PACK WRATH TRAIL
CARDIFF CANOE CLUB
SEA KAYAKING IN THE LAND OF ICE AND FIRE
Ifod yn onest, un o'r rhannau mwyaf heriol o olygu Ceufad yw ceisio cwmpasu'r llu o badlfadau a disgyblaethau y mae ein chwaraeon yn eu cynnwys. Dau badlfad sydd erioed wedi serennu yn y cylchgrawn o'r blaen yw pacrafft a chaiac eistedd ar ben ... Roedd hynny tan y rhifyn hwn! Roedd yn wych cael erthyglau yn arddangos y ddau gwch anhygoel o amlbwrpas hyn. Gall Pacrafftiau agor lleoliadau anghysbell ac anhygyrch i anturiaethau caiacio anhygoel. Gall caiac eistedd ar ei ben agor byd padlo i newydd-ddyfodiaid. Mae'r ddau yn ychwanegiadau teilwng i'r cylchgrawn a gobeithio nad hwn fydd y tro olaf iddynt ymddangos.
Rydym yn derbyn cais yn achlysurol i gynnwys math penodol o badlfad ac rydym yn ceisio’n gorau i gydymffurfio, fodd bynnag, rydym yn dibynnu'n bennaf ar badlwyr yn ysgrifennu am eu teithiau, anturiaethau a digwyddiadau. Felly, os oes rhywbeth yr hoffech ei rannu gyda'r byd padlo yna rhowch fys i'r bysellfwrdd a'i anfon atom, ynghyd ag ychydig o luniau, a byddwn yn gwneud ein gorau i'w gyhoeddi. Efallai y bydd yn ysbrydoli rhywun i neidio mewn i gwch gwahanol neu badlo rywle newydd.
Vicky Barlow
To be honest, one of the most challenging parts of editing Ceufad is trying to cover the many paddlecrafts and disciplines that our sport encompasses. Two paddlecraft that have never starred in the magazine before are packrafts and sit on tops … that was until this issue! It was great to receive articles showcasing these two incredibly versatile boats. Packrafts can open up remote and inaccessible locations to amazing kayaking adventures. Sit on tops can open up the world of paddlesport to newcomers. Both are worthy additions to the magazine and hopefully it won’t be last time they feature.
We do receive the occasional request to feature a specific type of paddlecraft and we try out best to oblige, however, we mainly rely on paddlers writing about their trips, adventures and events. So, if there’s something you would like to share with the paddling world then put finger to keyboard and send it to us, along with a few photos, and we’ll do our best to publish it. It might just inspire someone to jump in a different boat or paddle somewhere new.
Vicky Barlow
Ceufad
Ed
ceufad@canoewales.com
Ceufad @CeufadGolygydd Ceufad yw cylchgrawn swyddogol Canŵ Cymru ac mae’n rhad ac am ddim i’w aelodau. Cynhyrchir y cynnwys gan Canŵ Cymru, ei aelodau a chyfranwyr eraill, felly nid yw’r safbwyntiau a fynegir o reidrwydd yn rhai Canŵ Cymru na golygydd y cylchgrawn. Cynhyrchir Ceufad bob chwarter yn y
Gwanwyn (Mawrth), Haf (Mehefin), Hydref (Medi) a'r Gaeaf (Rhagfyr)
RHIFYN NESAF: GAEAF DYDDIAD CAU:19 TACHWEDD
I gael gwybodaeth am DANYSGRIFIADAU, HYSBYSEBION a CHYFLWYNIADAU: www.canoewales.com/ceufad ceufad@canoewales.com
Ceufad @Ceufad
Editor Ceufad is the official magazine of Canoe Wales and is free to its members. Content is produced by Canoe Wales, its members and other contributors, so the views expressed are not necessarily those of Canoe Wales or the magazine’s editor. Ceufad is produced quarterly in:
(March), Summer (June), Autumn (Sept) and Winter (Dec)
4 Newyddion Canŵ Cymru
Gwybodaeth a diweddariadau fan Canŵ Cymru
6 Canoe Wales News
Info and updates from Canoe Wales
8 Y Darlun Mawr / The Big Picture
Afon Llugwy
9 Events
Paddlesport festivals, events and championships
10 Diogelu
Diweddariadau gan Ganŵ Cymru
11 Safeguarding
Updates from Canoe Wales
12 #SPC White Water Festival
The #SPC team take over the Tryweryn!
14 Cardiff Canoe Club
50 years of paddling
18 The Highs and Lows of a Training Camp
A week with the Welsh regional / talent squad at HPP
20 Pack Wrath Trail
A self-powered journey over land and water
28 #ShePaddles Cymru News
Getting more girl (guides!) on the water
30 Gear Guide
Sit on top kayaks
32 Sea Kayaking in the Land of Ice and Fire
Iceland’s annual Sea Kayak Festival
34 #SPC Summer Celebration
A two-day paddling extravaganza
36 T Fest 2023
Another stellar event from the T Fest team
Alistair Dickson Prif Weithredwr
TÎM GWASANAETHAU AELODAU
Andy Turton Rheolwr Hyfforddi
Val Ephraim Swyddog Gweinyddol
Suzanne Parkin Cynorthwyydd Llywodraethu ac Aelodaeth
Bonnie Armstrong Arweinydd Cyfathrebu a Marchnata
Paula McKenna Cydlynydd Cyfathrebu a Marchnata
Ellen Roberts Swyddog Cyllid
Phil Stone Rheolwr Lleoedd i Badlo
Mike Raine Arweinydd Amgylchedd a Chynaliadwyedd
Cath Sykes Swyddog Arweiniol Diogelu a Chydraddoldeb
Lydia Wilford Swyddog Datblygu
Emily Evans Arweinydd PAD/SUP
TÎM PERFFORMIAD
Nick Fowler-Rimell Rheolwr Perfformiad
Jonathan Davies Swyddog Llwybr Talent (Gogledd)
Gareth Bryant Swyddog Llwybr Talent (Gorllewin)
James Pigdon Swyddog Llwybr Talent (De)
Matt Robinson Hyfforddwr Sbrint
Giacomo Leighton Hyfforddwr Talent Slalom
Andrew Kettlewell Hyfforddwr Perfformiad Slalom
CYFARWYDDWYR
Kerry Chown Cadeirydd
Jet Moore Is-gadeirydd
Andy Booth Cyfarwyddwr Cyllid
Elsa Davies
Lowri Davies
Rhys Green
Alun Davies
Allan Binstead
Ruth Hall
Tanya Neilson
Dave Kohn-Hollins
David Eade
CYSYLLTWCH Â CANŴ CYMRU www.canoewales.com
admin@canoewales.com 01678 521 199
Canolfan Dŵr Gwyn Genedlaethol, Frongoch, Bala, Gwynedd, LL23 7NU
@canoewales
CWRS NEWYDD GAN GORFF GWOBRWYO CANŴIO PRYDAIN
Mae'r cwrs Cyflwyniad i Ddiogelwch Dŵr Gwyn wedi'i gynllunio i gefnogi padlwyr i ddod yn aelodau grŵp effeithiol ar ddŵr gradd 2. Mae'r cwrs undydd hwn yn addas i unrhyw un sy'n cychwyn ar eu taith padlo dŵr gwyn, sydd am archwilio rôl aelod effeithiol o'r grŵp a dysgu strategaethau syml a sgiliau diogel gall ddarparu'r offer i ddatrys problemau padlo cyffredin. Mae'r pynciau dan sylw yn cynnwys: dillad ac offer, yr amgylchedd dŵr gwyn, paratoi ar gyfer taith yr afon, technegau nofio a llawer mwy. Bydd padlwyr yn achub o'u hoff fad, a all gynnwys caiacau, canŵod a phadl fyrddau ar draed.
Mae angen i gyfranogwyr naill ai feddu ar y Wobr Perfformiad Personol y Corff Dyfarnu Canŵio Prydeinig perthnasol neu allu cyfatebol yn/ar eu hoff fad oherwydd yr amgylchedd padlo a'r rheolaeth cwch/bwrdd sy'n ofynnol i gwblhau'r cwrs.
Am fwy o fanylion: www.bit.ly/3OWq9zw
DISGOWNT MANWERTHWR NEWYDD I AELODAU CC!
Mae CC wedi sicrhau gostyngiad arall i’w haelodau, gyda smoc smoc gwneuthurwr gwisg newid eco.
Mae smoc smoc yn fusnes teuluol annibynnol sydd wedi'i leoli yng Ngogledd Cymru sydd wedi creu gwisg newid sy'n ymwybodol o'r amgylchedd, yn wydn ac yn gynnes. Mae'r smoc yn defnyddio bambŵ sy'n gyfeillgar i'r môr, gyda haen allanol polyester diddos.
Caiff aelodau CC ostyngiad o 15% ar yr holl smociau diddos gan ddefnyddio cod Canŵ11 Am fwy o fanylion ac i weld dewis llawn smoc smoc ewch i: www.smocsmoc.co.uk
PENODI EMILY EVANS YN ARWEINYDD CYMREIG NEWYDD PAD
Mae Canŵio Cymru yn falch iawn o gyhoeddi penodiad Emily Evans fel Arweinydd newydd Padl fyrddio ar Draed (PAD) Cymru.
Rôl newydd y Swyddog Arweiniol yw ymateb i'r statws cydnabyddiaeth ddiweddar i Ganŵio Cymru fel Corff Llywodraethu Cenedlaethol PAD yng Nghymru. Bydd Emily yn gyfrifol am weithredu argymhellion Adroddiad CYDdM/MAIB diweddar i drasiedi Hwlffordd sy'n cynnwys datblygiadau brys o ran llywodraethu PAD, darpariaeth hyfforddiant a safonau hyfforddi yng Nghymru.
Yn byw ym Mhen-y-bont ar Ogwr, De Cymru, dyw Emily ddim yn ddieithr i gymuned Gymreig PAD. Trodd at PAD yn dilyn gyrfa fel padlwr dŵr gwyn, tywysydd rafft a thriathletwr. Roedd hyn yn cynnwys cystadlu dros Brydain Fawr mewn digwyddiadau rafftio dŵr gwyn rhyngwladol a bod yn rhan o dîm Prydain a enillodd Bencampwriaethau Rafftio'r Byd yn 2016 a Phencampwriaethau Ewrop yn 2018.
Ers hynny mae Emily wedi troi ei sylw at rasio a datblygu PAD ac mae wedi cyflawni nifer o lwyddiannau ar gyfres rasio PAD Prydain Fawr a medal efydd yn y gystadleuaeth sbrintio ym Mhencampwriaethau PAD Ewrop yn 2022. Mae Emily hefyd wedi bod yn cefnogi eraill gyda'u datblygiad PAD ac wedi darparu hyfforddiant pwrpasol i glybiau ac unigolion PAD, gan gynnwys Raswyr Bae Caerdydd a Chanŵ Avon. Mae hi hefyd wedi bod yn ymwneud â rhaglenni datblygu PAD, gan gynnwys dylunio rhaglenni datblygu ieuenctid. Bydd Emily yn dechrau ym mis Medi ac rydym yn gobeithio ei chynnwys yn rhifyn nesaf Ceufad!
CWRS AM DDIM I HYFFORDDWYR, ARWEINWYR A DARPARWYR CC
Oherwydd ei boblogrwydd mae CC yn cynnal eu Cwrs Llythrennedd Amgylcheddol AM DDIM eto. Mae hyn yn golygu, i'r rhai ohonoch a gollodd allan ar yr un olaf eich bod bellach yn cael cyfle i gofrestru.
Fel padlwyr, gwelwn yn uniongyrchol yr effaith negyddol rydyn ni'n ei chael ar y blaned. Mae cynyddu ymwybyddiaeth o'r effaith hon, a'r amgylchedd naturiol o'n cwmpas, yn hanfodol wrth wneud yr hyn a allwn i ddiogelu'r amgylchedd naturiol yr ydym yn padlo ynddo.
Lansiodd Canŵ Cymru’r cyfle unigryw hwn, yn gynharach eleni, i hyfforddwyr, arweinwyr a darparwyr, ddatblygu eu gallu i gynyddu ymwybyddiaeth amgylcheddol trwy ddarparu cymwysterau a gwobrau CDGP/BCAB. Bydd y cwrs yn rhad ac am ddim i'w fynychu ar gyfer holl hyfforddwyr ac arweinwyr Canŵ Cymru a bydd yn cael ei gynnal ar 30 Medi ym Mhlas y Brenin, rhwng 10am a 3pm. Bydd 5 pwynt DPP yn cael eu hychwanegu at gymwysterau pawb sy'n bresennol.
Sesiwn 1 - Pam dylai hyfforddwyr chwaraeon padlo ac arweinwyr ddysgu am yr amgylchedd a beth ddylen nhw ei ddysgu? Taith gerdded a siarad ar hyd glan yr afon – dod i adnabod eich amgylchedd. Yn fyd-eang ac yn lleol.
Sesiwn 2 - Sut gall Hyfforddwyr ac Arweinwyr Chwaraeon Padlo ddysgu mwy am yr amgylchedd? Byddwn yn ymchwilio i'r defnydd o lyfrau, apiau, fideos a chardiau wedi'u lamineiddio i wella ein gwybodaeth ein hunain. Bydd hyn yn gofyn am ddealltwriaeth o sut i ddysgu gan gynnwys y broses ddysgu a'r gromlin anghofio.
Sesiwn 3 - Sut gall hyfforddwyr chwaraeon padlo ac arweinwyr ddysgu am yr amgylchedd? Rhoi ein gwybodaeth mewn cyd-destun. Datblygu straeon a strategaethau i gyflwyno'r rhai yr ydym yn eu harwain a'u hyfforddi i'r amgylchedd. Mae astudiaethau achos yn cael eu datblygu a’u hymarfer.
Nid oes angen unrhyw offer arbennig. Byddwch yn barod i fod allan yn ystod y sesiwn gyntaf.
Am fwy o wybodaeth, ewch i: www.bit.ly/45OKlZV neu cysylltwch â mike.raine@canoewales.com
MAE PARTNERIAETH CC NEWYDD YN DOD Â GOSTYNGIADAU I AELODAU!
Mae Canŵ Cymru bellach yn bartner swyddogol Arolwg Ordnans, sy'n golygu y gall aelodau CC arbed hyd at 20% ar gynhyrchion AO! Fel rhan o'r bartneriaeth hon mae pob Llwybr Padlo CC bellach yn ymddangos ar Fapiau AO, fel y gellir eu cyrchu trwy eu gwefan neu ap, gan ganiatáu ichi ddod o hyd i lwybrau padlo yn eich ardal, edrychwch ar y pellteroedd a'r manylion, a lawr lwytho ffeil GPX ar gyfer eich dyfais GPS.
Arolwg Ordnans yw asiantaeth fapio genedlaethol Prydain Fawr gyda hanes sy'n dyddio'n ôl dros 220 o flynyddoedd. Maent yn angerddol am helpu mwy o bobl i fynd allan yn amlach, a darparu ystod o gynhyrchion a gwasanaethau i helpu i wneud yr awyr agored yn fwy pleserus, hygyrch a diogel. Maent wrth wraidd pob gweithgaredd awyr agored ac mae CC yn falch o fod yn bartner gyda nhw i ddod â'r cynigion gwych hyn ar eu cynhyrchion unigryw i aelodau:
Mapiau Digidol AO – 20% i ffwrdd
Cynnyrch: Tanysgrifiad Blynyddol
Premiwm OS Maps
Disgownt: 20% i ffwrdd y flwyddyn gyntaf (PMA/RRP: £28.99, felly: £23.19)
Cod cynnig: CWMAPS20
Ymwelwch â: www.bit.ly/3skG5CD
Mae ap mapio digidol arobryn Arolwg Ordnans OS Maps, yn cynnig mapio anghyfyngedig ar unrhyw ddyfais, gan roi mynediad ar unwaith i bob un o'r 607 map Arolwg Ordnans sy'n cwmpasu Prydain gyfan. Gyda channoedd o filoedd o lwybrau parod ar draws 6 chategori gweithgaredd, mae gan OS Maps ysbrydoliaeth ar gyfer eich holl anturiaethau awyr agored, p'un a ydych chi'n badlwr, beiciwr, cerddwr, rhedwr neu reidiwr. Gyda nodweddion mewn-app cyffrous fel mapio 3D syfrdanol a realiti estynedig, mae OS Maps yn eich helpu i archwilio ymhellach. Mae OS Maps hefyd bellach ar gael ledled UDA, Awstralia a Seland Newydd, gyda mwy o sylw rhyngwladol yn dod yn fuan. I hawlio'ch gostyngiad ewch i www.bit.ly/3skG5CD a nodwch y cod canlynol yn y fasged CWMAPS20. Gwnewch yn siŵr eich bod yn creu cyfrif neu fewngofnodi a bydd y tanysgrifiad yn cael ei gymhwyso'n awtomatig pan fyddwch chi'n mewngofnodi i OS Maps ar unrhyw ddyfais. Dim ond ar gael i danysgrifwyr heb danysgrifiad OS Maps gweithredol cyfredol. Un pryniant yn unig fesul cwsmer. Ni ellir ei ddefnyddio ar y cyd ag unrhyw gynnig arall.
15% oddi ar Fapiau Papur yr AO
Mae mapiau papur eiconig yr Arolwg Ordnans ar gael mewn amrywiaeth o opsiynau, gan gynnwys:
OS EXPLORER: y map hanfodol ar gyfer gweithgareddau awyr agored (graddfa 1: 25 000)
OS LANDRANGER: yr un ar gyfer trefnu teithiau dydd neu seibiannau byr. (graddfa 1:50 000)
I weld a phrynu mapiau papur: www.bit.ly/3QHBXXv
Cynnyrch: Mapiau Papur AO
Disgownt: 15% i ffwrdd
Cod cynnig: CWEXPLORE15
Ymwelwch â: www.bit.ly/3QHBXXv
T & A’au: Ni ellir ei ddefnyddio ar y cyd ag unrhyw gynnig arall. Ni ellir ei ddefnyddio gydag eitemau sydd ar sêl.
Alistair Dickson CEO
MEMBER SERVICES TEAM
Andy Turton Coaching Manager
Val Ephraim Administrative Officer
Suzanne Parkin Governance & Membership Assistant
Bonnie Armstrong Comms & Marketing Lead
Paula McKenna Comms & Marketing Coordinator
Ellen Roberts Finance Officer
Phil Stone Places to Paddle Manager
Mike Raine Environment & Sustainability Lead
Cath Sykes Lead Safeguarding and Equality Officer
Lydia Wilford Development Officer
Emily Evans SUP Lead
PERFORMANCE TEAM
Nick Fowler-Rimell Performance Manager
Jonathan Davies Talent Pathway Officer (North)
Gareth Bryant Talent Pathway Officer (West)
James Pigdon Talent Pathway Officer (South)
Matt Robinson Sprint Coach
Giacomo Leighton Slalom Talent Coach
Andrew Kettlewell Slalom Performance Coach
Kerry Chown Chair
Jet Moore Vice Chair
Andy Booth Finance Director
Elsa Davies
Lowri Davies
Rhys Green
Alun Davies
Allan Binstead
Ruth Hall
Tanya Neilson
Dave Kohn-Hollins
David Eade
www.canoewales.com
admin@canoewales.com
01678 521 199
Canolfan Dŵr Gwyn Genedlaethol, Frongoch, Bala, Gwynedd, LL23 7NU
@canoewales
The Introduction to White Water Safety course is designed to support paddlers to become effective group members on grade 2 water. This one-day course is suitable for anyone starting out on their white water paddling journey, wanting to explore the role of an effective group member and learn simple strategies and safe skills that can provide the tools to solve common paddling issues. Topics covered include: clothing and equipment, the white water environment, preparing for the river trip, swimming techniques and many more. Paddlers will rescue from their preferred craft, which can include kayaks, canoes and stand up paddleboards.
Participants need to either hold the relevant British Canoeing Awarding Body Personal Performance Award or equivalent ability in/on their preferred craft due to the paddling environment and the boat/board control required to complete the course.
For more details: www.bit.ly/3OWq9zw
NEW RETAILER DISCOUNT FOR CW MEMBERS!
CW has secured another discount for CW members, with eco changing robe manufacturer smoc smoc. Smoc smoc are an independent, family run business based in North Wales who have created an environmentally aware, tough and warm changing robe. The smoc uses ocean-friendly bamboo, with a waterproof polyester outer.
CW members get 15% off all waterproof smocs using code Canoe11
For more details and to see the full smoc smoc range visit: www.smocsmoc.co.uk
Canoe Wales is delighted to announce the appointment of Emily Evans as the new Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) Lead for Wales.
The newly created Lead Officer role is in response to the recent recognition status for Canoe Wales as the National Governing Body for SUP in Wales. Emily will be responsible for implementing the recommendations of the recent MAIB Report into the Haverfordwest tragedy which includes urgent developments with regards to SUP governance, training provision and training standards in Wales.
Living in Bridgend, South Wales, Emily is no stranger to the Welsh SUP community. She turned to SUP following a career as a white-water paddler, raft guide and triathlete. This included competing for Great Britain in international white water rafting events and being part of the British team which won the World Rafting Championships in 2016 and the European Championships in 2018.
Emily has since turned her attention towards SUP racing and development and has achieved numerous successes on the GB SUP racing series and a bronze medal in the sprint event at the European SUP Championships in 2022. Emily has also been supporting others with their SUP development and provided bespoke tuition to SUP clubs and individuals, including Cardiff Bay Racers and Canoe Avon. She has also been involved in SUP development programmes, including designing youth development programmes.
Emily will start in September and we hope to feature her in the next issue of Ceufad!
Due to its popularity CW are running their FREE Environmental Literacy Course again. This means that for those of you who missed out on the last one you now have the opportunity to book.
As paddlers, we see first-hand the negative impact we are having on the planet. Increasing awareness of this impact, and the natural environment around us, is critical in doing what we can to protect the natural environment we paddle in.
Canoe Wales launched this unique opportunity, earlier this year, for coaches, leaders and providers, to develop their ability to increase environmental awareness through the delivery of BCAB qualifications and awards. The course will be free to attend for all Canoe Wales coaches and leaders and will take place on the 30th September at Plas y Brenin, from 10am to 3pm. 5 CPD points will be added to the credentials of all attendees.
Session 1 - Why should paddlesports coaches and leaders teach about the environment and what should they teach? A walk and talk along the riverbank – getting to know your environment. Globally and locally.
Session 2 - How can Paddlesports Coaches and Leaders learn more about the environment? We’ll investigate the use of books, apps, videos and laminated cards to improve our own knowledge. This will require an understanding of how to learn including the learning process and the forgetting curve.
Session 3 - How can Paddlesports coaches and leaders teach about the environment? Placing our knowledge in context. Developing stories and strategies to introduce those we lead and coach to the environment. Case studies developed and rehearsed. No special kit required. Just be prepared to be outside during the first session. For more info visit: www.bit.ly/45OKlZV or contact mike.raine@canoewales.com
Canoe Wales are now an official partner of Ordnance Survey, which means CW members can save up to 20% on OS products! As part of this partnership all CW Paddling Trails now feature on OSMaps, so they can be accessed through their website or app, allowing you to find paddling routes in your area, check out the distances and details, and download a GPX file for your GPS device.
Ordnance Survey is Great Britain's national mapping agency with a history dating back over 220 years. They are passionate about helping more people to get outside more often, and deliver a range of products and services to help make the outdoors more enjoyable, accessible and safe. They are at the heart of every outdoor activity and CW are pleased to be partnering with them to bring members these great offers on their unique products:
Ordnance Survey’s award-winning digital mapping app OS Maps, offers unlimited mapping on any device, giving you instant access to all 607 Ordnance Survey maps covering the whole of GB. With hundreds of thousands of ready-made routes across 6 activity categories, OS Maps has inspiration for all your outdoor adventures, whether you’re a paddler, biker, hiker, runner or rider. With exciting in-app features such as stunning 3D mapping and augmented reality, OS Maps helps you to explore further. OS Maps is also now available across USA, Australia and New Zealand, with more international coverage coming soon.
Product: OS Maps Premium Annual Subscription
Offer: 20% off the first year
(RRP: £28.99, therefore: £23.19)
Offer Code: CWMAPS20
Visit: www.bit.ly/3skG5CD
To claim your discount visit www.bit.ly/3skG5CD and enter the following code at the basket CWMAPS20. Make sure you create an account or sign in and the subscription will automatically be applied when you sign into OS Maps on any device. Only available to subscribers without a current active OS Maps subscription. One redemption only per customer. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.
Ordnance Survey’s iconic paper maps are available in a range of options, including:
OS EXPLORER: the essential map for outdoor activities (1:25 000 scale)
OS LANDRANGER: the one for organising day trips or short breaks. (1:50 000 scale)
To view and purchase paper maps: www.bit.ly/3QHBXXv
T&Cs: Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Cannot be used with items on sale.
Product: OS Paper Maps
Offer: 15% off
Offer Code: CWEXPLORE15
Visit: www.bit.ly/3QHBXXv
Shrinkwrapper, Afon Llugwy
Emily Davies
Aaron Kendall
This event is about making the most of the beautiful Welsh coastline, whilst learning new skills, in a relaxed and friendly environment. There will be coaches and guides from all over Wales, bringing a wide range of knowledge and experience to add to yours. The festival is based at Celtic Camping, with paddling on Saturday and Sunday, and a barbeque, guest speaker and social on Saturday night. Bring your swimmers, the sea will be warm and inviting!
www.bit.ly/3YKbElN
The British Championships is one of the biggest events we have here in the UK, and this year it is being run by the Welsh Surf Kayak Committee in collaboration with PB Paddle Sports. It's looking to be a great event, for both competitors and spectators. Entries close 17th September.
www.bit.ly/47HPcO0
These one-day events, run by Sea Kayaking Wales, aim to bring women together on the sea to share inspiring journeys and develop core skills such as planning, boat handling, decision-making, incident management ... all whilst enjoying great company! Kayaks and kit are available to use if needed. A reasonable level of core strength and fitness is required. Current dates are 6 Oct and 10 Nov, however, new dates may added. Check out the SKW website for the latest info.
www.seakayakingwales.com
The Canoe Wales AGM is your chance to get up-to-speed with what has been happening at CW over the last 12 months, and to hear about CW’s plans and future developments. Details of the schedule and how to attend will be posted online over the coming weeks.
www.canoewales.com
Gellir rhagdybio mai ynglyn â phlant yn unig y mae diogelu ac, er y bydd ffocws bob amser ar y rhai mwyaf agored i niwed yn ein cymuned, mae diogelu yn cwmpasu ein cymuned gyfan. Mae diogelu yn sicrhau bod pawb yn teimlo'n ddiogel ac yn cael eu cefnogi, ac yn gallu rhannu unrhyw bryderon sydd ganddynt.
Mae Canŵ Cymru yn gorff chwaraeon cynhwysol a chroesawgar, ac rydym am i badlwyr deimlo'n ddiogel a’u bod yn cael eu cefnogi. Mae gennym hefyd gyrhaeddiad enfawr yn y gymuned a, gyda 86% o'n haelodaeth dros 18 oed, rydym am sicrhau, os oes gan unrhyw aelod sy'n oedolyn bryder y maent am ei rannu yna rydym yma, yn barod i'w gefnogi. Un ffordd y gallwn gyflawni hyn yw drwy glybiau a'u Swyddogion Diogelu, drwy ddarparu hyfforddiant, cefnogaeth a chyfarfodydd fforwm iddynt.
Yn ddiweddar, ymgymerodd nifer o Swyddogion Diogelu clybiau â hyfforddiant Diogelu Oedolion a ddarparwyd gan Ymddiriedolaeth Ann Craft, a oedd yn ymdrin â phynciau fel:
» Rôl a chyfrifoldebau'r Swyddog Lles Clwb.
» Pam mae angen i ni ddiogelu oedolion mewn chwaraeon a gweithgareddau.
» Sut i adnabod arferion gwael a mathau o gamdriniaeth ac esgeulustod.
Mae Cod Ymddygiad y Padlwr Ifanc yn gytundeb rhwng padlwyr ifanc a'u clwb/sgwad, i gymryd elfen o gyfrifoldeb personol am eu gweithredoedd a'u hymddygiad. Er mwyn sicrhau bod y Cod yn gyfredol, ac yn adlewyrchu gwerthoedd a disgwyliadau padlwyr ifanc yn uniongyrchol, cafodd ei adolygu gyda'r sgwadiau datblygu ieuenctid yn eu Gwersylloedd Cic Gyntaf.
Fel rhan o hyn, aethant i sesiwn ddiogelu, a ddechreuodd gyda grwpiau o badlwyr yn nodi'r hyn yr oeddent yn ei garu am eu camp. Roedd yr ymatebion yn amrywiol ac yn graff, ac yn bwydo i mewn i drafodaeth ddilynol am yr hyn y byddai angen i CC ei roi ar waith i ddiogelu'r pethau hyn. O hyn crëwyd Cod Ymddygiad y Padlwyr Ifanc.
Datblygwyd y Cod Ymddygiad hwn gan badlwyr ifanc ar gyfer padlwyr ifanc, ac rydym am ei rannu ac annog clybiau i'w ddefnyddio, ac efallai cynnal eu sesiynau eu hunain gyda'u padlwyr ifanc i greu eu Cod Ymddygiad eu hunain. Hoffem eich adborth hefyd! Os oes gennych unrhyw sylwadau neu feddyliau am y Cod Ymddygiad a'i ddefnydd o fewn clybiau, cysylltwch â: cath.sykes@canoewales.com
I weld a lawrlwytho'r Cod Ymddygiad llawn: www.bit.ly/3ODfTLg
» Sut i ymateb a delio â phryderon am oedolion
» Ble i fynd am ragor o wybodaeth a chyngor ar ddiogelu oedolion. Roedd hyn i gyd wedi'i danategu gan ddealltwriaeth o sut y gallwn greu diwylliant mwy diogel.
Roedd yr hyfforddiant yn llwyddiant pendant, gydag un cyfranogwr yn dweud, "roedd y cwrs yn ddiddorol ac yn addysgiadol iawn, yn llawn o gyngor gwych a gwybodaeth ddefnyddiol. Roedd yn ysgogi'r meddwl yn fawr, gyda thrafodaethau, mewnbynnau a gweithgareddau da. Cafodd cynnwys y cwrs ei gyflwyno'n dda, a'i esbonio mewn ffordd gyfeillgar. Roedd yn gwrs da a byddwn yn ei argymell i eraill - diolch."
Nid yw diogelu oedolion yn unig ynglyn â diogelu oedolion sydd mewn perygl, mae effaith y pandemig wedi dangos y gall unrhyw oedolyn fynd i fwy o berygl yn seiliedig ar eu hamgylchiadau yn hytrach na’i nodweddion. Ni waeth a yw'r pryder y tu mewn neu'r tu allan i badlo, rydym am sicrhau ein bod yn barod ac yn gwybod sut i gefnogi'r unigolyn hwnnw, p'un ai drwy gyfeirio at wasanaethau arbenigol lleol neu gynorthwyo gydag atgyfeiriad i'r awdurdod lleol.
Am fwy o fanylion am ddiogelu neu i drafod cyfleoedd hyfforddi i chi neu'ch clwb cysylltwch â cath.sykes@canoewales.com
There can be an assumption that safeguarding is only about children and, whilst there will always be a focus on the most vulnerable in our community, safeguarding encompasses our entire community. Safeguarding ensures that everyone feels safe and supported, and can share any concerns they may have.
Canoe Wales is an inclusive and welcoming sports body, and we want paddlers to feel safe and supported. We also have a huge reach in the community and, with 86% of our membership being over 18, we want to ensure that if any adult members have a concern they wish to share then we are here, ready to support them. One way we can achieve this is through clubs and their Safeguarding Officers, by providing them with training, support and forum meetings.
Recently a number of club Safeguarding Officers undertook Safeguarding Adult training provided by the Ann Craft Trust, which covered topics such as:
» The role and responsibilities of the Club Welfare Officer.
» Why we need to safeguard adults in sport and activity.
» How to identify poor practice and types of abuse and neglect.
» How to respond and deal with concerns about adults.
» Where to go for further information and advice on safeguarding adults.
This was all underpinned by understanding how we can create a safer culture.
The training was a definite success, with one participant saying, “the course was really interesting and informative, filled with loads of great advice and useful information. It was very thought provoking, with good discussions, inputs and activities. The course content was well delivered, and explained in a friendly way. It was a good course and I would recommend to others - thank you."
Safeguarding adults is not just about safeguarding adults at risk, the impact of the pandemic has shown that any adult can become more at risk based on their circumstances rather than characteristics. No matter whether the concern is inside or outside paddling, we want to make sure that we are prepared and know how to support that individual, whether is by signposting to local specialist services or assisting with a referral to the local authority.
For more details on safeguarding or to discuss training opportunities for you or your club contact cath.sykes@canoewales.com
The Young Paddler's Code of Conduct is an agreement between young paddlers and their club/squad, to take an element of personal responsibility for their conduct and behaviour. To ensure the Code is current, and directly reflects young paddlers’ values and expectations, it was reviewed with the youth development squads at their winter Kick Off Camps.
As part of this they attended a safeguarding session, which began with groups of paddlers identifying what they loved about their sport. The responses were varied and insightful, and fed into a follow-up discussion about what CW would need to put in place to protect these things. From this the Young Paddler’s Code of Conduct was created.
This Code of Conduct has been developed by young paddlers for young paddlers, and we want to share it and encourage clubs to use it, and maybe run their own sessions with their young paddlers to create their own Code of Conduct. We would also like your feedback! If you have any comments or thoughts about the Code of Conduct and its use within clubs please get in touch: cath.sykes@canoewales.com
To view and download the full Code of Conduct: www.bit.ly/3ODfTLg
This was our first #ShePaddles Cymru (#SPC) event and we were super excited for it! One of the first planning considerations was whether it was it a ridiculous idea to see if we could staff it solely with women? We knew centre staff wouldn’t be a problem, but female coaches … they’re pretty thin on the ground, especially at a higher level. To coach on the upper river for us, we insist on advanced river qualifications. Well, it took a while and we almost managed it. We had 2 (lovely) male coaches, and 15 wonderful female coaches and leaders. This was phenomenal! We aren’t against male coaches (some of my best friends are male coaches!) but it is crucial for people to have role models who look like them.
WORDS : ANNETTE POWER
PHOTOS: DANI ADAMS KAY POWELL
We included Friday paddling in the weekend ticket, for those lucky enough to be free, then as other participants arrived, we congregated in the marquee ready for a #SPC quiz. Lydia (CW Development Officer) brought along #SPC ambassadors, plus volunteers to support the event. The volunteers did a great job putting together and delivering the quiz. It was a lot of fun and served as an icebreaker too.
Saturday morning brought a little apprehension, but as everyone had already chosen their sessions, there was minimal faff and then they were off. This was the moment I thought ‘Phew!’ It seemed like everyone was sorted and the weekend was actually and finally happening! Wandering around the site was a joy: there were so many women paddlers on the water – we outnumbered the men for once – and there was such a positive buzz! You couldn’t walk even a short distance along the bank without being aware that something special was going on.
After a bite to eat, the groups changed, and everyone set off on their second coaching session. They tackled fear and self-doubt, banished ghosts on the graveyard, were boosted, flowed, aced the ski jump, smiled, styled and surfed their way through the day. There was also rescue practice, rafting and slalom on offer. These women worked so hard that by the time the band came on that evening, the vast majority were ready for bed! They did, however, enjoy a delicious dinner courtesy of Manon’s Riverside Café, with choices of yummy cake for pudding. Then we were back to the marquee for a super inspirational video and talk from expedition paddler, TV sensation and all-round super star: Sal Montgomery. Sal talked us through her struggles and, looking around the room, you see could so many nodding heads with slightly confused expressions as Sal revealed how she had her own demons. It led us to realise that no matter your skills or your confidence level, we all have such feelings, but we can manage them to overcome setbacks and the self-doubt that creeps in. Yes, even when you’re
as widely experienced and accomplished as Sal is.
After a good night’s sleep (these warriors were not risking their performance by partying!) Sunday saw our paddlers practicing their skills, using their moves, and pushing their comfort zones after the confidence building of the previous day. Billed as a social paddle, Sunday saw us splitting into groups based on choice and skill. Some were keen to perfect the moves they were working on the day before under the guidance of a coach. Others wanted to run the river, with the safety net of a coach. This was the largest group, so we split into smaller sub-groups based on confidence – those who wanted to play with the features, those who wanted to take it slow, etc. We also had a group set off on a lower river journey. There were so many pivotal moments on the Sunday. I witnessed a first rock splat off Everest; from the tentative approach to the determined launch and the resultant utter glee of the landing (with accompanying whoops from the audience of supporters)! Many paddlers spoke of making moves that they hadn’t managed the day before and others of taking the confidence they had gained to push themselves that bit further. The level of support, patience and joy in the progress and achievements made by fellow paddlers was a delight to witness and gave me a lovely warm feeling inside!
For anyone not aware of, or understanding, the need for a #ShePaddles movement, there are subtle, but key differences in how women approach adventurous activities; typically we’re more cautious and risk averse than men. We think for longer and ask more questions. It’s refreshing to paddle in an all-female group; it gives us confidence. Confidence is crucial for progress and even though we were already arranging to meet up again with our fellow female paddlers by the end of the weekend, maybe getting this boost also helped us to go back to our, mainly, male paddling groups with a renewed sense of ‘I can do it!’ And that’s got to be a good thing, hasn’t it?
WORDS : CARDIFF CANOE CLUB PHOTOS: AS CREDITED
In 1973, when a group of ex-Cardiff University canoe club paddlers found themselves without a club, they decided to form their own club, and Cardiff Canoe Club was born.
The club has come a long way in the past 50 years. Today, it has over 100 members and is involved in a variety of paddling disciplines, including whitewater, sea kayaking, and touring. But the club's roots are still firmly in Cardiff. The founding members, Colin and Sue Eades, Nick and Carol King, Nick and Caroline Dallimore and Rob Hastings, are still paddling today, and they all remember the days when paddling was a lot more challenging. "Back then, we had to dry our boats out on Monday and Tuesday," said one of the founding members. "We'd fix them on Wednesday, and then let them cure on Thursday and Friday before we could paddle again on the weekend."
Today's paddlers have it much easier. They have access to modern equipment and facilities like CIWW, and they don't have to spend as much time maintaining their boats. But even though paddling is easier today, the spirit of Cardiff Canoe Club remains the same. The club is still a close-knit community of paddlers who enjoy spending time on the water. "The club is like a family," said another member. "There is a special bond that comes from paddling, both between each other and to the places that it takes us to."
Cardiff Canoe Club is a testament to the power of paddling. It's a club that has brought people together for 50 years, and it's sure to continue to do so for many years to come.
SUE EADESThe sun was shining, the water was calm and the birds were chirping as Cardiff Canoe Club celebrated its 50th anniversary with a paddle on the River Taff.
A flotilla of kayaks, canoes and SUPs took to the water, carrying members from all over the club's history. From the founding members who were there in 1973 to the newest recruits, everyone was there to paddle and to celebrate the club's long and storied history.
The paddle was a short and easy one, but it was a chance for everyone to get together and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the River Taff. After the paddle, from Castell Coch, through Radyr Weir and down to the party venue and campsite, everyone gathered for a BBQ, celebration cakes and of course a ‘few’ drinks.
For the "older" members, it was like a big reunion. They got to meet old friends, catch up on each other's lives, and share stories of their time spent as active members of the club. Needless to say, there were a few sore heads the next morning!
There was also a "Memory Board" where members could share their memories of the club over the years.
Talk of Cardiff Canoe Club cannot pass without reference to its stalwart members, Sue and Colin Eades. They were part of the founding group of the club in 1973, and they have been actively paddling ever since.
NATHAN EADES NATHAN EADESColin, the original chairman, is a master storyteller who loves to share his tales of the early days of kayaking. He can often be found in eddies waxing lyrical about all measure of things including improvements in equipment that have made kayaking more durable, comfortable, and manageable. If you don’t stop him, you’ll hear all about fibreglass boats, wooden paddles, and the transition to plastic boats, glass fibre and carbon paddles, and drysuits. These stories remind us of the history of kayaking and the many improvements that have been made over the years. They bear testament to a love of kayaking and a passion for the stories that come of it.
Sue is just as passionate about kayaking as Colin, considerably more sensible, and an accomplished paddler. She's competed in numerous slalom competitions and expeditions, and she's always up for a challenge, whether that is keeping Colin grounded, or in her long-standing role on the club committee.
Sue and Colin are an inspiration to everyone who knows them. They're a testament to the power of the human spirit and a reminder that paddlesports are for everyone, regardless of age or experience. After more than 50 years of paddling, they're still going strong.
Today the club is largely recreationally focused, but this hasn’t always been the case. Throughout its history it has had groups of paddlers excelling in slalom, WW racing, sprint, surf and wave ski competition. We’ve had members taking part in expeditions and trips around the world, pushing the boundaries of the sport, in the Pyrenees, Alps, New Zealand, South America; on the Zambezi, White Nile and the Grand Canyon, all thanks to CCC’s introduction to the sport.
Today our numbers are growing and the club is in a great place. We are able to introduce around 75 new people to the sport each year through running beginners’ sessions, and we have a thriving, diverse, and growing community of paddlers.
We’ve been fortunate to benefit from Sport Wales funding in recent years, which has enabled the club to provide not just equipment needed by its members, but also the coaching education to develop our leaders, as well as the ability to store and move our equipment to our sessions. Because of the hard work of all our volunteers, the club's future looks bright. With this support CCC is well-positioned to continue paddling for another 50 years and beyond. CCC is a club for everyone who loves paddling or wants to try it. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced paddler, no matter who you are, Cardiff Canoe Club is a great place to meet other paddlers and enjoy the sport.
SUE EADES
SUE EADES
SUE EADES
ANNA HAMMER
ARJUN JERRY
SOME MEMORIES SHARED BY CLUB MEMBERS:
“Paddling as Team Wales with Nick and Caroline on the River Awe in Scotland.”
Jackie Marsh
“Capsizing on the way back from The Bitches and John Leopard trying to do an x rescue in a play boat!”
Mike Landry
“Colin cutting his head open on the Usk, then paddling the next weekend with stitches and a polythene bag under his helmet!”
Nick King
“Camping at Camping Huber in Landech, Austria; paddling the Oetz and the Sanna.”
Alan Stone
“Dolphins passing us on a sea paddle off Whitesands.”
Neal Fletcher
“We’re thinking of taking the kids to the Alps - next thing we knew we had about 30 going!” “Centre Line Avoid Portages.”
Colin Eades
“Kayaking has always been a central part of our lives.”
Sue Eades
“The diversity of the club, both in terms of people and disciplines. People of all ages and backgrounds.”
Duncan Eades
“Severn Bore missions - the first time we saw the wave we thought it was 2 meters high with surfers on it, but when it got closer we realised they were birds on a 2 foot wave!”
Nathan Eades
“Being made very welcome and Colin waiting for me to ‘get my kit off’!”
Lynda Chipperfield
“Best river fun, so much fun! Love everyone!”
Meg Eynon
“I’ll never forget asking Colin for advice as we came around a bend on my first run down a flooded Teifi, to which he replied over his shoulder ‘Avoid the hole’. I looked down at a sea of holes and meekly replied ‘Which one Colin?’, but he was gone. After a solid thrashing and a miraculous escape, I arrived in one piece in an eddy at the bottom. ‘That one,’ he said.”
Hugo Keene
MORE INFO to find out more about Cardiff Canoe Club: www.cardiffcanoeclub.com www.facebook.com/cardiffcanoeclub www.instagram.com/cardiffcanoeclub
HUGO KEENE ANNA HAMMER SUE EADES SUE EADES SUE EADES
WORDS : RILEY WILFORD
PHOTOS: TREVOR CHAPMAN
I am Riley Wilford, a 12-year-old boy from Cardiff Canoe Club and Seren Dwr. I love to kayak and like paddling rivers around Wales. My favourite river to paddle is the Tawe. I have taken part in sprint and marathon races, and even one wild water race, but I enjoy slalom the most and I have been competing for just over a season. I am in Div 3 for K1 and C1 but I hope to be in Div 2 for K1 very soon. I also do lots of dance so don't have time to attend all the races.
For the training camp I travelled to Nottingham from Cardiff with my grandparents, who live 2 miles from the white water course in Nottingham. I feel I may be spending more time with them over the next few years as they make me amazing food, dry all my kit, and drive me to sessions. I’m pretty lucky.
Before arriving at the camp, I was excited to paddle on Holme Pierrepont, but I was a little nervous as I had not paddled there in a long time and never in a slalom boat. I did not know what to expect as I had not done such a long training camp before.
After the first session I was happy I had paddled well and was looking forward to more paddling, but still did not want to surf the inlet gate.
During the sessions we were coached by Gareth. He coached us in such a fun way, I really enjoyed it and had never been coached like that before. He worked on what we all need individually and took time to coach us as individuals, even in a group session.
In the morning sessions with worked on gates and the different moves. I improved my upstream gates and staggers. During the afternoon sessions we did feature tech, where we practiced how to use the water to your advantage during your slalom race.
We also went for a run for some cardio training. The run took us around the regatta lake; the sides of the lake felt like they were never-ending and that I was not going anywhere. I walked some of the way; there is definitely room for improvement with my running.
I gained confidence in each session and definitely improved my paddling during the week I most enjoyed being on the water with a great group of people; we could have fun and train hard together.
Between sessions one day we decided to go to the inflatable park for some fun. It was brilliant and so much fun but I spent more time in the water than on the inflatables. Later this became a moment I did not enjoy, after having a great time on the inflatable park I was very sick in the evening. I had heard people talking about Trent belly before, now I know it's real! I did not miss a training session though, and still managed the following morning session … but I was 10 minutes late.
On the last session Gareth said Charlie and I could paddle in our playboats, and we had a great time surfing all the stoppers. The Muncher is nowhere near as bad as it sounds! But I still did not surf the inlet gate. I got back on the water on Sunday with my Dad after the camp had finished, to surf the inlet gate … and then I did not want to get off it! I don't know what I was worried about.
I now have some paddling in Scotland to look forward to and then back to Nottingham for the GB Freestyle Academy, where I hope to learn more than just a flat spin in my playboat but I hope I don’t get sick again.
Hopefully, by the time you read this, I will have been promoted to Div 2 K1!!!!! Editor’s note: Riley was promoted mid-season and is now racing in Div 2 K1. Even though he’s only raced a short season he’s currently ranked 38!
For a few years now, I’ve been combining my love of the hills with paddlesports, utilising packrafts. Packrafts are light, packable inflatable craft that allow a person to cross land and water with equal ease.
Weighing in around 2–3kg and packing to the size of a small tent they take a couple of minutes to inflate using a large air-sack. With paddle and buoyancy aid you’ll add around 3.5–4.5 kg to your pack weight. As with all paddlecraft, many of the basic skills are transferable, however, a packraft’s composition, weight and construction means they are unique in so many ways – being about as different as a sea kayak is to a canoe –so requiring specific knowledge and skill to allow them to be used safely and effectively. The key thing with all packrafts is that they are a compromise craft – never quite meeting the abilities of their hard-shell cousins –but then a 2–3 kg boat means we can do things normally unimagined in a traditional paddlecraft. In fact, it’s hard to look at maps in the same way anymore.
Pre-covid, I stumbled upon an old unmarked ‘coffin road’, between Lochs Morar and Nevis. The stone slabs and cobbles appeared out of the mist and provided a welcome respite from the squelching steps that had themed the day. That night I’d sat in the lodge wondering how many more of these old paths were crossing the hills between long-cleared communities. The idea to search for and link them up began to form and, after much scheming, the plan was hatched: a route up the West Coast of Scotland, from Fort William (or close) to Cape Wrath, journeying over both land and water. A sort of semi-aquatic Cape Wrath Trail – the Pack Wrath Trail, an original UK journey that demonstrates the potential of our inflatable craft.
We opted for a south to north trip, with the prevailing wind. And, after checking tide times, arranging food resupply points and posting food parcels, we were ready to go on April 1st. Given the time of year we pencilled in 14–18 days for the approx. 330km journey, thus allowing for shorter day lengths and weather snags …
As a blocking high pressure system bathes the UK late March, we’re hopeful… So, on April Fool’s Day, as Rich, Millie (my 4-year-old Collie) and I stand on the side of the A830 watching snowflakes fall; the irony is palpable.
Undeterred we stride north from Arkaig over the hills to Meoble and Loch Morar. On the shore, our initial transition from land to water is slow and relaxed. The sun is out and, without a breath of wind, we’re soon across and at Tarbert. The short walk over to Loch Nevis negates deflating our boats, so we fix them to our packs and trudge, turtle-like, over the trail. By mid-afternoon we are on the water again, the wind now lifting from the west, we’re pushed along through the narrows as
Credit: L. Taylor WORDS : JASON TAYLORporpoise play in the neck. Soon the weather turns, rain is falling, half-sleet, wind cold and biting. We exit the loch and stride along the glen; camp found, we retire, cold, burying into our bags.
After a night well below zero, we’re blessed with calm conditions across Knoydart; cold shadows, broken by blazing sunshine. Walking well-trod paths and cobbles up Glen Carnach till, just past a ruined croft, the mapped trail runs out. Scanning upwards for the track that traverses across Coire an Lochain to Mam Unndalain.
“Surely, the crofters would cross straight over to Barrisdale rather than the long haul round west?”, jokingly, I continue to mutter, what was to become the navigational maxim of the whole trip, “If I were a crofter, where would I go?” and, shortly, squinting, our eyes begin to pick out – broken, following natural ledges where possible with occasional stone bolsters – a trail, long-lost from maps that crosses the hillside. We move north, picking landmarks by eye, rediscovering and reconnecting with landscape and land-lived.
Shore side again, we change, drysuits on, and tide flooding east contrary to plans, we must ferry across. In time a bay appears and so a camp. Sitting on soft grass above a shingle shore, we stare up, then we lower our gaze. Blue-gold skies atop Ladhar Bheinn; its snow peak, rose stained and then, below, dark slopes and crags, framing the sea’s mirror-calm, which, in turn, reflects all above.
Dawn rises, calm and bright. We head off, electing to paddle down Loch Hourn and north
up the Sleat of Skye. As we round Sandaig our packrafts are rolling in the swell. The weather has turned, strong winds and heavy rain now – force 6–7, pushing grey wave-walls, raising, falling. Sinking into the deepening troughs we disappear out of sight. We egress earlier than planned, cold and wet in Glenelg, and then steal north once more. Shoreside Loch Alsh, where the racing, boiling tide and winds forbid progress and so we settle for a cold, wild camp.
Across Alsh, in Balmacara, the otters swim in seaweed. A food parcel awaits which sees us onwards to Plockton, where, rushing, the tide rising around our feet, we race the 3km to reach camp at Reraig, before we’re pushed east up Loch Carron.
The rain remains the following day through to Kishorn and then a few kilometres downstream to Loch Damph. Damph by name and by nature, grey clad skies sink, squeezing colour from the slopes. Hidden, cold behind rain-lashed brollies, we sail and paddle down the loch. Millie hides, shivering below the boat’s deck. Over soaked moor, we trudge, burns overflowing. Our camp by Loch Torridon is flooded, as is all ground abouts, so, reluctantly, we slog the miles east to Torridon campsite and elect to sit the next day out in the café. Allowing the wind and rain to ease and the burns we must cross to empty. A bright dawn shows snow accumulating above 600m as large squalls sail east through the Torridon glens, blotting the brilliant skies and sun as they dump their burden on the peaks and passes. Glens grow
“DAMPH BY NAME AND BY NATURE, GREY CLAD SKIES SINK, SQUEEZING COLOUR FROM THE SLOPES. HIDDEN, COLD BEHIND RAIN-LASHED BROLLIES, WE SAIL AND PADDLE DOWN THE LOCH. MILLIE HIDES, SHIVERING BELOW THE BOAT’S DECK.”
out before us, the land-scale grows, as we shrink beneath imposing sandstone giants. We’re lucky, the first snows only finds us below Sail Mhor. Descending along Allt Coire Mhic Fhearchair to Bridge of Grudie we trudge the road to Maree’s edge looking out to Eiliean Ghruididh.
A fraught crossing awaits us. Strong winds and matt grey waves heave east up the loch, white brows broken as the wind shoots spray up into the snow filled air. As we leave shore, we ferry, angling up-wind, oblique to our destination; there glimpsed longingly over our right shoulder. “Stay 2m apart, copy my angle!” I call reminding Rich of our plan, coaching, egging him along as we ferry across, flaring out as waves ease. Half-way, held between wave and wind, our stares transfixed on the pitch and heave of the storm etched water. Every few minutes, dark faces appear, rolling waves steep with deep troughs, “Slow, deep blades! Relaxed waist!” I call, angling up-wind, burying our faces into it, allowing the boats to heave over the walls. A swamped boat here would be bad; this cat and mouse continues for an hour until finally we enter the calm of the far shore. On land, a silent fatigue grips hold as we set for a bleak camp southeast of Furnace.
A snow squashed tent fly pressing my face breaks sleep, so as the light appears I’m dog tired and slow. Late, heading off in heavy snow, we ascend the lower slopes of Slioch. In near whiteout my brain’s fatigued-fuzz makes navigation hard. Finally the dark-cut notch of Bealach Mheinnidh brings relief. A nervous and hasty descent follows, stumbling, sliding. Sun now hinting between the rolling snow squalls, we spy the causeway and Loch Dubh. Across, beating a pace, sweating up the Easain, we follow the snow sunk coffin trail over the Clach na Frithealaidh, and finally, with relief, I’m lurching down the Frith’,
Hard navigation on Slioch
Photo: R. Sumner
Cold in Glen Carnach Photo: R. Sumner
Evening light over Loch Hourn
Gleann na Muice opens below. At Larchantivore the sight of the emergency shelter as rotten as ever, bids us ‘go on’ to Sheneval. With the bothy in sight, we slog, sinking through the knee-deep bog. Wading, I carry Millie across the rivers, too fast for her to swim. And, arriving, we fall through the door and into a dark room. Alone, save for a bag of coal left by an un-thanked soul, we sit warm, sated, silent, staring. Below, bathed in flame light, Millie twitches through dreams.
East now with dawn, we stride through Achnelgie as eagles soar over the Strath. Then, climbing, we cross the barren scape of Sail Liath. Soon enough we descend, textures deepening as we pass along the birch flanked trail as slowly the lushness of Dundonnell envelops us, the green come grey edges, all topped by brilliant blue sky. Spirits seem to lift and urge us along as we climb, still north. As the horizon falls into Bealach Loch na h-Airbhe, I feel emotion swell; a new view, a long view – north. Lines of clouds cross my gaze, below them, Summer Isles, Coigach, Inverpolly … Below still civilisation awaits.
In Ullapool, Rob is joining the march north. Eager, he’s inquisitive about the journey so far, and his tent pitched already, he’s busying himself helping us do the same. Soon we’re in town, a couple of pints and a mountain of chips we bid goodbye to Rich, he’s heading home to Wales via
an exploratory paddle around Knapdale.
North at dawn we climb up, fighting through gorse, legs bounding through Strath Mor, past Achlaise Lochans and northwest to Loch Lurgainn. Cutting up between Stac Pollaidh and Cul Beag then north through to Loch an Doire Dhuibh. It’s mirror calm and, to avoid crossing Loch Sionascaig in the winds forecast for the next day, we push past our planned camp. Paddling along the loch, the island campsites all occupied, with the sun low to the horizon we force on, scrounging camp on deer bit heather at Clais below Cul Mor. Waking, winds rattle the tents, cold seeps in as I force off my bag. Gear away, we’re soon striding up the Clais, then throw forward to the Uidh Fhearna, who, gorging on water from
“SPIRITS SEEM TO LIFT AND URGE US ALONG AS WE CLIMB, STILL NORTH. AS THE HORIZON FALLS INTO BEALACH LOCH NA H-AIRBHE, I FEEL EMOTION SWELL; A NEW VIEW, A LONG VIEW –NORTH. LINES OF CLOUDS CROSS MY GAZE, BELOW THEM, SUMMER ISLES, COIGACH, INVERPOLLY … BELOW STILL CIVILISATION AWAITS.”River crossing near Sheneval Bothy Photo: R. Sumner
Veyatie, spits us through to Ffion Loch. Suilven looms as we transition back to land, clapping wet hands to warm in bitter northeast winds. Picking our way up stone flatted ribs, brings forth vague recollections of poems by Assynt man Norman MacCaig. We ascend past the Pillar’s scar cut by Pilkington’s Gully, spying evidence of an old path; winding now, down the Alltan Dubh finally fording the Abbainn na Clach Airigh at the lochan’s throat. Sat on a seat outside Suileag bothy, we sit sun-blind, sipping cool peaty water. Early still, we reject a bothy night for a few more miles; more now for spare to come. North again.
Soon, we’re regretting skipping the bothy. The wind, now from the north, buffets and drives into our faces and, over its noise, I hear Rob cursing. We push, head-down over a burn gorge, scanning for campsites. No luck, so we force our legs north a few more k’s, to seek the shelters off the Loch na h-Innse Fraoich. The dog shivers, as do I, she presses herself against me and wrapped in my coat, she sleeps. Later, smiling, water brewed we eat and laugh at our foolishness to push on. As we stare out at Canisp capped by cloud, we nod; before dusk we’re asleep, dog tired.
The sky brightens as we rise, packs lifted easily, eaten lighter each day. We climb west of Quinag past the sheilings and over the Belach Leireag. An appointment with an outgoing tide awaits us
at Loch a Chairn Bhain. Over the barren head of the Sidhean Ard we follow the coffin trail’s edges, bulging from the peat down to Ardbhair and, as the path is lost from the map, we follow our hunches and soon rediscover it winding through to Kerrachar Bay. Standing on a cliff-top vantage, the easterlies blast through Loch Chairn Bhain, surging through the narrows. Forcing against the tide, waves peak, spraying up over the boils and swell. A maelstrom of rock, air and water. Our planned camp across the water a mere kilometre away; my frustration is tangible. “It looks a bit rough,” Rob wryly understates. I’ve paddled in far worse, but I’ve only seen Rob in relative calm conditions, no way to know how we’ll fair together. With tired bodies and brains, now’s not the time to find out. “Aye, we’ll wait,” – decision made – “give it a few hours, let the flood ease and we’ll think again.” Picking our way along the cliffs we find a cove, slide our way down, sit and nod off in the tick infested grass as Millie explores. Waking the water seems softer, less fierce, though the wind still gusts, the waves are lessened as the tide moves to slack. Sun catches the boats as we cross, Millie fidgets, moving from one side to the other, watching for seals as we enter the shelter of Loch Shark. Camp pitched in trees, we relax as the sun bathes Sail Ghorm and Sail Garbh, its redorange glow fading to darkness.
“SOON, WE’RE REGRETTING SKIPPING THE BOTHY. THE WIND, NOW FROM THE NORTH, BUFFETS AND DRIVES INTO OUR FACES AND, OVER ITS NOISE, I HEAR ROB CURSING. WE PUSH, HEAD-DOWN OVER A BURN GORGE, SCANNING FOR CAMPSITES. NO LUCK, SO WE FORCE OUR LEGS NORTH A FEW MORE K’S ...”
Sail Ghorm and Sail Garbh bathed in evening sun from Loch Shark Mirror calm on Loch Sionascaig, Cul Mor looms behindWe’re off early to catch the ebb tide. Along the fog-bathed coast the air is damp and chill, as we portage the boats over a narrow spur. Pushing north still, we reach Badcall. Now ashore we’re soon gorging on chocolate from our food stash – buried by Rob some days earlier. Bags full again, we move heavily along the road to Scourie and trace the trail over to Tarbet and then to Fangamore. Northerly winds fight us as we pick our way across Loch Laxford, geology confounding things as it funnels the air in opposition. Finally, making landfall at Portlevorchy, we haul our gear up onto sheep shorn grass, too good to pass up, Rob knocks on the door of the croft; welcoming, they bid us camp.
A late start sees us push hard to Loch Inchard and soon we’re heading out on the ebb to Kinlochbervie passing otters and seals. Now ashore with our last water crossing behind us we pace along the tarmac and track to Sandwood Bay. Tourists here and there are novel compared to the deer and sheep we’ve met until now. As we reach the dunes, I’m sore, a swollen Achilles has plagued me for a few days, but the soft sand makes it throb. Millie, eager to run in the surf is becoming irksome and I reflect; I’m tired, impatient, in pain. Tomorrow we’ll see Cape Wrath and I just want today to end. Recognising the foolishness of these thoughts I accept them all
the same. So, leaving Rob to walk barefoot in the sea, I force up through the dunes. Making myself acknowledge the beauty, I cast an eye back to the bay and Am Buchaille, then turning north I cross the bogs to Strathchailleach. There, I shed my pack and sit, wait. Rob soon arrives, we light the peat fire and, watching its light dance across Sandy’s paintings, we edge to sleep.
A dreich dawn and for the first time no trail to follow; no sign, nor spoor. Stepping north, rough ground, soon gives back to firm peat, coated in short-cropped heather. Picking our way through the hags, we pass signs and a fence giving warning that we’re entering the Cape Wrath Military Range. No bullets or bombs here today though, so we keep on. As we cross below Cnoc a’ Ghiubhais, a dog fox bolts across the horizon, and pausing, he stands proud, pushing up to taste us on the air and then diving into a cairn, he’s gone. Down now, passing the sheilings, we stride, then up and onto the broken lighthouse road, and rounding the headland our goal is in sight. Cape Wrath. Passing through the lighthouse’s whitewashed walls I stop; finished.
Sitting in the drizzle and wind, I marvel at the Duslic tidal overfall, the cliffs and arches. Wheeling soaring birds call and fall out of sight. I sit and stare. Rob arrives and we congratulate each other, take photos and have a snack. A sense
“AS WE REACH THE DUNES, I’M SORE, A SWOLLEN ACHILLES HAS PLAGUED ME FOR A FEW DAYS, BUT THE SOFT SAND MAKES IT THROB. MILLIE, EAGER TO RUN IN THE SURF IS BECOMING IRKSOME AND I REFLECT; I’M TIRED, IMPATIENT, IN PAIN.
TOMORROW WE’LL SEE CAPE WRATH AND I JUST WANT TODAY TO END.”Having a word with myself – looking back over Sandwood Bay Turtle carry over the Tarbet to Loch Nevis Photo: R. Sumner
of underwhelming builds, despite the stark beauty around. I recall my view above Ullapool, the new land to come, the questions, the uncertainty. Before now we were doing something ‘novel’, ‘new’. Now over, we ‘did’ it, it’s ‘done’. The past tense seems less impactful somehow, even in its immediacy. A cliche comes to mind, “the journey, not the destination.” It seems to belong right now. The wind picks up, still from the north, and hoods up we turn south for the first time.
Back along the potholed road, Kervaig bothy awaits, a palace. As the custard sands are whipped by waves, we walk, finding flotsam while Millie chases surf. In the dying light we’re recounting the days. A pair of eagles break the dusk outside, we stare, standing, silent, still; even after they pass out of sight. As the fire ebbs we discuss our next, last day. We’ll start early along the road to catch a slack tide at the Kyle of Durness. Around us, darkness floods in with the sound of the breaking northern sea.
The Pack Wrath Trail – as christened – is a selfpowered journey over land and water. It runs from the line cut by the A830 (Fort William to Arisaig) north to Cape Wrath. It crosses some of the wildest and most rugged terrain in the UK as well as many large, exposed bodies of open and tidal
water. The route finally settled upon was approx 320km to Cape Wrath, the route we followed was 335km. It took 14 days to walk and paddle with an additional day due to being ‘weather bound’ in Torridon. Another day was required to walk and paddle out to Durness. To the best of our knowledge, it had never been done before, and since us finishing it has been repeated just once, by a tandem team in July 23’. In March ’23 Millie and I returned to complete a 500km+ version of the journey from Knapdale but bailed after 200km due to a cut on my foot becoming septic – that’s another story! Millie, the dog, wags her tail lots when we mention the “big walks” and when asked about the quality of the trails replies “Ruff!”
Aye, Jas
ABOUT Jason and Marianne Taylor run Tirio, a packrafting company based in Eryri, North Wales. They offer guided packrafting adventures and training courses, so you can experience the stunning North Wales and UK landscape from a new perspective. Jason is also the author of the soon-to-be published ‘Packrafting - A UK Manual’, which we will feature as soon as it’s available! For more information visit: www.tirio.co.uk
“BEFORE NOW WE WERE DOING SOMETHING ‘NOVEL’, ‘NEW’. NOW OVER, WE ‘DID’ IT, IT’S ‘DONE’. THE PAST TENSE SEEMS LESS IMPACTFUL SOMEHOW, EVEN IN ITS IMMEDIACY. A CLICHE COMES TO MIND, “THE JOURNEY, NOT THE DESTINATION.” IT SEEMS TO BELONG RIGHT NOW.”The Kyle of Durness Let sleeping dogs lie – Millie snoozing before she wakes for Idahoan Mash
Welshpool Canoe Club and Dragon Paddlers have been working with local Girl Guide groups to increase their female membership.
We are lucky enough to have a #ShePaddles Girl Guide badge that was created by one of the British Canoeing ShePaddles Ambassadors. This is a fun and informative badge to get Girl Guides interested in paddlesports.
Hannah (Welshpool Canoe Club) and Emma (Dragon Paddlers) have done a fantastic job engaging more young women in paddlesport.
Badge syllabus:
» Name 4 parts of your craft
» Know how to dress safely for your chosen sport
» Launch into the water safety
» Paddle forward
» Learn how to turn and then paddle backwards
» Get out safely
Quotes from the Girl Guides
"Thank you Chloe, Hannah, and Gillian, our fabulous instructors from Welshpool Canoe Club, they made learning canoeing great fun. We learned a lot in 2 sessions, including safety instructions, how to fit helmets and buoyancy aids, parts of the canoe, and time to play games!”
"The canoeing was fun and I would like to do it again."
"I really enjoyed the canoeing and was sad when I realised it was over.""
"Great opportunity - fun and would definitely go again - great work out for your arms!"
"I really liked canoeing because I was able to be active and have fun at the same time."
"I think it was a fun thing to do and I loved doing it - I think I would do it again."
“Thank you for the #shepaddles badge for our camp blankets.”
MORE
#ShePaddles Cymru and their ambassadors run regular events, trips and socials, aimed at getting more female paddlers out on the water.
To find out more or to get in touch, visit: Facebook #ShePaddles Cymru
www.canoewales.com/shepaddlescymru
ARTICLE : ADAM ROBSON
Like many paddlers I used to consider sit on tops (SOTs) as a lesser kayak, one for beginners and novices and this is true, to a point. The explosion of SUP is a fine example that simplicity is what many people are after when it comes to getting out and enjoying the waterways. SOT kayaks have elements of the simplicity and accessibility, allowing people with limited experience to safely explore rivers, lakes, canals and coastal waters without the ubiquitous "what if I get stuck in it upside down?" It was for this reason that the early 2000s saw huge sales of these craft, in fact, aged 15 working at my local canoe shop I sold hundreds of these to families looking to have something they could take away on their summer camping trip.
When I started working in the Ardeche I realised just how much they brought whitewater kayaking to the masses. There is an enormous kayak hire industry out there, with both solo and tandem models being paddled on grade two water by thousands of novice tourists every day. It was not uncommon to see people in their swimming costume flipping over and climbing back on with a smile! Quite different to your average closed cockpit kayaker with no roll capsizing on grade two!
When TNR moved into Mile End Mill I wanted to harness this accessibility for our activity customers; I had a vision of complete novices enjoying the joys of whitewater (under instruction) but essentially doing everything that the 'real kayakers' do on an average River Dee Park n Play session. They'd run the same features, make the same eddies and surf the same waves. The only difference being, if they capsized they could just climb back on rather than being hampered by the complications of spraydecks, heavy kayaks full of water and the faff and effort of emptying them. This session remains my favourite one to run and customers always go away beaming! Some may never kayak again but they've felt that buzz and will never forget it.
Whilst historically SOTs have been designed for the recreational market and have been made with stability and simplicity in mind, they often have the option to accessorise. Adding thigh straps for performance and backrests for comfort along with all sorts of fancy gadgets for kayak-anglers. Some brands also have pedal-powered fins as an alternative form of propulsion.
There have also been some more recent developments towards more whitewater-oriented designs from some well-known brands like Pyranha, whose Fusion SOT takes all of the versatility of the closed cockpit model of the same name and adds the stability and freedom from entrapment.
Although SOT kayaks are inherently safer than closed cockpit kayaks, they still take us into environments with their own risks. Paddlers should still take and wear equipment appropriate to the environment. Wearing a suitable buoyancy aid or PFD is essential, as well as clothing suitable for the weather conditions and water temperature. Users on rivers should consider a helmet.
All water journeys need an element of planning and environmental awareness. Paddlers should take into consideration wind speed and direction for open water, tide times and patterns for coastal journeys and water levels and difficulty for river paddling. Information on these can be found in guidebooks, online and through courses and formal training. Paddlers venturing out of very sheltered water for the first time should practice what to do in the event of a capsize and have a (waterproof) means of calling for help.
However, don't let these things put you off; paddling a SOT kayak can very quickly let you access that beach, island or rapid that you've always dreamed of.
Your first port of call should be your local paddlesport retailer who can point you in the right direction for everything.
ABOUT Adam Robson runs TNR with Richard Witheridge and Tom Robinson. Based at Mile End Mill on the River Dee in Llangollen TNR offers coaching, guiding and outdoor adventures for all levels of experience. For more info: www.tnroutdoors.co.uk
It’s always a joy to explore a coastline from the perspective of a sea kayak; not only for the unique view of a marine environment but it also allows the person bobbing along to feel, smell and experience the flow of the land as it meets the rhythm of the ocean. As a vehicle to explore new horizons, a sea kayak is right up the top of the list for me. Mid-May saw coaches from all over the world; Wales, England, America, Poland, Northern Ireland and Iceland to name but a few, attend Iceland’s annual Sea Kayak Festival. Over sixty participants and a gaggle of coaches taught, explored, learned and connected for three fun-filled days. The location was Arnastapi, West Iceland. Activities for the event included surf, rock-hopping, boat handling, exploring the coastlines, and the coach/participant’s daily choice. The conditions for the weekend were quite bouncy, so much so that we relocated for one of the days.
The coastline is awash with relics from a tectonically turbulent past. Larva flows spill over the cliffs into the water, where they continued their charge until momentum was overpowered by the ocean. The columnar jointing of the basalt columns has created hexagonal giants in the landscape through which waterfalls burst and the eye can’t help but linger to understand the huge formations so regular in creation against the chaotic lumps of ancient lava.
The conditions for the festival included a fair amount of wind and lots of swell, what you might expect for an island exposed to so much ocean. We were even blessed with sunshine on the final day and luckily the snow held out until that evening (brrrr!).
The wildlife in this part of Iceland is dominated by an abundance of birdlife, from the unmistakable drumming (created by the tail feathers) of snipe, to the familiar trill of the curlew and
many more. On the water, kittiwake and fulmar nest on the rocky ledges conveniently positioned by the columnar pillars. In high numbers they dominate the upper walls and arches. Razorbills and black guillemots are plentiful and puffins are also seen rafted on the water, however, their numbers are really appreciated when kayaking further north and especially around the Hornstrandir National Park.
In the water we were joined by inquisitive harbour seals and almost a whale, if a faraway wave breaking on an off-shore reef counts as almost. Due to the size of the swell we enjoyed an alternative coastline further north on the first day of the festival. On this day orca were seen moving past in the afternoon at the same location. It’s a shame we were all having too much fun playing on the ‘elevator’ style swells along the coast to cast an eye out to the deeper water.
For the remainder of the festival we launched out of the local harbour, a tiny access point usually busy with fishing boats and wool-jumper wearing sea folk. Luckily for us they are not permitted to fish over the weekends. It’s a good job really as there were just a few boats in the way…
After a brilliant few days there really wasn’t much left to do other than wave goodbye and head to the hot pools, well when in Rome …
ABOUT Rachel Bott is a sea kayak guide based in Pembrokeshire. For guiding or coaching please contact Sea Kayak Guides Pembrokeshire: info@seakayakguides.co.uk
ARTICLE : RACHEL BOTT
PHOTOS:
#SPC VOLUNTEERSAugust saw the first ever #ShePaddles Cymru Summer Celebration, run by CW and hosted by Llandysul Paddlers. This was a 2-day paddling extravaganza packed to the gunnels with activities both on and off the water. It was all set to be a stellar weekend ...
Friday night was a time for everyone to set up camp … unfortunately it was very wet but that did not dampen people's spirits! The accommodation options were either camping or the onsite bunkhouse. The bunkhouse was a great addition as it had a drying room and a comprehensive kitchen.
The lake was open for the ladies to go for a paddle and a chat, but the weather put a lot of people off. The few that did paddle got some great advice from ShePaddles Cymru (#SPC) volunteers who were on the lake to support them. We then met in the marquee for a welcome chat and a quiz, where the excitement started building for the next day’s workshops.
The morning started with a brilliant yoga session. Roessa approached me at the Plas y Brenin festival and said she would like to see more yoga at our events, and that she would like to come and lead some sessions at our next event. I agreed that this would be a great addition to our summer celebration. The rain did not stop Roessa from running her yoga sessions and we found the perfect room overlooking the river; a great way for the ladies to start their day.
Yoga was followed by the most amazing breakfast that Alix from Llandysul had prepared. There was everything you could possibly want: toast, cereal, bacon, sausage, eggs, and vegan options. Everyone was set up for a full day of paddling.
It was then time for the first workshop to begin. Excitement was in the air or should I say water!
Ladies took part in whitewater kayaking sessions, rescue practice, river swimming, hotdogging and whitewater rafting, all run by the most caring, enthusiastic, motivating and fun Llandysul instructors. Intro to SUP was run by #SPC volunteers and intro to slalom was run by Helen, who is the #SPC club lead for Llandysul. She was supported by her daughter Sadie, who represents Wales in slalom.
It was then time for lunch and a little relaxation before it all began again. The sessions from the morning were repeated in the afternoon, giving the ladies a chance to try a second workshop. By
“Loved everything about it. Even the weather didn't dampen our spirits.”
“Anxious at first but loved it by the end. Instructors very supportive.”
“Just a great atmosphere! Will definitely be attending another. Thank you!!”
now new friendships had been made and some workshop swapping was being done to be with new friends.
Sometimes we try things we think we are going to like but it turns out it’s not for us and that's OK. Just keep trying till you find your thing!
After the workshops ended it was time for the fun slalom where, along with the normal gates, we added in some hoops for putting your paddles through, a 360-degree turn, and even a roll section where if you rolled you had 10 seconds taken off your time, to encourage the ladies to have a go. This was so much fun that some of the elite slalom paddlers from Llandysul joined in – they didn’t want to miss out! People competed in plastic kayaks, slalom kayaks, and even hotdogs.
Then the evening entertainment began. We were fed well with a BBQ and hog roast. We then had a gin, rum, and cheese tasting session from Da Mhile. There was definitely more gin than I expected but it was great to learn about a local organic company. The cheese was delicious. Then came the dancing with live music. It was fantastic to see everyone let their hair down and enjoy the evening. By midnight, when the band finished, most people were already in bed after the busy day.
The day started with yoga and then another fantastic breakfast. The Sunday water sessions were all full-day activities: rolling progression, sea kayaking, flat water, and whitewater journey, whitewater progression, and intro to paddlesports. There was an even spread of ladies wanting to do all the activities. Some ladies chose not to take part in the afternoon as they had long journeys home or they were just too tired.
And so the weekend drew to a close. Another fun and successful #SPC event where the paddlers left with big smiles, improved skills and new friendships. And feeling excited about their next adventure!
“The supportive environment! I've never felt so supported and confident in a kayak.”
“I'm in my happy place. Great coaches. Lots of kayaking info AND marine/wildlife observations”
Canolfan Tryweryn’s annual paddler festival kicked off a day earlier this year with all the usual shananigans and more. The weather dampened the camping ground somewhat, but it couldn’t touch our spirits!
Paddling on the Friday was included in the ticket this year and a good number of festival goers were willing and able to take advantage of a warm-up day. For those coming straight from work, Manon’s Riverside Café stayed open once again to allow Rich to welcome the weary travellers with pizza. Our traditional Friday night quiz had an upgrade this year, with the brilliant Pete Catterall as writer and presenter, ensuring amusing entertainment for all. There were some tricky rounds with all the questions being paddling related, including a couple of old pictures of myself and Sam (your T Fest organisers!) secretly sourced just to add a touch of embarrassment to the mix. Cheers Pete!
Saturday always compels the thrill-seeking racers to an early breakfast before joining the mass start throng of bodies and boats that is the NRS Extreme Race. The speediest men and women from the mass starts then went off the ramp in threes to compete for a place in the semi-finals and then the finals. This year, the number of women joining the race was not only noticeably larger but they were stronger paddlers also, making the competition even tougher. At the end, the top woman paddler went head-to-head with the top two male paddlers and came second. A win for #ShePaddles Cymru!
The boater x was followed by the Radical Rider Retro Wave Competition. Beginning pretty sensibly with paddlers politely taking turns and giving each other time and space, it quickly gave way to much mischievousness! We saw cheeky waving and silly expressions accompanying some bold and beautiful moves. There was one brutal face off with a raft, proving that you really do need confidence in your roll, but can manage without a sense of your own mortality. At the other end of the scale, the introduction of a banana lightened the tone again! The audience oohed and ahhed with increasing hilarity as Cheesy (spurned on by the mischief-making Pete and Tom) entertained the crowd AND competitors with wonderful commentary and special requests. All who entered performed brilliantlythough not all who entered did so intentionally!
WORDS : ANNETTE POWEROnce Reece had finished his banana, it was time for the Palm Epic Enduro. Last year’s inaugural Epic meant that competitors this year had a better idea of the extent of the sufferfest. Some were simply too pooped from the morning’s exertions to even think about it. One particularly masochistic soul, however, had in fact been in training all year for this event, and he was joined by other fit-asa-fiddle paddlers. And their boats. For those who are unaware, this is a race down the Graveyard, then back up carrying your boat as many times as possible in the allotted 30 minutes. I’m not sure if it was records or people that were broken.
More playfully, we then had the first of two new events for this year: Playing the River with Pyranha, which did turn into a tailee jam, with slicey boats available to borrow. It was great fun to watch the skill these paddlers showed in controlling their boats at improbable angles. With a little added (impromptu?) combat element of trying to tailee a competitor’s tailee over, a lot of fun was had! Fortunately, these paddlers have their rolls properly dialed in from so much upside-down time, so they just popped back up, like Weebles.
The last event of Saturday is the one the raft guides look forward to, the NWWC Raft Race. After a practice lap, each raft is timed, with 3m52s being the winning time. 2023 will be the year that records began! Almost a hundred people took to the water to race for the exalted top spot and, this year, T Fest Winner T shirts – ooohh.
After a lovely dinner, with queues that we will conquer for next year, it was time for the prize giving for our fabulous winners of the day. With buoyancy aids, kit bags, throw lines and much more our sponsors really do us proud with their generosity and it was great to hear them talk about their events and the paddlers who took part. We were also joined by Dan from Save our Rivers who spoke passionately about the hydro project(s) threatening the Ötztaler Ache in Austria. This river has 70km of world class white water and is home to the famous Wellerbruecke rapids as well as to many alpine communities and a rich bio-diversity. It would be a huge loss to the paddling world as well as locally.
After the chat, the tables were pushed out of the way to make room for the partying. The Misfits (our local band) got us up and kept us up! They were brilliant, again. The atmosphere was fantastic and the dancing exuberant. But we weren’t finished, and there were going to be some sore heads in the morning.
Sunday brought our last two events and of course more paddling, though a late and hearty breakfast was the first order of the day for many. Once we’d had chance to warm up into the day, the Palm Throw Bag Olympics was next on the menu. This is always a joy to watch, with such
enthusiasm shown by all participants and a look of total chaos that is actually a very wellcoordinated dance!
Finally, we had our second new event of the weekend, the Pyranha Beginner Boater X. This one was an important addition for me, as someone who would be terrified at the thought of the mass start and dropping of the death-defying ramp (well that’s what it looks like to me). I was keen to offer a race that has low consequences for those of us with a normal amount of fear. The race was really well organized, with safety kayakers, as we have for all our events, and set on the section from the chipper down. There were must-make eddies and a special Pyranha upcycled shape sorter to post your paddle through before the last ‘touch-the-banner’ spot to
finish. Everyone got a prize for this one, thoroughly well-deserved for first-time racing places!
The water was, as is usual for a weekend, on until 6.30pm, but the paddlers were spent before then. It was a fabulous weekend, with lots of laughter and paddling in abundance. Friendships were broadened and skills were worked on, either through coaching sessions with Plas y Brenin or with friends and other paddlers who are generally so happy to offer advice and support.
Thanks to all who came and paddled or watched and helped to make it great. We do a lot of planning beforehand but once the weekend arrives, it really is up to all of the ticket-holders to make it work. You didn’t let us down, you were awesome as always. Thank you and see you next year.
The T Fest runs every year, usually in mid-July. It’s a white water paddling extravaganza, and usually sells out in a few days of the tickets being released. For details of the 2024 T Fest keep an eye on the NWWC website and FB page:
www.nationalwhitewatercentre.co.uk
www.facebook.com/trywerynNWWC
Aber Mawddach
Mark Bramich
Mawddach Estuary
Mark Bramich