Ceufad Autumn 2021

Issue 148 Autumn 2021 £2.50

ceufadKAYAK CYLCHGRAWN CANŴ CYMRU JOURNAL OF CANOE WALES

TEIFI RIVER CLEAN

DUNALASTAIR WATER

DESTINATION WALES: LLYN PADARN FRIENDS OF THE UPPER WYE

SWANSEA UNI CANOE CLUB

GREAT ORME, LLANDUDNO VICKY BARLOW

editorial

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t seems like paddlesport is going through a boom. CW membership has topped 3000 (the highest ever), centres and providers are fully booked, manufacturers and retailers can’t keep up with demand, and the waterways, rivers and coastlines are busy with kayaks, canoes and paddleboards. And everyone seems to be loving it.

Happy paddlers in eddies, on waves and online; making new friends, sharing advice, organising trips … Maybe the pandemic has shifted our perspectives slightly or the sun-filled summer has brightened our outlooks. Whatever it is the paddlesport community is growing both in size and positivity. It’s like a warm, neoprene-clad hug, and it’s great to be a part of it.

That community spirit has spilled into the pages of this issue too; the Friends of the Upper Wye (p8), the Teifi River Clean (p9), #shepaddlescymru (p32) and FBOR’21 (p36). Most of these projects and events involve a large number of volunteers, either to manage them or run them (or both!), which shows how invested the paddlesport community is in protecting our waters, introducing newcomers to the sport and generally welcoming everyone onto the water. The only potential problem is that it’s getting harder and harder to squeeze it all into the magazine!

Vicky Barlow Editor ceufad@canoewales.com

Ceufad Ed Ceufad

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@Ceufad

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Ceufad is the official magazine of Canoe Wales. It is produced by members & the views expressed are not necessarily those of Canoe Wales or the magazine’s editor. Ceufad is free to members of Canoe Wales.

SUBSCRIPTIONS are available to non-members for £10 for 4 issues from Canoe Wales.

ADVERTISING For advertising rates contact Vicky on: ceufad@canoewales.com SUBMISSIONS Articles are always welcomed & should be submitted as Word files, however, typed articles are also accepted. Images can be prints or tiff/jpeg/RAW files (preferably 300ppi). These will be returned.

CONTACT ceufad@canoewales.com – 01678 521199 Ceufad, National White Water Centre, Bala LL23 7NU Ceufad is produced quarterly in Spring (March), Summer (June), Autumn (Sept) and Winter (Dec).

NEXT ISSUE: WINTER DEADLINE: 1ST DECEMBER Ceufad welcomes all contributions but reserves the right to edit & condense to fill the space available.

Design & layout: Vicky Barlow www.victoriabarlow.co.uk

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Canoe Wales News

Info and updates from Canoe Wales

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Meet the Team

Charlie Severn – Communications Assistant

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Waterways and Environment Update

Friends of the Upper Wye and the Teifi River Clean

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Tackling Aliens: A Welsh Perspective

How NRW are tackling invasive non-native species (INNS)

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British Canoeing Delivery Partners

Q&A with 3 Delivery Partners based in Wales

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In the Flow

Paddlesport news and reviews

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The 35 Mile Paddle Challenge

Paddleboarding the Mon & Brec Canal for charity

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Destination Wales: Llyn Padarn

Take a trip along one of Wales most scenic lakes

CONTENTS

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20

Dunalastair Water

The sad story of an unwanted frying pan

26

Thomas Power

Profile of Canoe Wales' Head Coach

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Club News

Updates and guides for CW clubs

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Club Profile

Swansea University Canoe Club

32 #ShePaddlesAmbassador

A year (and a bit!) in the life of ...

36 FBOR'21

Open-sea racing off the coast of North Pembrokeshire

COVER

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GINNIE BETTS

FISHGUARD BAY OCEAN RACE '21

BENJAMIN EDOM

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CANOE WALES – OUR TEAM Alistair Dickson CEO

ONLINE MONDAY 11 OCTOBER – 7PM

MEMBER SERVICES TEAM Paul Marshall Coaching Manager (Consultant) Lydia Wilford Development Officer Val Ephraim Administrative Officer Jen Rigby Membership and Communications Officer Ellen Roberts Finance Officer Phil Stone Places to Paddle Manager Cath Sykes Lead Safeguarding and Equality Officer Charlie Severn Communications Assistant PERFORMANCE TEAM Tom Power Head Coach and Interim Performance Manager Jonathan Davies Talent Pathway Officer (North) Serena Williams Talent Pathway Officer (South) Gareth Bryant Talent Pathway Officer (West) Dan Goddard Performance Coach (Slalom) DIRECTORS Kerry Chown Chair Andy Booth Finance Director David Wakeling Elsa Davies Lowri Davies Ian Hughes Jet Moore Mary Taylor Ieuan Watkins

CONTACT CANOE WALES www.canoewales.com admin@canoewales.com 01678 521 199 National White Water Centre, Frongoch, Bala, Gwynedd, LL23 7NU @canoewales

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CANOE WALES 2021 AGM Join us for a chance to hear the latest from Canoe Wales and to have your say on the important issues facing Canoe Wales. » » » » »

Online AGM – held via Zoom Informal Q&A session with the Directors and staff Presentations from top coaches and clubs Open to all members of Canoe Wales Book your free place online

This year, we are developing the agenda to include some engaging presentations from top paddling coaches and clubs so it should be a really enjoyable and informative evening.

After the official AGM business is finished, we will hold a more informal Q&A session with Directors and staff; this is your chance to ask any questions you might have about Canoe Wales and our programmes and projects. If you have ideas for how we can better support you and other paddlers, we want to hear them.

All On the Water and On the Bank members over the age of 16 are entitled to vote at the AGM – and all other members of Canoe Wales are welcome to attend.

To find out more or to book your place visit: www.canoewales.com/agm-2021#notice

CANOE WALES LAUNCHES PADDLE TRAILS A NEW ONLINE RESOURCE TO HELP YOU GET ON THE WATER Canoe Wales are launching their new paddle trails resources. These are free downloadable PDFs of the best flatwater/grade 1 trips that Wales has to offer. Aimed at new paddlers or those wanting to access easy-grade journeys these PDFs have all the information needed to organise a trip and have a great time on the water.

Each paddle trail has key PADDLING TRAIL information including start/finish locations, distances and portages plus a full colour map featuring all the points of interest and facilities, such as parking, toilets, picnic sites and cafes. All the relevant tidal info, grade, weatherconsiderations and any permit requirements are listed, along with a detailed description of the trip, including accessibility options (parking, toilets, distance to water, pontoons/slipways and bank/ shore accessibility). Each PDF also includes a link to a downloadable GPX file for use with GPS units.

The first paddle trails are available to download now, with more to follow through the autumn: www.canoewales.com/paddle-trails

Mawddach Estuary

Key Information The Mawddach Estuary has to be one of the most beautiful estuaries in the UK. Surrounded by mountains, it flows through spectacular countryside and is steeped in history. And, if you time it right, you’ll get tidal assistance all the way!

Start: The Promenade, Barmouth LL42 1NF Finish: Penmaenpool Car Park LL40 1YD

Portages: 0 Time: 1.5–2.5 hours Distance: 6.5 miles (one-way) OS Map: Explorer OL23 Cadair Idris and Llyn Tegid

For more information scan the QR code or visit: bit.ly/3iewKF5

This is a tidal trail – if you aim to arrive at Penmaenpool at high water (approx 30 mins after high water at Barmouth) you’ll get tidal assistance and fewer sandbanks. For tide times, visit: www.ukho.gov.uk/easytide This is an open of stretch of water that is exposed to the wind, which can have a serious impact on the conditions and the ability to paddle. A strong wind can create waves and difficult, choppy conditions.

Check the forecast and choose a calm day. Avoid the ‘return’ option in SW winds.

The sandbanks shift continually: the exact route/channel may be different to the map below or to OS maps etc. If in doubt, the harbourmaster at Barmouth is a good source of local knowledge.

Park at the south end of Promenade car park (pay and display, accessible bays). Access the water via the sandy beach opposite (distance from car park to water varies with tide; 2hrs before high water it's around 50m). For more direct access there is a slipway at the end of The Quay which can be driven onto to unload (150m to car park along the promenade).

There are public toilets (accessible) on The Quay (near the slipway) and on Marine Parade (80m from north end of Promenade car park).

1. Paddle out past Barmouth Harbour and head east, keeping the shore on your left. Weave carefully between any boats and moorings – the current can push between them quite quickly.

2. If you’re chasing high water there can be a strong current pushing through the stanchions of Barmouth Bridge (around 7km/hour on a spring tide). Pay attention and follow the water through the wider stanchions at the northern end.

To avoid paddling under the bridge launch from Porth Aberamffra (see Variations on next page).

Find out more information at: gopaddling.info

IMPROVING DISABILITY ACCESS ON WELSH LAKES AND RESERVOIRS FIVE ACCESSIBLE PONTOONS TO BE INSTALLED AT KEY PADDLESPORTS SITES With grant funding from Welsh Government, Canoe Wales is installing accessible pontoons at five key paddlesport sites across Wales. The first three have already been completed at Llandegfedd, Cosmeston and Llandysul, with Plas y Brenin and Llyn Padarn due to be installed later this year.

The pontoons have an EZ-Launch system, an innovative canoe launch system with an integrated transfer bench seat that allows wheelchair users to easily transfer into a boat. Where required, the project has also included any groundworks and path construction necessary to enable independent wheelchair access from the carpark to the pontoon.

These developments mean Wales is now much more accessible for disabled people who would like to try and to participate in paddlesports. CW are also in the process of buying adaptive equipment that will allow them to organise inclusive sessions for people with disabilities all across Wales.

If you or anyone you know would like to get involved in paddlesports and has a disability, contact Canoe Wales at: admin@canoewales.com and we will be happy to help.

BETHAN LITTLEWOOD NOMINATED FOR 2021 NATIONAL LOTTERY AWARD NATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR BRIDGEND CC PADDLER AND EUROPEAN CHAMPION Bethan Littlewood has been nominated in the Sport Category of this year’s National Lottery Awards for the huge positive impact she has on the people around her through her positive can-do attitude, caring nature, focus on inclusion and unbeatable love of fitness.

Although Bethan is only 25, she has already achieved and faced more challenges than most; overcoming serious illness to lead the GB Senior Ladies to a Gold medal at the 2019 European Canoe Polo Championships. In recognition of this incredible journey, she was named Canoe Wales 2020 Paddler of the Year.

Bethan is Chair of Bridgend Canoe Club, which received National Lottery funding to set up their training venue. She has been an inspiration both through the pandemic and throughout her paddlesport career – not just to the young members of her canoe club, but to paddlers across Wales and the sporting community as a whole.

This year, more than 1,500 people were nominated for a National Lottery Award in recognition of the work they have carried out with the help of National Lottery funding. Winners will be revealed in the

autumn and will receive a £3,000 cash prize for their organisation and a coveted National Lottery Awards trophy.

CANOE WALES HITS THE BIG 3000!

CW MEMBERSHIP EXCEEDS 3000 Canoe Wales is delighted to report that, for the first time, its membership has exceeded 3000 members!

Since restrictions started to ease in March, CW has been pleased to see an exponential growth in its membership, with numbers topping 3000 for the first time ever at the start of June 2021, and continuing to rise. This is following a decrease to 2,500 (the lowest figure since 2018) in June 2020.

We would like to thank all members – new and those who’ve been with us for longer – for all your support. We are a members’ organisation and membership really is central to everything we do.

If you have any suggestions on how we could support you better, please do not hesitate to contact us at admin@canoewales.com and we will do all we can to help. We are a small team, but we are committed to supporting the paddling community in Wales.

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MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT AT SELECTED RETAILERS DON’T MISS OUT ON A DEAL! CW membership comes with a lot of benefits, however, one that is often overlooked is the discount scheme. On the Bank and On the Water members get discounts at selected retailers, and with shops such as Cotswold Outdoor expanding their watersports range it’s definitely worth taking your membership card and asking about the discount.

ROBERT COUSE-BAKER

Deals and discounts include: » Cotswold Outdoor – 15% discount in store and online » Snow + Rock – 15% discount in store and online » Runners Need – 15% discount in store and online » Adventure Alternative – 5% off your next adventure holiday » Aqua Plugs by PluggedAudio – Up to £20 off a new pair of plugs » Aquapac – 30% discount online » Up and Under – Range of discounts available » want to canoe? – Free parking & access at their Hay on Wye site » Money Off NWWC Facility Fees » Kayak Session Magazine – Discount on 1-year subscription » Ski Line – Get 5% off your next skiing holiday » Trusted Travel - up to 30% off Airport Parking and up to 20% off Airport Lounges » Undiscovered Mountains - Get 5% off your next kayak or outdoor activity holiday So when you’re in the market for some shiny new paddling kit or looking to book a holiday don’t forget your CW discount! www.canoewales.com/discounts#discounts

YOUNG VOLUNTEERS PROGRAMME SIGN UP, LOG YOUR HOURS AND EARN REWARDS! We're excited to tell you about our Young Volunteers Programme for paddlers aged 14 to 25 years old. By logging the hours you volunteer, you'll earn up to £150 towards your choice of training or qualification plus you'll earn up to £70 in rewards to spend at our online shop, where you'll find items such as camping mugs and t-shirts.

HOW DOES IT WORK? The Canoe Wales Young Volunteers programme is all about recognising the ways that young people give back to paddlesport.

When you sign up, we'll ask you to record your volunteering hours using a special app. This could be organising events, leading youth sessions, running your club's social media, or even attending training courses.

You'll have a mentor at your club who will work with you to develop your volunteer role and support you to access any training you might need.

As you log hours, for every volunteering milestone you reach, you'll be able to redeem those hours for discount codes you can use in our online shop or apply for a course bursary. » Sign up – £5 discount code » 10 hours – £15 discount code » 15 hours – apply for your course bursary (up to £150) » 50 hours – £20 discount code » 120 hours – £30 discount code and you'll be presented with the Young Volunteers Gold Award at the Canoe Wales Awards Sign up now and we'll send you a welcome pack on how to start logging your hours and earning your course bursary, plus a £5 discount code as a welcome gift.

Visit: www.canoewales.com/young-volunteers

CLEAR ACCESS CLEAR WATERS HAVE YOU SIGNED THE PETITION? In Wales it is the Welsh government that we need to influence to get a change in access legislation. To do this Canoe Wales and British Canoeing developed the Clear Access Clear Waters petition page, which has so far received over 12,000 signatures. Not all of those are from Wales and we do need more people to sign.

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If you are new to Canoe Wales or have not yet signed the petition, please log on and sign up. Getting as many people as possible behind the campaign is an important part of the process to getting better access. It’ll only take a couple of minutes: www.clearaccessclearwaters.org.uk/petition/

MEET THE TE AM

Communications Assistant

Charlie Severn CW has a new team member – Charlie Severn, who is our Communications Assistant. This is a new post which is focused on developing our member communications, including social media content and website content. Ceufad caught up with him to find out more …

What does your job involve?

Assisting the Member Services team with tasks involving social media and communications with members. I also help with editing the website and we have a few content plans in the works as we speak!

The long-term goal that I have is to increase the social media presence of Canoe Wales, and to further promote safety and increase membership within Canoe Wales. But for existing members, I want to ensure that they feel a part of Canoe Wales and are kept up to date with important news. I would love to get more people venturing into the sport we all love so much and experiencing our beautiful coastline and rivers! Keep an eye out for what we have planned!

What prompted you to join the CW team?

I have always had a keen interest in the paddling community; it really helped me growing up to be more independent and confident. I felt honoured to be able to support and assist the paddling community which helped me so much. I have always been interested in creating content, as my generation has grown up with multiple video platforms and it’s part of our everyday lives. I would love to inspire people to want to try our sport after reading or watching my content.

I know it’s early days …but … what’s the favourite part of your job?

Inspiring beginners to start paddling and try out new experiences, as I did. I also really enjoy always having something to do; when I’m working I am always either planning new content or researching and increasing my knowledge on topics. Another favourite part is how supportive and helpful the staff at Canoe Wales are!

And the most challenging?

Usually time restrictions; I only work 3 days a week and sometimes they go very quickly!

Another challenge is trying to put my own take on issues and content while following governing body procedures and guidelines, it can be tricky at times but these regulations are important to follow!

What’s your sporting background and what do you do in your spare time?

I have competed in several sports throughout my life. The highest level was competing for Wales and Lions in hockey when I was younger. Throughout my childhood I competed in football, kayaking and more recently, snowboarding. I have also competed in several gaming tournaments However, unfortunately this is a rare event in Wales!

Away from sport, in my spare time I enjoy taking my dog out for long walks and making sure I spend as little time in the house as possible. I also really enjoy editing and creating content that I am passionate about and can include my own stamp on videos.

You live close to one of the country’s most beautiful estuaries. Do you get to spend any time on it?

I don’t usually paddle estuaries – I try to avoid long distances due to a recurring shoulder injury from a few dislocations playing hockey and snowboarding. You can usually see me on the bar surfing the waves in my kayak or on the Fairbourne or Barmouth coastlines, out with friends on days out. But I often walk along the Mawddach Estuary or across Barmouth Bridge as there are so many beautiful walks in the area. But I may be a little biased! My favourite time of the year is summer for recreational paddling as I can enjoy the rare sun we get in Wales! However, there is no better feeling than going out paddling in the waves on a windy day!

What message would you like to get out to the CW members, clubs and coaches?

I know that sometimes there is an overreliance on social media (personally I am not on social media that often), however, we are trying to ensure that there is a channel for everyone. I hope to get more beginners and advanced paddlers into clubs and coaching, and target issues related to paddling and the environment.

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FRIENDS OF THE UPPER WYE (FOUW) A NEW GRASSROOTS COMMUNITY GROUP HAS FORMED TO PROTECT AND CHAMPION THE UPPER RIVER WYE. When the Wye hit national headlines in the summer of 2020 for turning a putrid green due to intense and prolonged algal blooms it was labelled an ecological disaster.

Hay-on-Wye resident Richard Greatrex wondered how to respond to this news and what he could do. He reached out to his local community to see if others shared his concern and was met with an enthusiastic response. People wanted to understand what was happening to their river and they wanted to help.

Throughout lockdown, Richard’s band of concerned residents convened via Zoom and grew bigger and bigger. They set about researching the many factors contributing to the poor health of the river, including severe agricultural pollution, the discharge of human sewage and the effects of climate change. They formed Friends of the Upper Wye (FOUW), covering the area from the Wye’s source on Plynlimon in mid-Wales to its confluence with the Lugg at Mordiford, Herefordshire.

The group quickly discovered that there was a paucity of data about the state of the Wye and an urgent need for more regular monitoring at many more locations. With support from Cardiff University, the Environment Agency, the Wye and Usk Foundation, Radnorshire Wildlife Trust and Herefordshire Wildlife Trust, the Friends of the Upper Wye designed and established a citizen science project to monitor water quality. They have now trained around 100 volunteers and supplied them with kit, so that they can monitor the water quality at a point local to them twice a week. The volunteers enter their data via an app. Other groups throughout the catchment are also conducting monitoring, and all results will be brought together and analysed by Cardiff University.

The huge enthusiasm for this project from those who live near, use and love the river, offers hope that people power can help to fill the data gap and compliment the monitoring work being done by Natural Resources Wales and the Environment Agency.

Whilst the citizen science programme aims to expand scientific knowledge of the Upper Wye and its tributaries, the group is also running an arts project called ‘CodwchYrAfon / LiftTheRiver’ dreamt up by group member Eamon Bourke.

LiftTheRiver aims to highlight the cultural importance of the Wye

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and to investigate the role the river plays in the lives of local people.

FOUW are inviting people to submit their own ‘River Samples’ which could take any form, be that memories, photos, poems, paintings, songs or something else. These are being shared on the FOUW website and Facebook and Instagram pages for LiftTheRiver.

Bourke said, “LiftTheRiver is intended to be something positive for local people to enjoy as we emerge from Covid restrictions, it is designed to encourage new collaborations and new friendships. The Wye isn’t just a Special Area of Conservation, it is also a Special Area of Creativity! CodwchYrAfon / LiftTheRiver is an invitation to come together and get creative on behalf of the Wye”.

LiftTheRiver recently helped to organise Walking with the Wye, a pilgrimage walking the length of the Wye throughout July from source to sea. Along the walk events and celebrations were held, alongside water testing, bringing people together to respect and treasure the river.

A third strand of the FOUW is exploring the idea of applying for designated bathing water status for locations along the river, following the success of campaigners in Ilkley, whose efforts led to a section of the Wharfe becoming the first river in the UK to achieve this status. Such a designation means that the water would be regularly tested during the bathing season and the local council would display information about water quality and pollution, allowing bathers to make informed decisions.

Interest and concern for the health of the Wye has blossomed as we all realise that we have a capacity to help heal the river. Friends of the Upper Wye now has a membership of over 300 and recently a sister group, Friends of the Lower Wye, has formed.

FOUW Chair Dr Tom Tibbits said, "We decided to launch FOUW to channel the immense enthusiasm and power of the community to actually do something to help the river Wye, on which we all depend, be that for biodiversity, business or leisure. Whether for tourism, for swimming, fishing or rowing, irrigation, drinking water, or just for enjoying, the Wye is central to any Powys or Herefordshire resident's way of life. We hope to empower the hearts and minds of our local communities to step up to save the Upper Wye, and preserve its natural beauty for the generations to come.”

For more information: www.fouw.org.uk or email hello@fouw.org.uk

WATERWAYS & ENVIRONMENT UPDATE

TEIFI RIVER CLEAN On a sunny Sunday in June a group of community volunteers organised a huge clean-up along the River Teifi and were amazed at the large quantity of plastic and other rubbish that was collected.

The idea for a river clean was instigated by two Newcastle Emlyn residents who were appalled at the amount of plastic that was clearly visible all along ‘their’ beloved river following flooding earlier in the year. Marco Rebora and Jill Sutton are neighbours and live along the same street overlooking the river.

As Marco recalled “I was out walking in early March, checking out the areas where I might fish when I saw, strewn along the river, numerous multicoloured rubble bags, black silage wrapping and other plastic litter caught up on bushes and trees. It made me feel so angry that the river looked like a public tip instead of the pristine river that it should be. We regularly see dippers, herons, grey wagtail, otters and occasionally a glimpse of a kingfisher, not to mention a wide variety of fish. Plastic litter and other forms of river pollution will have devastating effect on our local wildlife.”

Jill too was horrified to see lots of plastic littering the river which was clearly visible on the riverbank opposite her home. She believes that the River Teifi should be a positive advert for Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire, the jewel in the crown, which should reflect its protected status. As a long campaigner against the increasing use of single-use plastics she finds it deeply frustrating to see the river polluted with plastic and that there seems to be little improvement in the situation. Indeed she believes the plastic problem appears to be getting worse.

The 76 mile River Teifi, is one of the longest rivers in Wales and is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest as well as a Special Area of Conservation. Seeing the river in such a state of pollution following the winter storms galvanised Marco and Jill to do something about it and so they set up a project which they have named Teifi River Clean.

Although Jill has had some experience in community action neither had organised a major clean-up such as they envisaged.

They called on help and advice from fellow users of the river and local environmental organisations who had experience in organising such a project.

A small working group was set up and the two were really grateful for the help and guidance from Canoe Wales, Llandysul Paddlers, Adventure Beyond, and West Wales River Trust. After the initial Zoom meeting a tentative plan was established and a date set in June for the river clean.

Then came the task of spreading the word to invite volunteers to help on the day and for relevant permissions to be approved from local landowners to have access to the river and riverbanks.

Marco and Jill sought help from and had advice and support from local councillors particularly, Cllr Wyn Thomas, the local County Councillor who on previous occasions had been instrumental in supporting themselves and fellow residents of Adpar following the flooding in October 2018. For the Teifi River Clean Cllr Thomas coordinated the access at the Newcastle Emlyn Rugby Club as well as the removal of all the rubbish that was collected.

The plan was to have a small flotilla of watercraft collecting litter from the river whilst another team would do a land-based litter

pick along the banks. They had decided to clean a stretch of river from Henllan to Newcastle Emlyn whilst a small team of land-based volunteers would collect litter in Newcastle Emlyn. The river-based collection was coordinated by Llandysul Paddlers whilst the landbased collection was coordinated by West Wales River Trust.

A press release and social media promotion of the Teifi River Clean resulted in an amazing number of volunteers coming forward.

On the day a small army of volunteers turned up. Nearly 30 people on a variety of kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and rafts set off from Henllan at 1pm whilst at the same time about 15 volunteers assembled at the Rugby Club to collect litter pickers and bags.

The resulting huge haul of plastic litter included large amounts of plastic agricultural silage wrapping, industrial waste bags and other miscellaneous items including tyres, bollards and incredibly a washing machine!

The plans for next year are to repeat this exercise hopefully on a longer stretch of river with the network of amazing partners and volunteers. Marco and Jill also plan to interview local stakeholders such as farmers, landowners and leisure users of the river in an attempt to promote best practices to improve the health of the river.

For further information regarding Teifi River Clean check out Instagram @teifiriverclean or email teifiriverclean@gmail.com

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TACKLING ALIENS: A WELSH PERSPECTIVE

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n the last issue Jen Rigby (CW Membership and Communications Officer) introduced us to the top 8 Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) in our waterways. In this article Natural Resources Wales (NRW) share their perspective and explain how they are tackling and managing INNS in Wales.

Invasive non-native species (INNS) are any non-native animal or plant that can spread causing damage to our environment, the economy, our health and the way we live.

Lots of work is going on in Wales and at a GB level to try to tackle INNS and everyone can take a role in supporting this work.

Many non-native plants and animals are important to the economy and to our wellbeing as they are used for food, medicine or are planted in our gardens.

However, some non-native species can spread due to a lack of predators or other factors which would usually keep them under control where they naturally occur.

Sometimes INNS have been brought into Wales on purpose because they were initially thought to be useful or thought not to cause a problem and sometimes they have hitchhiked on goods or vehicles.

As the movement of people and goods have increased globally over the last 50 years so have the number of species arriving, this trend is set to continue unless action is taken to reduce their spread.

INNS OF INTEREST IN WALES When people think about INNS they often think about widely spread species like Japanese knotweed or Giant hogweed however there are currently more than 300 different non-native plants and animals that are already having an impact or would do if they were to arrive.

Many of the 300 species of interest to us in Wales have the potential to have more than one impact; all of them could affect the environment, around a third could affect our wellbeing and about a half could have an impact on the economy of Wales.

Recent research has identified INNS that are likely to arrive in GB in future and could have a significant impact; over half of these live in freshwater and approximately a third live in the sea. These include the Round goby, a freshwater fish, which has had serious impacts on fisheries in America and the Watermilfoil plant which has affected water quality, native wildlife and clogged up waterways in countries where it has established.

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HIMALAYAN BALSAM

GBNNSS

TACKLING INNS Other research recently carried out to look at how INNS are arriving into GB has identified that two of the top five pathways of introduction are linked to recreational boating (i.e. in water containing INNS inside boats or attached to their hulls).

No one organisation is responsible for tackling INNS and they are such a large problem a multi-agency and organisation approach is needed. This has led organisations including British Canoeing coming together at a GB level to help come up with a recreational boating ‘pathway action plan’ that aims to reduce the risk of the introduction and spread of these species. There are plans to consult with the public on the draft plan soon.

FRESHWATER INNS Freshwater INNS are having a significant impact and are often difficult or impossible to control once they have established. For example, the sometimes deliberately introduced North American Signal crayfish are currently driving our native crayfish towards extinction from disease and are impacting on fisheries by eating fish eggs. They also burrow into riverbanks causing erosion that can affect flooding, livestock safety and the stability of structures built on riverbanks.

Sadly, there is currently no way of eradicating North American signal crayfish once they have spread to a river or stream. The method of eradicating them from ponds or lakes is expensive, difficult to do and significantly impacts on native wildlife.

Another species which is difficult to control if it is spread is New Zealand pigmyweed, which forms dense matts that can shade out other plants. Spread through tiny fragments, it is having a major effect on some of the most important designated nature sites in Wales. Currently there is no environmentally sensitive, effective method of eradicating this plant once it establishes in a water body.

Given the difficulties in tackling freshwater INNS, the most effective way of dealing with them is to prevent their introduction and spread in the first place. Biosecurity is a way of working that reduces the risk of introducing or spreading invasive non-native species (INNS) and other harmful organisms such as pests and diseases.

In recent years there has been increased focus on trying to stop newly arrived species from establishing by promoting national biosecurity campaigns to reduce their spread like ‘Check Clean Dry’ and putting in place plans to enable swift action if new species are discovered.

SKUNK CABBAGE

RPS GROUP PLC

SIGNAL CRAYFISH

There is ongoing work to tackle newly arrived species and prevent their spread, for example a Welsh Government funded project is looking at the feasibility of eradication of a tiny but damaging freshwater fish called Topmouth gudgeon in the Llanelli area. Canoe Wales has been working with stakeholders to develop washdown facilities and signage to help to improve biosecurity at one of the sites on the Lleidi river where it is present.

NRW AND INNS Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is a Welsh Government sponsored body whose aims are to ensure that the environment and natural resources of Wales are sustainably maintained, enhanced and used, now and in the future.

NRW have various roles in relation to supporting action to tackle INNS in Wales and include gathering data, providing advice to certain organisations, regulating activities through issuing licences and funding certain projects.

As a landowner NRW may undertake action to control INNS on land that they own or manage including flood risks assets, protected ancient woodland sites and National Nature Reserves. As an example, NRW is working to eradicate American skunk cabbage in Black Covert woodland near Aberystwyth. Eradicating it here will stop it from affecting the woodland and help to prevent its spread to a protected nature site on the Ystwyth river.

NRW also support action to tackle INNS on sites designated for nature by establishing large scale projects like the ‘4 Rivers LIFE’ project which includes action to tackle INNS on the Teifi, Cleddau, Tywi and Usk Special Area of Conservation rivers.

MANAGING INNS Action is being taken on many other river catchments by a variety of stakeholders. As an example, the ‘Sustainable Stitch in Time’ project is concentrating on tackling widely spread INNS like Himalayan balsam on rivers in the Pembrokeshire National Park.

As no single organisation is responsible for tackling INNS in Wales, a project called the Wales Resilient Ecological Network (WaREN) has been established to develop a pan Wales approach that brings together stakeholders to tackle INNS in a prioritised and joined up way.

Lots of work is being carried out to increase our understanding of the threat and impact that INNS are having at both a GB and a Wales

TREVOR RENALS

level and many different stakeholders are working together to reduce the spread of INNS in Wales.

There are opportunities for everyone to get involved and help protect the environment, economy and the wellbeing of the people of Wales from INNS.

PADDLERS CAN HELP TO REDUCE THE SPREAD OF INNS BY: » Ensuring that all equipment is checked, cleaned and dried between different locations to reduce the spread of INNS. » Learning about INNS and how to identify them by visiting the GB Non-Native Species Secretariat (GBNNSS) website. » Contributing to science by reporting sightings of the INNS you see when you are out and about with the free bilingual LERC Wales App or the iRecord App on your mobile phone. » Understanding what INNS are present at locations you visit by checking the National Biodiversity Network Atlas Wales INNS Portal. » Coaches considering the risk of spreading INNS when undertaking risk assessments for teaching at different locations. » Coaches actively raising awareness about the importance of biosecurity and the threat of INNS with their students. » Clubs raising awareness of the ‘Check Clean Dry’ campaign by putting up posters and signage in club houses or including Check Clean Dry campaign information or logos in emails and on social media (available from the GBNNSS website). » Finding out more about how INNS are affecting Wales by looking on the newly launched Wales Environmental Portal hosted on the NRW website. » Setting up or joining a local action group to tackle INNS in your area, the WaREN project may be able to help. » Getting involved!

FIND OUT MORE

GB Non-Native Species Secretariat: www.nonnativespecies.org LERC Wales App: www.lercwales.org.uk Natural Resources Wales (NRW): www.naturalresources.wales If you have any questions about invasive non-native species affecting our waterways, get in touch with our Places to Paddle Manager Phil Stone on phil.stone@canoewales.com

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BRITISH CANOEING

DELIVERY PARTNER S

In April this year British Canoeing launched their new Delivery Partners scheme; to help providers develop and grow their paddlesport activity, and to enable paddlers to recognise and choose first-class paddling experiences.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BECOMING A DELIVERY PARTNER? The scheme helps providers develop and grow their paddlesport activity, share success and reach out to prospective customers of their business.

It is aimed at the full array of paddlesport activity providers including outdoor centres, hire providers, tour guides, charities and small and large organisations providing paddlesport activity, as well as coaches, leaders and guides. A truly international partnership, a provider can be a Delivery Partner no matter where their business is based, within the UK or overseas.

There are three different packages of support; Gold, Silver and Bronze, each including a variety of benefits.

To-date 16 centres/providers have become Delivery Partners in Wales, this article features 3 of them who joined the scheme earlier this year.

For more info visit: www.gopaddling.info/british-canoeing-delivery-partner/

ARE YOU A PADDLER LOOKING FOR A PADDLESPORT PROVIDER? Look out for the Delivery Partner logo and you can have the confidence that your activity will be of a high-quality standard. Delivery Partners can be found across the globe, allowing you to find local providers close to home or if you are considering participating in a paddlesport adventure whilst on holiday.

British Canoeing Delivery Partners have engaged and are committed to providing clients with a first-class paddling experience that embraces learning and development.

Delivering fun, engaging and safe activities that are aligned with your requirements. www.gopaddling.info/find-course-providers/

EILA WILKINSON Eila is a UKCC Level 3 and Advanced Water endorsed coach based on Anglesey. She is also an Assessor Provider for the Advanced and Sea Kayak Leader awards, and a provider for the Sea Personal Performance Awards, Coastal Navigation and Tidal Planning, and Open Water Navigation and Tidal Planning. She offers sea kayak coaching and expeditions for all level of paddlers and is a Silver Delivery Partner. www.eilawilkinson.com Why did you become a Delivery Partner?

I am a sole trader provider; having the affiliation with British Canoeing helps to provide a level of quality assurance. I would hope it helps to highlight to my course

participants, (current, future and unknown) that my ethos and quality of coaching, equipment, safety, and courses offered, meet a certain top-level standard that will meet their expectations. I also wanted to offer reassurance that I am a quality and legitimate provider.

I know it’s early days, but has it had any impact on your business so far?

It’s difficult to know. People see and comment on the Delivery Partner plaque that is on display. I can also use this in my advertising - I don’t advertise all the British Canoeing courses I can provide but I think the affiliation provides the information for participants to enquire further.

I have received a lot more ad hoc enquires this year, however, it’s hard to know if any/how many of these may come via the associated Delivery Partner links.

Why did you choose the Silver package?

I chose the silver scheme due to the benefits it offered; I liked the package and it suited my needs. And there are some excellent resources that I can access through the scheme.

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How did you find the process of becoming a Delivery Partner and what did it involve?

It was so easy I’m not sure I can even remember the registration process!!

What would you say to anyone considering becoming a Delivery Partner?

I wouldn't hesitate to join the scheme.

I personally think it helps give a quality assurance to customers which can only be beneficial. The linked association and growth within the scheme give credence to us as providers and an excellent platform for British Canoeing to liaise, share ideas and communicate information to us all as a body of providers. It forms a united front for professionals to join.

LOADEDUK LoadedUK is a Youth Development Company that provides opportunities for young people to thrive through challenges, adventures and unique learning opportunities. Based in Llanelli they offer a range of outdoor activities and adventure sports and are a Bronze Delivery Partner. www.loadeduk.org.uk Why did you become a Delivery Partner and what are the benefits?

LoadedUK offers a range of opportunities to get involved in paddlesport, from fun taster sessions on sheltered water to more performance coaching on moving water and

expeditions. So, it was sort of a no-brainer for us to want to continue moving forward and be a Delivery Partner.

I know it’s early days, but has it had any impact on your business so far?

Although yes, it is a bit fresh, this has served to promote our services – that we provide paddlesport training. It has also enabled us to increase promotion of our services and the awards we offer.

What would you say to anyone considering becoming a Delivery Partner?

I would say if you deliver any kind of paddlesport the Delivery Partner scheme is well worth it, as it will connect you with effective support where you need it and serve to promote what you are doing, where you are doing it.

I would also say speak to other delivery partners and your local development officer or coaching manager, this will help with any questions and give you a broader perspective.

Why did you choose the Bronze package?

For us it was appropriate to our needs and was great value for money, especially as we come out of such a tough 18 months navigating lockdowns.

How did you find the process of becoming a Delivery Partner and what did it involve?

It was a very simple process of filling your information in online through the Delivery Partners portal. You then get issued a dashboard where you can continue to update your services. If I can do it anyone can!

PL AS Y BRENIN Plas y Brenin is a National Outdoor Centre that has been helping people learn, develop, perform and qualify in adventure sports since 1955. Based in Snowdonia they run courses and expeditions in a wide range of activities including whitewater kayaking, sea kayaking and canoeing. They are a Gold Delivery Partner. www.pyb.co.uk Why did you become a Delivery Partner and what are the benefits?

Although we’re a well-established centre with a strong reputation within adventure

that is down to a nation-wide staycation pattern and is helped massively by the added marketing benefits received from the delivery partners scheme. In particular our presence on the Go Paddling website.

Why did you choose the Gold package?

As an outdoor centre organisation using many staff for the day-to-day delivery we felt the gold package suited our needs.

sports coaching, we’re a small core team with a select few members of freelance staff that we utilise. What stood out to us was the dedicated support and exclusive training opportunities that are provided through a bespoke package. The plaque looks pretty good hung up in our reception too.

I know it’s early days, but has it had any impact on your business so far?

We’ve seen participation growth in all areas of our paddlesport offering, we believe

How did you find the process of becoming a Delivery Partner and what did it involve?

We found it relatively straight forward to become a delivery partner and quick to receive personal and individualised correspondence from the governing body.

What would you say to anyone considering becoming a Delivery Partner?

Don’t be afraid to talk to your National Association and ask loads of questions to see if the packages on offer would be of benefit to you.

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Live for White Water?

Coaching at NWWC 2021 Courses BC WHITE WATER SAFETY & RESCUE 23-24 October

£170 pp

BC ADVANCED WHITE WATER SAFETY & RESCUE

TBC

£170 pp

RESCUE 3 – WRT PRO TBC

£290 pp

RESCUE 3 – WRT ADVANCED TBC

£390 pp

RESCUE 3 – WRT INSTRUCTOR

Please contact the centre to register an interest

IRF & BC RAFT GUIDE TRAINING COMBINED WITH RESCUE 3 WRT PRO TBC

£390 pp

If you can’t see a suitable date then give us a call.

OTHER COURSES

We run other courses in both Kayak and Canoe, including Moderate and Advanced Water Leader Training and Assessment. We also offer White Water and Advanced White Water Coach Training and Assessment.

PRIVATE COACHING COURSES

If you’ve got something in mind which you’d like to learn or you’d like a day’s guiding on the river, we can organise a day for you, whether on the Tryweryn or further afield. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

1 to 1 coaching: 1 coach to 2 participants: 1 coach to 3 participants: 1 coach to 4 participants:

£180 per person, per day £90 per person, per day £70 per person, per day £60 per person, per day

Typhoon Multisport 4 Drysuits available for hire on all our courses only £25 per course.

Booking office: 01678 521083 Email: info@nationalwhitewatercentre.co.uk Website: www.nationalwhitewatercentre.co.uk/courses

IN THE FLOW THE RIVER RUNNER By the time you read this Rush Sturges’ long-awaited film ‘The River Runner’ will have dropped on Netflix. If you haven’t seen it (or heard of it) then you’re in for a ride and a half. This is the story of Scott Lindgren’s 20-year quest to be the first person to paddle the four great rivers that originate from Tibet’s sacred Mount Kailash. But this is so much more than a gnarl whitewater film. Yes, it features one of the most influential paddlers of our time, filmed by a ground-breaking whitewater filmmaker, on some of the world’s most challenging rivers, but it also chronicles Lindgren’s emotional journey as he grapples with trauma, addiction and a life-changing diagnosis. In Rush’s words: ‘I wanted to move beyond the dominant, individualistic mentality that is so pervasive in the traditional adventure narrative … I hope people feel a deep, profound connection towards Scott’s story, and more importantly, to their own stories. My hope is that the audience feels the weight of Scott’s personal journey and the lengths he went to become the person he is now. It’s never too late to change, and it’s never too late to follow your dreams in a way that honors yourself and those around you.’

The River Runner is available on Netflix now.

EPIC WALES: NORTH WALES’ FIRST SURFSKI CENTRE Epic Wales, the first surfski centre in North Wales, has been set up on Anglesey by sea kayak coach and surfski enthusiast Eila Wilkinson.

With a fleet of top-of-the-range surfskis, full paddling equipment and a team of highly qualified coaches they offer sessions for absolute beginners as well as experienced paddlers. These include ‘have a go’ 2hr sessions, half and full day tours, active retirees’ sessions, and ladies only sessions. They’ve also set up the Epic Wales Surfski Club, which offers regular sessions and progressive development.

Surfskis are an open cockpit kayak that are designed to be fast and straighter running, and are steered via a foot-controlled rudder system.

They are excellent for fitness and general all-round adventure and fun, whether that’s a relaxed coastal trip or an adrenaline-filled session in the surf.

If you’d like to try a new, safe and exciting way to get out and enjoy the sea then check out Epic Wales: www.epicwales.com

OCEAN FILM FESTIVAL 2021 The Ocean Film Festival World Tour is back for 2021 with a brand-new collection of the world’s most incredible ocean films being shown across the UK from September to November.

Meet paddlers, surfers, divers and oceanographers who have dedicated their lives to answering the call of the ocean in the wildest corners of the planet. All the best films from the latest Ocean Film Festival are being shown, including Changing Tides; a 3-month sea kayak expedition along the Inside Passage, down the coast of Alaska and Canada, with zero single-use plastic.

If you can’t wait till then, selected films from the Ocean Film Festival are also available on demand, with two fantastic programmes to choose from. The ‘2020 Ocean Film Festival’ features an inspirational collection of the latest ocean adventure and culture films, and the ‘Best of’ Ocean programme is a selection of audience favourites from the last 5 years. The ‘Best of’ includes Kayaking the Aleutians with Justine Curgenven and Sarah Outen.

For details of the upcoming film festival and the on-demand shows visit: www.oceanfilmfestival.co.uk

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The Mile Paddle Challenge ARTICLE: RICHARD DOYLE

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t the beginning of July I knew my 35th year around the sun was approaching. To mark this, I thought I’d like to do something which would make a positive impact.

After going through some different challenges, I stumbled upon the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal. Realising it was just over 35 miles long it seemed perfect to use this as a challenge and fundraiser using my paddleboard!

The challenge was set. Now I needed a worthy cause.

Being part of Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Team gave me a great opportunity to explore what we needed to continue helping people. After coming from another successful rescue, I was talking to one of the senior members of the team who enlightened me that one of our vehicles needed a defibrillator.

This was the perfect fundraiser for my challenge. The challenge was set and all that was left to do was gain publicity. I was fortunate to have lots of good people to share my story and donate to my cause.

Before I knew it, the day arrived!

A 2.30am wake up and off I went to the start line, Pontymoile. Unlike me, I organised my kit and equipment the night before, so I was ready!

Upon arrival, it was pitch black. One final check over and off I went to start my maiden voyage.

I was feeling fresh, excited, nervous, and wondering what am I doing?

Though dark, I didn’t need my head torch as the sky was so clear and the canal was lit up enough for me to navigate.

Before I knew it, I hit my first hurdle. Lots of vegetation to paddle through (or dig through) which proved to be very tough. Luckily, this wasn’t too far. Watching the sun rise and paddling felt quite rewarding. This speared me on to push harder. As the light was hitting the canal I could see this bright blue dot flying around and inspecting my presence. I soon discovered I was paddling with a kingfisher. What an amazing experience!

Moving on… I gave a few canal boat inhabitants a little scare over their breakfast as I paddled past their windows. They looked a little surprised to see me so early.

Soon enough I reached my first supporters in Goytre & Govilion, they too were part of the CBMRT. This was very welcomed and needed.

They advised me that I was ahead of time, giving me a confidence boost.

Still making good time I journeyed on.

Thanking technology, my partner could speak to me whilst paddling and shared updates via social media to keep everyone updated. She knew how much preparation had gone into this and organised everything behind the scenes to keep things current.

Around midday, I reached halfway and had a pit stop with my family. This was needed not just for my physical well-being but my mental. Reaching the halfway point was the milestone I needed.

Being time aware I didn’t stop for too long. I started to give myself goals to encourage myself.

The next mile marker was 20. From here I started to feel my body fighting back, muscles feeling tired, but I was still smiling.

The distance between the 20- and 30-mile stretch was the most demanding. Again, friends and family were there to keep my spirits high.

Especially when exiting the longer than expected Ashford tunnel near Talybont. I remember my arms being quite tired but, seeing my support team made me forget about the aching muscles and lifted my enthusiasm!

Another quick pit stop and application of Deep Heat helped me move on. It was 5:30pm and I noticed the sun was being to show signs of setting for the day.

On voyage, I reminded myself that there was only 5 miles left once I reached my next milestone.

My body was crying out at this point, but the surrounding beauty was outstanding and made

me forget the struggle my body was going through. Pencelli was reached! This was the moment I’d be wanting for so long. I put everything I had left into paddling. 3 miles left and I started to slow but, after receiving a pep talk from my partner, a friendly face popped up. A good friend had been waiting for me.

This refuelled my paddling tank and my journey continued. Without this friend’s support the last section would have been a lot harder.

I soon reached the aqueduct which was outstanding and worth a moment of pause.

Soon enough I was onto the very last stretch, and I knew this section well. I dug deep and chucked all I had into it. I passed the rugby club then the bowling green then…

I saw my finish line. This was it, hidden out of view were my friends and family with the last bit of encouragement. A roar come from the Brecon Basin as I was approaching the finish line. I touched the final wall to finish my journey. A great sense of accomplishment ran throughout my body. My body and mind were tired but, all was worth it after managing to raise over £3000.

FUNDRAISING

Richard Doyle paddled 35 miles of the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal to raise money for Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Team (CBMRT). He raised over £3000 – the money will be used to buy a defibrillator for one of the CBMRT vehicles.

To donate visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ richard-doyle10

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In this series Canoe Wales’ coaches and guides give you the insider info on their local coastal and inland waters. They pick sheltered/flatwater or moderate/moving water trips, and give you the low-down on access, highlights and top tips. This is the guide to some of the best coastal and inland paddling spots that Wales has to offer, and may just introduce you to a new paddling destination.

In this article we take you on a beautiful journey around the scenic Llyn Padarn.

If you’re a Canoe Wales’ coach or guide and would like to share your favourite coastal or inland trips drop us a line at ceufad@canoewales.com

LLYN PADARN Llyn Padarn is one of the largest natural lakes in Wales; situated next to the 800-acre Padarn Country Park it is a truly beautiful and diverse paddle journey. It takes in the picturesque village of Llanberis (usually bustling with tourists), the peaceful slopes of the ancient woodland of Coed Dinorwig (usually bustling with wildlife!) and the industrial heritage of the National Slate Museum. Plus spectacular views of the Snowdon Horseshoe and the Llanberis Pass. There are three access points, so you can alter or shorten the trip, along with a few picnic sites and cafes to keep you well fuelled.

There is plenty to keep you entertained off the water too, with nature trails, waymarked walks, a high ropes course, cycle track (Lôn Las Peris), Electric Mountain and of course, Snowdon/Yr Wyddfa.

CLASS/GRADE The suggested trip has been defined as follows: Sheltered – little/no tidal influence, regular landing opportunities.

USEFUL RESOURCES Map: OS Explorer OL17 Snowdon/Yr Wyddfa Webcam (Snowdonia Watersports): https://bit.ly/3kSQGh4 ROBIN DRAYTON (CC-BY-SA/2.0)

Quarry lagoon at the National Slate Museum site

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© freevectormaps.com

DESTINATION WALES

TOP TIPS TO STAY SAFE AND PADDLE RESPONSIBLY Be prepared and take the right kit: » Wear a correctly sized buoyancy aid » Mobile phone in a waterproof case » Whistle – to attract attention in an emergency » Map and/or route description » Clothing for the weather conditions + spares in a dry bag » Food, drink & suncream Respect the natural environment and other users: » Respect other waterway users » Be environmentally aware, minimise your impact » Ensure you have the correct licence if required » Observe navigational rules – keep right and give other users space » Check, Clean, Dry after every trip!

View from the lagoons towards the Llanberis Pass

SHELTERED WATER

Llyn Padarn Start/finish: Lagoons car park, Ystad Ddiwydiannol Y Glyn, LL55 4EL Grid ref: SH 57383 60876 Distance: 6.5km This route can be paddled in either direction, from 3 main access points. The clockwise direction is described here, starting and finishing at the lagoons. Llyn Padarn is an open stretch of water and the wind can have a real bearing on time and ability to paddle, however, the route can be adapted or shortened to suit the conditions. Snowdonia Watersports have a live webcam that looks out towards the lagoons, and also have boat/equipment hire and sales.

DESCRIPTION Park in the lagoons car park near the pontoon. Launch and head left out of the pontoon bay. Stay close to the shoreline and have fun exploring the lagoons. Most only have a single entrance/exit but are well worth investigating. When you reach the tip of the last lagoon it’s time to head away from the shore, towards the northwest/far end. The left side of the lake beyond the lagoons is owned by a local angling association and the far/north end is a protected habitat and quite shallow. The best option is to aim for the crags on the opposite bank at the far/north end.

This will keep you clear of anglers and in deeper water.

Beneath the crags turn right to paddle along the northeast shore, following the Llanberis Lake Railway and enjoying the spectacular views of the Llanberis Pass and the Snowdon Horseshoe.

Paddle to Cei Llydan station, where is a large picnic area with benches and great views. Continue past the disused quarry and beneath the ancient woodland of Coed Dinorwig; a haven for wildlife.

The steep slate-waste outcrop signals the start of the National Slate Museum site, with the Dinorwig Quarry Hospital directly above.

Paddle under the bridge and into the quarry lagoon. There is a café,

picnic area and toilets (accessible) here and the museum and site is well worth exploring. This is also an alternative starting point.

You can exit the lagoon either back out under the same bridge or, depending on your craft (and flexibility!), under the low bridge at the end of the lagoon. This will take you into the second lagoon, which can be exited under another low bridge, back into the lake.

Continue past the inlet to Llyn Peris (reservoir) and turn to paddle back along the south shore. Continue past Electric Mountain, just beyond this is large picnic area with benches and a slipway to Ger Y Llyn car park. This is an alternative access point and also the easiest access to the main village and toilets (accessible) (approx 100m).

Paddle along the shoreline and keep an eye out for Llafn y Cewri – the Blade of the Giants. It’s hard to miss! There is a car park here which is close to the village, however, it’s not the easiest access to the water.

Continue along the wooded shoreline until you reach your starting point at the lagoons and the end of your trip.

USEFUL INFORMATION Padarn Country Park: www.visitsnowdonia.info/padarn-country-park Local information: www.llanberis.org Equipment hire: www.snowdoniawatersports.com ACCESSIBILITY Lagoons: car park and shoreline are gravel (level with gentle slope to water). Parking is 20m from water/pontoon. Pontoon is wide with gentle slope and 50cm drop to water. Toilets in car park (accessible, seasonal).

Padarn Country Park/National Slate Museum: car park (pay and display, accessible bays) is level tarmac, paths/shoreline are gravel (level with gentle slope to water). Parking is 100m from water. Toilets (accessible) and café 300m from water.

Ger Y Llyn car park (pay and display, accessible bays). Car park is tarmac with concrete slipway into water. Toilets (accessible) and main village are 100m from car park.

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DUNALASTAIR WATER THE SAD STORY OF AN UNWANTED FRYING PAN We were looking for a reasonably quick day trip but with a bit of that getaway-from-it-all X factor. Or lack of x's, and y's, and z's, or abc's … basically me in full not-wanting-to-see-another-human-being antisocial mode.

ARTICLE: KEITH MILLER

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WHAT WE THOUGHT WOULD BE 2–3KM OF GENTLE DOWN RIVER TURNED OUT TO BE SOME SERIOUS FUN. FALLEN TREES MADE US MANOEUVRE FURIOUSLY AND A PEAK SPEED OF 16KPH GAVE US A BIT OF MILD WHITEWATER THAT WE WERE NOT EXPECTING.

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S

earching the OS Maps app and pouring over the satellite view showed that Dunalastair Water/Reservoir had some intriguing islands at the west end, and what looked like a bit of a gorge as the River Tummel approached the dam.

Using Song of the Paddle as a reference, all I could find was a comment on Dunalastair being shallow, a bit weird and the west exit on the Tummel being calm. So, plans were made, alarms were set (I feared that Kinloch Rannoch would be busy with the good weather), and we headed off far earlier than Robs or I were used to, but it was worth it. Using the car park shown on the OS Map as a put-in (1km down from Kinloch Rannoch), we reckoned we could line the boat back upstream or just put out somewhere on the B846 and yomp back to the car at the end of the day.

On seeing the Tummel at the car park, lining back upriver was clearly not going to work, so it would be a yomp at the end. The rubbish bins at the car park were overflowing and some lovely human being had left (upside down – how considerate) a large stainless steel frying pan by the first bin. I stomped over in all my outraged, middle-aged, eco-warrior fury; how scummy

people were leaving their rubbish. On inspection, it seemed really good quality, and I'd been after a decent frying pan for the camping kit. Apart from the baked-in remains of either a big breakfast or a corned beef hash, it looked fine. "Right, I'm having that" I said. "You what?" was Robs’ response.

He was used to his dad’s slightly Wombles of Wimbledon Common approach to dirty camping refuse, but this was a step too far. "But it’s caked with crap!". "Nonsense," says I "5 mins with the chain mail scourer and we can use it for lunch."

Definitely thinking his old man had finally gone completely nuts, Robs resigned himself to the inevitable, and the boat was put in, complete with paddles, dunk kit, lunch bag and a minging stainless steel frying pan with 1cm of baked-on corned beef hash …

What we thought would be 2–3km of gentle down river turned out to be some serious fun.

Fallen trees made us manoeuvre furiously and a peak speed of 16kph, plus a few expletives, gave us a bit of mild whitewater that we were not expecting. Thoughts of exploring the eastern islands were left behind as we were spat past them and popped out into the eastern end of the reservoir, exhilarated and a bit chastised that

we hadn't recced it a bit more. Still, a nice view of Schiehallion and we got the lining in that Robs needed for his logbook.

Then came The African Queen pt 1, where we decided to recce the put-out onto the B846. It quickly started to resemble some of the English waterway bloggs that I've been enjoying of late, dodging trees and ducking branches.

Put-out recced (and by now the Kinloch Rannoch road was very busy), we paddled across the main loch, with Schiehallion dominating the views and the hills to the west sprinkled with snow.

The limitations of my waterproof camera were apparent after the trip, as none of the far distance photos do the day justice. A phone camera or SLR with a glare filter would have sorted that.

Dunalastair Water itself was a bit boring and, apart from the chopped trunks and roots of longdead trees submerged in 1–1.5m of water, it was just another bit of paddling into wind (as ever!).

Towards the east end we saw how the Tummel exited, with a delightful Hansel and Gretel cottage on the bank.

The next section was truly stunning. With a very easy flow we entered an almost secret den of steep hillsides, a baronial mansion and a "Creature from the Black Lagoon" lagoon.

Definitely time for lunch. I'd brought some venison sausages and the Ray Mears' damper recipe, and I politely suggested that Robs clean the gunkedup frying pan while I made the damper. Normally a thoroughly engaging team player, I did discern a slight "wtf" as Robs stomped off to the water’s edge with someone else's minging breakfast pan and a scourer. 30 minutes later the damper was cooked and the venison sausages were on.

Preparing, cooking, eating and digesting, plus numerous cups of coffee took a good few hours, and we were enjoying ourselves in our Baronial/ Black Lagoon/Ray Mears cookfest indulgence. We really didn't want to leave, however, with bellies full of sausage, damper and coffee, we lumbered back to the boat and explored the small island and the gorge on the way to the dam.

I can only imagine how good the fishing would be, even if it would be slightly illegal. I suppose Map data ©2021 Google

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IN FLYING TERMS, A "SUCKERS’ GAP” IS A HOLE IN THE CLOUDS THAT YOU FLY INTO HOPING TO ESCAPE. I AM NOW GOING TO USE THE TERM "SUCKERS’ LAGOON" WHICH IS A LAGOON YOU ENTER IN THE HOPE IT WILL LEAD YOU TO YOUR DESTINATION. 24 |

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a licence could be purchased. As a spot to wild camp it would be superb and we may head back.

Unless the estate owners on the north shore trek out of their mansion, or someone uses a boat, no one would ever know you were there.

An easy paddle upstream brought us into the main loch and for a moment we had the wind on our tail and easy progress was made. Then the wind veered and we had an annoying cross wind that gave a bit of chop. The boat was fine, but it was definitely an unpleasant motion and I wondered if a bit of mal-de-mere might follow the venison sausages. Mercifully we reached the northeast corner and the sheltering reefs and islands.

Robs spotted a narrow channel through the reeds and decided that there was a short cut to be had. We paddled along it and out into a smaller lagoon. In flying terms, a "suckers’ gap” is a hole in the clouds that you fly into hoping to escape. I am now going to use the term "suckers’ lagoon" which is a lagoon you enter in the hope it will lead you to your destination. Reeds and mud and an emphatic grounding brought Robs' short cut to a halt. "We can get out and line," he said confidently. Looking overboard I saw nothing but thick, oozing mud and it was my turn to be the petulant teenager.

"WTF – I'm not stepping into that." So I laid back and told him that he could drag me and the boat if he wanted, or we could turn back.

No, he was determined. So in a classic reenactment of The African Queen, with Robs as Humphrey Bogart and me as Katherine Hepburn, he sank, hauled, slimed, pulled and hauled the boat and his 80kg+ old man through the reeds and mud using a definite "I'm proving you wrong" youthful defiance. And he made it! I ate humble pie (so well fed on this trip...) and he had a double serving of smugness.

Suddenly we were alongside the road and the get-out. I walked the 2km back to the car park, where I was expecting to see the entire population of Perth and Dundee but was quite surprised to see only one other car. Apart from the almost impossibility of getting back upriver (perhaps after a 3-month drought), it is a good spot to park. Plus you may find more cooking utensils. I’m hoping for a set of Le Creuset pans next, or even a larger Petromax Dutch Oven.

Littering scum please hear my pleas – I'm also after a larger waterproof picnic rug if you would be so kind as to dump one rather than carry it the 2m back to your car …

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COACH PROFILE

Thomas Power PERFORMANCE TEAM THOMAS POWER IS CANOE WALES HEAD COACH AND INTERIM PERFORMANCE MANAGER. HE STARTED PADDLING AT 7, HAS WON THE WELSH CHAMPS, COACHED AT LLANDYSUL PADDLERS AND STILL LOVES BEING ON THE WATER. Where did you start paddling? In Middlesbrough, I used to paddle on the Tees or Hemlington Lake and always went paddling on holidays to the Lake District.

What types of paddling do you enjoy? Most of my time as a junior was spent racing

that I paddled every week for probably the

wanted to give back to a club that did a lot

next 10 years.

for me as a paddler. It was only supposed

What do you enjoy about slalom? It has to be the challenge of mastering the water.

Favourite slalom course? Bratislava, Slovakia To what level did you compete? I was

to be a summer job, but I stayed there for 3 years! I loved helping the paddlers develop and seeing their progress made it difficult to move on.

slalom, but now I just like being out on the

promoted to Premier division as a J16 and

water whether that's in slalom boat or on

had a few top Junior finishes in Premier

taught me the most as a paddler was Bob

rivers in S Wales. I’ve also been getting out

ranking races.However, I didn’t go onto

Ratcliffe. The paddler I enjoy watching is

in a sprint boat more and I’m enjoying the

race for GB and had a break from paddling

challenge of learning a new discipline.

whilst at university. After graduation I

How did you get into slalom? My dad bumped into Don Raspin (Tees Kayak Club) whilst out surfing at Saltburn and he asked if he had any juniors interesting in slalom. At

started racing again whilst working at Llandysul Paddlers and went on to win the Senior Welsh champs.

Why did you change from paddler to coach?

the time I paddled a lot as part of Wilton

After graduating from uni I went to work at

Scouts, so a group of us went down for a

Llandysul Paddlers with the aim of helping

taster session at the Tees Barrage. After

to develop some junior slalom paddlers; I

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Who was your inspiration? The coach that

Jiri Prskavec.

Favourite food? Tough choice as I love food, but I do enjoy pizza.

Favourite subject in school? Has to chemistry … considering I was chemistry teacher!

PROFILE:

JONATHAN DAVIES, TALENT PATHWAY OFFICER

C L UB N E W S

Canoe Wales

Club News

This section focuses on our clubs. It includes updates, info, guides and general club news. We'll also publish a club profile each issue. This time it's slightly different as it features a university club; Swansea University Canoe Club.

We're open to suggestions as to what to include. So, what club guides would you like to see? What “how to” videos should we post on our YouTube channel (canoewales.com/ youtube)? Let us know your thoughts and ideas about how we can best support your club and its volunteers – email admin@ canoewales.com or message us on: Facebook.com/canoewales

BE ACTIVE WALES

WELSH SUCCESS AT POLO NATIONAL CHAMPS

Congratulations to Pembrokeshire Paddlers and Bala Canoe Club who were both recently awarded Be Active Wales grants. They both applied for Progress funds, which are designed to help progress sport to the next step and support long-term sustainability.

If your club is interested in sourcing an applying for funding Canoe Wales is always available for support and advice. Contact: alistair.dickson@canoewales.com

Canoe polo was finally back on the competition calendar this year, with the National Champs being held in August in Nottingham. Over 400 paddlers took part, with teams from Aberfan, Bridgend and Dragon Canoe Clubs competing for the Open and Women’s national trophies.

The Open competition started with a group format made up of teams seeded by previous experience and league results. Once everyone had played each other within the group, each team was entered into the Cup, Plate, Bowl or Shield events for a knockout round.

Dragon placed 3rd in the Cup with a youthful Bridgend Sharks team taking 4th place. The Dragon B Team achieved 8th place in the Plate, with Dragon Ravens taking 4th place in the Shield and Aberfan securing 1st place in the Bowl. Bridgend Youth took 4th place in the Bowl and 2nd in the Youth division.

The next Welsh polo competition is planned for 11 Sept 2021 at Taff Bargoed and the Welsh development youth initiative is due to restart in October – see the Canoe Bridgend Youth Wales Polo Facebook page for details.

AMLWCH CANOE CLUB GO PADDLING MONTH JULY 2021 Our club’s Go Paddling session was held on an overcast Sunday morning in July, however, the clouds didn’t deter the participants.

Club members, their friends and family, and members of the public, came to try all the different watercraft we have.

The event had generated a huge amount of interest and requests, so many that we had to put a ‘cap’ on numbers. This was also to ensure we were in-line with Covid requirements.

We had tried to ‘stagger’ the timing and have a booking system whereby people came for a period then left the water. However, everyone was having such a good time we abandoned the timings and just managed the situation!

Social distancing was maintained but it was hard work, especially as there were so many people falling off SUP’s etc.

On offer (from the club’s fleet) were three open canoes, all our general-purpose kayaks and sea kayaks, sit-on-tops and SUPs. Club members also brought some of their own equipment (very kindly), allowing complete strangers and novices to use it.

The event was held in Cemaes Bay and we worked on an incoming tide. So, after 4 hours the turn of the tide made a natural finish to the session; the 40+ people had enjoyed a thoroughly brilliant morning. And the event did generate interest from potential new members.

I must admit there was one downside; we did have three families cancel at very short notice and this denied three families

on the ‘reserve list’ the opportunity to Go Paddle. If anyone out there is planning a similar event it might be worthwhile when advertising to have a contingency for this e.g., a reserves list of families/paddlers who can attend at very short notice via a phone/ email/text and make it clear on your booking system that a short notice cancellation can have a knock on effect.

Although July is the designated Go Paddle Month the response we had got us thinking (always dangerous) … and we may put another event on at the end of summer.

Gwynfor Jones, our new Chair, came through his first event with flying colours. From a Club perspective he had everyone in place at the right time.

Phil Edwards, Amlwch Canoe Club

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C L UB P R O F I L E

Swansea University Canoe Club

S

wansea University Canoe Club has been around since the 1980s. Over time the club has developed to the point where we are now a Gold Level sporting club and we welcome anyone and everyone from pro-kayakers to complete beginners.

We have a range of disciplines which means no matter what type of person you are, you’ll find something you enjoy at the club. We can also accommodate a range of experience levels, such as teaching the basics of how to kayak, gaining skills for life, impressing friends and family, and harder river running. On top of that you could have fun competing against other people whether that's in an individual sport such as canoe slalom or a team sport such as canoe polo.

At the club we also try our best to give back to the community, by doing litter picks, raising awareness and money for good causes.

The club is also great for allowing people to relax between work and providing downtime, as we have plenty of different social events for every individual. Our aim as a club is to have fun and be as welcoming as possible.

RIVER Running as many trips as possible is a priority for the club, and it has worked out well so far. Anything from a quick play at Morriston Weir, a run of the Neath, or all the way to the French Alps, we make sure that there are trips for all abilities. But before anyone (even if they are on the GB polo team) can join us on the water, they need to complete the swim test, which includes swimming 50 metres and exiting out of a capsized kayak. Once this formality is out of the way, it's on with the fun!

In the first couple of weeks of the year a trip to Morriston Weir is organised, where new members can run the weir (sometimes backwards) while the experienced paddlers can go down without even holding their paddle. Once the weir is run, we then float on down to where the polo nets are set up, and the freshers can see what all the fuss is about.

A few more training sessions where we make sure that people can actually paddle in a straight line (or where the more flashy paddlers show off their skills) and we get out onto the local rivers, such as the Usk, Ogmore and Neath. This is where people can get their first real taste of what river running is all about, and hopefully not get cold in the process.

As the year progresses more options open up for people. The better paddlers will be invited to rivers like the Middle Tawe, and everyone is given the opportunity to paddle not only on rivers, but also surf. The Gower peninsula is great for this, as the surfing opportunities are constant and amazing quality.

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At the end of the year the better paddlers in the club may decide to take a trip to the French Alps, for some amazing whitewater, even if sometimes people swim and seriously dent a boat. But mostly things go smoothly, and everyone can enjoy the hot weather and cool (some say freezing) water.

SLALOM At Swansea slalom is a new part of the club that we are looking to invest more time, money and encouragement into. More of our members are trying the sport following our recent successes at British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) Canoe Slalom and with the increase in the sport’s popularity, especially due to competitions such as the Olympics, the World/European Championships and BUCS. Last year our club at Swansea University competed at BUCS 2019–2020 (before lockdown) and placed 4th, which is the best result Swansea University has ever had at this event. As a club we hope to continue competing at BUCS to encourage whitewater confidence, gain essential paddling skills and enjoy an individual and team competitive sport. To continue to encourage new paddlers to take part in the sport and to make it more widely available, our club has invested in club slalom boats and spraydecks to ensure that everyone can get involved and train at Llandysul, whilst accommodating a range of paddlers no matter what their experience level.

As the club continues to compete at BUCS canoe slalom we also look to welcome more and more slalom paddlers to the club, allowing them to coach slalom at the club and have fun competing

in the sport as they get the chance to represent the club and university. This is a big change for the club and we hope that we can continue to introduce more and more people to canoe slalom, showing people just how fun it can be.

CANOE POLO Canoe polo has been a big focus at Swansea University, with a team entering in competitions of varying levels for a range of people including Men’s (or A-Team), Women’s, Old Boys and B-Team leagues.

We focus on having fun and learning, encouraging everyone to try out the sport and join one of our teams, no matter what level of paddling experience.

Canoe polo at Swansea University is always looking to be improved with new paddlers coming year upon year, bringing their own ideas and enjoying their time playing the sport, with a love for canoe polo. We also look to improve canoe polo by investing into the sport such as recently buying new boats and paddles and we are hoping to invest in new spraydecks and balls.

These improvements have allowed us to see success in our competitions. Some of these successes include: » In the 2018–2019 Cardiff University Canoe Polo Competition our A-Team placed 1st in the competition and later in the year received our best ever result at BUCS polo. » In the 2019–2020 season we competed in the South West University Polo League with our A-Team continuing to do well, placing 1st at the competition in a close final. We also saw our B-Team place 2nd and the Women's team place 4th.

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» Finally, this year we took part in BUCS Canoe Polo 2020–2021, finishing 2nd in the Open Division (in a close final against Nottingham University) and 9th in the Women’s League. This is our best result at BUCS and the team are very proud of how well we played together, especially with the difficult year impacting training, particularly on new paddlers on the teams.

In addition to this Welsh Universities also saw some more great results at Cardiff University with both of their teams coming 3rd at BUCS Canoe Polo 2020–2021 in the Open League and the Women’s League too.

FUNDRAISING The canoe club attempts to give back to the surrounding community as much as possible, raising money for charity and repaying those that help the canoeing community such as the RNLI and mountain rescue. Both of these can have a major impact on the safety of the canoe club and are fully funded by charitable donations, which means that by clubs like ours raising money and awareness for these services, they can continue their important work as they are not government funded as most would believe.

In 2019–2020 we raised money for the RNLI. Due to the global pandemic the club’s trip to the French Alps was cancelled and instead we decided to make the best of the situation. We attempted to travel the distance from Swansea to our destination in the Alps but by human powered transportation such as walking, running, cycling, kayaking, climbing etc. We were aiming to travel 907 miles over 10 days and raise as much money for the RNLI as possible. By the end of the 10 days we had travelled 1095 miles and raised £634.

This year we had a very unfortunate accident where one of the members of the kayak club sustained a bad back injury whilst kayaking and had to be airlifted to hospital, with the aid of mountain

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rescue. This incident was a real eye-opener for the club, showing just how lucky we are to have these services in place, as well as how important the health and safety courses we complete are.

To repay the mountain rescue services the club organised a charity walk. We walked in small groups and together covered a total of 468km, which was 3 times the distance flown by the helicopter during the airlift to the hospital. Once this walk was completed we also ran a club raffle, which brought the total amount raised to £2,000. All of this went to the mountain rescue team.

On top of raising money for causes that relate to the kayak club, we also raise money for other charities, such as Movember, to raise awareness for men’s health. Over the last two years at the canoe club we have raised an impressive £2,136 for Movember and are looking to keep increasing the total for years to come. We always welcome more ideas for charities and great causes to raise money and awareness for.

SOCIALS The social aspect of a canoe club is often overlooked by most clubs, however, this is a major aspect of our club and we believe that it is important to help the club thrive.

Socials do this by creating bonds between the key members – such as committee members, and the safety team. They also provide an excellent way for new paddlers and prospective members to interact with the current club members and get to know them, which helps with confidence on the river.

Depending on the type of social, they can also be an excellent

way to raise some money for the club or a charity of choice, by buying drinks and/or BBQ ingredients in bulk and slightly increasing attendance costs to turn a profit.

At the club we have weekly socials ranging from pub crawls to beach BBQ's and punch parties. And that’s just in the first few weeks.

Of course not everyone fits the student stereotype, so naturally we need sober socials too. This gives us great opportunities to do activities such as cinema, mini-golf and active fundraisers.

COURSES At the club we offer members a range of courses and qualifications throughout the year to help improve their existing skills and learn new ones. We use a number of local and experienced instructors to deliver certified courses in both kayaking and other outdoor skills.

Each year we run at least one BC Whitewater Safety and Rescue course to help train up the safety team, and with enough interest we organise the BC 3–5 Star awards. Outdoor first aid courses are also available throughout the year to anyone with an interest in improving or refreshing their first aid skills. These are subsidised by the university, thus keeping costs down. The university also offers free courses aimed at mental health in sport. These can be especially useful for members of the committee who will be in regular contact with club members.

In addition we are always looking to widen the range of courses that we perform and meet the needs of our club members. If there is a course that members are interested in, we will try to organise it for them and also try to reduce the costs as much as possible.

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A YEAR (AND A BIT!) IN THE LIFE OF A …

#SHEPADDLES AMBASSADOR!

ARTICLE: CL ARE RUTTER – 2020/21 BRITISH CANOEING # S H E P A D D L E S A M B A S S A D O R F O R C A N O E WA L E S

W

OW – what a journey it’s been! An amazing, crazy, wild, awesome, epic adventure! Never did I imagine at the beginning of 2020 my life would be zoomed into fast forward with little time for pause or rewind. Let’s head back in time to early March 2020; British Canoeing and Canoe Wales advertised for a volunteer #ShePaddles Ambassador, someone who could promote and shout about paddlesport for women, to drive interest and get more women and girls into paddlesport. The numbers were low at less than 3 in 10 paddlers being women. I’d already seen former Development Officer Gayle Penn’s #ShePaddles presentation at the Canoe Wales AGM the year before and immediately resonated with the concept of an all-female, femaleled movement; supporting and encouraging each other, reducing or removing identified barriers against paddlesport participation such as lack of confidence, finance and perhaps childcare issues.

Growing up in the 80s I became aware of stereotypes against women and girls but I believed that women could and should do what they wanted to do and be who they wanted to be. I knew I could commit to challenging perceptions and assumptions by standing strong, being an enthusiastic voice, a supporter, a promoter, motivator and opinion shifter – so I applied for the role.

To my delight, I received a call from Gayle in April 2020 to say that I’d been selected if I’d like to accept? OF COURSE – YES!! I was over the moon but had to keep it quiet for a whole two weeks – absolute torture! By this point we were well into our first Covid-19 ‘Stay at Home’ lockdown. How was I supposed to promote paddlesport to women and girls and get them out paddling in a lockdown? Hmmm… well here’s the highlights of how it went …

MAY 1st May – the day it was revealed that I was the first ever British Canoeing #ShePaddles Ambassador for Canoe Wales! The night before I was full of nerves but also excited anticipation for the huge adventure ahead of me. The release went out and then DRRR, BEEP, DING – my phone was going mad! Congratulations! Just heard the news! You’re going to be fab! Eeeeek, the pressure was now on. I didn’t really know how or what I was going to do but with my extensive history in volunteering I knew I had what it would take to battle an epidemic. Then came the first online meeting with Gayle and Jen Rigby, Canoe Wales Membership and Communications Officer. I needed to know what they saw me doing with the role. They said ‘Clare if you have the ideas, we’ll make them happen.’ This was awesome!

As the first Ambassador for Wales, there was no benchmark, there was no bar so I had to create one. I suggested a Facebook group be set up, a place where women could network, share ideas, knowledge and paddle locations – SORTED. Later that day it was up and running.

Within a couple of weeks we had a whole 25 members. It had slowed down and stopped but then BOOM! It took off. Over a year later, at

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the last count, we’re at well over 2000 members in an inspiring, wonderful, supportive and vibrant community of ladies and male supporters and it just keeps growing by the day!

JUNE Next came a lowering of restrictions from ‘Stay at Home’ to ‘Stay Local’. Great news. I’d not long taken delivery of my first ever SUP and it was time to give it a dunk. It was the first paddle in I couldn’t even remember how long. WAY TOO LONG! Such an amazing feeling being back on the water, taking in the views that I’d pined to see in what seemed like forever. The freedom was so liberating that I hit the water again the next day too. And the next … and the next! Around midJune, my frequent #ShePaddles social media posts were starting to grab attention far and wide, from my posts and videos on mindfulness and mental health, paddleboarding with dolphins , weekly discussion posts, #ShePaddlesSaturday and raising awareness on topics such as litter pollution. I was asked to write a blog on paddling for ‘West is Best Wales’. This was followed by another request, this time a video blog from ‘Scoutadelic’ (see ‘Media Links’).

JULY Fast forward to early July, the ‘Stay Local’ 5-mile ruling was due to be removed. I’d posted on the Facebook group that I was heading to New Quay (West Wales) for a paddle and asked if anyone would like to join me. Some answered straight away that they’d be there and that they couldn’t wait. Gayle was soon on the phone to me saying that there were ladies interested but didn’t have any of their own equipment and asked if I could help out. I spoke to Jet Moore, my boss at Adventure Beyond, and asked if I could borrow some equipment. It was no issue, so I rocked up on the day with the works van filled with kayaks, stand up paddleboards, wetsuits, buoyancy aids and helmets. There we gathered, with none of us having met before, introduced ourselves and with sheer glee and excitement got ready for the water. The energy of those ladies was phenomenal! Such an atmosphere, so many laughs and smiles and on such a beautiful, sunny evening with a flat calm sea. We all got on like we’d known each other our whole lives, memories were most definitely made. As the sun set, we chatted about the experience.

As the kit went away and ladies dispersed, it was just myself, Gayle and Michelle Lee (now #ShePaddlesCymru volunteer staff team member), we were just grinning, and then grinned some more.

There were no words but then they fell out. Amazing! Fantastic!

Incredible! Awesome! Epic! Then came the words that changed everything. I said, “We should go on tour with this!” And that’s exactly what we did. Action stations! Gayle got onto the paperwork and I got onto sourcing some gear and getting a plan together – this was actually happening and it was so exciting. Within three days, we had everything in place that we needed to run the event and a week to

SUP Fest 21 Chelmarsh

Jon Gill

the day later, we were in North Dock, Llanelli delivering our first ever official ‘On Tour’ event, giving a taster session in canoes, kayaks and SUPS. And it was fully booked too. It was a resounding success!

AUGUST After the success of New Quay and Llanelli, there was no way that we couldn’t carry on. I launched a poll on the Facebook group, which now had over 400 members, to see where in Wales they wanted us to go. The results showed clear areas where what we were offering was in demand. Together with Canoe Wales, a schedule was soon drawn up and plans for the same process were put in place with more sessions, more instructors and more kit, to enable even more women and girls to take part. Life juggling work, family life and other volunteering commitments quickly became very busy and became a life on the road, delivering across Wales. Such epic road trips and in this month alone we ran events at Cardiff, Llanberis and Swansea.

It was so tiring but I was constantly grinning from ear to ear. What a marvellous, soul satisfying feeling and thing we’d created.

SEPTEMBER As summer drew to a close, we took our events to Bala and Llandysul but with Covid-19 once again drawing in in the form of local lockdowns, it was fingers crossed that we could continue to operate.

OCTOBER As the leaves began to fall, there was no let up in our efforts. Next up was the Grand Finale Expedition to celebrate a magnificent year. The expedition was originally due to be a 4-day event on the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal but local lockdowns were gathering pace. Ladies started dropping out so we reduced it to a one-day paddle. It was amazing! There were multiple crafts represented and so heart-warming to see everyone helping each other along and providing words of encouragement. Those 10 miles

2020 Grand Finale Expedition on the Mon and Brec Canal

were a lot for some but they made it and were proud to have done so.

Next came a request from ITV Wales News to do a live interview so I met with Lydia Wilford, Talent Pathway Officer, at Cosmeston Lake. Two minutes goes fast when you’re live; blink and you’d miss it!

Fast but great fun, a fantastic experience and yes, my phone went a little crazy again. A good job it was on silent!

NOVEMBER I learned I’d been nominated for not one but two Canoe Wales awards; Coach of the Year and Volunteer of the Year. This little lady from the depths of rural West Wales was not used to things like this!

I was so happy to have won the Canoe Wales Alan Baker Volunteer of the Year Award, that was a really special honour and I’m so proud every time I see it.

TV beckoned yet again, well internet actually. Word came from British Canoeing that Kendal Mountain Festival wanted to interview me live online. Wow! The opportunities just got better and better.

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Not only that, but I was to be interviewed by my personal idols Cal Major and Chris Brain! Off I went with a ‘Permission to Travel in England’ form due to their lockdown rules and stopped off for a fantastic informal meet arranged through the Facebook group with some of the #ShePaddlesCymru ladies and had a great paddle on the Llangollen canal. Next day, I had a nice paddle on Lake Coniston near the film studios and felt nicely relaxed for meeting my idols and, to my surprise, Sal Montgomery who I’d actually thought was appearing through video stream! Well, all that plus the hot studio lights and the free mug was too much to handle and I was a little rosy throughout but another amazing experience speaking live online.

Canoe Wales Volunteer of the Year!

DECEMBER This was a reasonably quiet month, I managed to get in a few of my own paddles on good weather days and there was a team of us at various locations representing #ShePaddlesCymru at the Pride Sports Festive 5K. Pretty well, soon after that we were yet again back in to another long lockdown.

2021 – JANUARY Definitely a month for keeping the discussions going and sharing ideas on the Facebook group. We couldn’t paddle but nobody could stop us talking or thinking about it. We spoke about future paddling plans and some of the often-baffling paddlesport abbreviations and terminology.

#ShePaddlesCymru On Tour lands in Barry

On Tour about to launch in Swansea Paddling Bala Lake with Jo Moseley and Caz Dawson

FEBRUARY An LGBTQ+ month for me. British Canoeing requested an interview for LGBT History Month which was followed up by Wales’s LGBTQ+ magazine ‘Reach Out’ and the first time (that I’m aware of) that I’ve been translated into Welsh! Still in lockdown, the Facebook conversations continued with subjects such as food and nutrition, paddle gadgets and accessories and qualifications, training and awards.

MARCH This month was quite a varied month, with a bit of media stuff thrown in. I’d proposed trialling a #ShePaddlesCymru video meeting, it happened and went down a treat. With several members joining we spoke about our paddling, our plans for 2021 and had a great presentation from Arwen Skinner on being a Canoe Wales Young Volunteer.

British Canoeing and Black Dog Outdoors (who I also volunteer with) asked me to be involved to be in a video project as part of a week of webinars. Ours was on paddlesport for mental health - such a great project to work on and really pushed my presenting and video editing skills.

March also brought about two of my articles being published, ‘The Explosive Rise of #ShePaddlesCymru’ in The Paddler magazine and in Adventure She (see ‘Media Links’).

And…we could finally get back to paddling again - YAY! APRIL This was now the time for getting back to being paddle fit for another busy season with Adventure Beyond and #ShePaddlesCymru. As #ShePaddles Ambassadors, we were told that our roles were to be extended to the end of August due to the global pandemic. Every cloud…

MAY Our first On Tour 2021 event of the year came round fast! A great day in canoes, kayaks and SUPs back at Llandysul Paddlers.

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Another boundary pusher for me. This time I had to speak for a whole 45 minutes with 2019 #ShePaddles Ambassador, World Record Holder (first woman to SUP coast to coast) and generally an all-round legend in my eyes; Jo Moseley for her ‘The Joy of SUP Podcast’ (see ‘Media Links’). A fantastic experience that drew a lot of attention to #ShePaddlesCymru and the Facebook group join requests went a little bit mad again for a while!

JUNE Unfortunately, Gayle, the Queen of #ShePaddlesCymru, left for pastures new and in came Lydia Wilford as replacement. Onwards, we delivered our next On Tour 2021 events at Swansea and Llanberis.

Having heard of my brain injury journey online, SUP Mag UK and Intrepid Magazine asked for articles and SUP Mag UK requested one of my top paddle spots for a staycation piece (see ‘Media Links’).

June also saw me take in a paddle with Caz Dawson (SUP_Lass) together with Jo Moseley for a book Jo’s writing on great UK SUP locations. We had a fantastic 10k paddle around Llyn Tegid plus a nice cup of tea by Kelly kettle and of course, cake!

JULY We headed to Swiss Valley Reservoir to continue On Tour 2021, a beautiful location and a new one for us, as was our Cardiff date which was held at Lake Cosmeston. I did Go Paddling month with style and variety with our events, another three paddles hosting Jo Moseley for her West Wales section of her book and taught TV presenter Ruth Dodsworth how to SUP at Porthcawl for the ITV Wales Coast and Country programme (see ‘Media Links’). This is without a doubt, my favourite TV job! Ruth is a genuinely lovely person and I’ve totally got her hooked on paddle boarding. Win! AUGUST Had a fantastic day at Holme Pierrepont, Nottingham finally meeting some of my fellow #ShePaddles Ambassadors and together we had a canoe polo introduction session. We’d never met before but due to so many video calls it was like we’d always met in person apart. After a BBQ lunch, I headed for SUP Fest 21 at Chelmarsh Reservoir where I’d been invited to be a guest speaker giving my talk ‘From Stick to SUP: Clare’s Journey’, my inspirational journey from brain injury to stand up paddleboarding instructor. And of course, a #ShePaddles Ambassador!

And so, WOW … I said I’d go big or go home, I think I even surprised myself! The pandemic has a lot to answer for but it is also the reason that many things #ShePaddles and #ShePaddlesCymru came about.

So, what’s next for me?

I’ll be taking a well-deserved short break from public life before embarking on exciting new directions, endeavours, promotions, offers and opportunities. I will however, forever be a #ShePaddles ambassador at heart and a #ShePaddles volunteer, supporter & promoter. I’ve had an amazing time where I’ve aimed to inspire women and girls to begin, develop and progress in paddlesport with our Facebook group, #ShePaddlesCymru On Tour 2020 (fully booked) and 2021 programmes, promoted #ShePaddlesSaturday, my 60+ weekly posts, helped mould the #ShePaddlesCymru merchandise range and a whole load of video, audio, TV and internet projects ‘shouting about’ what I love to do most; PADDLING!! I’ve had so much fun, had epic road trips, met some amazing people, formed a whole new friends network, learned so much, gained more confidence, pushed my boundaries and

On Tour in the sun in Llanberis

Jo Moseley, Sarah Blackwell and Clare Rutter

developed myself into the person who I’m proud to be today. Thank you to everyone however much or little you’ve been involved, near or far, to my sponsors Adventure Beyond and Moose Paddle Clothing and my supporters who helped me shout about #ShePaddlesCymru far and wide.

I look forward to handing over to the next cohort of incredible female Ambassadors. This is not the end … this is just the beginning! See you on the water!

FIND OUT MORE

CLARE: Facebook: clarerutter.DBA Twitter.com: Clare_Rutter Instagram: clare_rutter.ba.hons Web: www.clarerutter.com Media/Guest Speaker Enquiries for sessions/clubs/events: email@clarerutter.com #SHEPADDLESCYMRU: Facebook #ShePaddles Cymru www.canoewales.com/ shepaddlescymru

MEDIA LINKS

Canoe Wales Shop – www.bit.ly/38rSEPu #ShePaddles: About – www.bit.ly/3gMvsjl #ShePaddles: What is it all about? – www.bit.ly/2WAWKCM West is Best Wales – www.bit.ly/2WzzLYd Scoutadelic – www.bit.ly/2WIwDcX The Joy of SUP Podcast – www.jomoseley.com British Canoeing LGBTQ+ Interview – www.bit.ly/38sEi1p British Canoeing/Black Dog Outdoors – www.bit.ly/3mR614g The Paddler International Magazine – www.bit.ly/2WHVSLX SUP Mag UK – www.bit.ly/3zBmAED Intrepid Magazine – www.bit.ly/38x3S5b ITV Wales Coast & Country – www.bit.ly/3Bt68XI

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Francis Huntingford (U23) racing to overall victory

FBOR'21

The Fishguard Bay Ocean Race (FBOR) has run every year since 2016, challenging paddlers of ocean skis, SUPs and prone boards with 17km of superbly challenging, open-sea paddling off the coast of North Pembrokeshire.

ARTICLE: BENJAMIN EDOM

FBOR’21 was run on the 31 July and 1 August, with the elite race held for the UK’s fastest, and the familiar open race for competent intermediate and advanced paddlers. This year’s event was a huge step forward with more than 60 competitors lined up to challenge themselves and each other to be the fastest from Goodwick to Newport Sands.

DAY 1 ELITE RACE

Dragon Wave Trophy

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FBOR’21 had rapidly evolved into a bigger event than previous years, incorporating both the Welsh Ocean Ski National Championships and the final selection race for the GB Ocean Racing Team (who would be competing at the European

Championships). All this with just weeks to plan and organise the changes, order trophies, medals, etc.

It was clear that this would be different to previous years. For a start, compared to the one elite lady paddler in 2020, we had 12 female athletes entered, half of them Under 18! In addition, every athlete in the elite field would be there to win, not just be happy to get around the course.

The boat drop-off at Goodwick was from 8am, while drivers took their vehicles to Newport SLSC car park, many catching the 9am bus we had laid on for them. As most of the registration protocols had been completed online, there only remained

a safety equipment inspection before handing out numbered bibs. Yellow for the U18 and U23, orange for senior (over 23) and para competitors.

With the start at 12 (to catch the tide), the long wait was eased by the Ocean Lab Cafe kindly opening early and offering breakfasts and snacks.

PARTY ATMOSPHERE The atmosphere intensified with the arrival of the support RIBs. Paddlers began checking their ski and paddle settings, and discussing how last week’s westerly gale might effect conditions.

Then it was final briefing and warm-up time, with the athletes gathering themselves for 17km of maximum effort. Upwind for 3.5km, round a big yellow buoy, 10km downwind, landmarks for landfall on a small rocky turn-mark, then the 1500m sprint to the finish.

Briefing complete the athletes lined up for the start – and they were off! Matt Rowlands showed his ironman skills with a faultless jumpstart but Chis Carson’s U23 sprint discipline saw him pulling away from the fleet in the sheltered waters of Fishguard Harbour. Tight wash-riding in bunches of skis, focused and stretched to the max, keeping up the pace to stay in contention but trying to conserve energy for later. Around the breakwater Chris was still in the lead but Francis Huntingford (U23 ski specialist) and South African Andrew Burkett were already wearing down his margin.

Around the windward turn and Chris was still a whisker ahead. Then came the ladies, tight bunched, with seniors Fay Lamph and Lizzie Polgreen just staying ahead of the storm of U18’s headed by Rosie Edwards and Olivia Geddes; rounding in a flurry of blades, right in among many of the strong male paddlers.

Start of theand elite race Ben, Dane Jen.

Open crew celebrating after prize giving

DOWNWIND Now for the long downwind, using the light 14kt tailwind to ride the remains of the NW’ly swell for 10km. Racing past the rocky bastion of Dinas Head, on to Cerrig Edrywy (Druid’s Rock), and under Cemaes Head. Here, those hard-won surfing skills steadily paid off, catching wave by wave, swell by swell, linking runs together. As well as fitness and technique, every moment required focussed attention to keep balance and engage the blade most effectively in the ever-moving surface of the sea. Concentrating on harmonising every rhythm and effort with the timeless dance of the ocean.

By Dinas Head Francis had taken the lead from Chris, milking each wave to gain incremental metres. Fay was still holding her advantage with Rosie, Lizzie, Olivia, Anya Hocking and Ellie McCloy close behind.

To the casual watcher the two male paddlers near the back of the field were doing nothing to attract attention. However, Jonathan White

Anya Hocking (U18) racing a prone broad – a new class for 2021

Matt Rowlands – 2021 Welsh Ocean Ski National Champion

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John White – winner of the Para class

was wounded in the military, losing one arm and two legs, yet he still paddles and races ocean ski, marathon and sprint in standard kayaks.

Confounding sceptics and inspiring disabled and able-bodied paddlers, John has competed at major international events including the 2019 World Ocean Racing Championships.

After Dinas Head the wide expanse of Newport Bay opened up and the distant landmarks of Cemaes Head were easy to overlook; the first half-dozen paddlers swung 15 degrees too far south. But two paddlers had set a much wider course from before Dinas, catching the stronger tide and calculating the drift that would land them precisely at Cerrig Edrywy. Matt Rowlands and Drew Howells picked up around five places, being richly rewarded for their professional approach.

Francis was first around the rock, closely followed by Chris, Andrew Burkett and Matt, all keeping up a blistering pace. But who could raise their speed even further for that last aching 1500m to the finish? Then, embedded in the main male pack, the first ladies were turning, with Fay just ahead of Rosie, Lizzie, Olivia and Anya. It was too close to guess who might finish first.

TIGHT FINISH Rosie Edwards (U18) – winner of the Ladies class

Olivia Geddes (U18) sprinting to third place in the Ladies class

Drew Howells – winner of the U18 & U23 class

Spectators and timers on the beach watched as the final drama unfolded. Francis landed first in 01:11:11. Then Chris and Andrew, closely followed by the first Welshmen, Matt. Emerging star 16-year-old Drew Howells finished 6th, only 3 mins behind Francis.

The leading ladies showed even more action and excitement; Rosie had overtaken Fay with a boat-length to spare, with Lizzie, Olivia and Anya now neck-and-neck for third. Anya hit the beach a second before the others but ironwoman Olivia leapt out, sprinting through the shallows, claiming third place. This 17-year-old from Port Talbot, who paddled a beginner’s SLS ski until June, showed the race-winning attitude of champions.

FBOR awards its locally-crafted Dolphin Wave trophy for the first craft to finish, this year it went to Francis Huntingford for his richly-deserved success. The new Dragon Wave trophy went to Matt Rowlands as the 2021 Welsh Ocean Ski National Champion. This new trophy was crafted by blacksmith-artist Eifion Thomas of Dinas, from locally-grown oak felled 70 years ago.

DAY 2 OPEN RACE After the extreme competitiveness of Saturday’s event, you might expect racing over a shorter 13km course to be less interesting, however, we had a great line-up of SUPs and prone boards, and a good entry of advanced and intermediate skis. Plus the conditions were more technically challenging than for the elite race.

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Elite racers rounding the marker buoy

The wind had backed to nor’westerly and increased a little. Race officer Martin Barlow, himself a racing SUP paddler, agreed the course was quite feasible for boards and only needed a turning mark beyond the lighthouse for a better fetch to Dinas Head. His course briefing was simple: off Goodwick Beach, past the lighthouse and out to the yellow buoy, round Dinas Head then straight to Newport Sands, with the boards starting 10mins before the skis.

BOARDS FIRST The boards set off first and made an amazing pace, with the prones well up on the SUPs. Then it was time for the skis – everyone burning calories in a spectacular flurry of sprinting, led by young Drew Howells, with fellow Cardiff Bay kayakers Ben Ruddle and Olivia Geddes close behind. As other competitors eased into their rhythm the more experienced paddlers started to close the gap.

Passing the lighthouse Drew still held his commanding lead with Edward Evans from Aberporth a close second, followed by a tight pack of eight skis including U18’s Rosie and Olivia.

Further out U18 Sam Norton was leading all the boards on his prone, maintaining an astounding speed, with Ginnie Betts on SUP not far behind.

All into the headwind; a real test of strength, stamina and skill.

By the time the first athletes had reached the big yellow buoy, 2km beyond the lighthouse, the field had spread out. Drew was still maintaining a cracking pace and Sam Norton was making the best of his head start. Edward was also showing his

quality, pulling away from the rest of the field; the only athlete still in touch with Drew. Rosie was also steadily pulling clear, maintaining a well-controlled high speed that left most of the men in her wake.

CROSS WIND The next leg offered the challenge of a healthy beam wind and a meaningful swell over their port quarter, testing some paddler’s remounting ability but giving a good advantage to the more experienced and skilled.

Rounding Dinas Head the reflections of the NW’ly swell added to the fun, aiding the skilled and challenging others in new ways. But from here the wind was more or less behind, giving a rhythmic lift in speed for those with the energy left to raise their power and cadence to make the best of it.

Over the last few hundred metres there were some good waves for the leaders to catch. First on the beach was Drew, still maintaining power, cadence and good form after 01:02:24 of hard paddling. Then came Edward and Ben, all three from Wales, with Rosie taking a decisive 4th place, only 4:21 after Drew.

THANKS TO our race

officers Jeff and Martin, to all our volunteers; on RIBs, timing, catering and helping out in every way. It’s a team effort and it’s good to see that it gets better each year.

FIND OUT MORE

Race info and results at: www.fishguardoceanrace.uk

IT’S A WRAP So the Pembrokeshire Ocean Paddlers annual party was finished for another year. We were delighted to see so many happy faces at prize-giving and afterwards, with many requests for next year’s date! The dates for FBOR’22 will be announced when we’ve consulted the tide tables and all the other organisations involved to avoid clashes.

Francis Huntingford overall winner

Hope to see more of you on the water in 2022!

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SOME OF THE PHOTOS SUBMITTED FOR THIS YEAR'S COMP ...

ZOE BAINBRIDGE

A DAY ON THE CANAL, GOYTRE WHARF

DAVE JONES

TWO'S COMPANY ... MENAI STRAITS

PHOTO COMPETITION

OLIVER LLOYD

SKI SLOPE, CARDIFF WHITEWATER

Canoe Wales is giving you the chance to win some paddling goodies! All you have to do is send us your best paddlesport photos. They can be recreational, competition, training, relaxing … and any discipline. They just need to be paddlesport-related and taken in Wales (or clearly linked to Wales).

There are prizes for the top 3 photos. Prizes include a year’s free CW membership and a selection of Palm drybags.

The competition runs from 1 March to 1 October 2021, with the winners being published in the Winter issue of Ceufad.

For more details and to submit your photos: www.canoewales.com/photo-comp

KATIE OWEN

PEACEFUL PADDLE WITH FUDGE, LLŶN GWYNANT

WIN A YEARS FREE CW

MEMBERSHIP

& PADDLING

GOODIES