getting to the river from the road involves walking down the hillside. The next major task was getting Matt's spraydeck on. I had to get out to help him! On the river, it took only a few minutes to reach the first rapid requiring inspection. There were quite a few of these rapids and I lost count. I remember we all walked around at least one, and Adam and I walked another one or two, or bits at least. (It felt a bit like taking a boat for a walk at times). Adam swam once and I - not knowing what was downstream - had an exciting bit of paddle and chase boating. Matt ran well to grab the boat at the bank from me so luckily it didn't travel far. Adam had to swim wade/swim across the river to get the paddle though as I'd thrown it to the opposite bank.

One that Adam and I opted out of finished with a gap little wider than a boat width. While inspecting it we were caught up by a paddler running the river solo, Sam. Both Steve and Matt capsized there but both rolled. Sam glided through.

Down to Abergwesyn, there was open hill land either side of the river. From Abergwesyn down the nature of the river changed and we were mostly surrounded by trees, with many branches to be avoided. We'd scouted the two major falls we thought we might run in the lower section of the way up. Not fancying inspecting again (as it would just make me more worried) I ran the first relying on my (poor) memory, though following Sam and Steve. It's not a particularly complicated line (though clearly too much for me), it's just that most of the flow hits the left wall under the bridge and piles back in on itself making a big mess. I capsized but managed to roll on my second attempt. Adam got it just right, as, I guess, did the others.

The second fall was more complicated, with a number of layers. With the water level we had there were two lines, one easy river right and one more complicated river left. Steve went left and capsized above the last drop and although he rolled he hit a rock and made a fairly spectacular drop backwards into the white stuff. He swam. Matt took a similar line and hit the same rock at the top of the last drop but at least he was the right way up. Sam showed us it it should have been done, breaking out river left before taking the last drop. Adam and I both took the easier line river right, neither of us even managing that particularly elegantly:(

Sam left us after that. We proceeded on, all portaging the next drop (as advised by Chris Sladden). There was one small drop after that but the main remaining obstacle was the overhanging branches. The water had been dropping all the time and by the time we reached the get-out the river was about a foot lower than when we left. Look at the chart and you'll get an idea.Water level of Afon Irfon at Abernant

This was a fantastic day out. Although some of the rapids and falls are grade 3/4(or more at different levels) they can all be portaged fairly easily and there are substantial grade 2/3 sections. The whole trip reminded me of trips I've had in the Alps. Great water, scenery and sunshine! A long day though. We got off the water about 16.15 and I arrived home at about 19.15 - a much earlier start would be needed if this was a winter trip.

Unfortunately, we passed the scene of a motorbike crash on the way home, before an ambulance arrived. It didn't look good. I hope the final outcome wasn't as bad as I fear. UPDATE: I learnt that Colin and Sue Eades of Cardiff Canoe Club were the first on the scene, being in the car behind the one involved. I understand that the motorcyclist was not even referred to hospital by the paramedics.

Afon Tywi, Saturday 28 April 2012

Matt, Phil, Nick B, Paul Mac, Chris W and David, me and Kirsty from Rhondda Paddlers made this trip. I think the stretch was this one: afon-tywi-junction-pool-to-dolauhirion and here's the link from Chris Sladden's guide: afon-tywi-dolauhirion. Basically this is mainly a touring stretch of river, normally Grade 2. The water level was pretty low on the day but high enough for it not to be a scrape.

We'd had windy weather so there were some branches in the water. One blockage caused some amusement and Nick B, being lower in the water than most, failed to get over a partially submerged branch in one of the gorge sections, necessitating a roll. The main excitement came just before the get-out where there was a Grade 3 rapid/small fall. On the day we paddled the difficulty came from the drop river left requiring a little chinking to fall into the slot. I ran first and positioned myself two eddies down, river left. I was followed by Phil who thought the run was difficult enough to warrant some safety cover so he tried to get out of his boat to climb back up with his throw line. When Nick came down he was much amused to see Phil in the water (deeper than expected), holding his boat and struggling to climb up the very slippery rock. Luckily, with no help from me or Nick he made it because the last but one paddler to come down didn't manage the little chinking manoeuvre and instead of dropping into the slot facing down stream shot over it to become broached above the fall, luckily the right way up and with head out of the water. Matt joined Phil with his throw line and I eventually managed to scramble up to join them. After some experimentation, we at last shifted the boat by getting the paddler to hold a throw line while we pulled back. Unfortunately, a capsize and failed roll ensued but with no harm to the paddler. It made a nice discussion point!

A good day out on the river.

Hywel

Afon Sawdde, Saturday 31 December 2011

A new river for all but one of our paddlers - me (Hywel), Matt, Phil D, Nick B, Rhys Evans (no.1), Becs, and Tom, the odd man out who'd done it before. It took us about 2 hours and 40 minutes of driving (there and back) for about 1 hours 30 minutes paddling. Having met at Asda at 9.30am got on the water around 12, putting in at Pont-ar-llechau, and off at 13.30 at Bethlehem Road Bridge.

The first feature, the slot drop shown in the UK Rivers Guide site did indeed grab the tail of a couple of us. Given the water level was pretty low (4 on the gauge downstream), it does lend support to the though it might backloop you at higher levels. (The chart shows the levels at Felin-y-cwm, somewhere on the Sawdde).

Once past that we were in a gorge which went on and on, and contained various other little drops and rapids. All agreed it was brilliant and at the water level we had a pretty easy run (only Becs having to put in one roll for real when caught out at one of the drops).

A pint at the Lord Rhys in Llandovery finished off a nice day and provided a good end to the year.

Blwyddyn Newydd Dda.

Teifi tour, Saturday 29 October 2011

A year on, and here we were again, this time it was Matt and Luke (aged 6), Fran (1st river trip), Steve (2nd river trip), Becs (who paddled with us last year) and her student, Phil (1st river trip). The water was much higher than last year.


As Luke was paddling with us, on his first river trip, we went up to Llanfihangel Bridge to run the Grade 2 section down to Llandysul. I'd never done this before and it was very pleasant though the weather had deteriorated to rain and wind in our face by the time we broke for lunch at Llandysul. While getting ready to put on, another paddler worked out that Luke must have been the youngest paddler on the tour and asked to take a picture of him in his boat. The photo is probably on the web by now: have a search for it.

Phil broke the ice by capsizing more or less immediately once we put on, a trick he pulled off about 10 times during the trip. Luke decided he wouldn't capsize until he got to a rapid, a good decision which made the incident much more interesting for the rescuers. Matt and I surrounded him and when he started saying it was cold, I decided to take pity on him and yanked him on to my front deck and started to paddle to the bank. He slipped off a few times (I think he thought that's what Les has taught him to do in the pool) but we reached the river bank pretty quickly. Matt tempted him back on the water with promises that all he had to do was to reach Becs to get a Mars bar. Once he'd had the one Mars bar I think he thought feigning capsize would be a good way to get another one so later on he had another go. While he was stopped on the bank I met up with Brian from Aberystwyth who I'd paddled with in Switzerland last May and he called an open boat over to give Luke a ride. So, Luke arrived Viking-like at Llandysul.

Unfortunately, the cold had got to Fran and Steve by this time, so it was just me, Becs and Phil who made the run down to Henllan. Phil took about 4 swims getting from the Llandysul put-in to get past the Cauldron so when we got to Pentrecwrt weir we decided he'd better portage while Becs and I ran it (there was still a tongue, just).

I ran Hendre successfully but Brian (who we'd caught up with) who came down after me took a bad move to go right, and swam, and he misled Phil who did the same, followed by Becs, who told me later (I think) just rolled.

All good fun. A shame not more members joined us. I'm sure everyone voted enthusiastically for the tour at the most recent meeting at the Plough. Next year maybe?

Taff, Saturday 19 February 2011

This trip was arranged by Amber to count towards her GCSE. It attracted a large turnout. As far as I remember (and me writing it up on 29 May!) there was Andy R, Matt, John O', Emlyn, Steve White and friend, Nick B, Rhys, Jon and Lewis, Chris and David, me (Hywel) and many others! (Let me know if you were there and I've left you out). The water was at too high a level really and the river was largely washed out. We split in two groups and only the second went over Radyr weir. Nick B led us over nearly in the centre. Shortly afterwards, John O' capsized and I rescued him. Later on, many practised safe swimming, coming under a bridge and having throwlines aimed at them. Most survived as far as I could tell. A well arranged and enjoyable trip.

Afon Tarell, Sunday 6 February 2011

4 of us did this. I've blogged it on my personal blog: If you can't read Welsh, you could try to see what Google Translate will make of it!

Afon Honddu, Saturday 8 January 2011

Seven of us made it on this trip: me (Hywel), John C, Gareth, Matt, Phil, Aled and Emlyn. Emlyn took the photos. As they show, the main difficulties on this river are not the water per se, but the trees and the man made kayak traps, put there no doubt by the anti-kayaking Wye and Usk Foundation. They'll say that this river isn't kayaked. Well, they're wrong. As well as this trip, John and I did it, on 29 December 2002 to be exact, when the water level was, according to John's memory about a metre higher than we found it.

As well as the trees causing 3 capsizes and 1 swim (under!!!! a tree by Aled after he broached on a tree branch) we also had the excitement of hearing gun shots in several places as we found ourselves paddling alongside a couple of shoots.

When we scouted the end of the river the water was red and pretty high. By the time we reached the end (after 2 hours 5 minutes) it was much lower. Luckily it was high enough all the time we were on it so that there were no substantial scrapes.

End of story. We all went for a pint/coffee to the Nant Ddu Lodge (passing Tai'r Bull which seemed to be open this time!). A good time was had by all. Why don't you come next time? (2019 for this river).

Upper Taff and Senni/Usk, Saturday 13 November

Two trips today, or three if you count the fact that two groups did the same trip on the Usk with different start times and met up:
1. Taff
"Excellent small club trip on the upper Taff this morning.
Attendees;
Phil
Nick
Lewis
Ben and
Alex B

This was Alex's first trip on the Upper Taff and it was a perfect level. All features in play and some quite a challange.
I was very impressed with Alex pulling off 3 rolls "in anger". Both Alex and Lewis looked like they had been paddling this type of grade for years when they were navigating the graveyard.

No swimmers.

Well done one and all it was a very pleasant trip.

Phil"

2. Senni/Usk
Group 1, met 09.00: Matt, John O', Chris and David W.
Group 2, met 09.45: Hywel, John C., Rob and Gareth

A nice day though the water was pretty low, even though above mean winter level. Two swims, one by Rob (though he says it doesn't count) when he got swept under the overhanging tree after playing on a wave) and one by David. A more interesting feature was John O's sustained half-capsize - he wasn't going to come out! - before Matt eventually took a pity and gave him an Eskimo rescue. When shuttling we realised Wales were 7-3 against South Africa so we all rushed to Tai'r Bull hoping to see the rest of the game. It was shut. All cars progressed though the last two not knowing where the first three had gone, eventually settled for a pint without a screen at the Nant Ddu lodge. Hywel, John C, Rob and Gareth made it to the Drovers Arms, Cefn Coed-y-Cymer, with the usual effect: Wales lost. Nice pub though, with entertainment from a local fishmen who said he's shoot boilers at kayakers. (Translated I think he meant ball bearings). We parted in good spirits, me saying we'd see him on the river.

Afan, Sunday 7 November

Run by Hywel, Emlyn, John C. and Gareth.