Rob G., John C. and I went to Afon Clywedog on Sunday 10 October and we had a great time. The weather was fine and the dam was releasing at a good rate ~ 510 megalitres a day, which I think equates to about 5.5 cumecs. I found the run a bit easier at that level than at the 400 megalitres we had last year. The falls were bigger gushes and the grade 3 section less boney. No incidents to report. I was the only one to run the first fall and did so successfully though next time I'll choose to run the second section to the left rather than the right. The route on the right I tried wasn't the main flow with the result I did a bit of a spin on a rock and nearly messed up.
The three of us ran the second fall. After much scouting, peering through trees, we'd concluded it was clear of debris (the paddlers we met at the take out when setting up the shuttle had said it was which gave extra confidence), we all got the line right.
Most memorable for me was a fantastic wave. I've already forgotten exactly where it was - about half way I think. It had an eddy either side and was beautifully sized and regular. I whooped it up big time (well, as much as I could with my skilll level). John C. caught a few rides while Rob G. battled impressively and I thought he caught at least one, though he said on the way home it was more a case of a nearly catching one.
No swims, no incidents at all. Great. Here's hoping you non-paddlers have nicely decorated kitchens etc.
