Ceufad Spring 2023

KAYAKceufad

CYLCHGRAWN CANŴ CYMRU JOURNAL OF CANOE WALES

RIVER TEIFI CLEAN UP

ZAMBEZI: THE BATOKA GORGE

CANOE WALES AWARDS 2022

PADDLE AT THE PARK IN THE PAST

NORTH WALES SLALOM

golygyddol

Roedd yn hawdd dewis y llun golygyddol ar gyfer y rhifyn hwn. Mae’n cynrychioli’r gorau o’r gymuned padlo a pheth o’r defnydd gwaethaf o afon ar gyfer dympio gwastraff. Dyma waith glanhau Afon Teifi gan Padlwyr Llandysul: taith ar hyd 5.5km o’r afon i glirio a chasglu unrhyw sbwriel. Roedd yr hyn a ddylai fod wedi cymryd diwrnod yn golygu bod angen 3 oherwydd cymaint o sbwriel yn yr afon. Ond pan anfonwyd yr alwad am gymorth daeth dros 50 o bobl i helpu, gan badlo i lawr yr afon a cherdded ar hyd y lan. Llenwi rafftiau, canwod, caiacau a bagiau gyda sbwriel. Er gwaethaf yr amgylchiadau, braf oedd gweld y gymuned yn cyd-dynnu i glirio ac amddiffyn eu hafon leol (t32) Os hoffech chi helpu i glirio’ch dyfrffordd neu’ch traeth lleol, edrychwch ar y Glanhad Mawr wrth Badlo (t5). Bellach yn ei hail flwyddyn mae’n gyfle perffaith i drefnu neu ymuno â digwyddiad glanhau, a helpu i glirio ac amddiffyn dyfroedd bendigedig Cymru.

Vicky Barlow

Golygydd

It was easy to choose the editorial photo for this issue. It represents the best of the paddling community and some of the worst use of a river for dumping waste. This is Llandysul Paddlers River Teifi clean up; a trip along 5.5km of the river to clear and collect any rubbish. What should have taken a day ended up taking 3 because of the volume of rubbish in the river. But when the call for help was sent out over 50 people turned up, paddling down the river and walking along the bank. Filling rafts, canoes, kayaks and bags with rubbish. Despite the circumstances it was great to see the community pulling together to clear and protect their local river (p32).

If you’d like to help clear your local waterway or beach then check out the Big Paddle Clean Up (p5). Now in its second year it’s the perfect opportunity to organise or join a clean up event, and help clear and protect Wales’ wonderful waters.

Vicky Barlow Editor

Ceufad

Ed Ceufad @Ceufad ceufad@canoewales.com

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: HAF DYDDIAD CAU: 8 MAI

I gael gwybodaeth am DANYSGRIFIADAU, HYSBYSEBION a CHYFLWYNIADAU: www.canoewales.com/ceufad ceufad@canoewales.com

ceufad@canoewales.com

Ceufad Ed Ceufad @Ceufad

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:

Spring (March), Summer (June), Autumn (Sept) and Winter (Dec)

NEXT ISSUE: SUMMER DEADLINE: 8 MAY

For info on SUBSCRIPTIONS, ADVERTISING and SUBMISSIONS: www.canoewales.com/ceufad ceufad@canoewales.com

AFON TEIFI PADLWYR LLANDYSUL

AFON TEIFI LLANDYSUL PADDLERS

4 Newyddion Canŵ Cymru

Gwybodaeth a diweddariadau fan Canŵ Cymru

5 Canoe Wales News

Info and updates from Canoe Wales

6 Gwobrau Canŵ Cymru 2022

Cyhoeddi enillwyr gwobrau 2022

7 Canoe Wales Awards 2022

Announcing the 2022 award winners

8 Scarce Yellow Sally Project

Protecting a critically endangered native of the River Dee

9 Events

Festivals, symposiums and races coming to a river near you

11 In the Flow

The latest paddlesport products and news

12 #ShePaddles Cymru 2023

There are big plans for 2023!

14 Meet the Team: Dave Kohn-Hollins

A new Director on the CW board

16 Slalom Gogledd Cymru

Mynd o nerth i nerth

CYNNWYS CONTENTS

18 North Wales Slalom

Going from strength to strength

20 Zambezi

Kayaking the Batoka gorge

26 Meet the Team: David Eade

A new Director on the CW board

28 Destination Wales

Paddle at the Park in the Past

30 Q&A Tavi Murray

CW Coach of the Year 2022

32 Glanhau’r Afon Teifi

Digwyddiad epig Padlwyr Llandysul

34 River Teifi Clean Up

Llandysul Paddlers epic event

36 Paddle West

‘Every Person Matters’ Award Winners

CANŴ CYMRU — EIN TÎM

Alistair Dickson Prif Weithredwr

TÎM GWASANAETHAU AELODAU

Andy Turton Rheolwr Hyfforddi Dros Dro

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

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)

Serena Williams 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

MAE CANŴ CYMRU ANGEN

EICH

HELP I GASGLU DATA

EFFAITH CHWARAEON PADLO AR IECHYD A LLES

Mae gallu i fynd allan ar y dŵr am badl ymlaciol, neu redeg afon ar ôl diwrnod llawn straen, yn rhoi dihangfa i lawer o bobl o fywyd bob dydd. Mae manteision chwaraeon padlo ar iechyd a lles wedi bod yn rheswm ers tro pam mae llawer o bobl yn cymryd rhan yn y gamp ac mae Canŵ Cymru eisiau sicrhau bod dyfrffyrdd yn parhau ar agor am y cenedlaethau sydd i ddod.

Er mwyn helpu i ddangos tystiolaeth o effaith iechyd a lles aelodau Canŵ Cymru a chynyddu’r cyfleoedd ariannu yn y dyfodol o fewn chwaraeon padlo, mae Canŵ Cymru a Talent Pathway iD wedi ymuno a datblygu arolwg cyfranogiad chwaraeon padlo.

Nod yr arolwg yw dangos i gyllidwyr effaith ehangach padlo ar iechyd a lles pobl, a fydd yn arwain at fwy o fuddsoddiad mewn padlo yng Nghymru a bydd yn helpu’n sylweddol gyda chyfleoedd ariannu yn y dyfodol.

I gael rhagor o wybodaeth am y bartneriaeth: www.bit.ly/3XJLQ7f

I gwblhau’r arolwg (10 munud): www.bit/ly/400xmpn

YMUNWCH

YN Y GLANHAD MAWR WRTH BADLO 2023

HELPWCH I AMDDIFFYN Y LLEOEDD RYDYCH CHI’N CARU PADLO

Gan fod ymgyrch y llynedd wedi bod yn gymaint o lwyddiant rydym yn cyflwyno ail flwyddyn o’r Glanhad Mawr wrth Badlo mewn cydweithrediad gyda Clear Access Clear Waters a British Canoeing.

Mae ein dyfrffyrdd mewn argyfwng oherwydd pob math o lygredd ac, fel padlwyr, rydym mewn sefyllfa unigryw i gasglu sbwriel o leoedd na all eraill fynd iddynt. Yn 2022 cafwyd 35 clwb yn gwneud ceisiadau am Becynnau Casglu Sbwriel am ddim, bron i 60km o afonydd, glannau a thraethlinau’n cael eu clirio, a chasglwyd cymaint â 204 o fagiau o sbwriel yng Nghymru yn unig.

Mae’r Glanhad Mawr wrth Badlo yn rhedeg o 27 Mai tan 11 Mehefin a gallwch gymryd rhan trwy drefnu sesiwn lanhau gyda ffrindiau neu eich clwb canŵio, neu drwy ymuno a digwyddiad yn eich ardal chi. Mae pecynnau codi sbwriel am ddim ar gael i glybiau cysylltiedig a gallwch gofnodi eich sesiwn glanhau padlo ar-lein. Am ragor o wybodaeth: www.bit.ly/3K5KRL6

CYLLID Y SEFYDLIAD CANŴIO NAWR AR AGOR

GRANTIAU AR GYFER MYNEDIAD NEU SY’N GYSYLLTIEDIG Â’R

AMGYLCHEDD PROSIECTAU CHWARAEON PADLO

Mae’n bleser gan y Sefydliad Canŵio, partner elusen swyddogol British Canoeing, gyheodd bod eu rownd ddiweddaraf o arian grant bellach ar agor! Os oes gennych chi brosiect canŵio, caiacio neu badl fyrddio sefyll sydd angen cyllid o hyd at £10,000 ar gyfer mynediad neu welliannau sy’n gysylltiedig â’r amgylchedd, mae’r Sefydliad Canŵio am glywed gennych. Yn ystod y cylch cyllido diwethaf, dyfarnwyd dros £50,000 i nifer o brosiectau gwych ar draws y Deyrnas Unedig.

Mae’r ffenest ariannu ar agor tan 11 Ebrill 2023. Felly os ydych yn glwb padlo, grŵp cymuned, Cyngor Plwyf, Awdurdod Lleol, elusen neu sefydliad sy’n gweithio i wella neu gynnal mynediad i’r dŵr yn eich ardal ar gyfer padlwyr, byddai’r Sefydliad Canŵio wrth eu bodd yn clywed gennych. Am ragor o wybodaeth: www.canoefoundation.org.uk/online-funding-applications

CW NEED YOUR HELP TO GATHER DATA

IMPACT OF PADDLESPORT ON HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

The ability to get out on the water for a relaxing paddle, or run a river after a stressful day, provides many people with an escape from everyday life. The benefits of paddlesport on health and well-being have long been a reason why many people take up the sport and CW want to ensure waterways remain open for generations to come.

To help evidence the impact of health and wellbeing of CW members and increase future funding opportunities within paddlesport, Canoe Wales and Talent Pathway iD have joined forces and developed a paddlesport participation survey.

The aim of the survey is to demonstrate to funders the broader impact of paddling on people’s health and wellbeing, which will result in more investment into paddling in Wales and will significantly help with future funding opportunities. For more information on the partnership: www.bit.ly/3XJLQ7f

To complete the survey (10 mins): www.bit.ly/40Oxmpn

JOIN IN THE 2023 BIG PADDLE CLEAN UP HELP PROTECT THE PLACES YOU LOVE TO PADDLE

As last year's campaign was such a success we are rolling out a second year of the Big Paddle Clean Up in association with Clear Access Clear Waters and British Canoeing.

Our waterways are in crisis from all kinds of pollution and, as paddlers, we are in a unique position to collect litter and rubbish from places others are unable to access. Our 2022 campaign saw 35 clubs request free Litter Picking Kits, nearly 60km of rivers, banks and shoreline being cleared, and as much as 204 bags of rubbish were collected in Wales alone.

The Big Paddle Clean Up is running from 27th May to the 11th June and you can get involved by organising a clean up with friends or your canoe club, or by joining an event near you. Free litter picking kits are available to affiliated clubs and you can log your paddle clean up online. For more information: www.bit.ly/3K5KRL6

CANOE FOUNDATION FUNDING NOW OPEN

GRANTS FOR ACCESS OR ENVIRONMENT-RELATED PADDLESPORT PROJECTS

Canoe Foundation, the official charity partner of British Canoeing, is pleased to announce that their latest round of grant funding is now open! If you have a canoeing, kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding project in need of funding of up to £10,000 for access or environment-related improvements, the Canoe Foundation wants to hear from you.

During the last funding cycle, over £50,000 was awarded to several fantastic projects across the UK.

The funding window is open till 11 April 2023. So if you’re a paddling club, a community group, Parish Council, Local Authority, charity or organisation working to improve or sustain access to the water in your area for paddlers, Canoe Foundation would love to hear from you! Find out more at: www.canoefoundation.org.uk/online-funding-applications

Alistair Dickson CEO

MEMBER SERVICES TEAM

Andy Turton Interim 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

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)

Serena Williams Sprint Coach

Giacomo Leighton Slalom Talent Coach

Andrew Kettlewell Slalom Performance Coach

DIRECTORS

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

GWOBRAU CANŴ CYMRU

Mae Gwobrau Canŵ Cymru yn cydnabod ymroddiad ac ymrwymiad aruthrol aelodau CC a’r rhai sy’n eu cefnogi. Yn 2022 roedd pedwar categori gwobrau ar agor ar gyfer enwebiadau.

HYFFORDDWR Y FLWYDDYN

Rhywun sydd bob amser yno i helpu eraill gyda’u padlo, datblygu sgiliau neu gael mwy o badlwyr ar y dŵr i gael hwyl.

GWIRFODDOLWR Y FLWYDDYN - GWOBR ALAN BAKER

Y person cadarn y tu ôl i’r llenni sydd bob amser yno yn cefnogi eu tîm, padlwyr neu glwb. Mae’r wobr hon yn agored i unrhyw un sy’n gwirfoddoli eu hamser i gefnogi gweithgareddau chwaraeon padlo, boed hynny fel hyfforddwr, ysgrifennydd clwb, swyddog rasio neu rywbeth arall.

PADLWR Y FLWYDDYN

Yr athletwr neu’r fforiwr o Gymru sy’n sefyll allan gyda’u cyflawniadau padlo, gan ddangos dilyniant, paratoad personol neu sbortsmonaeth i gyfrannu at y gamp.

CLWB Y FLWYDDYN

Wedi’i ddyfarnu i’r clwb padlo gorau yng Nghymru – yn cydnabod cyflawniad rhagorol wrth hybu twf chwaraeon padlo a chefnogi datblygiad padlwyr ar bob lefel o bob cymuned.

Ar ôl enwebiadau a thrafodaethau mae CC yn falch o gyhoeddi enillwyr gwobrau 2022 fel a ganlyn.

HYFFORDDWR Y FLWYDDYN

Tavi Murray

“Mae Tavi yn hyfforddi ar gyfer Seren

Dŵr yn Dŵr Gwyn Rhyngwladol

Caerdydd bob dydd Mawrth, ac yn hael wrth greu gweithgareddau sy’n hwyl ac o ddiddordeb i’r padlwyr sy’n mynychu (beth bynnag fo lefel eu sgiliau). Mae hi’n sylwi ar beth mae’r padlwyr yn ei hoffi, ac yn teilwra gweithgareddau iddyn nhw (mynd ar drywydd pêl, gyda fy merch, i lawr CIWW yn gofiadwy). Mae Tavi yn treulio llawer o amser nad ydym yn ei weld yn ceisio am grantiau i sicrhau bod y cyfleoedd padlo yn hygyrch i bawb. O drefnu trip clwb i ŵyl afon Llandysul, gwneud y niferoedd i fyny mewn cystadleuaeth C2 adran 4 rhyng-glybiau, neu drefnu cyfle i badlwyr iau ddysgu eu WWWRT. Mae Tavi yn drobwll o frwdfrydedd padlo sy’n dod â’r gorau allan o’r padlwyr y mae’n cwrdd â nhw. Mae Tavi hefyd yn rhoi ei hamser dros y ffin, gan weithredu fel hyfforddwr gwadd i Glwb Canŵio Avon yn eu gwersyll haf a’u penwythnos dŵr gwyn. Mae hi’n hyfforddwr gwych, ac mae perfformiad gwell gan badlwyr Seren Dŵr eleni yn dyst o’i hymdrechion.”

GWIRFODDOLWR Y FLWYDDYNGWOBR ALAN BAKER

Stuart Sherman

“Mae Stu yn hyfforddwr gwych ac yn gwneud llawer yn ein clwb.

Mae’n llunio’r rhaglen hyfforddi ac yn trefnu’r treialon amser 10k.

Mae’n trosglwyddo ei wybodaeth wych o badlo i bawb yn ein clwb.

Eleni cwblhaodd y ras DW. Mae’n berson gwych i fod o’i gwmpas ac yn fentor anhygoel. Ni allai sesiynau’r clwb redeg hebddo. Mae’n cefnogi pawb yn y sesiynau clwb yn ogystal â mewn rasys yr ydym wedi mynychu trwy gydol y flwyddyn, gan gynnwys cystadleuaeth

pencampwyr Ewropeaidd sgïo cefnfor yn Sardinia a chystadleuaeth Pencampwyr y Byd a gynhaliwyd ym Mhortiwgal.”

PADLWR Y FLWYDDYN

Robyn Taunt

“Mae Robyn yn 13 oed a chafodd ei dyrchafu i Adran 1 slalom yn K1a C1 yn yr haf ac mae hefyd yn cystadlu yn C2. Treuliodd ychydig o wythnosau yn hyfforddi yn Grandtully ac mae ei hyder wedi mynd o nerth i nerth, i’r graddau y bu’n cystadlu yn y ras Premier yn y Graveyard ym mis medi, ac roedd yn un o 20 allan o 115 o gystadleuwyr i gael rhediad glân. Dim ond dwy flynedd yn ôl fyddai hi ddim hyd yn oed yn mynd ar y Tryweryn am sesiwn ymarfer, a blwyddyn i badlo’n hyderus i lawr Dyffryn Lee.

Mae hi wedi mynd o roi pwysau arni ei hun fel ei bod hi bob amser yn negyddol am ei chyflawniadau ac yn siomedig iawn gyda hi ei hun ar ôl gorffen rhediad, i ferch sy’n dod o’r dŵr yn gwenu. Mae hi’n gwrando ar yr hyn y mae’r hyfforddwyr yn ei ddweud, yn ei gymryd i ystyriaeth, yn cynllunio ei ras, ac yn mynd amdani. Hi yw pencampwr presennol J13 a J14 yn C1 Cymru a phencampwr J15 K1.”

CLWB Y FLWYDDYN

Clwb Slalom Seren Dŵr

“Gadawodd Covid ein clwb mewn lle anodd yn 2020-21. Gadawodd prif hyfforddwr y clwb ac fe gollon ni nifer sylweddol o’n haelodau hefyd. Unwaith i CIWW ailagor ym mis Mehefin 2021 ac y gallem ddechrau sesiynau clwb eto doedd gennym ni ddim digon o hyfforddwyr i gynyddu ein haelodaeth a rhy ychydig o aelodau i fod yn glwb cyffrous a hwyliog... roeddem yn teimlo ein bod wedi ein caethiwo! Ond nawr mae’r amseroedd hynny’n ymddangos ymhell y tu ôl i ni! Mae eleni wedi bod yn gyffrous iawn ac mae’r clwb wedi dod yn bell.”

Dros y rhifynnau nesaf byddwn yn cyfweld â’r enillwyr – gan ddechrau gyda Hyfforddwr CW y Flwyddyn Tavi Murray ar dudalen 30.

JAMIE GREENHALGH

CANOE WALES AWARDS

The Canoe Wales Awards recognise the tremendous dedication and commitment of CW members and those who support them. In 2022 four award categories were open for nominations.

COACH OF THE YEAR

Someone who is always there to help others with their paddling, develop skills or simply get more paddlers on the water having fun.

ALAN BAKER VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

The rock-solid person behind the scenes who is always there supporting their team, paddlers or club. This award is open to anyone who volunteers their time to support paddlesport activities, whether that's as a coach, club secretary, race official or something else.

2022

PADDLER OF THE YEAR

The Welsh athlete or explorer who stands out with their paddling achievements, showing progression, personal preparation or sportsmanship to contribute to the sport.

CLUB OF THE YEAR

Awarded to the top paddling club in Wales – recognising exemplary achievement in promoting the growth of paddlesport and supporting the development of paddlers at all levels from all communities.

After nominations and deliberations CW are proud to announce the following 2022 award winners.

COACH OF THE YEAR

Tavi Murray

"Tavi coaches for Seren Dŵr at Cardiff International White Water every Tuesday, and generously creates activities that are fun and of interest to the paddlers that attend (whatever their skill level). She notices what the paddlers like, and tailors activities to them (chasing a ball, with my daughter, down CIWW memorably springs to mind). Tavi spends much time that we don’t see applying for grants to ensure the paddling opportunities are accessible to all. From organising a club trip to the Llandysul river festival, making the numbers up in an inter-club C2 div 4 competition, or organising the opportunity for younger paddlers to learn their WWSRT. Tavi is a whirlpool of paddling enthusiasm that brings out the best in the paddlers that she meets. Tavi also lends her time over the border, acting as a guest coach for North Avon Canoe Club on their summer camp and whitewater weekend. She is a fantastic coach, and the improved performance of the Seren Dŵr paddlers this year is a testament to her efforts."

ALAN BAKER - VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

Stuart Sherman

"Stu is a fantastic coach & does do much at our club. He puts together the training programme and organises the 10k time trials. He passes on his great knowledge of paddling to all at our club. This year he completed the DW race. He is a great person to be around and an amazing mentor. The club sessions could not run without him. He supports everyone at these club sessions as well as at races that we have attended throughout the year, including the ocean ski European champs at Sardinia and World Champs held at Portugal."

PADDLER OF THE YEAR

Robyn Taunt

"Robyn is 13 and was promoted into slalom Division 1 in both K1 and C1 in the summer and also competes in C2. She spent a couple of weeks training at Grandtully and her confidence has gone from strength to strength, to the extent she competed in the Premier race at the Graveyard in September, and was one of 20 out of 115 competitors to get a clean run. It was only two years ago she wouldn’t even get on the Tryweryn for a training session, and a year to confidently paddle down Lee Valley. She has gone from putting pressure on herself so that when she finished a run, she was always negative about her achievements and very disappointed with herself, to a girl that comes off the water smiling. She is constantly pushing herself and gaining confidence. She listens to what the coaches say, takes it on board, plans her race, and sticks to it. She is the current Welsh J13 and J14 C1 champion and the J15 K1 champion."

CLUB OF THE YEAR

Seren Dŵr Slalom Club

"Covid left our club in a difficult place in 2020–21. Our main coach left the club and we also lost a significant number of our members. Once CIWW reopened in June 2021 and we could start club sessions again we had too few coaches to increase our membership and too few members to be an exciting and fun club… we felt we were trapped! But now those times seem far behind us! This year has been really exciting and the club has come a long way."

Over the next issues we will be interviewing the winners – starting with the CW Coach of the Year Tavi Murray on page 30.

JAMIE GREENHALGH

SCARCE YELLOW SALLY PROJECT

PROTECTING

A CRITICALLY ENDANGERED NATIVE OF THE RIVER DEE

Natur am Byth! is Wales’ flagship Green Recovery project uniting nine environmental NGOs with Natural Resources Wales in the largest ever partnership of its kind in Wales! The aim of Natur am Byth! is to save species from extinction and to help reconnect people to nature. The programme is made up of 11 projects spanning the breadth of Wales including terrestrial, freshwater and marine habitats.

One of these projects focuses on Scarce Yellow Sally (Isogenus nubecula), a critically endangered stonefly which is currently only found along a stretch of the River Dee in Wrexham County Borough between Wern and Erbistock, and nowhere else in the UK, having been rediscovered here in March 2017 following a 22-year absence.

First found in the Dee in 1959, the stonefly was recorded episodically until 1995, but surveys carried out between 1997 and 2015 failed to locate it and it was presumed to have gone extinct in the British Isles. The species recent rediscovery is therefore a cause for celebration, however action is needed to further understand it ecology and distribution.

The Scarce Yellow Sally project will increase our understanding of the ecology, population status and distribution of this critically endangered species, through kick sampling and environmental DNA (eDNA) surveys and captive rearing trials. In March of this year staff from Buglife, Chester Zoo, the Welsh Dee Trust and a freshwater invertebrate specialist set about surveying for Scarce Yellow Sally at Bangor-on-Dee and nearby Pickhill meadows. The surveys involved wading out to the fastest flowing sections of the river and carrying out a ‘Kick sample’, where a net is placed downstream of the sampler and the riverbed disturbed by their feet. Creatures in this area are caught in the net which is then brought to shore for analysis. Previous surveys identified Bangor-on-Dee and Pickhill meadows as key locations for our stonefly and we were fortunate to find that this was the case again this year. A proportion of Scarce Yellow Sally stoneflies were taken back to Chester Zoo where the captive rearing trials began

Survey work undertaken to date suggests that the species is restricted to the main channel of the Dee, with the larvae preferring areas of swift-flowing water over cobbles and gravels. Larvae are predatory, feeding mainly on other riverfly larvae, although they may

also eat some vegetation. Adults are reported as being on the wing between March and April, however, sources from Europe suggest that the flight period might be later, occurring in May to July. The adults are thought not to feed, though they do drink water.

Whilst there is more to learn about its biology and habitat requirements Scarce Yellow Sally is highly vulnerable to habitat loss and pollution incidents. This much-needed project will help fill in some of the important gaps in our knowledge of this iconic Welsh species.

The project will provide opportunities for local communities and visitors to the area to get involved at all levels, from well-being walks and litter picks along the Dee, to species identification training and recording, through to arts projects, interpreting and showcasing the Scarce Yellow Sally in new and innovative ways.

In February 2023, at the end of the 18-month development phase the Natur am Byth! partnership will present our bid to the National Lottery Heritage Fund to support a four-year programme of action from 2023 to 2027. If successful, that’s when the exciting practical conservation and local engagement will happen across Wales, including in Wrexham.

We’re currently working with a range of organisations and community groups to develop our bid including Chester Zoo, Welsh Dee Trust, Bangor-on-Dee Salmon Anglers, North Wales Wildlife Trust, Ty Pawb, The Rainbow Foundation and more. We’re keen to engage a wide range of river users with the Scarce Yellow Sally project and would be keen to hear from Canoe Wales members who may wish to become involved, whether you live locally or plan to visit the area.

MORE INFO

To find out more about the Scarce Yellow Sally project please contact Clare Dinham: clare.dinham@buglife.org.uk

ARTICLE : CLARE DINHAM

Adult Scarce Yellow Sally (Isogenus nubecula) Wolfram Graf

Bridge at Bangor-on-Dee Jeff Buck (cc-by-sa/2.0)

EVENTS

DEEFEST DEEFEST HQ

DEEFEST

Llangollen

How about a weekend of fun with like-minded people celebrating everything the Dee has to offer? Welcome to the DeeFest! Tickets include: entry into any/all events, Sat night party with Extreme Events, event t-shirt and shuttles. www.facebook.com/DeeFestLlangollen2023

CW ROADSHOW

CIWW, Cardiff

Meet the CW team, hear the latest updates, and share your thoughts about how CW can better support paddlers. www.canoewales.com

CW ROADSHOW

Llandysul

CW ROADSHOW

Online

ANGLESEY SEA SYMPOSIUM

Anglesey

It's been 40 years since the first meet, which means a big celebration is in order! The symposium features all things sea kayaking, with workshops, trips, demo boats, manufacturers and the all-important social! www.angleseyseakayaksymposium.co.uk

CW ROADSHOW

North Wales - venue TBC

9-11

CIWW PADDLEFEST / DGRHC GŴYLBADLO

Cardiff

Bigger than ever, the 2023 Paddlefest has something for everyone, from first-timers to senders. The event features taster sessions, white water madness, kayak cross and SUP racing. The ultimate paddler event! SUP race: www.bit.ly/3YsVBqE

Paddlefest: www.facebook.com/cardiffintww

SHEPADDLES CYMRU WHITE WATER FESTIVAL

NWWC, Bala

Introducing the very first, ShePaddles Cymru White Water Festival. Get ready for two-days full of fun and challenges for all abilities of white water kayak paddlers. The ticket includes; 2 coaching sessions on the Saturday; a led, coached or social paddle on the Sunday; 2 nights camping, dinner on Saturday plus a bar, a band, and special guest speaker Sal Montgomery! www.nationalwhitewatercentre.co.uk

CONWY ASCENT

Deganwy

What better way to enjoy the stunning River Conwy than in a 15 km upstream canoeing event! The Conwy Ascent has been running for over 20 years and follows the flood from Deganwy to Dolgarrog Bridge. Run by Dyffryn Conwy Paddlers the event comprises a demanding marathon race and a more sedate and social tour, in canoe or kayak, or on SUP.

www.dmxl.co.uk/Conwy_ascent

In the early 1980s, the UK's first commercial white water rafting organisation, the National White Water Centre, Canolfan Tryweryn, was born. Run by Canoe Wales as a not-for-profit organisation, it has been funding development and promoting safe access to paddlesport for over 40 years. Today, the centre is home to a vibrant community of paddlers and whitewater experts, where the highest-level swift water safety and rescue training has developed into courses used by raft guides, paddlers, coaches and emergency services alike. They have expanded this knowledge and experience into some of the best paddlesport coaching and First Aid training available. It remains the gold standard for white water activities in the UK.

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

In order to continue our investment in paddlesports development at the level we do in an increasingly crowded adventure sport marketplace, we are asking for your help. We are offering an opportunity for a small number of experienced individuals to join our volunteer board of directors. In particular, we would welcome people with experience in marketing adventure tourism and anyone with knowledge of commercial property law. The ability to converse and write in Welsh would also be an asset.

WHAT WILL YOU BE DOING?

We would ask you to liaise with the Centre Manager and the team at National White Water Centre, and also attend quarterly board meetings. Ideally we would prefer to meet you in person at the National White Water Centre, Canolfan Tryweryn, although the option to connect remotely via Teams is also available.

WHAT DIFFERENCE WILL YOU MAKE?

Our board members are integral to the success and direction of the centre, ensuring it continues to operate for the benefit of paddlesport in Wales and across the UK, well into the future. We would welcome your expertise.

HOW

DO YOU APPLY?

Please contact the Centre Manager to discuss the opportunity further. Simon.allfree@ukrafting.co.uk 01678 521083

IN THE FLOW

PADDLE THE SEVERN

The complete guide for kayaks, canoes and SUPs

Britain’s longest river has a lot to offer paddlers; the rapids on its upper stretches, the tranquil meanders through the North Shropshire Plains and the industrial heritage of Ironbridge. This book covers the complete length of the Severn, from Severn-Break-its-Neck Waterfall to Sharpness, guiding paddlers through its rapids, riffles and locks. The author, Mark Rainsley, has split the river into 15 sections, with each having a detailed map, launch points and a thorough description that highlights any paddling features or hazards, along with the river’s natural and historical surroundings. This isn’t just a paddling guide, it’s a journey through the history of the river, which is truly fascinating. The river is brought to life with Mark’s stunning photographs and has a wealth of useful information, with chapters on planning journeys, access, camping, culture and wildlife.

A fascinating read – it really is the complete paddling guide to the Severn!

RRP: £19.99

ISBN: 9781906095895

Available from: www.pesdapress.com

BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL WORLD TOUR

The latest action and adventure films are coming to a screen near you!

Fancy spending an evening watching white water kayaking legends sending it on their latest paddling adventures? Then this is the film festival for you! The Banff Mountain Film Festival brings the latest action and adventure films to big screens around the UK and Ireland in 2023. With wild journeys, adrenaline-packed challenges and incredible cinematography, the tour features two new collections of inspirational films from remote areas of the planet. For paddlers, there is kayaking in the Arctic Circle with Erik Boomer and Sarah McNair-Landry, and a profile of top kayaker Nouria Newman. Audiences can expect extreme journeys, untamed characters and captivating cinematography – up on the big screen. As well as thrilling films, each event features a free prize draw for outdoorsy goodies from the tour’s partners. The tour will be visiting Wales in March, with other dates in the UK throughout the year: Cardiff – 8/3/23, Llandudno – 17/3/23, Llanelli – 23/3/23, Brecon – 28/3/23 www.www.banff-uk.com

WELSH AFFAIRS COMMITTEE; WATER QUALITY IN WALES

Angela Jones gives evidence to inquiry about pollution

In February Angela Jones was invited to Westminster to give evidence on water quality in Wales to the Welsh Affairs Committee.

Known as the ‘Wild Woman of the Wye’, Angela has watched the River Wye deteriorate over the 40 years she has swum and paddle on it, as it has succumbed to increasing levels of pollution. Unable to ignore the decline in species and habitat, Angela has dedicated most of her spare time to campaign for cleaner rivers; trying to raise awareness and hold those responsible to account. She gathers information and data, publicising the pollution as much as possible, and encourages people to respect and protect rivers.

Through this work she was invited to Westminster and was on a panel with Jon Khoo, Chair of Surfers against Sewage, and Gail Davies-Walsh, Chief Executive of River Trust. They were asked to give evidence of pollution in rivers and coastal waters and take questions from MPs. It was an honest and damning insight into the pollution in our rivers and coastal waters, highlighting the fact that action needs to be taken urgently.

For a transcript/video of the session: www.bit.ly/3yf5Vb9

#SHEPADDLES CYMRU

The team behind #ShePaddles Cymru has spent the winter scheming and planning … and have created some amazing #SPC events for 2023! The main events are listed below, however, more may be scheduled, so check out www.canoewales.com/shepaddlescymru for more info or join the Facebook group shepaddlescymru to keep up with the latest info.

#ShePaddles Cymru White Water Festival

NWWC, BALA

9-11 JUNE

This is the very first #ShePaddles Cymru White Water Festival, hosted by the National White Water Centre, Bala. Tickets include: 2 coaching sessions on the Saturday; a led, coached or social paddle on the Sunday; 2 nights camping, dinner on Saturday, a bar, a band, and special guest speaker Sal Montgomery – an inspirational, multi-talented expedition paddler. Lots of fun, lots of challenges. Come and enjoy a weekend with like-minded souls.

Only 50 tickets available so don’t miss out! www.nationalwhitewatercentre.co.uk

#ShePaddles Cymru Events

ACROSS WALES!

SUMMER 2023

This year #SPC have many exciting events not to be missed. Festivals, family events, races, training, white water, joint events with other governing bodies. Featuring taster sessions, workshops, trips ... in kayaks, canoes and on SUP ... basically as much paddlesport fun as you can have on the water (and off it too!). Keep an eye on the #ShePaddles Cymru Facebook page for all new events.

www.bit.ly/3mmgGpo

#ShePaddles Cymru Sea Kayaking Events

ANGLESEY

THROUGHOUT 2023

Sea Kayaking Wales is running #ShePaddles Cymru events for beginners to advanced sea kayakers. These one-day events aim to bring women together on the sea to share inspiring journeys and develop core skills such as planning, boat handling, decisionmaking, incident management … whilst enjoying great company! Kayaks and kit are available to use if needed.

Current dates are: 10 March, 28 April, 1 Sept, 6 Oct, 10 Nov. However, new dates may added, check out the SKW website for the latest info. SKW will also be running female-friendly Explorer courses, led by Kathy Webb. These are beyond beginner level but still only sheltered to moderate water conditions, and are available as a 2 or 3 day option. Dates are: 6–8 May, 10–12 June, 5–7 Aug. www.seakayakingwales.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF SPRING VALLEY LAKES

PHOTO COURTESY OF SEA KAYAKING WALES

Canoe Wales Director Dave Kohn-Hollins

Dave Kohn-Hollins is one of CW new Directors. He has been paddling most of his life and has travelled all over the world seeking out the best white water, as well as honing his sea kayaking, canoeing and SUP skills. Based in North Wales, he owns and runs River Flair, a paddlesport coaching company. Ceufad caught up with him between coaching sessions and trips to find out more …

What’s your paddling/paddlesport background?

I’ve always loved messing about in the water and I first sat in a kayak when I was around 5 years old. I was very lucky to have a kayaking club at my school, and after learning the basics in swimming pools and lakes, I had my first taste of white water on the River Dee in Llangollen on a school kayaking club weekend trip. That got me hooked and my paddling mates and I then spent our late teens borrowing our parent’s cars to go kayaking. I joined the kayaking club at university and spent the next three years doing lots of kayaking and much less time studying history. Our university club summer trips took me to Spain, Austria, Slovenia, France and Italy in search of white water, and showed me that this didn’t just have to be a hobby, it could be a job as well. After graduating I began working as a paddlesports instructor, slowly building up my leadership awards and coaching qualifications, travelling all over the world to go kayaking and broadening my experience into sea kayaking, canoeing and SUP.

I now work as paddlesports coach year round, run my own coaching company River Flair, and train the next generation of paddlesports leaders and coaches.

Why is paddlesport important to you?

That’s a difficult question to answer succinctly. I guess it’s because I feel so at home on the water. Paddling has taken me to so many amazing places and given me so many amazing experiences and memories. It has brought me so many enduring friendships, including introducing me to my wife, and still is the thing I love doing more than anything else.

Why did you volunteer to join the CW Board? For quite a few reasons. As a professional coach I am reliant on, and very grateful for, the huge amount of work done by the Canoe Wales administrative team, and this is one way of starting to give back to the organisation and providing what help I can.

As a father of two young children who are just starting to enjoy paddlesports, I would like to help in shaping the governing body that I hope they, and thousands of other young paddlers, will be members of in the future.

As a recreational paddler, I recognise the threats to our access to waterways and to the health of those waterways, and I would like to be in a position to help protect the places where we paddle from future damage, and our rights to paddle in them.

What does being on the Board involve?

I’m still very new to being on the board, so I’m probably not the best person to ask! My understanding is that the role of the board is to help with the smooth running of Canoe Wales by providing knowledge, advice and support to the CEO and the other full-time staff members.

“AS A PROFESSIONAL COACH I AM RELIANT ON, AND VERY GRATEFUL FOR, THE HUGE AMOUNT OF WORK DONE BY THE CANOE WALES ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM, AND THIS IS ONE WAY OF STARTING TO GIVE BACK TO THE ORGANISATION AND PROVIDING WHAT HELP I CAN.”

What do you hope to achieve as a Director?

I don’t have any particular agenda. I just hope to see Canoe Wales grow and prosper over the next 4 years.

How do you see paddlesport and Canoe Wales developing over the next few years?

I think the recreational side of paddlesport will continue to expand, particularly in regards to SUP and the inflatable kayak and canoe community. I think Canoe Wales will grow alongside that expansion.

What challenges do you think paddlesport and Canoe Wales face?

The main challenge will be whether Canoe Wales can grow at the same rate as the paddling community is growing. People buying their first craft from a supermarket are not likely to be aware of Canoe Wales or to understand the benefits of joining the organisation.

We have already seen a number of tragic examples of inexperienced paddlers losing their lives due to a lack of knowledge and understanding of the environment and the craft they are in. The biggest challenge for Canoe Wales will be to try to reach out to those new to our sport to offer advice and training in order to help avoid an increase in accidents.

What’s your message to the CW members?

Encourage more people to join up and help out! Canoe Wales sometimes gets criticised for not doing enough to support paddlers; but it is still quite a small organisation, with limited resources. By joining up we are helping to support the organisation, to help it grow and to do more for all of those who enjoy paddlesport in Wales.

“THE MAIN CHALLENGE WILL BE WHETHER CANOE WALES CAN GROW AT THE SAME RATE AS THE PADDLING COMMUNITY IS GROWING. PEOPLE BUYING THEIR FIRST CRAFT FROM A SUPERMARKET ARE NOT LIKELY TO BE AWARE OF CANOE WALES OR TO UNDERSTAND THE BENEFITS OF JOINING THE ORGANISATION.”

SLALOM GOGLEDD CYMRU

GEIRIAU: JONATHAN DAVIES

LLUNIAU : PHIL BULKELEY, MAT KENNAN, AARON KENDALL, VICKY BOWMAKER

Mae saith mlynedd bellach ers i’r giât slalom gyntaf fynd i fyny yn Llyn Padarn, Llanberis ac y cafodd Slalom Gogledd Cymru ei eni. Saith mlynedd yn ddiweddarach mae bellach 5 safle hyfforddi ar draws Gogledd Cymru gyda chyfanswm o 70 o giatiau hyfforddi. Mae pedair o’r rhain hefyd wedi’u llifoleuo ar gyfer hyfforddiant gaeaf ac mae dros 30 o gychod a setiau o offer yn eu lle dros y 5 safle.

Ar hyn o bryd mae gan Slalom Gogledd Cymru 31 o badlwyr ar y rhaglen. Mae profiad y padlwyr hyn yn amrywio o lefel sylfaenol hyd at yr Uwch adran. Bydd cyfanswm y padlwyr ar y rhaglen yn cynyddu fis Mawrth eleni gyda’n cymeriant blynyddol o tua 20 o badlwyr.

Mae’r rhaglen yn agored i unrhyw badlwr ifanc o bob rhan o Ogledd Cymru, p’un a oes ganddo brofiad padlo blaenorol ai peidio. Ar hyn o bryd mae pedwar clwb a chwe ysgol yn bwydo i mewn i’r rhaglen.

Mae gan holl badlwyr Slalom Gogledd Cymru fynediad i chwe sesiwn yn ystod yr wythnos, gwersylloedd hyfforddi bob yn ail benwythnos drwy gydol y gaeafa chefnogaeth rasio ar benwythnosau yn ystod yr haf.

Mae padlwyr yn cael eu cefnogi ar y rhaglen gan nifer o hyfforddwyr a gwirfoddolwyr, i roi’r cyfle gorau iddynt gyflawni eu dyheadau. Boed hyn er mwyn mwynhau’r gamp ar eu lefel o ddewis neu i gyrraedd rhaglen berfformiad Canŵ Cymru a thu hwnt.

LLWYBR SLALOM GOGLEDD CYMRU

SAFLEOEDD SLALOM

HYFFORDDWYR

Hyfforddwr arweiniol: Jonathan Davies

Hyfforddwr Talent: Emily Davies

Hyfforddwyr Adran 3 a 4: Bob Finch, Oli Snowden, Chris Wilson

Hyfforddwyr Clwb: Mark Abbott, Anya Bowmaker, Roger Pyves, Tudur Slaven

CEFNOGAETH

Cefnogir Slalom

Gogledd Cymru gan Blas y Brenin, TNR Llangollen, canolfan Awyr

Agored Kingswood Yr Wyddgrug, DMM

Llanberis, Y Bartneriaeth Awyr Agored, canolfan Tryweryn a Pharc Padarn.

ARIANNU Derbyniodd slalom

Gogledd Cymru ychydig dros £11,000 mewn cymorth ariannol ar gyfer offer dros y 12 mis diwethaf. £2,000 oddi wrth Engie Llanberis a £9,036.40 o fferm wynt CGGC Clocaenog

MWY

O

WYBODAETH Os hoffech ragor o fanylion am sut i gymryd rhan naill ai fel Clwb, rhiant, hyfforddwr neu badlwr, e-bostiwch Jonathan Davies ar Jonathan. davies@canoewales.com Swyddog Llwybr

Talent Canŵ Cymru ar gyfer Gogledd Cymru.

MILE END MILL, LLANGOLLEN – 12 GIÂT

AFON TRYWERYN – 25 GIÂT

LLANBERIS – 12 GIÂT

YR WYDDGRUG – 12 GIÂT

PYB, CAPEL CURIG – 8 GIÂT

JONATHAN DAVIES EMILY DAVIES

OLI SNOWDEN BOB FINCH

NORTH WALES SLALOM

WORDS: JONATHAN DAVIES

PHOTOS : PHIL BULKELEY, MAT KENNAN, AARON KENDALL, VICKY BOWMAKER

It’s now been seven years since the first slalom gate went up at Llyn Padarn in Llanberis and North Wales Slalom was born. Seven years on there are now 5 training sites across North Wales with a total of 70 training gates. Four of these sites are also floodlit for winter training and there are over 30 boats and sets of equipment in place over the five sites.

North Wales Slalom currently has 31 paddlers on the program. These paddlers vary in experience from grassroots level through to Premier division. The total number of paddlers on the programme will increase this March with our annual intake of approximately 20 paddlers.

The programme is open to any young paddler from across North Wales, whether they have previous paddling experience or not. There are currently four clubs and six schools feeding on to the program.

All North Wales Slalom paddlers have access to six midweek sessions, training camps every other weekend throughout the winter and race support at weekends during the summer.

Paddlers are supported on the programme by a number of coaches and volunteers, to give them the best opportunity to achieve their aspirations. Whether this be to enjoy the sport at their chosen level or to make it on to the Canoe Wales Performance Programme and beyond.

NORTH WALES SLALOM PATHWAY

NORTH WALES SLALOM CC

CANOE WALES REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

CANOE WALES TALENT PROGRAMME

CANOE WALES PERFORMANCE PROGRAMME

SLALOM SITES

COACHES

Lead coach: Jonathan Davies

Talent coach: Emily Davies

Division 3 & 4 coaches: Bob Finch, Oli Snowden, Chris Wilson

Club coaches: Anya Bowmaker, Tudur Slaven, Roger Pyves, Mark Abbott

SUPPORT

North Wales Slalom is supported by Plas y Brenin, TNR Llangollen, Kingswood Outdoor Centre Mold, DMM Llanberis, The Outdoor Partnership, Canolfan Tryweryn and Parc Padarn.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

North Wales Slalom received just over £11,000 in financial support for equipment over the last 12 months.£2,200 from Engie Llanberis and £9,036.40 from the CVSC Clocaenog wind farm.

FIND OUT MORE

If you would like more details of how to get involved either as a Club, parent, coach or paddler please email Jonathan Davies at Jonathan. davies@canoewales.com. Canoe Wales Talent Pathway Officer for North Wales.

MILE END MILL, LLANGOLLEN – 12 GATES

AFON TRYWERYN – 25 GATES

LLANBERIS – 12 GATES

MOLD – 12 GATES

PYB, CAPEL CURIG – 8 GATES

JONATHAN DAVIES EMILY DAVIES OLI SNOWDEN BOB FINCH

ZAMBEZI

KAYAKING THE BATOKA GORGE

ARTICLE : PETE CATTERALL

Since I was 18 years old I’ve wanted to paddle the Batoka gorge of the Zambezi; it’s a river full of huge rapids and epic play waves. After many years of saying “oh I’ll go soon”, putting it off and searching out lesser-known rivers around the world, 2022 was the year!

One reason that is to be ‘now’ is because it’s due to be dammed in the next few years. It will be gone forever if the construction goes ahead. Another incredible river will be lost to hydro and another river will loses its natural flow, adversely affecting the local population, the wildlife and everything and everyone downstream.

The flight into Victoria Falls is spectacular; as the plane descends you get glimpses of the river and the surrounding landscape. And, if you get the right seat, you get to see that falls themselves. It is possible to fly directly into Zambia, but our flight options meant flying into the Zimbabwe side and crossing the border.

As you walk into the river for the first time, you descend a rocky path and gradually the river gets louder. Then the trees clear and you get the first view of the iconic put-in, the Boiling Pot, and the bridge that spans the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. Here the water cascades over Victoria

Falls and into the Batoka gorge. The porters are already at the river with your kayaks and it’s time to launch into a truly special place.

Each rapid is named and numbered (sort of, they miss a few out), and come with their own reputation for either the line down it or the surf waves that are within it. Most are read-and-run but it’s always easy to jump out and inspect, and all can be portaged if needed. Paddling rivers with this volume of water is really unique compared to lower volume rivers and creeks. Here you need to be able to pick a line that’s not always obvious from water level and is often a flat pool flowing over a ledge into a huge rapid. So knowing where to be in the pool is essential as you approach the horizon line. Being able to generate good boat speed to overcome the boils and eddylines, hold good posture so you don’t end up on back of the boat and a really, really good roll also makes life way more comfortable. Swims are long (sometimes deep), and crocs live in the flat pools between rapids!

Each day we would choose our section 1–14, 1–21, or 1–25 depending on energy levels and whether we wanted to just run the river or spend time playing on the way down. We stayed at Jolly

"PADDLING RIVERS WITH THIS VOLUME OF WATER IS REALLY UNIQUE COMPARED TO LOWER VOLUME RIVERS AND CREEKS. HERE YOU NEED TO BE ABLE TO PICK A LINE THAT’S NOT ALWAYS OBVIOUS FROM WATER LEVEL AND IS OFTEN A FLAT POOL FLOWING OVER A LEDGE INTO A HUGE RAPID."

Boys Backpackers in Livingstone, a great place with aircon rooms, showers, a bar and good food, right in the centre of town. Each day the amazing team from Safpar picked us up in the truck and took us to the put-in, where the porters made light work of carrying the boats down. But it’s at the end of the day where they earn their money, as they meet you at the agreed takeout and carry your boats out of the gorge. While we were slowly plodding up the steps and ladders these guys were running past with a boat on each shoulder while chatting!

This was always going to be an amazing trip as we were heading out as a big team from North Wales, along with a few who wanted to be from North Wales! We also decided it would be Barney’s stag party too. Here is the full account of what happened on a night out partying in Zambia. We headed to the night club and then blandy and traitors went clubbing but then mash did abcde with only one hand! Then mash swapped carsh with bendys which meant angeloba had no pant.

Incredibly funny!

The Zambezi flows for 2,574 kilometres from near the border with the DRC all the way to the Batoka gorge where it cascades over Victoria

“BEING ABLE TO GENERATE GOOD BOAT SPEED TO OVERCOME THE BOILS AND EDDYLINES, HOLD GOOD POSTURE SO YOU DON’T END UP ON BACK OF THE BOAT, AND A REALLY, REALLY GOOD ROLL ALSO MAKES LIFE WAY MORE COMFORTABLE.”

Falls. During its journey it gains in volume and gets incredibly warm, so warm you only need a rash top to keep the sun off! From the gorge the river flows into Lake Kariba then through Mozambique and out into the Indian Ocean.

Most of the time we paddled the one-day options, that are around 20-25km, but we did the over-night 2-day trip too. This means you get an amazing night under the stars in the gorge and get to paddle to lower section down to the proposed dam site. This section has some great rapids including the monstrous Moemba rapids and the dam site rapid itself. And some amazing sections where the river squeezes into narrows that create huge boil lines that make for some entertaining moves! However, being lower down the river also means more crocodiles, so you need to paddle as a group through the flat sections and don’t hang around.

The Zambezi without doubt lived up to its hype of being one of the most impressive rivers on the planet. The river itself is really big but all manageable for most class 3–4 paddlers with very good roll. A few harder rapids like 7 and 9 being the ones that need the most respect. My advice is go with a solid team and be as paddlefit as possible to get the most out of it. It’s the

perfect river; huge volume, waves that you can surf for hours, endless play holes and eddylines. So you can taily, spin and cartwheel till your abs won’t take anymore. Plus the rapids have so many different line options that even though it’s one river that you lap each day, it will never get boring.

Off the river Zambia is beautiful and the wildlife is incredible. I took a day off to go on safari and saw giraffe, hippo, rhinos and many other animals. And you don’t want to miss the sundowners at the Royal Livingstone hotel above the falls!

MORE INFO

Fly: into Livingstone in Zambia or Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and cross the border. Stay: lots of hotels and hostels in Livingstone, but Jolly Boys Backpackers is hard to beat.

Shuttles: there are a few companies offering shuttles. Safpar (Safari Par Excellence) are excellent; if they’re running a raft trip (almost every day) they organize shuttles to/from Jolly Boys and porters to carry your boat. When to go: October – December for lower water and easier rapids. It’s still fun, big, water, but less difficult with more playspots.

"IT’S THE PERFECT RIVER; HUGE VOLUME, WAVES THAT YOU CAN SURF FOR HOURS, ENDLESS PLAY HOLES AND EDDYLINES. SO YOU CAN TAILY, SPIN AND CARTWHEEL TILL YOUR ABS WON’T TAKE ANYMORE."

Canoe Wales Director David Eade

David Eade is one of CW new Directors. Based in West Wales in his spare time he runs Teifi Valley Paddlers (a small but active club), and has been involved in various forms of paddlesport over the years. He is also a structural timber designer, preparing timber frame designs for manufacture, including complete house ‘kits’ (nice!). Ceufad caught up with him to find out more about his new role on the board …

What’s your paddling/paddlesport background?

The first memory of kayaking was using ‘bat’ kayaks in a large (to me, at that age, anyway) riveted-metal, above-ground ‘pool’ at Calshot Activity Centre in Hampshire. Pretty sure we played polo but I was too scared to get involved while others bombed around the tank like pros. Something about it though … There is then something of a gap of some 25 years (hindsight, eh!) where college, career, family and motorbikes were a higher priority. A comment in a conversation with a chap at my daughter’s theatre group, in Newcastle Emlyn, led to a family trip on the Lower Teifi and us buying a Canadian canoe … just in time to move to Scotland with my wife’s job! That would have been in late 2000. By 2005 we had moved again, this time to the Midlands, of Ireland that is, and us accidently joining the club that we came across on the canal that ran through the middle of town. A great couple of years followed paddling anything and everything with Tullamore Canoe Club! Another move, this time to Herefordshire, found us paddling on the Wye quite regularly, and the girls playing for Cherwell Youth Polo Team, until the fuel prices made it too expensive to get to training. And then back to Newcastle Emlyn once the girls had left home for Uni etc. That’s when the fun really began!

Why is paddlesport important to you?

Tricky question this! Originally it was mostly about giving our two girls ‘experiences’ that they would remember for life! Personally though, like most paddlers the intention is to get out on the water for some down-time, to get some exercise in the fresh air and see a few places others don’t. We have always included other people on our family trips; friends and family, work colleagues, school friends of the girls … when we moved back to Wales this way of paddling naturally grew into a ‘club’. But my perspective has changed with knowledge and training; now I am constantly assessing the (perceived) risks, analysing individual’s abilities,

sourcing the best equipment/craft and making paddling possible – whatever the age, sex, ability (or disability), etc. of anyone who shows an interest in getting on the water. I am now in the privileged position to be able to make it possible to share the amazing view from the water that many don’t see or take for granted, with anyone and everyone. If you get it right they come away with a real need to go again, to do more! And the great thing about that is that you really have no idea how much you have changed their lives.

Why did you volunteer to join the CW Board?

I hadn’t truly given it much thought until a certain someone said they were going to nominate me! Then I started wondering … I believe sports at grassroots level is really important and clubs need supporting. On the whole they aren’t going to generate all the metrics that NGBs and sports councils want to see so they can formulate their strategies, so hopefully I will be a bit of a balance to the ‘why we are actually here’ discussions. But we’ll see …

What does being on the Board involve?

It’s early days and I’m really just trying to read through past minutes, policies, handbooks etc. to get some background on what has gone before/ is currently happening within Canoe Wales. And to understand what it means to be on the board. There are quite a few people to ‘meet’, most of it virtual nowadays of course, with its advantages and disadvantages. Alistair (CEO) has done a brilliant job with inducting the three of us and getting us up to speed, which has made it a pretty straightforward process. It’s now up to me, on the whole, how much I put into it. Definitely a balance of time between running my own design company, continuing to get the club back on its feet after the last couple of years, and getting some more training in to widen my coaching remit.

“I AM NOW IN THE PRIVILEGED POSITION TO BE ABLE TO MAKE IT POSSIBLE TO SHARE THE AMAZING VIEW FROM THE WATER THAT MANY DON’T SEE OR TAKE FOR GRANTED, WITH ANYONE AND EVERYONE. IF YOU GET IT RIGHT THEY COME AWAY WITH A REAL NEED TO GO AGAIN, TO DO MORE!”

What do you hope to achieve as a Director?

The honest answer is that I don’t know yet! If I can follow my core beliefs about making paddlesport as accessible as possible and help keep Canoe Wales ‘grounded’ that will be a win in itself. Understanding the business side and the board’s responsibilities to both members and staff will take a while, but I also think it’s important to dream a little and explore new avenues of development.

How do you see paddlesport and Canoe Wales developing over the next few years?

Clubs are the grassroots of any sport and where many performance paddlers and paddlesport professionals start their personal journeys. Clubs involved in paddlesport seem to be struggling with both membership and volunteer staff at the moment, with a lot of competition from other activities (or non-active activities in some cases). Not new problems in themselves, as there have always been other things for people to do if they want to do something. However, the target audience seems to be more transient now, less people attending regularly and learning/taking on the officer roles … while at the same time there is more bureaucracy and hoops that need to be jumped though. I think we’ll see more people ‘try’ paddlesport though both clubs and centres, so they can tick the ‘been there, done that’ box, and then move on to try something else. If ‘we’ have managed to grab their attention at all and they keep paddling there’s a good chance they will paddle independently of clubs. The challenge will be developing a club model that includes these less frequent, more independent paddlers under the club umbrella and having Canoe Wales support for that. It is paramount that we work at keeping all paddlers in Wales, local and visitors alike, safe and that they have an enjoyable experience when out on our waters. There are many way for us to do that, trained staff within clubs, promotion of quality paddlesport experience providers, up-todate online information regarding access, water quality etc. The irony of course is that if this is done well no one knows it’s being done!

What challenges do you think paddlesport and Canoe Wales face?

Personally, I think it’s about moving with the times whilst remembering that many people paddle to ‘get away/get back to nature’. We need to embrace the digital world most have to live in now and understand how to communicate to everyone in such a way that no one is excluded from the conversation, but at the same time for many people the important thing is that connection with nature and the benefits to our mental and physical health. Too much use of/pressure to use tech will upset the balance!

What’s your message to the CW members?

Not sure there is a simple message that would really mean anything to all members. Looking at the workings of Canoe Wales is rather like looking under the bonnet of a modern car – pretty complex with lots of things all going on at once, some of which we understand and some we’re a bit vague about, or aren’t particularly important or necessary to making to car move along the road. When they are all working together and working well it makes for a good experience though, and it’s not until something breaks that we start questioning it or realise how much we rely on it!

Canoe Wales touches every type of person-powered water activity, whether participants realise it or not. It needs support to remain a coherent and informative voice for paddlesport within Wales.

“IT IS PARAMOUNT THAT WE WORK AT KEEPING ALL PADDLERS IN WALES, LOCAL AND VISITORS ALIKE, SAFE AND THAT THEY HAVE AN ENJOYABLE EXPERIENCE WHEN OUT ON OUR WATERS.”

DESTINATION WALES

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 Hannah Vineer, #ShePaddles Cymru Ambassador, shares her journey on the Park in the Past lake (Fagl Lane Quarry).

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

PARK IN THE PAST LAKE (FAGL LANE QUARRY)

Park in the Past is an innovative heritage and conservation project, set in 120 acres of beautiful Welsh landscape. The aim of the project is to restore the park to the natural environment it would have been when the Romans arrived in 1AD, and a full-scale Roman fort is currently under construction! Within the park is a 35-acre lake; set amongst woodlands and wetlands it a tranquil and scenic place to paddle. There is a visitor centre with café and toilets on-site, as well as walks, a stone circle and the fort. The park was originally the Fagl Lane Quarry, and is now managed by a Community Interest Company. This has been set up to restore and manage the site primarily for the benefit of the local area. This is a really fascinating project and is well worth visiting and exploring.

CLASS/GRADE

The suggested trip has been defined as follows: Flatwater – water with no flow e.g. canals and lakes

FLATWATER

Park in the Past lake

Start/finish: Park in the Past, Fagl Lane, Hope, Wrexham LL12 9RB

Distance: 1.25 miles (circular, can be shortened)

The lake is open to adult paddlers for a small fee (currently £6 for a 2.5-hour session). This route can be paddled in either direction, launching from the beach or adjacent pontoon. The clockwise direction is described here, starting at the beach. The lake 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. It is best paddled in calm conditions, or in a north wind as this will push you back to the access point.

DESCRIPTION

The entrance is staffed by volunteers who’ll show you where to park and sign in (visitor centre – café, toilets). You’ll be given a wristband and a waterproof map/info sheet. It’s a 500m walk from the car park to the lake, however, a shuttle for boats/boards is included in the fee and staff will facilitate access for paddlers with additional accessibility needs. Head to the lake and launch from either the beach or pontoon. Launch and paddle along the west side of the lake, keeping the shore on your left. Just beyond the shoreline is the Afon Alyn, which runs parallel to the lake, alongside a walking trail.

South end of the lake.

Looking down the lake.

As you approach the north end of the lake you’ll see a set of buoys. There is no paddlecraft access beyond these, so it’s now time to paddle across the lake to the east shore. The exact location of the buoys varies, dependent on the waterfowl population and the needs of other users e.g. diving school.

When you reach the far shore, turn to paddle south, back down the lake. There is a footpath that follows the edge of the lake, and is a great place for friends and family to watch.

When you reach the south end of the lake, you’ll see the pontoon. Paddle past this to the beach and the end of your journey.

USEFUL INFORMATION

Park in the Past: www.parkinthepast.org.uk

ACCESSIBILITY

A shuttle service for boats/boards from the car park to the water is included in the fee. Staff will also facilitate access for paddlers with additional accessibility needs.

FACILITIES

There is a visitor centre on site with cafe and toilets. Limited changing area.

USEFUL RESOURCES

Maps: Explorer 256 Wrexham/Wrecsam & Llangollen Explorer 266 Wirral & Chester/Caer

PADDLING TRAILS This is one of a series of Paddling Trails produced by Canoe Wales; free downloadable PDFs of the best easier-grade trips that Wales has to offer. Aimed at new paddlers or those preferring an easier grade these PDFs have all the info needed to organise a trip and have a great time on the water. www.canoewales.com/paddling-trails

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!

Tranquil, scenic waters.

Tavi Murray Coach of the Year 2022

After a bad experience trying whitewater kayaking at university Tavi Murray didn’t paddle for 20 years. However, after moving to Mumbles in 2011, she discovered the delights of sea kayaking, which reignited her love of whitewater. Through this she discovered Seren Dŵr Slalom Club, which she is now secretary of, and is one of their main coaches. She runs sessions at CIWW, in the local pool and on local rivers, as well as coaching and leading on the sea. If that isn’t enough, she also makes guest appearances over the border at North Avon Canoe Club and helps out at #ShePaddlesCymru events. Described as a ‘a whirlpool of paddling enthusiasm’ it’s no wonder she was named CW Coach of the Year. Ceufad managed to corner her between coaching sessions and paddling trips to find out more …

How did you get into paddlesport?

I started sea kayaking because I’d moved to Mumbles and I wanted to explore the Gower coast more. At that time, I was adamant that I wouldn’t ever get back in a whitewater boat (a bad experience at uni …). But when I was preparing for my Sea Kayak Leader award I went to Anglesey and experienced the Menai Strait. I realised it was basically a big river and that I’d get experience in that type of environment a lot faster by learning to paddle whitewater as well. And then that Christmas I got bored and actually booked myself on a couple of beginner lessons on the Usk. And now I really enjoy whitewater (I love both the Tawe and the Etive) – and slalom too!

How did you get involved with Seren Dŵr?

There’s a great crowd of women paddlers at CIWW, and a really friendly and supportive vibe in the changing room. While changing I met a paddler who trained with Seren Dŵr and she persuaded me to go along …

What’s your role within the club?

Dogsbody? Nominally I’m the secretary – but I actually do lots of things. We have a wonderful club Chair, and he facilitates and supports everything we try to do. It’s so much easier to get things going knowing he’s there always supporting us, cheering us on and appreciating our efforts.

Why did you get into coaching?

I think just because I’m passionate about what I do and love kayaking a lot – so I just want to share that. I love to see people learn new things – become more confident and just do well on the water. And the buzz and the smiles that paddling can give you really are second to none!

Coaching so many people must be very rewarding. Any standout moments?

Seeing whales off the north Anglesey coast with the #ShePaddlesCymru volunteers has to rate as pretty special! Seeing someone get their roll back with the same group. Watching youth paddlers develop and support each other (paddling really gives you a lot of life skills on top of just the kayaking!). Taking groups to the Bitches for their first time is always very special.

You’ve organised a few ‘joint-club’ events e.g.a joint youth BCWWS&R course with Cardiff CC. What are the advantages of joining forces with other clubs? More friends, more buzz, more opportunities! It’s particularly lovely when joining with another club means there are more youth paddlers on a trip

“THERE’S A GREAT CROWD OF WOMEN PADDLERS AT CIWW, AND A REALLY FRIENDLY AND SUPPORTIVE VIBE IN THE CHANGING ROOM. WHILE CHANGING I MET A PADDLER WHO TRAINED WITH SEREN DŴR AND SHE PERSUADED ME TO GO ALONG …”

PHOTO: LEILA CONNELLY

PHOTO: LEILA CONNELLY

PHOTO: PHIL BULKELEY

or course. Quite often there are only a few youth paddlers in a club, and the vibe is really special when there are more youth paddlers around.

You also coach at North Avon CC; at their summer camp and whitewater weekend. What motivates you and how do you manage your time? North Avon Canoe Club quite honestly have the best cakes on the planet! And everyone there is really lovely so it’s actually a huge pleasure to coach for them. And now we have joint events too that makes it even better …

You do a lot of work ‘behind the scenes’, applying for grants and organising club trips. How do you find time for it all?

Watching the impact it all has on our members and what the club can do is a huge motivation. Thank you’s are always great – whether in words or smiles (and winning this award was a huge thank you as well!). Oh, and I’m pretty organised and I don’t have a telly so that creates lots of extra time!

How did it feel being named the Canoe Wales Coach of the Year?

It feels pretty surreal – and amazing and lovely all at the same time!

As well as coaching paddlesports, you’re connected to the water in another way – as Chair of Glaciology at Swansea University (which includes expertise in climate change). How are these two areas of your life connected and do they influence each other in any way?

I guess I love the outdoors, adventure, wild places and practical stuff – and I get all that from paddling and also from my job. I’m still waiting to have the right tides and weather to paddle to a work meeting though!

What does the future hold for you and for the club?

I think we are only just finding out what is possible for Seren Dŵr … but we do have some fantastic plans for this year – we’re really starting to support freestyle and kayak cross as well as slalom; we’ve got beginners’ youth courses to get kids from Cardiff on the water (and hopefully some of them into slalom); we’ve got some great up and coming young athletes at all levels to cheer on and support – in all of slalom, freestyle and kayak cross; and we’ve a great group of women training for fitness and personal improvement at the club. We’ve just ordered 10 new boats, so will be able to support extra members. Most of all we have a lot of fun and a lot of smiles to come!

“I GUESS I LOVE THE OUTDOORS, ADVENTURE, WILD PLACES AND PRACTICAL STUFF –AND I GET ALL THAT FROM PADDLING AND ALSO FROM MY JOB. I’M STILL WAITING TO HAVE THE RIGHT TIDES AND WEATHER TO PADDLE TO A WORK MEETING THOUGH!”

PHOTO: TOM YOUNG

PHOTO: EWEN ARKISON

‘Trychineb amgylcheddol’, yn syml, yr unig ffordd y gallwn ddisgrifio’r hyn a gyflwynwyd i ni ar 18 Chwefror wrth i ni fynd ati a chael gwared ar gymaint o sbwriel â phosibl o afon Teifi.

Fel clwb, mae Padlwyr Llandysul wedi trefnu a bod yn rhan o nifer o ymgyrchoedd glanhau afonydd. Roeddem yn gwybod beth i’w ddisgwyl a than yn ddiweddar wedi cael ein synnu ar yr ochr orau gan ba mor lân a disbwriel y bu afon Teifi.

Yn ystod misoedd y gaeaf, mae afon Teifi a’i llednentydd cyfagos yn dueddol o fod yn hynod o uchel gan orlifo eu glannau. Yn anffodus, mae hyn yn arwain at olchi sbwriel yn achlysurol i mewn ac i lawr yr afon. Pan wnaethom drefnu’r glanhau hwn dyma beth oeddem yn ei ddisgwyl. Yn anffodus, a chyda thristwch mawr, nid dyma a’n cyfarchodd. Tunelli ar dunelli o ddeunydd lapio silwair du a’r rhwydi sy’n ei ddal gyda’i gilydd, wedi’u clymu ar hyd taith yr afon. Mae’r rhan yma o’r afon wedi cael ei badlo ers blynyddoedd a blynyddoedd, gyda rheolwr y ganolfan, Gareth Bryant yn dweud mai dyma’r cyflwr gwaethaf a welodd erioed.

Glanhau’r Afon Teifi

Aethon ni fel clwb ati i gael gwared ar gymaint o sbwriel â phosib o’r afon. Wrth i ni fynd yn ein blaenau fe wnaethom lenwi ein rafft dŵr gwyn wyth person, dau ganŵ a phentyrru sbwriel ar ben nifer o gaiacau. Yn syml, ni allem roi mwy o sbwriel yn ein cychod. Roedd hyn, cystal ag y teimlai yn torri’n calonnau. Ar y pwynt lle nad oeddem yn gallu cymryd mwy o sbwriel o’r afon, dim ond 2 gilometr oedden ni i mewn i daith 5.5 cilometr. Gan deimlo’n HYNOD o ddigalon, ac yn dorcalonnus gyda chyflwr y Teifi, roeddem yn gwybod bod angen i ni fynd yn ôl i mewn a chael gwared ar weddill y sbwriel. Amlygwyd hyn gan nifer o badlwyr iau a oedd wedi dod draw i gymryd rhan yn y gwaith o lanhau’r afon.

Felly, wrth i mi ysgrifennu hwn rydym wedi cynllunio - mwy o rafftiau, mwy o gaiacau, mwy o ganŵau a mwy o bobl ond yn bwysicach fyth mwy o sbwriel yn cael ei dynnu o’n hafon hardd sy’n rhoi cymaint i ni.

Fel clwb rydym wrth ein bodd ar y dŵr, ac os gallwn roi ychydig yn ôl i amgylchedd sy’n rhoi cymaint i ni rydym yn gwneud peth da.

ERTHYGL : JOEY CHAPMAN

DIWEDDARIAD

Ers y glanhau cyntaf, mae Padlwyr Llandysul wedi trefnu 2 ddiwrnod glanhau arall: gyda dros 30 o badlwyr ar y dŵr a thua 20 yn cerdded i lawr y lan. Roeddent yn llenwi rafftiau, canŵau, caiacau a bagiau gyda chymaint o blastig du a sbwriel ag y gallent ei ddal. Yr amcangyfrif cyffredinol yw bod 10 tunnell o sbwriel wedi’i symud, yn bennaf o 3km olaf yr adran.

MWY O WYBODAETH

I gymryd rhan

gyda Padlwyr Llandysul ewch i www.llandysulpaddlers.org.uk neu edrychwch ar eu tudalen Facebook: llandysulpaddlers Email Bpaddlers@ aol.com neu ffoniwch 01559 363209

GLANHAD MAWR WRTH BADLO

Yn rhedeg o 27 Mai i 11 Mehefin eleni. Gallwch drefnu eich sesiwn lanhau eich hun ar gyfer eich clwb neu grŵp, neu ymuno â digwyddiad wedi’i drefnu a helpu. Mae pecynnau codi sbwriel am ddim ar gael i glybiau/grwpiau. Y llynedd yng Nghymru casglwyd dros 200 o fagiau o sbwriel a chliriwyd bron i 60km o afonydd, glannau a thraethlin. Am wybodaeth bellach: www.bit.ly/3K5KRL6

RHOI GWYBOD AMDANO Os

gwelwch lygredd mewn afon neu ddyfrffordd e.e., carthion , olew, dŵr ffo neu ddympio gwastraff ar raddfa fawr, nodwch beth ydoedd a ble yr oedd a rhowch wybod i CNC: www.bit.ly/3maFW1Q

‘An environmental disaster’, simply the only way we can describe what we were presented with on the 18th February as we set out to remove as much rubbish as possible from the River Teifi.

As a club, Llandysul Paddlers have organised and been a part of a number of river clean ups. We knew what to expect and until recently had been pleasantly surprised by how clean and trash free the River Teifi has been.

During the winter months, the Teifi and its adjoining tributaries are prone to extremely high water, bursting their banks. This unfortunately results in occasional rubbish being washed into and down the river. When we organised this clean up this is what we expected. Unfortunately, and with great sadness, this is not what greeted us. Tonnes upon tonnes of black silage wrap and the netting that holds it together, strung for the length of the river trip. This section of river has been paddled for years and years, with centre manager Gareth Bryant stating this is the worst condition he has ever seen.

River Teifi Clean Up

ARTICLE : JOEY CHAPMAN

As a club we set about removing as much rubbish as possible from the river. As we got going we filled our eight-person whitewater raft, two canoes and had rubbish piled on top of a number of kayaks. We simply could not fit anymore rubbish onto our boats. This, as good as it felt, was simply heart wrenching. At the point where we couldn't take anymore rubbish from the river, we were only 2 kilometres into a 5.5-kilometre trip.

Feeling EXTREMELY glum, and simply broken hearted at the condition the Teifi was in, we knew we needed to get back in there and remove the rest of the rubbish. This was highlighted by a number of the younger club paddlers who had come along to take part in the river clean.

So, as I write this we have it planned, more rafts, more kayaks, more canoes and more people but more importantly more rubbish removed from our beautiful river that gives us so much.

As a club we love being on the water, and if we can give a little back to an environment that gives us so much then we are doing a good thing.

UPDATE

Since the first clean up, Llandysul Paddlers have organised 2 more clean up days; with over 30 paddlers on the water and around 20 walking down the bank. They filled rafts, canoes, kayaks and bags with as much black plastic and rubbish as they could hold. The overall estimate is 10 tonnes of rubbish has been removed, mainly from the last 3km of the section.

MORE INFO

to get involved with Llandysul Paddlers visit www.llandysulpaddlers.org.uk or check out their Facebook page: llandysulpaddlers. Email Bpaddlers@aol. com or phone 01559 363209

BIG

PADDLE CLEAN UP

is running from the 27 May to 11 June this year. You can organise your own clean up for your club or group, or join one and help out. Free litter picking kits are available for clubs/groups and last year over 200 bags of rubbish were collected in Wales.

For more info: www.bit.ly/3K5KRL6

REPORT IT

if you see pollution in a river or waterway e.g. sewage, oil, runoff or largescale dumping of waste, note what and where it was and report it to NRW: www.bit.ly/3J1OUYg

PADDLE WEST

‘Every Person Matters’ Award Winners

Paddle West has introduced thousands of young people from schools and youth organisations to paddlesports. However, their greatest achievements have been with those not engaging with mainstream education. The life-changing, transformational effect they have had on the lives of so many young people was recognised when they received the ‘Every Person Matters’ Award at the 2023 British Canoeing Delivery Partner Conference. Pretty impressive seeing as they initially started out as a canoe hire company in 2018! Ceufad caught up with their founder, Sam Booth, to follow Paddle West’s journey from canoe hire company to award winning outdoor activity provider.

How did you get into paddlesports?

I’ve always had a love of watersports; like so many outdoors enthusiasts my passion was ignited in scouting. I joined a very active Sea Scout group at the age of 11 and then went on to be a volunteer instructor at the Dockland Scout Project in London. I was a member of my university canoe club and then decided to become a full-time, professional instructor afterwards.

Why did you set up a canoe hire business?

The idea was planted by Jodie, a paddler in Haverfordwest Kayak Club. We met on an FSRT course I was delivering for the club, and she suggested it to me. She had made some initial enquiries about the possibility of a canoe hire company, but did not think she could see it through. And so she passed the torch onto us! It took 2 years of planning with the assistance

of some fantastic people to get up and running. Unfortunately, it was a commercial flop and lost money every day we were open!

What prompted you to offer guided trips?

The Cleddau Estuary is stunning with an amazing history. I fell in love with it while working for Sealyham Activity Centre. I knew that others would love it as much as I did, if they had a way of safely accessing it. I must have led hundreds of tours now and I am still as enthusiastic as I was on the first. The river is never the same. We could be sailing in strong winds or on a glassy millpond. As much as I read up on the local history and flora and fauna, I feel like I am still just scratching the surface. There are visible signs of history from the Ice Age, through the Middle Ages, into the World Wars and beyond. We did not expect the canoe tours to become a big part of our business model but, with hindsight, we should have anticipated them being so popular. It can be a challenging body of water with very changeable conditions, so it is difficult for novice to access without a professional guide. This means we also generally have most of the journey to ourselves.

How did your work with specialist schools and Social Services come about?

My job prior to starting up Paddle West was as the outdoor education instructor for a private school for young people with issues around their behaviour. I loved the work and when I was asked about the possibility of providing some sessions for a former student after they had transferred to an LEA centre, we decided to become AALA registered. This would enable us to provide sessions for this student. That was in 2019, since then working with these students has become the core of our business and our reason for operating. Most of our work is 1:1 or small group sessions, referred through Pupil Referral Units or Social Services. Many of these have been running over a school year or more. We have also had several young people referred to us on Careers Wales Tailored Work Experience Placements. One of our biggest success stories so far came through one of these placements.

A 15-year-old started coming to us every Monday at the hire site on a work experience placement. He was a young man, excluded from several schools and he immediately took to it and looked for any excuse to be in a boat. Within a month

“THE CLEDDAU ESTUARY IS STUNNING WITH AN AMAZING HISTORY. I FELL IN LOVE WITH IT WHILE WORKING FOR SEALYHAM ACTIVITY CENTRE. I KNEW THAT OTHERS WOULD LOVE IT AS MUCH AS I DID, IF THEY HAD A WAY OF SAFELY ACCESSING IT.”

or so we offered him a Saturday job. After his first trip out on the estuary he was hooked on open canoeing. Working with his social worker, we trained him all winter and he passed his Paddlesport Instructor a couple of weeks before his 16th birthday. He assisted with hundreds of hours on the water before going to Scotland on his first expedition, joining in with a ‘With Dave’ Loch/River Tay Canoe Leader Training week. He passed his Open Water Canoe Leader about 9 months later, aged 17. He has since completed a gruelling Poolewe to Dingwall expedition with Dave Janes Jr and has been a consistent part of our core team with hundreds of mentions by name in our reviews. He has just returned to us after a couple of months working as delivery crew on a superyacht, sailing from Malta to Antigua, a role we could strongly recommend him for. We hope he will continue to be a key part of our team until he is ready to go and find his next challenge.

It sounds like it can be an incredibly rewarding job, but there must be challenges too?

The biggest challenge can be getting the first session to happen. Students often suffer with a great deal of anxiety so the idea of going out trying new activities, with new people, can be worrying for them. Several times we have had to go into student's classes to try and build up a bit of trust before our first outdoor session. Working with small groups, outside, we don't have many of the problems that school staff see with the same

young people in classrooms. The most rewarding part of the work is seeing the self-esteem and confidence of the students grow as they become more at ease with the environment and more skilled in the activities. We have seen some remarkable changes in attitude from some students. We see outdoor education as being an incredibly useful intervention for a lot of young people who are struggling with engagement in mainstream schooling, and even an exciting career opportunity for some.

You are currently reforming as a Community Interest Company (CIC) – what are the aims of this?

We are currently changing our operations to become a CIC to better reflect what the company has become. A Ltd company seemed the simplest and safest way of setting up as a hire operation, but the CIC model better reflects what we do now. Our CIC has a simple but ambitious mission statement: 'To maximise opportunities for the youth of Pembrokeshire while improving facilities and services for all residents and visitors to the county.' With the following objectives:

» Provide a route to permanent employment for young people who may otherwise struggle.

» Provide high quality affordable outdoor education for all.

» Provide targeted intervention for young people in need.

» Maximise access to outdoor activities for all.

» Provide water safety training for all.

“THE MOST REWARDING PART OF THE WORK IS SEEING THE SELF-ESTEEM AND CONFIDENCE OF THE STUDENTS GROW AS THEY BECOME MORE AT EASE WITH THE ENVIRONMENT AND MORE SKILLED IN THE ACTIVITIES.

WE HAVE SEEN SOME REMARKABLE CHANGES IN ATTITUDE FROM SOME STUDENTS.”

You became a British Canoeing Delivery Partner in 2022 – what was the reason for this?

We see the clear tie in with the National Governing Body as strengthening our brand. We expect to be delivering a greater number of BCAB courses in the future and the ability for our potential customers to find us through Go Paddling seems like a great benefit. We have seen the great benefits of collaborative working with other providers and see the Delivery Partner Scheme as an extension of this.

How did it feel being named as the Delivery Partner

‘Every

Person Matters’ Award winner?

It feels great to have won the award. It has really lifted the morale of the team and justified some of the difficult decisions that we have made. It has been a challenging few years to keep the operation functioning, and the decision to focus on less profitable but more necessary and ultimately rewarding work has only made it more difficult. However, with receiving recognition like this, it has helped us realise that we have made the right choice. We believe we have a very good model going forward and are excited for the 2023 season.

What are your plans for the future?

Our big plans for the future are to expand on our offer to young people in Pembrokeshire by creating a training scheme for training outdoor instructors. We are currently applying for a Community Asset Transfer of a council building that would allow us to run a year-round project.

PADDLE WEST are based in Pembroke and offer a range of outdoor activities to individuals, families, groups and schools. They also specialise in tailor-made outdoor activity sessions for students being educated in alternative provision.

www.paddlewest.co.uk

“WE SEE OUTDOOR EDUCATION AS BEING AN INCREDIBLY USEFUL INTERVENTION FOR A LOT OF YOUNG PEOPLE WHO ARE STRUGGLING WITH ENGAGEMENT IN MAINSTREAM SCHOOLING, AND EVEN AN EXCITING CAREER OPPORTUNITY FOR SOME.”

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