Ceufad Spring 2024

Rhifyn / Issue 158 Gwanwyn / Spring 2024 £2.50

ceufadKAYAK CYLCHGRAWN CANŴ CYMRU JOURNAL OF CANOE WALES

#SHEPADDLES CYMRU GEAR GUIDE: KEEPING COOL WHITE WATER RIVERS IN WALES Q&A RNLI: SUP SAFETY THE GREAT GLEN CANOE TRAIL

VICKY BARLOW PETE CATTERALL

golygyddol editorial G S all caiacio môr ym mis Chwefror fod yn llwm; tymheredd rhewllyd y môr, gwyntoedd chwerw, dyddiau byr oer … mae hyd yn oed y rhan fwyaf o'r adar wedi gadael am hinsawdd gynhesach. Fodd bynnag, mae un rheswm i fynd allan – tymor morloi bach chwilfrydig!

Dyma’r adeg o’r flwyddyn pan mae morloi llwyd bach yn y dŵr, yn meistroli eu hacrobateg ddyfrol ac yn darganfod y byd o’u cwmpas.

Er ceisio cadw pellter da oddi wrthynt ar hyd y lan neu yn y dŵr, bydd y morloi bach chwilfrydig yn aml yn ymuno â chi ar eich taith. Yn dilyn eich caiac, cnoi'r toglau a cheisio dringo ar fwrdd y cwch. Ar ddiwrnod oer ond heulog ym mis Chwefror aethom ar daith gyflym o amgylch y Gogarth yng nghwmni grŵp o forloi bach, gyda thua 20 pâr o lygaid chwareus yn neidio yn y dŵr o’n cwmpas.

Roedd yn gyfarfyddiad anhygoel ac yn ein hatgoffa, hyd yn oed yn ystod misoedd oer, tywyll y gaeaf, y gallwch chi ddod o hyd i ychydig o hud ar y dŵr o hyd.

Am fanylion ar sut i wylio morloi wrth badlo, edrychwch ar: www.canoewales.com/how-to-watch-seals-well Vicky Barlow Golygydd

Ceufad Ed Ceufad

ceufad@canoewales.com

@Ceufad

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

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ea kayaking in February can be bleak; icy sea temperatures, bitter winds, cold short days … even most of the birdlife has left for warmer climates. However, there is one reason to head out – curious seal pup season!

This is the time of year when the grey seal pups are in the water, mastering their aquatic acrobatics and discovering the world around them. Despite trying to keep a good distance from them on the shore or in the water, the inquisitive pups will often join you on your journey. Tailing your kayak, chewing the toggles and trying to clamber on board. On a cold but sunny day in February we did a quick trip round the Orme and were accompanied by a group of pups, with around 20 pairs of playful eyes bobbing in the water around us.

It was an incredible encounter and a reminder that even in the cold, dark winter months you can still find some magic on the water.

For details on how to watch seals when paddling check out: www.canoewales.com/how-to-watch-seals-well Vicky Barlow Editor

Ceufad Ed Ceufad

ceufad@canoewales.com

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

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Newyddion Canŵ Cymru Gwybodaeth a diweddariadau fan Canŵ Cymru

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Canoe Wales News Info and updates from Canoe Wales

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Events Fantastic festivals and epic races

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#ShePaddles Cymru Summer Celebration Festival

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In the Flow What's new in the world of paddlesport

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Gear Guide Keep your cool on the water this summer

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Cydraddoldeb Cyfiawnder, amrywiaeth a chynhwysiad

CYNNWYS CONTENTS 19

Equality Equity, diversity and inclusion

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5 Favourite White water rivers in Wales

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Holi & Ateb Sefydliad Cenedlaethol Brenhinol y Badau Achub (RNLI): Diogelwch PAD (SUP)

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Q&A RNLI: SUP Safety

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The Great Glen, Scotland One journey ... different outcomes

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CLAWR / COVER PORTHCLAIS, SIR BENFRO / PEMBROKESHIRE SUP GUIDES

GWANWYN / SPRING 2024

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CANŴ CYMRU — EIN TÎM 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 Ellen Roberts Swyddog Cyllid Phil Stone Rheolwr Lleoedd i Badlo Kerry Skidmore Swyddog Arweiniol Diogelu a Chydraddoldeb Lydia Wilford Swyddog Datblygu Emily Evans Arweinydd PAD/SUP TÎM PERFFORMIAD Alistair Dickson Rheolwr Perfformiad Dros Dro Jonathan Davies Swyddog Llwybr Talent (Gogledd) Gareth Bryant Swyddog Llwybr Talent (Gorllewin) James Pigdon Swyddog Llwybr Talent (De) Andrew Kettlewell Prif Hyfforddwr Slalom Giacomo Leighton Talent Slalom - De Emily Davies Talent Slalom – Gogledd CYFARWYDDWYR Kerry Chown Cadeirydd Jet Moore Is-gadeirydd Andy Booth Cyfarwyddwr Cyllid Elsa Davies 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

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NEGES GAN Y PRIF SWYDDOG GWEITHREDOL, ALISTAIR DICKSON Annwyl bawb, Gobeithio eich bod yn mwynhau dechrau cadarnhaol i 2024, er gwaethaf ymdrechion gorau’r tywydd!

Roedd yn wych gweld cymaint ohonoch yn ein Cyfarfod Cyffredinol Blynyddol (AGM) ym mis Ionawr a gobeithio eich bod wedi mwynhau gwrando ar ein diweddariadau. Mae bob amser yn anodd cydbwyso ochr ‘fusnes’ CCB â chynnwys mwy pleserus a difyr ond rydym eisoes wedi adolygu’r digwyddiad ac mae gennym gynlluniau cyffrous ar gyfer y CCB yn ddiweddarach eleni.

Mae 2024 yn dod â rhai cyfleoedd ond hefyd rhai heriau i Ganŵ Cymru. Byddwch wedi clywed am lansiad ein cynllun strategol newydd a’r cynnydd rydym wedi’i wneud ar draws ein gweithgareddau traddodiadol ochr yn ochr â phopeth am badl fyrddio ar draed. Yn yr un modd, roeddem yn falch o weld ein cynnydd yn y gofod amgylcheddol yn cael ei gydnabod yng Ngwobrau'r Gymdeithas Chwaraeon Cymru (WSA) a Chynhadledd Cynaliadwyedd tua diwedd y llynedd. Mae hyn o ganlyniad i chi, y gymuned padlo, yn gweithio’n galed i amlygu cyflwr rhai o’n dyfrffyrdd a gwneud eich rhan i’w glanhau. Gallwch fod yn sicr bod llunwyr polisi a gwleidyddion yng Nghymru wedi sylwi ar eich gwaith caled, a all ond atgyfnerthu ein rhesymu o fewn y ddadl mynediad.

Mae llawer o ddechrau 2024 wedi ymgolli gyda’r holl faterion cyllid wrth i ni baratoi ar gyfer toriadau Chwaraeon Cymru yn dilyn y gostyngiad mewn cyllid gan Lywodraeth Cymru. Rydym yn ddiolchgar ein bod mewn sefyllfa well na'r rhan fwyaf o gyrff llywodraethu yng Nghymru ond rydym yn disgwyl rhywfaint o effaith ar ein gwasanaethau yr ydym yn teimlo ei bod yn bwysig rhoi gwybod i chi amdanynt. Rydym yn dal i weithio trwy'r manylion ond byddwn yn rhoi gwybod i chi am unrhyw ddatblygiadau.

Yn olaf, byddwch wedi derbyn cyfathrebiad ynghylch ein henw brand a'n hunaniaeth. Mae'r Bwrdd yn awyddus i aelodau gael digon o gyfle i fynegi eich barn ac rydym yn eich annog i roi gwybod i ni beth yw eich barn cyn iddo gael ei drafod yng nghyfarfod y Bwrdd ym mis Ebrill.

Mae’n foment hollbwysig i Ganŵ Cymru ac mae angen inni fod yn sicr, fel cymuned, mai dyma’r cam iawn i ni ar hyn o bryd.

Os oes gan unrhyw un unrhyw gwestiynau neu bryderon, mae croeso i chi gysylltu â mi drwy admin@canoewales.com Cofion gorau, Alistair

CCB CANŴ CYMRU BWRDD CC, STAFF AC AELODAU YN CYFARFOD AR-LEIN Cynhaliwyd y Cyfarfod cyffredinol Blynyddol ar-lein ym mis Ionawr, ac roedd nifer fawr wedi ymuno gyda 65 yn bresennol ar y noson. Roedd llawer i’w drafod, felly aethpwyd yn syth i mewn i’r rhan fwyaf swmpus o’r CCB ffurfiol, gyda Kerry Chown, Cadeirydd, yn rhoi diweddariad manwl ar ddatblygiad sylweddol o Gynllun Strategol Newydd CC 2024-28. Siaradodd am y newid yn natur chwaraeon a gweithgaredd, a sut y bydd angen i GC barhau i ddatblygu i ddiwallu anghenion y dyfodol. Gallai rhai o'r datblygiadau hyn gynnwys brand a hunaniaeth newydd sy'n adlewyrchu natur gynhwysol chwaraeon padlo yn well (gweler tudalen 8 am ddiweddariad).

Dilynodd Alistair Dickson, Prif Swyddog Gweithredol, gyda diweddariad manwl ynghylch gwaith CC dros y 18 mis diwethaf a rhoddodd Andy Booth, Cyfarwyddwr Cyllid, drosolwg o iechyd ariannol CC a Gwerthiannau a Gwasanaethau CC. Gorffennodd Emily Evans, Arweinydd PAD (SUP), y noson gyda diweddariad ar gynnydd CC o ran datblygu llywodraethu effeithiol, safonau hyfforddi a negeseuon diogelwch o fewn PAD. Dywedodd Alistair ‘Hoffem ddiolch i’r holl aelodau am ddod draw ac rydym yn mawr obeithio eu bod wedi ei chael yn ddefnyddiol. Roedd yn fuddiol iawn i ni glywed barn yr aelodau ac ateb rhai cwestiynau. Fel arfer, mae'n ein helpu ni i ddeall yn iawn ymhle yr hoffai aelodau i ni gynyddu ein cefnogaeth a’n ffocws wrth symud ymlaen. Hoffwn ddiolch i’r holl staff a’r Bwrdd am eu gwaith caled yn tynnu’r cyfan at ei gilydd ac edrychwn ymlaen at gwrdd â’r aelodau eto yn ein Sioeau Teithiol yn ddiweddarach eleni.”

I ddal i fyny ar y CCB, mae ar gael yn: www.youtube.com/watch?v=5j9MTvdkO1M

CYNLLUN STRATEGOL CC 2024-2028 MAE STRATEGAETH CC AR GYFER Y 4 BLYNEDD NESAF WEDI CAEL EI LANSIO Beth yw pwrpas y Cynllun Strategol?

Mae CC yn gwmni cyfyngedig trwy warant ac yn sefydliad aelodaeth. Mae'r Bwrdd yn atebol i'r aelodau am reoli'r strategaeth ar gyfer padlo yng Nghymru ac yn gwneud hyn drwy gynhyrchu, darparu ac adolygu'r Cynllun Strategol.

Mae hefyd yn hollbwysig bod Canŵ Cymru yn cyhoeddi strategaeth sydd â phwrpas clir, gweledigaeth a chanlyniadau mesuradwy. Mae hefyd yn bwysig bod Canŵ Cymru yn adrodd yn ôl ar gynnydd i aelodau drwy'r CCB a digwyddiadau ymgysylltu eraill ag aelodau. Mae hyn yn sicrhau y gall aelodau CC ddal y Bwrdd yn atebol o ran cynnydd tuag at nodau ac amcanion y cynllun hwn.

Sut y datblygwyd a phenderfynwyd ar y Cynllun Strategol?

Mae'r strategaeth yn benllanw dros ddwy flynedd o gynllunio. Gwelwyd aelodau, ymgynghorwyr, staff a chyfarwyddwyr i gyd yn dod at ei gilydd i gyflwyno eu hadborth trwy arolygon, cyflwyniadau, gweithdai a fforymau. Rhannwyd y ddogfen strategaeth ar-lein ar ddechrau mis Tachwedd, a gofynnwyd i'r aelodau ei ddarllen i baratoi ar gyfer trafodaeth yn y CCB ym mis Ionawr, cyn i'r cynllun gael ei gwblhau.

Sut bydd hyn o fudd i aelodau CC? Mae'r camau gweithredu yn y cynllun hwn yn ganlyniad i ymgynghori helaeth ag aelodau ac felly dylent fod o fudd i badlwyr yng Nghymru. Er efallai na fydd llawer o aelodau’n gweld newid ar unwaith i’w profiad padlo, bydd ymagwedd strategol yn helpu’r sefydliad a’r gymuned i symud tuag at uchelgeisiau hirdymor CC. Bydd hyn yn sicrhau bod y gymuned padlo yng Nghymru yn parhau i ddod yn fwy cynhwysol a blaengar.

Beth yw amcanion y cynllun?

Yn gyntaf, mae’r cynllun yn nodi pwrpas, gweledigaethau a chenhadaeth CC: Pwrpas:

‘I gefnogi aelodau CC, eiriol dros chwaraeon padlo cyfrifol yng Nghymru a gwasanaethu padlwyr Cymru ar bob cam o’u taith chwaraeon padlo.’

Gweledigaeth: I Gymru i fod y lle gorau i fynd i badlo, gyda chefnogaeth: » Cyfleusterau o safon fyd-eang » Cefnogaeth ac addysg wedi'u teilwra » Cymuned padlo gref, gefnogol a chynhwysol » Hawliau teg a thryloyw ar gyfer mynediad a chyfranogiad Cenhadaeth:

‘Cyrraedd, ymgysylltu ac addysgu mwy o badlwyr er mwyn datblygu ymhellach gymuned padlo gynhwysol, gyfrifol ac amgylcheddol Canŵ Cymru yma yng Nghymru.’

Canoe Wales

Y tu hwnt i hynny, mae'r cynllun yn canolbwyntio ar 8 prif faes, gyda phwyntiau gweithredu penodol ar gyfer pob un, ynghyd â Dangosyddion Perfformiad Allweddol (KPI) i fesur cynnydd. Yr 8 maes yw: » » » »

Datblygiad a chyfranogiad Mynediad ac eiriolaeth Aelodaeth a chyfathrebu Llwybr perfformiad a thalent

Strategic Plan 2024-2028

» Hyfforddiant, arweinyddiaeth a diogelwch » Amgylchedd a chynaliadwyedd » Rheolaeth a chynaliadwyedd ariannol » Padl fyrddio ar draed

www.canoewales.com

Mae’n anodd crynhoi’r nodau o fewn y rhain, gan fod dros 50 o bwyntiau gweithredu! Fodd bynnag, i roi syniad, mae'r camau gweithredu'n cynnwys: » » » » »

Nodau ac amcanion sy'n cyfateb i'r galw i GC gynnal mwy o sesiynau blasu ar gyfer pobl ifanc a phlant ysgol.

Cynlluniau i egluro'r cynllun cymwysterau a dyfarniadau ymhellach.

Cynlluniau i ddatblygu'r ystod o fuddion a geir drwy aelodaeth o GC. Maes newydd yn y cynllun strategol sy’n helpu i arwain gwaith CC o fewn yr amgylchedd a chynaliadwyedd.

Blaenoriaethau newydd sy'n cysylltu'r amcanion ar draws meysydd swyddogaethol y gymdeithas.

Mae’n werth darllen y ddogfen, i weld beth yw nodau CC dros y 4 blynedd nesaf, a’r cyfeiriad y maent yn symud iddo.

Sut byddwn ni'n gwybod beth sydd wedi'i gyflawni?

Bydd CC yn adrodd yn ôl ar gynnydd i aelodau drwy'r CCB a digwyddiadau ymgysylltu ag aelodau eraill. Mae hyn yn sicrhau y gall aelodau ddal y Bwrdd yn atebol o ran cynnydd tuag at nodau ac amcanion y cynllun.

Ble gallaf gael copi o'r Cynllun Strategol?

Mae ar gael i’w ddarllen a’i lawr lwytho yn: www.canoewales.com/the-canoe-wales-2024-28-strategy

GWANWYN / SPRING 2024

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MAE YSWIRIANT CYCHOD PADLO CC YN NEWID! MAE NOBLE MARINE YN DDARPARWR YSWIRIANT NEWYDD Ochr yn ochr â Chanŵio Prydeinig British Canoeing a’r cymdeithasau cenedlaethol eraill, mae CC wedi adolygu eu hyswiriant cychod padlo i barhau i wella eu gwasanaeth i aelodau CC. Bydd CC yn symud darparwyr yswiriant cychod o Towergate i Noble Marine ar 14 Ebrill 2024.

Mae hyn yn cynnig nifer o fanteision i aelodau gan gynnwys: » Profiad gwell i gwsmeriaid » Y gallu i brynu yswiriant cychod padlo unrhyw bryd yn hytrach na'i fod yn gysylltiedig â dyddiad ymuno/adnewyddu aelodaeth » Sicrwydd yswiriant a all gynnwys y rhan fwyaf o fathau o gychod dŵr o dan un polisi » Wrth brynu, bydd gan aelodau bolisi/dogfennaeth bwrpasol ac unigol yn hytrach na bod yn rhan o bolisi bloc. » Mae gostyngiad pwrpasol i aelodau yn cael ei gymhwyso’n awtomatig Os oes gennych bolisi Towergate cyfredol fel rhan o'r cynllun bloc a fydd yn adnewyddu ar ôl 14 Ebrill; daw hyn i ben ar ddyddiad dod i ben eich aelodaeth bresennol. Bydd angen i chi ddefnyddio'r darparwr yswiriant amgen.

I gynhyrchu dyfynbris, ewch i www.noblemarine.co.uk/boat-insurance/canoe-wales/ Bydd aelodau CC yn elwa o ostyngiad o 10% ar yr yswiriant ar yr holl ganŵod, caiacau a byrddau padlo caiff eu hyswirio gan Nobile Marine.

Gan fod hwn yn wasanaeth unrhyw-amser, ni fydd aelodau bellach yn gallu prynu yswiriant cwch ochr yn ochr â'u haelodaeth. Dilynwch y ddolen i gynhyrchu dyfynbris neu ewch i'r adran yswiriant ar y wefan.

I'ch atgoffa, mae eich aelodaeth gyda CC yn dal i gwmpasu Atebolrwydd Trydydd Parti yn awtomatig. Dim ond ar gyfer difrod i'ch cwch eich hun os bydd digwyddiad y mae hyn.

Os oes gennych unrhyw gwestiynau am yswiriant cychod padlo, cysylltwch â admin@canoewales.com

MAE'R GLANHAD PADLO MAWR YN ÔL HELPWCH I AMDDIFFYN Y LLEOEDD RYDYCH CHI'N CARU PADLO Yn 2023, roedd dros 2,600 o badlwyr yng Nghymru a Lloegr yn cymryd rhan mewn ymgais i glirio eu dyfrffyrdd lleol o lygredd sbwriel a phlastig, wrth godi mwy o ymwybyddiaeth gyhoeddus o’r mater.

Llenwyd tua 1,800 o sachau enfawr yn cynnwys 6,767 o boteli plastig, 2,739 o boteli gwydr, 4,403 o ganiau a 7,682 o eitemau pecynnu bwyd.

Bydd Y Glanhad Padlo Mawr eleni rhwng 25 Mai a 9 Mehefin. Cadwch olwg ar wefan CC a Facebook am ffyrdd o gymryd rhan.

Am ddiweddariadau cadwch olwg ar www.canoewales.com and @canoewales

GWYBODAETH AM ORLIF STORM DŴR CYMRU YCHWANEGU LLEOLIADAU MEWNDIROL/AFONYDD Oeddech chi'n gwybod bod Dŵr Cymru yn cynyddu nifer y lleoliadau sy'n adrodd am wybodaeth bron mewn amser real ar weithgarwch gorlif stormydd?

Mae gwybodaeth am weithgarwch gorlifo wedi bod ar gael ers peth amser ar gyfer eu hasedau arfordirol. Mae Dŵr Cymru wedi bod yn gweithio i ehangu argaeledd y data gorlif ac maent bellach wedi cynnwys rhai lleoliadau mewndirol.

Mae'r map yn darparu gwybodaeth bron mewn amser real am eu gweithgaredd gorlif storm, fel y nodir gan eu monitorau hyd digwyddiad.

Gallwch ddefnyddio’r map i weld a yw monitorau Dŵr Cymru yn dangos a yw gorlif storm yn gweithredu ar hyn o bryd a dyddiad/amser yr enghraifft ddiwethaf ohonynt yn gweithredu a gofnodwyd.

Am fwy o wybodaeth ewch i: https://https://corporate.dwrcymru.com/cy-gb/ community/environment/storm-overflow-map

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ADOLYGIAD HUNANIAETH BRAND CANŴ CYMRU GALWAD AM ADBORTH GAN AELODAU Annwyl aelodau, Yn y Cyfarfod Cyffredinol Blynyddol ym mis Ionawr, cododd ein Cadeirydd, Kerry Chown, y mater y byddwn yn adolygu ein hunaniaeth brand ac roeddem am roi'r wybodaeth ddiweddaraf i chi am ein cynnydd yn y maes hwn. Fel y soniodd Kerry yn y Cyfarfod Cyffredinol Blynyddol, mae'r adolygiad brand hwn yn adlewyrchiad o ehangu chwaraeon padlo gyda thwf disgyblaethau newydd sydd wedi ychwanegu at y canŵ (neu gaiac) traddodiadol.

Mae hyn wedi arwain at dwf cyflym mewn padlo hamdden ar ôl Covid, a arweiniodd at fwy na dyblu yn ein haelodaeth yn ystod y cyfnod hwnnw.

Mae Canŵ Cymru hefyd wedi dod yn gorff llywodraethu ar gyfer Padlfyrddio ar Draed PAD (SUP) sy'n naturiol yn dod â ni i gysylltiad â chynulleidfa newydd, eang ac amrywiol nad ydynt, mewn llawer o achosion, wedi bod yn ymwneud â chwaraeon padlo o'r blaen.

Felly, roeddem yn teimlo’r amser iawn i adolygu ein henw brand a’n hunaniaeth er mwyn sicrhau ein bod yn parhau i gynrychioli’r holl badlwyr a chwaraeon padlo yng Nghymru yn y dyfodol. Efallai eich bod hefyd wedi gweld ein bod wedi bod yn adolygu ein brand ochr yn ochr â’r cymdeithasau cenedlaethol eraill (Canŵio Prydain, Cymdeithas Canŵio’r Alban a Chymdeithas Canŵio Gogledd Iwerddon).

Er ein bod yn credu ei bod yn bwysig bod Canŵ Cymru yn gwneud yr hyn sy’n iawn i Ganŵ Cymru a’i aelodau, rydym yn cydfodoli o fewn teulu chwaraeon padlo yn y DU ac mae’n bwysig ein bod yn gweithio ar y cyd lle bo modd.

Mae ailfrandio bob amser yn broses ddrud ac mae'n rhaid cydbwyso'r agos y buddion posibl yn erbyn y costau. Rydym wedi bod yn ffodus bod Canŵio Prydain wedi gweithredu ar ran yr holl gymdeithasau cenedlaethol i gontractio asiantaeth i gynnig opsiwn i ni. Felly, mae’r costau i Ganŵ Cymru wedi bod yn fach iawn hyd yma.

Teimlwn fod Paddle Cymru i bob pwrpas yn cwmpasu disgyblaethau ehangu chwaraeon padlo a’r gymuned aelodaeth esblygol yma yng Nghymru. Teimlwn hefyd ei fod yn amlygu’n effeithiol ein hunaniaeth Gymreig a’n hymrwymiad i’r Gymraeg, heb fod angen enwau deuol.

Hoffem gynnig yr opsiwn hwn i chi a byddem yn gwerthfawrogi'n fawr eich ystyriaeth a'ch adborth. Bydd y Bwrdd yn gwneud penderfyniad terfynol yn ystod cyfarfod y Bwrdd ym mis Ebrill a bydd yn cymryd eich adborth o ddifrif.

Bydd y rhai ohonoch a oedd yn y CCB hefyd wedi clywed ein Cyfarwyddwr Cyllid, Andy Booth, yn sôn am rai o’r heriau ariannol y bydd Canŵ Cymru yn eu hwynebu wrth symud ymlaen oherwydd toriadau Chwaraeon Cymru. Felly, mae’n bwysig nodi y gallai unrhyw newid mawr i’r dyluniad fod y tu allan i’r hyn y gall Canŵ Cymru ei fforddio ar hyn o bryd. Er y gall ailgynllunio logo swnio'n broses weddol syml, mae angen mynegi'r logo hefyd mewn nifer o wahanol ffyrdd i'w ddefnyddio ar wahanol asedau a all fod yn broses ddrud yn y pen draw.

Edrychwn ymlaen at glywed oddi wrthych.

Kerry Chown Cadeirydd, Canŵ Cymru/Canoe Wales Nodyn: Diolch am anfon eich ymatebion trwy e-bost at Alistair Dickson, Prif Swyddog Gweithredol Canŵ Cymru – Alistair.dickson@canoewales.com Neu drwy lythyr at: Alistair Dickson, Prif Swyddog Gweithredol Canŵ Cymru, Y Ganolfan Dŵr Gwyn Genedlaethol, Fron-goch, Bala LL23 7NU

GWOBRAU CYNNYDD CANŴ SLALOM FFORDD HWYLIOG A STRWYTHUREDIG O GYFLWYNO PADLWYR NEWYDD I SLALOM Mae Gwobrau Cynnydd Slalom yn adnodd hwyliog, cefnogol a deniadol i hyfforddwyr a chlybiau i helpu i gyflwyno cyfranogwyr newydd i Ganŵ Slalom. Mae'r Gwobrau'n helpu i lunio a strwythuro cyfres o sesiynau, gan ysgogi cyfranogwyr i symud ymlaen trwy ystod o sgiliau technegol, ymddygiadau, hyder dŵr ac ymwybyddiaeth o ddiogelwch. Mae taflenni ar gael am ddim i bob hyfforddwr a chlwb hamdden o bob rhan o Gymru.

Am fwy o wybodaeth neu i archebu ebostiwch Jonathan Davies jonathan.davies@canoewales.com Useful Internet Links & Contacts

Starting Out Canoe & Kayak Slalom Progress Awards

www.canoeslalom.co.uk - For all competitive event information, including; FAQ’s, Calendar & Bibs, Rankings, Leagues, Slalom Committee pages and much more.

1. Introduction to a slalom boat and its features

Bronze

BR

Aw

ar d

5. Seating posture 4. Adjusting and using the boats foot rest

7. Paddle features and how to hold/use a paddle

6. Getting in & out of the boat whilst on water

8. Forward paddling

www.britishcanoeing.org.uk - Responsible for leading and setting the overall framework for all the National Associations and includes areas such as coaching, competition and representing canoeing interests at a UK level.

9. Sweep strokes, forward & reverse

Stage completion sign off by & Date:

10. Capsize & self rescue

www.canoewales.com - For ‘On The Water’ membership and insurance

11. Getting in a boat and putting a nylon spray deck on unaided

jonathan.davies@canoewales.com

SILVER

SILVER

13. Paddling forward with no correction strokes 12. Warm up and down appropriately before and after sessions

14. Using edges to turn 15. Slalom course basics - Understanding green & red gates and how many of each there may be

Paddlers Name:

Aw

ar d

16. Capsize with a spray deck on and self rescue

18. Paddle 2 gates in a figure of eight course

Top Positive Behaviours

O NZE

2. Introduction to helmet and buoyancy aid, how to correctly fit and adjust 3. Carrying a boat

17. Using sweep strokes on the move

19. Paddle 4 or more offset gates

21. Paddle 8 or more green gates

20. Paddle another class of slalom boat (either K1, C1 or C2)

Stage completion sign off by & Date:

22. Helping to get equipment out and tidying away after sessions

Challenges are opportunities to improve.

Seek Solutions.

Support and respect one another.

Be on time.

Never give up.

Have fun and enjoy the sport.

23. Understanding moving water and its terminology (Flow, Eddies, Ferry Gliding, Break In and Break Out) 24. Breaking In and Out of the flow 25. Defensive swimming (swimming in moving water)

Gold

GOLD 26. Ferry gliding left to right, then right to left

27. Judge (or shadow a Judge) for one judging period at two events 28. Paddle down a full course with 18 or more gates, with 6 upstream gates 31. Putting a neoprene spray deck on unaided 32. Paddling down a short section of moving water

Aw

ar d

29. Responding to a throw bag rescue 30. Race at 2 or more division 4 (or above) races at different locations Stage completion sign off by & Date:

Yn seiliedig ar gysyniad gwreiddiol gan Lara a John Elcock

GWANWYN / SPRING 2024

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7

CANOE WALES – OUR TEAM Alistair Dickson

CEO

MEMBER SERVICES TEAM Andy Turton Coaching Manager Val Ephraim Administrative Officer Suzanne Parkin Governance & Membership Assistant Bonnie Armstrong Comms & Marketing Lead Ellen Roberts Finance Officer Phil Stone Places to Paddle Manager Kerry Skidmore Lead Safeguarding and Equality Officer Lydia Wilford Development Officer Emily Evans SUP Lead PERFORMANCE TEAM Alistair Dickson Interim Performance Manager Jonathan Davies Talent Pathway Officer (North) Gareth Bryant Talent Pathway Officer (West) James Pigdon Talent Pathway Officer (South) Andrew Kettlewell Slalom Lead Coach Giacomo Leighton Slalom Talent Coach DIRECTORS Kerry Chown Chair Jet Moore Vice Chair Andy Booth Finance Director Elsa Davies Alun Davies Allan Binstead Ruth Hall Tanya Neilson Dave Kohn-Hollins David Eade

CONTACT CANOE WALES www.canoewales.com admin@canoewales.com 01678 521 199 Canolfan Dŵr Gwyn Genedlaethol, Frongoch, Bala, Gwynedd, LL23 7NU

@canoewales

8

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CEUFAD

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO, ALISTAIR DICKSON Dear all, I hope you are enjoying a positive start to 2024, despite the weather’s best efforts!

It was fantastic to see so many of you at our AGM in January and we hope you enjoyed listening to our updates. It’s always tricky to balance the ‘business’ side of an AGM with more enjoyable and entertaining content but we have already reviewed the event and have some exciting plans for the AGM later this year.

2024 brings with it some opportunities but also some challenges to Canoe Wales.

You will have heard about the launch to our new strategic plan and the progress we have made across our traditional activities alongside all things stand-up paddleboarding.

Likewise, we were pleased to see our progress in the environmental space recognised at the WSA Awards and Sustainability Conference towards the end of last year. This is the result of you, the paddling community, working hard to highlight the condition of some of our waterways and doing your bit to clean them up. Please be assured your hard work has certainly been noticed by policy makers and politicians within Wales which can only strengthen our argument within the access debate.

Much of the start of 2024 has been engrossed with all things finances as we prepare for Sport Wales cuts following the reduction in funding from Welsh Government. We are thankful to be in a better position that most governing bodies in Wales but we do expect some impact to our services which we feel it important to notify you about. We are still working through the details but will keep you notified of developments.

Lastly, you will have received a communication regarding our brand name and identity.

The Board are keen that members are given ample opportunity to communicate your views and we urge you to let us know what you think before it is discussed at the Board meeting in April. It’s a pivotal moment for Canoe Wales and we need to be sure, as a community, it is the right step for us at this time.

If anyone has any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me via admin@ canoewales.com Best regards, Alistair

CANOE WALES AGM CW BOARD, STAFF AND MEMBERS MEET ONLINE The AGM took place online in January, and there was a great turnout with 65 in attendance on the night. There was a lot to cover, so it was straight into the bulk of the formal AGM, with Kerry Chown, Chair, providing a detailed update on the substantial development of the new CW 2024-28 Strategic Plan. She spoke about the changing nature of sport and activity, and how CW will need to continue to develop to meet the needs of the future.

Some of these developments could include a fresh brand and identity which better reflects the inclusive nature of paddlesport (see page 8 for an update).

Alistair Dickson, CEO, followed with a detailed update regarding the CW’s work over the past 18 months and Andy Booth, Finance Director, gave an overview of the financial health of CW and CW’s Sales and Services.

Emily Evans, SUP Lead, finished the evening with an update on CW’s progress with the development of effective governance, training standards and safety messaging within SUP. Alistair said ‘We’d like to thank all members for coming along and we really hope they found it useful. It was really beneficial for us to hear members’ views and to answer some questions. As ever, it helps us really understand where members would like us to increase our support and focus more going forwards. I’d like to thank all the staff and Board for their hard work pulling it all together and we look forward to meeting members again at our Roadshows later this year.’

To catch up on the AGM, it’s available at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=5j9MTvdkO1M

CW 2024-2028 STRATEGIC PLAN CW'S STRATEGY FOR THE NEXT 4 YEARS HAS BEEN LAUNCHED What is the purpose of the Strategic Plan?

CW is a company limited by guarantee and a membership organisation. The Board is accountable to the members for managing the strategy for paddling in Wales and does this through the production, delivery, and review of the Strategic Plan.

It is also imperative that Canoe Wales publishes a strategy with a clear purpose, vision and measurable outcomes. It is also important that Canoe Wales reports back on progress to members via the AGM and other member engagement events. This ensures that CW members can hold the Board accountable with regards to progress towards the aims and objectives within this plan.

How was the Strategic Plan developed and decided?

The strategy is the culmination of over two years of planning. It's seen members, consultants, staff and directors all come together to deliver their feedback through surveys, presentations, workshops and forums. The strategy document was shared online at the start of November, with members being asked to read it in preparation for a discussion at the AGM in January, before the plan was finalised.

How will this benefit CW members?

The actions in this plan are the result of extensive member consultation and they should therefore be of benefit to paddlers in Wales. While many members may not see an immediate change to their paddling experience, a strategic approach will help the organisation and community to move towards CW’s long-term ambitions. This will ensure that the paddling community in Wales continues to become more inclusive and progressive.

What are the aims of the plan?

Firstly, the plan identifies the purpose, visions and mission of CW: Purpose: ‘To support CW members, advocate for responsible paddlesport in Wales and service Welsh paddlers at every step of their paddlesport journey.’

Vision:

Wales to be the best place to go paddling, supported by: » World-class facilities » Tailored support and education » A strong, supportive and inclusive paddling community » Fair and transparent rights for access and participation

Mission:

‘Reach, engage and educate more paddlers in order to further develop CW’s inclusive, responsible and environmentally-focused paddling community here in Wales.’

Beyond that, the plan focuses on 8 main areas, with specific action points for each, along with Key Performance Indicators (KPI) to measure progress. The 8 areas are: » » » »

Development and participation Access and advocacy Membership and communications Performance and talent pathway

» » » »

Coaching, leadership and safety Environment and sustainability Governance and financial sustainability Stand-up paddleboarding

Canoe Wales

Strategic Plan 2024-2028

www.canoewales.com

It’s difficult to summarise the aims within these, as there are over 50 action points! However, to provide an idea, the actions include: » » » » »

Aims and objectives which match demand for CW to run more taster sessions for young people and school children.

Plans to further clarify the qualifications and awards scheme.

Plans to develop the range of benefits accessed through CW membership.

A new area within the strategic plan which helps to guide CW’s work within environment and sustainability.

New priorities which link the objectives across the functional areas of the association.

It’s well worth reading the document, to see what the aims of CW are over the next 4 years, and the direction they are moving in.

How will we know what has been achieved?

CW will report back on progress to members via the AGM and other member-engagement events. This ensures that members can hold the Board accountable with regards to progress towards the aims and objectives within the plan.

Where can I get a copy of the Strategic Plan?

It’s available to read and download at: www.canoewales.com/the-canoe-wales-2024-28-strategy

GWANWYN / SPRING 2024

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9

CW PADDLECRAFT INSURANCE IS CHANGING! NOBLE MARINE ARE NEW INSURANCE PROVIDER Alongside British Canoeing and the other national associations, CW have reviewed their paddlecraft insurance offering to continue to improve their service to CW members.

CW will be moving craft insurance providers from Towergate to Noble Marine on the 14th of April 2024.

This offers several benefits to members including: » An improved customer experience » The ability to purchase paddlecraft insurance at any time rather than it being linked to membership join/renewal date » Cover that can accommodate most types of watercraft under a single policy » When purchasing, members will have bespoke and individual policy/documentation rather than being part of a block policy. » A bespoke members’ discount is automatically applied If you have a current Towergate policy as part of the block scheme that will renew after 14th of April; this will cease on your current membership expiry date. You will need to use the alternative insurance provider.

To generate a quote, please visit www.noblemarine.co.uk/boat-insurance/canoe-wales/ CW members will benefit from a 10% discount on the insurance on all canoes, kayaks and paddleboards insured with Nobile Marine.

As this is an any-time service, members will no longer be able to purchase craft insurance alongside their membership. Please just follow the link to generate a quote or visit the insurance area of the website.

As a reminder, your membership with CW still covers Third Party Liability automatically. This is only for damage to your own craft in the event of an incident.

For any questions about paddlecraft insurance, please contact admin@canoewales.com

THE BIG PADDLE CLEANUP IS BACK HELP PROTECT THE PLACES YOU LOVE TO PADDLE In 2023, England and Wales over 2,600 paddlers take part in a bid to clear their local waterways of junk and plastic pollution, while raising more public awareness of the issue.

About 1,800 huge sacks were filled containing 6,767 plastic bottles, 2,739 glass bottles, 4,403 cans and 7,682 food packaging items.

This year’s Big Paddle Cleanup will be from 25 May to 9 June. Keep a look out on the CW website and Facebook for ways to get involved.

For updates keep an eye on www.canoewales.com and @canoewales

DŴR CYMRU STORM OVERFLOW INFORMATION ADDITION OF INLAND/RIVER LOCATIONS Did you know that Dŵr Cymru are increasing the number of locations that are reporting near real-time information on storm overflow activity?

Information on overflow activity has been available for some time for their coastal assets. Dŵr Cymru have been working at widening the availability of the overflow data and have now included some inland locations.

The map provides near real-time information about their storm overflow activity, as indicated by their event duration monitors.

You can use the map to see if Dŵr Cymru monitors indicate if a storm overflow is currently operating and the date/time of the last recorded instance of them operating.

For more info visit: https://corporate.dwrcymru.com/en/community/ environment/storm-overflow-map

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CEUFAD

CANOE WALES' BRAND IDENTITY REVIEW CALL FOR FEEDBACK FROM MEMBERS Dear members, At the AGM in January, our Chair, Kerry Chown, raised the matter that we will be reviewing our brand identity and we wanted to update you with our progress in this area. As Kerry mentioned at the AGM, this brand review is in reflection of the broadening of paddlesports with the growth of new disciplines which have added to the traditional canoe (or kayak). This has led to the rapid growth of recreational paddling post-Covid which consequently resulted in our membership more than doubling during that period.

Canoe Wales has also become the governing body for Stand up Paddleboarding (SUP) which naturally brings us into contact with a new, broad and diverse audience who, in many cases, have not been involved in paddlesports before.

Therefore, we felt the time right to review our brand name and identity to ensure we continue to best represent all paddlers and paddlesports in Wales going forward. You may have also seen that we have been reviewing our brand in parallel with the other national associations (British Canoeing, Scottish Canoe Association and Canoe Association Northern Ireland).

While we believe it to be important that Canoe Wales does what is right for Canoe Wales and its members, we co-exist within a paddlesport family within the UK and it is important we work in unison where possible.

Rebranding is always an expensive process and the potential rewards must be closely balanced against the costs. We have been fortunate that British Canoeing have acted on behalf of all the national associations to contract an agency to propose an option for us. Therefore, the costs to Canoe Wales have been minimal thus far.

We feel that Paddle Cymru effectively encompasses the broadening disciplines of paddlesport and the evolving membership community here in Wales. We also feel that it effectively highlights our Welsh identity and commitment to the Welsh language, without the need for dual names.

We would like to propose this option to you and would very much appreciate your consideration and feedback. The Board will be making a final decision during the April Board meeting and will be taking your feedback very seriously.

Those of you who were at the AGM will also have heard our Finance Director, Andy Booth, speak of some of the financial challenges Canoe Wales will face going forward due to Sport Wales cuts. Therefore, it is important to note that any major change to the design may be outside what Canoe Wales can currently afford. While redesigning a logo may sound a fairly simple process, the logo also needs to be expressed in a number of different ways for use on differing assets which can end up being an expensive process.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Kerry Chown Chair, Canoe Wales/Canoe Cymru Note: Thank you for sending your responses by email to Alistair Dickson, CEO Canoe Wales – Alistair.dickson@canoewales.com Or by letter to: Alistair Dickson, CEO Canoe Wales, The National White Water Centre, Canolfan Tryweryn, Fron-goch, Bala LL23 7NU

CANOE SLALOM PROGRESS AWARDS A FUN AND STRUCTURED WAY TO INTRODUCE NEW PADDLERS TO SLALOM The Slalom Progress Awards are a fun, supportive and engaging resource for coaches and clubs to help introduce new participants to Canoe Slalom. The Awards help shape and structure a series of sessions, motivating participants to progress through a range of technical skills, behaviours, water confidence and safety awareness. Leaflets are freely available to all recreational coaches and clubs from across Wales.

For more info or to place an order email Jonathan Davies jonathan.davies@canoewales.com Useful Internet Links & Contacts

Starting Out Canoe & Kayak Slalom Progress Awards

www.canoeslalom.co.uk - For all competitive event information, including; FAQ’s, Calendar & Bibs, Rankings, Leagues, Slalom Committee pages and much more.

1. Introduction to a slalom boat and its features

Bronze

BR

Aw

ar d

5. Seating posture 4. Adjusting and using the boats foot rest

7. Paddle features and how to hold/use a paddle

6. Getting in & out of the boat whilst on water

8. Forward paddling

www.britishcanoeing.org.uk - Responsible for leading and setting the overall framework for all the National Associations and includes areas such as coaching, competition and representing canoeing interests at a UK level.

9. Sweep strokes, forward & reverse

Stage completion sign off by & Date:

10. Capsize & self rescue

www.canoewales.com - For ‘On The Water’ membership and insurance

11. Getting in a boat and putting a nylon spray deck on unaided

jonathan.davies@canoewales.com

SILVER

SILVER

13. Paddling forward with no correction strokes 12. Warm up and down appropriately before and after sessions

14. Using edges to turn 15. Slalom course basics - Understanding green & red gates and how many of each there may be

Paddlers Name:

Aw

ar d

16. Capsize with a spray deck on and self rescue

18. Paddle 2 gates in a figure of eight course

Top Positive Behaviours

O NZE

2. Introduction to helmet and buoyancy aid, how to correctly fit and adjust 3. Carrying a boat

17. Using sweep strokes on the move

19. Paddle 4 or more offset gates

21. Paddle 8 or more green gates

20. Paddle another class of slalom boat (either K1, C1 or C2)

Stage completion sign off by & Date:

22. Helping to get equipment out and tidying away after sessions

Challenges are opportunities to improve.

Seek Solutions.

Support and respect one another.

Be on time.

Never give up.

Have fun and enjoy the sport.

23. Understanding moving water and its terminology (Flow, Eddies, Ferry Gliding, Break In and Break Out) 24. Breaking In and Out of the flow 25. Defensive swimming (swimming in moving water)

Gold

GOLD 26. Ferry gliding left to right, then right to left

27. Judge (or shadow a Judge) for one judging period at two events 28. Paddle down a full course with 18 or more gates, with 6 upstream gates 31. Putting a neoprene spray deck on unaided 32. Paddling down a short section of moving water

Aw

ar d

29. Responding to a throw bag rescue 30. Race at 2 or more division 4 (or above) races at different locations Stage completion sign off by & Date:

Based on an original concept by Lara and John Elcock

GWANWYN / SPRING 2024

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Canolfan Tryweryn National White Water Centre

New for 2024!

We now offer canoe coaching as well as kayak. Both disciplines are available in our range of BCAB courses (leadership and rescue) which has been further bolstered with the addition of White Water Coach training and assessment. For the often needed and highly recommended First Aid training, no boat is required! We have lots of courses for improving your paddling: for those new to white water, to those wanting to improve their tailees. With many Rescue 3 courses AND raft guide training...

If you work or play on the water, or would like to, we have you covered!

T

F

E

S

T

19 - 21 July

SHE FEST

June 7-9 #She

Paddles White Water

EVENTS A P R

DEEFEST

Llangollen DeeFest is a fun and inclusive paddling event, held on the iconic white water stretch of the River Dee near Llangollen 13-14 in North Wales. www.deefest.com M A Y 4-10

M A Y 5

M A Y

ANGLESEY SEA SYMPOSIUM Anglesey One of the longest running sea kayak events (over 40 years!), with workshops, trips, demo boats, manufacturers and the all-important social! An event full of adventure, fun and laughter. www.angleseyseakayaksymposium.co.uk

CIWW PADDLEFEST / DGRHC GŴYLBADLO Cardiff Bigger than ever, the 2024 Paddlefest has something for everyone; taster sessions, white water madness, kayak cross. The ultimate paddler event! www.facebook.com/cardiffintww

SHEPADDLES FESTIVAL

Plas y Brenin, Capel Curig PYB open its doors for a weekend full of activities, sessions and workshops for women in paddlesport. Two days of 10-12 paddle-filled adventures, with opportunities to gain new skills and make new friends! www.pyb.co.uk

CIWW PADDLEFEST / DGRHC GŴYLBADLO HOLLIE NORMAN

M A Y 25

J U N 7-9

J U N

CONWY ASCENT Deganwy An upstream canoeing event, chasing the flood tide from Deganwy to Dolgarrog Bridge, approximately 15km away! www.dmxl.co.uk/Conwy_ascent

SHEPADDLES CYMRU WHITE WATER FESTIVAL NWWC, Bala #SPC's sell out white water fest is back - with workshops, guided trips and a big social! www.nationalwhitewatercentre.co.uk

FISHGUARD BAY OCEAN RACE FBOR 2024

Fishguard FBOR’24 is the 9th edition of this 17km major downwind race, with classes for ocean skis, ocean canoes and SUPs. 15-16 www.fishguardoceanrace.uk J U L

SHEPADDLES CYMRU SUMMER CELEBRATION FESTIVAL

Llandysul Paddlers Get ready for two days packed with fun and challenges as #SPC hits the river (and lake!) at Llandysul.

13-14 www.canoewales.com/-shepaddles-cymru-summer-celebration J U L

TRYWERYN FEST

NWWC, Bala The original ww festival! Don't miss out on a weekend of fun on and off the water, with camping, workshops and a party!

19-21 www.facebook.com/trywerynfest/

GWANWYN / SPRING 2024

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#ShePaddles Cymru

Summer Celebration

What is the #ShePaddles Cymru Summer Celebration Festival?

We love to see females getting together and enjoying themselves on the water so much, that we will be celebrating female paddling in a perfect environment to thrive. The Summer Celebration Festival brings all the best bits of paddling into one jam-packed weekend of incredible people, fun, and festivities.

Where will it be held? #ShePaddles Cymru Summer Celebration will be held at Llandysul Paddlers in Carmarthenshire. This is a fantastic location with everything on site, except a swimming pool and obviously the sea, but what it may lack it certainly makes up for in a whole host of other fantastic features, which we can't wait to tell you all about ...

There is the chance to camp or stay in the bunkhouse on site.

“Loved it!!! Joey was such an enthusiastic instructor, and all safety and other paddlers were so supportive, made me feel so much more confident on a river!”

What can I expect from the weekend?

Canoe Wales is excited to welcome you to our second-ever Summer Celebration Festival for #ShePaddles Cymru, which will be full to the gunnels with fantastic activities for you to get involved with. We have on and off the water workshops, talks, entertainment and lots of memories to be made. Take a look below at our line-up for the event.

Friday 12th July 2024 Check in from 4pm giving you plenty of time to pitch your tent or find your room before heading to the lake for a paddle to meet fellow female paddlers just as psyched as you.

The evening will carry on off the water with some evening entertainment in the marquee.

“I'm in my happy place. Great coaches. Lots of kayaking info AND marine/wildlife observations.”

Saturday 13th July 2024 After a delicious breakfast roll and hot drink, there will be chance to take part in two workshops from the following: » Catching eddies with confidence » Arcing » River swimming » Hotdogging » Canoe, kayak and SUP rescues » SUP yoga » Intro to slalom » Intro to polo Late afternoon there will be the chance to get on the water in the plastic boat slalom, which this year will have more fun elements and everyone should give it a go.

Sunday 14th July 2024 Start the day with another delicious breakfast roll and hot drink.

Then there will be full day adventures ahead.

Full day sessions Choose from one of the amazing full day sessions. This is a chance to immerse yourself in any area of paddlesport you fancy, » White water journey » Flat water journey » Coastal SUP journey » Sea kayak journey » Rolling workshop (morning) » Progression freestyle » Coasteerning

Off the water entertainment Food will be provided on site and the brilliant team from Da Mhile will be giving us a taste of their locally-produced gin, rum and cheese, all followed by some music and evening entertainment.

More exciting features are joining the line up each week so check #ShePaddles Cymru on Facebook and the Canoe Wales website for more info as the weeks run up to the event or ...

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CEUFAD

Book now at canoewales.com

IN THE FLOW KAYAK THE NORTHWEST PASSAGE First team complete an epic Arctic journey In July 2023 six paddlers were dropped at the ice edge at Bylot Island, in Baffin Bay. Ahead of them lay a 2000-mile journey to Tuktoyaktuk, through the treacherous Northwest Passage.

The Northwest Passage is the Arctic route that links the Atlantic to the Pacific. Explorers searched for the route for centuries. The most famous expedition is that of Sir John Franklin. His two ships (The Terror and Erebus) became stuck in ice; the crew resorted to cannibalism to survive. They all perished.

The ice that proved so fatal for Franklin is now disappearing, and the passage is open for longer each year. Which has attracted adventures and explorers, who began to dream that the Northwest Passage is possible by human power. There have been multiple attempts over the last decade.

One of these was the Arctic Cowboys, the team of 6 who launched in July last year. After 103 days of battling storms, sea ice and fog, along with encounters with polar bears and narwhals, they completed their journey. And became the first team to kayak the Northwest Passage.

An achievement so impressive that Mark Agnew, the British team member, was awarded European Adventurer of the Year.

You can read about Mark's epic adventure here: www.thearcticcowboys.com/how-we-became-the-first-to-kayak-the-northwest-passage/

WELSH WINNERS AT BRITISH CANOEING DELIVERY PARTNER AWARDS Thomo’s Outdoor World and Live Free Adventures scoop awards The annual Delivery Partner Awards celebrate those who have paddled the extra mile for the environment, built links with their local community or ensured everyone involved has had the chance to develop. The awards ceremony took place during the Delivery Partner Conference on 25th January 2024. Two organisations based in Wales scooped awards.

THOMO'S OUTDOOR WORLD: QUALITY EXPERIENCE AWARD Thomo's Outdoor World, located in the heart of Eryri, is a team of committed outdoor professionals who are passionate about our outdoor life. They received multiple detailed nominations, and the team should be very proud of the words that were repeated across the nominations including; kindness, encouragement, empathy, put fear at ease, confidence, professionalism, friendly, caring and safe.

Nominations ranged from course participants, centres they support with advice and guidance, parents, as well as paddlers joining them on their guided trips.

BC said, “Congratulations Steve and Julie, it was a pleasure to read the nominations and hear the passion in every person your work affected in 2023. Good luck for 2024.”

LIVE FREE ADVENTURES: COMMITTED TO THE ENVIRONMENT AWARD Established in 2017, Live Free Adventures have gone from strength to strength and now has three locations, including Swiss Valley, Llanelli, where they take their customers on unforgettable adventures.

Live Free Adventures were nominated for a number of reasons but the one that stood out was the ‘Pick and Paddle’ initiative. This gives their customers the opportunity for a free paddle in return for a bag of rubbish from the environment. You can really see a difference in the waterways where they operate, with just one of their sites providing over £2500 worth of free sessions. One nomination clearly referenced the impact it has had not only on the environment, but also their children, who managed to paddle every week of the summer (a treat that the family wouldn't have afforded otherwise). When they were back in school in September, not only did they share their adventures, but they were picking litter up every day on the walk to and from school!

BC said, “Congratulations to the team at Live Free, it was really great to read all of the nominations and that just one of your sites collect 147 bags of rubbish last summer.”

For full details of the awards and winners visit: www.britishcanoeing.org.uk/news/2024/congratulations-to-our-delivery-partner-award-winners

GWANWYN / SPRING 2024

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GE AR GUIDE

TAKE THE HEAT

A R T I C L E : P H I L E D WA R D S L3 COACH

keep your cool on the water this summer

Reading Hannah Vineer’s well-written article on ‘Chill Proof Paddling’ (December 2023) made me think about paddling clothing. I first started paddling in 1975 when my wife and I joined Plymouth CC. I was in the Royal Navy at the time, during the height of the Cold War, and the navy kept sending my submarine to sea – very inconsiderate of them! In those ancient times we paddled in homemade kayaks, and we looked in awe at those in wetsuits, which again were mainly homemade. Cags were generally the canvas type from a hiking shop, but I digress.

In recent times a new phenomena, which is less acknowledged, is hyperthermia (heat exhaustion).

Sunnies and a baseball cap are a winning combo on a sunny day

M

any of my paddling colleagues paddle in drysuits well into the summer and, with the advent of drysuits being made specifically for the paddlesport enthusiast and the cost coming down, they are now more available than ever.

I have experienced paddlers feeling ill or exhausted due to overheating in drysuits and having to pull into a bay or a riverbank to cool and rehydrate. With the paddler knowing full well that we will have to repeat the procedure.

At the end of a session these paddlers get out of their drysuits wet with sweat and promptly get cold!

We can’t get away from the luxury they give us; there is something about stepping out of a kayak at the end of a paddle, unzipping the suit and not having to change under a dry robe.

Over the years I have acquired, like the rest of us, an ensemble of kayak clothing, winter and summer cags, thick and thin wet suits, and a drysuit.

As I write this (31st December 2023), unless there is snow and or ice on the ground I still paddle in my thickest wetsuit and wear a winter dry cag, with appropriate layers underneath, on both rivers and the sea.

Warm weather paddling, as Hannah states, check the weather and prepare accordingly. If you decide on a drysuit or dry cag wear layers accordingly, once you get going it may not be easy to pull over and strip them off.

Drysuits are a fantastic addition to paddlesport but they come at a cost and not necessarily a financial one. Most of us at sometime have felt the effects of the cold but less common is overheating, as mentioned above.

As Hannah points out in her article you can ‘layer up’ with thermals to protect from the cold, it is not so easy to ‘layer down’ with a drysuit.

A shortie cag is a great option in warmer weather

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Apply sunscreen before you set off and reapply as recommended SUNGLASSES These are essential; sunlight reflects off the water and can cause long term damage to the eyes. I recommend high impact lenses, and use tinted safety glasses from Screwfix – they’re cheaper to replace than Ray-Bans or Oakleys. I also use a neoprene strap on the arms in the hope they don’t come off.

HAT A baseball cap or floppy hat will usually fit under a helmet, and you can also buy a visor with a strap.

SUNSCREEN If you paddle in short sleeves, shorts, or a shortie wetsuit then use high UV factor sunscreen, but you’ll need something to wipe your hands with. And reapply as recommended (frequently!). Remember you still may have to cover your arms. Most manufacturers now sell sunscreen in small containers, easily fitted into a buoyancy aid pocket.

CAG In my gear I have a couple of old dry cags with disintegrated seals, so I now use them for summer paddling. You may be able to get away with using a thin nylon cagoule from an outdoor shop. A pair of matching over trousers are also handy in case it’s windy when you get off the water for lunch. Both these items fold really compact.

These are ideal for paddling SUPs and sit-on-tops; the trousers can easily be slipped on to prevent sunburn.

DRINKS Take plenty of fluids, however, there has recently been a warning about mould poisoning (from the cycling fraternity). If you use the same drinks container ensure you clean it thoroughly, including the screw tops and drinking tube or hole.

FOOTWEAR If you are paddling a SUP or sit-on-top and wear sandals, bear in mind the exposed flesh can become sunburned. As my kids used to say, “Dad, you have sad sandal marks on your feet!” (I wear Teva’s.)

The list is in no way definitive and bear in mind that heat exhaustion is in some circumstances more dangerous than cold. It can be harder to identify the signs and symptoms, as they can be more subtle than those of hypothermia. Heat exhaustion can quickly lead onto heat stroke which is a serious condition.

As an ex-firefighter I have suffered heat exhaustion on more than one occasion and can testify it is harder to cool down than warm up. And the accompanying headache is nothing like the worst hangover head.

Note: some people get confused between hypothermia and hyperthermia.

A simple way I remember is: if it has an ‘E’ in the word then it has something ‘extra’ hyperthermia = extra heat or hypertension more tension, or hyperglycaemia more sugar.

Note #2: if you’re concerned about getting wet you need to keep paddlesports in perspective i.e. ‘it is what we you between swims!'

A full wetsuit gives you protection from the sun and keeps you warm if you capsize

Don't forget to use sunscreen on your feet!

MORE INFO on heat exhaustion and heat stroke,

check out the NHS website, which lists common signs and symptoms, how to treat and when to call 111 and 999. www.nhs.uk/conditions/heat-exhaustion-heatstroke/

GWANWYN / SPRING 2024

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CANŴ CYMRU

Cydraddoldeb

CYFIAWNDER, AMRYWIAETH A CHYNHWYSIAD BETH MAE'N EI OLYGU A PHAM EI FOD YN BWYSIG? Un o’r eitemau allweddol ar strategaeth newydd Canŵ Cymru yw Tegwch, Amrywiaeth a Chynhwysiant. Ond beth yn union mae hynny'n ei olygu a pham ei fod yn bwysig? Bydd ein Prif Swyddog Diogelu a Chydraddoldeb, Kerry Skidmore, yn cloddio ychydig yn ddyfnach i’r hyn y mae hyn yn ei olygu i ni yng Nghanŵ Cymru mewn cyfres o weminarau a chefnogaeth i glybiau eleni. Yma mae hi'n esbonio ychydig mwy am yr hyn y gallwn ei ddisgwyl.

Mae cynhwysiant yn bwysig iawn i ni yma yng Nghanŵ Cymru ac mae helpu ein haelodau i ddeall manteision a phwysigrwydd bod yn gynhwysol yn un o flaenoriaethau allweddol ein strategaeth 4 blynedd. Rydym eisoes wedi hysbysebu ar gyfer aelodaeth y Pwyllgor Llywio Cydraddoldeb ac unwaith y bydd yn ei le, byddant yn goruchwylio’r gwaith o ysgrifennu polisi a chynllun gweithredu Cydraddoldeb newydd a fydd yn helpu chwaraeon padlo yng Nghymru i fod mor gynhwysol â phosibl. Bydd y polisi hwn nid yn unig yn edrych ar ddigwyddiadau, clybiau a darparwyr, ond hefyd sut y gall Canŵ Cymru fod yn fwy cynhwysol fel sefydliad ar gyfer ei staff a’i aelodau.

Mae CAC (EDI), neu Gydraddoldeb (weithiau Ecwiti), Amrywiaeth a Chynhwysiant, yn llawer mwy na chynnal rhai digwyddiadau cynhwysol unwaith ac am byth (er eu bod yn wych hefyd!). Mae’n ymwneud â gwneud newidiadau sylfaenol i’r ffordd yr ydym yn meddwl a’r ddarpariaeth sydd gennym ar waith ar gyfer pawb.

Ychydig o gefndir i chi. Pasiwyd y Ddeddf Cydraddoldeb yn 2010 oherwydd canfuwyd bod gwahaniaethu agored yn y gweithle a’r gymdeithas ehangach tuag at bobl y gellid eu disgrifio gan y naw nodwedd a enwir yn y Ddeddf. Y ‘nodweddion gwarchodedig’ yn y Ddeddf Cydraddoldeb yw oedran, anabledd, ailbennu rhywedd, priodas a phartneriaeth sifil, beichiogrwydd a mamolaeth, hil, crefydd neu gred, rhyw, a chyfeiriadedd rhywiol. Er ei bod bellach yn anghyfreithlon i wahaniaethu, mae rhwystrau enfawr i bobl â’r nodweddion gwarchodedig hyn eu goresgyn o hyd, gan gynnwys rhagfarn anymwybodol, gwahaniaethu sefydliadol, pobl nad ydynt yn deall yn llawn y rhwystrau y maent yn eu hwynebu a sefydliadau nad ydynt yn gwneud addasiadau rhesymol i ddiwallu eu hanghenion.

Er gwaethaf yr hyn y bydd y wasg weithiau'n ein harwain i'w gredu - mae'n dal i fod yn hynod heriol allan yna i lawer o bobl ac mae gennym ffordd bell i fynd eto.

Felly, beth mae hynny'n ei olygu i ni yng Nghanŵ Cymru ac fel aelodau Canŵ Cymru? Mae hwn yn un o’r meysydd allweddol y byddwn yn ei archwilio yn y gweminarau, a byddwn nid yn unig yn edrych ar syniadau ar gyfer yr hyn y gallwn ei gyflawni, ond hefyd yr heriau o wneud hynny.

Yn fyr, er mwyn sicrhau ein bod yn wirioneddol gynhwysol o bawb, mae angen inni ystyried pa rwystrau y gallent fod yn eu hwynebu a gwneud addasiadau i’r hyn y gallwn ei gynnig. Nid yw cynnig cyfle cyfartal yn unig yn ddigon; mae'n bwysig bod y rhain yn deg ac wedi'u haddasu i sicrhau cynhwysiant gwirioneddol. Mae gwneud penderfyniadau synhwyrol gyda’r adnoddau sydd gennym a deall y bydd pob clwb yn cynnig rhywbeth gwahanol yn hanfodol er mwyn cael effaith wirioneddol.

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KERRY SKIDMORE SWYDDOG ARWEINIOL DIOGELU A CHYDR ADDOLDEB Mae’r gweminar ‘Cyflwyniad i Gynhwysiant’ yn berffaith ar gyfer clybiau sydd am gael dealltwriaeth dda o sut y gallant wneud newidiadau bach i fod mor gynhwysol â phosibl. Mae deall na allwn fod yn bopeth i bawb yn bwysig, ond gall y rhan fwyaf o’n clybiau wneud rhai addasiadau bach i fod yn fwy cynhwysol a chroesawgar i bobl â nodweddion gwarchodedig. Enghraifft syml fyddai, os oes gennych chi wefan neu dudalen cyfryngau cymdeithasol i hysbysebu eich clwb, gwnewch yn siŵr ei fod yn cynnwys yr hyn y gallwch ei gynnig ar hyn o bryd.

MAE DEALL NA ALLWN FOD YN BOPETH I BAWB YN BWYSIG, OND GALL Y RHAN FWYAF O’N CLYBIAU WNEUD RHAI ADDASIADAU BACH I FOD YN FWY CYNHWYSOL A CHROESAWGAR I BOBL Â NODWEDDION GWARCHODEDIG Efallai eich bod yn cynnal digwyddiad #Shepaddles, neu fod gennych offer i gynorthwyo padlwyr ag anabledd corfforol penodol, neu fod eich hyfforddwyr i gyd wedi bod ar gwrs ymwybyddiaeth Awtistiaeth, neu eich bod yn postio i gefnogi mis Pride neu fis Hanes Du. Gall y pethau hyn sy’n ymddangos yn fach olygu’r byd i rywun sy’n awyddus i ymuno, ond yn ansicr a oes croeso iddynt. Dyma un enghraifft yn unig y byddwn yn ei harchwilio yn y gweminar.

Ar gyfer y clybiau hynny sydd am allu cynnig mwy o weithgareddau neu weithgareddau newydd, byddwn yn cynnig gweminarau mwy penodol ac wedi’u teilwrio a chefnogaeth clwb i'ch helpu ar eich taith cynhwysiant.

Cadwch lygad am wybodaeth gan Lydia Wilford a minnau am gyfleoedd, hyfforddiant a digwyddiadau sydd ar ddod.

Yn y cyfamser, rydyn ni'n gwybod bod llawer ohonoch chi eisoes yn gwneud rhai gweithgareddau hynod gynhwysol - ac rydyn ni eisiau clywed amdanyn nhw! Rydym yn awyddus iawn i rannu eich straeon cadarnhaol a’ch profiadau o gynhwysiant ac rydym am roi rhai syniadau i eraill am yr hyn y gallant ei wneud drwy’r arferion gorau sydd eisoes yn bodoli yng Nghymru. Os oes gennych chi stori, cysylltwch â mi ar Kerry.

Skidmore@canoewales.com. Y cyfan sydd ei angen arnaf yw llun a thipyn o wybodaeth am yr hyn yr ydych wedi bod yn ei wneud. Ni allaf aros i glywed gennych ac edrychaf ymlaen at gwrdd â chi yn un o'r gweminarau!

C A N O E WA L E S

Equality

EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION WHAT DOES IT MEAN AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT? One of the key items on the new Canoe Wales strategy is Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. But what exactly does that mean and why is it important? Our Lead Safeguarding and Equality Officer, Kerry Skidmore, will be digging a little deeper into what this means for us at Canoe Wales in a series of webinars and support for clubs this year. Here she explains a little more about what we can expect.

Inclusion is really important to us here at Canoe Wales and helping our members to understand the benefits and importance of being inclusive is one of the key priorities for our 4-year strategy.

We have already advertised for membership of the Equality Steering Committee and once in place, they will oversee the writing of a new Equality policy and action plan that will help paddlesports in Wales to be as inclusive as possible. This policy will not only look at events, clubs and providers, but how Canoe Wales can be more inclusive as an organisation for its staff and members. EDI, or Equality (sometimes Equity), Diversity and Inclusion, is much more than just putting on some one-off inclusive events (although they are wonderful too!). It is about making fundamental changes to the way that we think and the provision that we have in place for all people.

A little background for you. The Equality Act was passed in 2010 because it was found that there was open discrimination in the workplace and wider society towards people who could be described by the nine characteristics named in the Act. The ‘protected characteristics’ in the Equality Act are age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. While it is now illegal to discriminate, there are still huge barriers for people with these protected characteristics to overcome, including unconscious bias, institutionalised discrimination, people not fully understanding the barriers they face and organisations not making reasonable adjustments to accommodate their needs. Despite what the press will sometimes lead us to believe – it is still extremely challenging out there for many people and we still have a long way to go.

So, what does that mean to us at Canoe Wales and as Canoe Wales members? This is one of the key areas that we will explore in the webinars, and we will not only look at ideas for what we can deliver, but also the challenges of doing so. In short, to ensure that we are genuinely inclusive of all people, we need to consider what barriers they may be facing and make adaptations to what we can offer. It is not enough to just offer equal opportunities; it is important that these are equitable and adapted to ensure real inclusion. Making sensible decisions with the resources that we have and understanding that every club will offer something different is essential in having real impact.

KERRY SKIDMORE LEAD SAFEGUARDING AND EQUALITY OFFICER all be everything to all people is important, but most of our clubs can make some small adjustments to be more inclusive and welcoming for people with protected characteristics. A simple example could be that if you have a website or social media page to advertise your club, make sure it is up to date with what you can currently offer.

It might be that you are holding a #Shepaddles event, or you have equipment to assist paddlers with a particular physical disability, or your coaches have all been on an Autism awareness course, or you post in support of Pride month or Black History month. These seemingly small things can mean the world to someone who is keen to join, but unsure if they are welcome. This is just one example that we will explore in the webinar.

UNDERSTANDING THAT WE CAN’T ALL BE EVERYTHING TO ALL PEOPLE IS IMPORTANT, BUT MOST OF OUR CLUBS CAN MAKE SOME SMALL ADJUSTMENTS TO BE MORE INCLUSIVE AND WELCOMING FOR PEOPLE WITH PROTECTED CHARACTERISTICS For those clubs that want to be able to offer more or new activities, we will be offering more tailored and specific webinars and club support to help you on your inclusion journey. Keep an eye out for information from both Lydia Wilford and me for upcoming opportunities, training and events.

In the meantime, we know many of you are already doing some wonderfully inclusive activities – and we want to hear about them!

We are really keen to share your positive stories and experiences of inclusion and want to give others some ideas about what they can do through the best practice that already exists within Wales. If you have a story, please contact me on Kerry.Skidmore@canoewales. com. All I need is a picture and a bit of information about what you have been doing. I can’t wait to hear from you and look forward to meeting you at one of the webinars!

The ‘Introduction to Inclusion’ webinar is perfect for clubs wanting to gain a good understanding of how they can make small changes to be as inclusive as possible. Understanding that we can’t

GWANWYN / SPRING 2024

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5 FAVOURITE WHITE WATER R

Paddler Will Chick on the Mawddach. Photo: Del Read

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WORDS: PHOTOS:

DEL READ AS CREDITED

RIVERS IN WALES Del Read is a super keen white water paddler, who gets out on the water at every opportunity. In this article she shares her favourite rivers in Wales –

five white water classics from around the country.

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Waterfall on the Tawe. Photo: Tom Clare

“ONCE THIS SECTION OF THE TAWE GETS TOO HIGH FOR PADDLING, IT IS WORTH CONSIDERING GOING UP THE VALLEY TO THE TAWE MOORS WHICH ARE ALSO GOOD FUN! I ALWAYS THINK OF PADDLING THE TAWE MOORS AS QUITE A WILD EXPERIENCE.”

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1 . T H E TA W E The Tawe is a river which not only makes it onto the list of my favourite rivers to paddle in Wales, but also the list of my favourite rivers to paddle EVER. The Tawe has everything that I love about kayaking and more. There are multiple sections of this South Wales classic, but I usually get on at the Craig y Nos Country Park and paddle down to below the gorge. The Country Park has parking, toilets and a lovely little cafe for purchasing some hot food and drinks to warm up after paddling – perfect for a cold winter’s day.

The start of this section is gentle grade 3 and I always find it to be quite a nice warm up. As you go down the river, there are more grade 3 rapids which become 3+/4 in higher water. I wouldn’t recommend paddling the Tawe below 0.7m as it is quite scrapey, but above this it is really good fun. There are heaps of little play waves and interesting rapids, with the most notable being the slides and the famous horseshoe waterfall.

Personally I think the Tawe is best with more water and my favourite level is when it is above 1m. This is when it is the most awesome!

At these levels, the river gets big, bouncy and certainly increases in difficulty, but also stays fun and not too scary. However, once the river gets to about 1.5m, I am not getting on! I know

others who will run the Tawe higher than this but the monstrous holes that form on the slides (and elsewhere) at this point are a little too scary for me. There are many excellent paddlers who have walked away from the Tawe when it gets too high for this reason.

Once this section of the Tawe gets too high for paddling, it is worth considering going up the valley to the Tawe moors which are also good fun!

I always think of paddling the Tawe moors as quite a wild experience. You are much more exposed up on the moors and there is also a walk from the road up the river before you can get on. On a wet and windy day this can require some effort!

My kayak once got caught by a gust of wind and before I knew it, I was flat on my back with my kayak on top of me! Luckily, I landed in a nice soft and soggy bog so no damage done!

Tawe moors! Photo: Scope

Mawddach at New Year. Photo: Del Read It doesn’t look like much from the side, but the Tawe moors are steeper than you realise and consequently you go quite fast. Keeping upright is the main goal of this section and if you do that, it will stay fun! There is also a larger drop at the end before the get out. The best advice I ever got on the Tawe moors was right at the end before the final drop. A local paddler who’d joined us for a lap suggested to me that I ‘lean a bit more forwards for this next drop’ which I proceeded to do and was very glad of it! I felt like I was flying!

My friends who followed down after me and who didn’t do this had a less pleasant experience!

2. THE MAWDDACH The Mawddach is one of the most beloved rivers in North Wales and is a firm favourite in the UK paddling community. I have had some of my best ever river days on the upper and lower Mawddach and would always gladly paddle this river!

My first experience of the Mawddach was the lower section, with the get on at public toilet car park. It was an extremely wet week in Wales and we had chosen this section because every other river we’d looked at that day had looked terrifying! In flood, the lower Mawddach is glorious. The UK does not have a huge number of rivers in which you can experience huge bouncy wave trains, but the lower Mawddach is one of them. A reliable good fun run

on days where the rain just keeps coming. A reliable roll is worth having if you do get on in higher levels.

The upper section gives way to some of the best boating in the UK. What I love about the Mawddach is it's a really fun ‘river ‘day out’ as well as being excellent grade 4 boating. There are many fun rapids all along the river, with 3 much harder rapids that are worth scouting. The nice thing about these rapids, however, is that they are reasonably easy to portage. I say reasonably – carrying your kayak up and down a muddy bank will always leave you feeling slightly sweaty and overheating by the end!

It is worth running the river with someone who knows it well as the rapids are fairly continuous, and it can be hard to tell when the bigger drops are coming up and when to get out and scout.

There is also one drop that you must portage – Rhaeadr Mawddach. A monstrously impressive waterfall, it is quite a sight! Luckily it is easy to portage although some (professional) paddlers have actually run this waterfall when the conditions have been right!

It is usually at the moment of getting back on below Rhaeadr that I realise how much I love kayaking. Sitting below a waterfall like that, it reminds you how lucky you are to do a sport which lets you experience nature in this way.

The upper Mawddach is just that – a day out in incredible nature with the added bonus of excellent white water kayaking!

“WHAT I LOVE ABOUT THE MAWDDACH IS IT'S A REALLY FUN ‘RIVER ‘DAY OUT’ AS WELL AS BEING EXCELLENT GRADE 4 BOATING. THERE ARE MANY FUN RAPIDS ALL ALONG THE RIVER, WITH 3 MUCH HARDER RAPIDS THAT ARE WORTH SCOUTING. ”

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Paddler Reece Marsten taking off on the Conwy during the BUKE selection weekend. Photo: Anne Ruyters

3 . T H E G L AS LY N

Paddler Jake Norman on the Glaslyn. Photo: Del Read

The Glaslyn, and in particular the Aberglaslyn Gorge, is some of the best white water the UK has to offer. Yet it is as short as it is fun! A 500m stretch of non-stop grade 4 fun. This section of the Glaslyn can be easily scouted from the road which is good because the difficulty of this section varies massively depending on how high it is. I am not ashamed to say I have run away from this section many a time when it has been too high!

A boulder garden haven, this is the classic read-and-run river. Although I would advise considering your line on Breaker (the largest and most notable of the drops) before you get on.

The great thing about this section is when you are done, you just walk back up to the top and go again! You can lap it as many times as your legs can carry you back up!

4. THE CONWY

Stunning scenery on the Conwy. Photo: Jamie Greenhalgh

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I have yet to meet a paddler who doesn’t love the Conwy! It is a river that has something for everyone. The most famous section of the Conwy is the Fairy Glen, which is a short but committing grade 5 section run by the UK’s finest. I have never paddled the Fairy Glen but I have swum down it in very low levels whilst on an Advanced White Water Safety and Rescue course. It was stunningly beautiful and I can see why people have fallen so very much in love with it.

One of the most regularly run sections of the Conwy is the section from the A5 layby down.

This is an excellent stretch of river to run but I am

Town Falls! Photo: Tom Clare most likely to run it when it is extremely high, as it offers a good grade 3 warm up for the day with one or two more challenging rapids. I can never quite remember the lines on these rapids but keeping your boat pointing forwards always seems to work!

This section ends with a nice footpath back up to the road. However, it is possible to keep going to another fun but more challenging section. On this section, there are two grade 5 rapids that require inspection. Both rapids can be portaged if needs be, and I have always portaged the first of these rapids as it just looks messy. I can also tell you that the second of these rapids, the Gobbler, is a lot more fun when you stay upright! Below these rapids are some more fun grade 3–4 rapids. Do be aware that Conwy Falls is not far below the get-out, so unless you want to run Conwy Falls unexpectedly, I would suggest be vigilant for the get-out signs!

5. THE DEE You can’t call yourself a UK paddler if you haven’t paddled on the Welsh Dee, or as it’s called in Welsh – the Dyfrdwy! The Dee is a river that flows all year round thanks to the fact it has water released into it. There are many sections of the Dee worth paddling but the best white water section in my opinion is Horseshoe Falls to Town Falls. This section is commercially rafted and popular with many paddlers. This is a grade 2–3 section at lower levels but can certainly get more challenging with more water!

It is worth noting that Horseshoe Falls can get quite dangerous at higher levels and the river should be accessed below here. There is a fun

purposely built ramp slightly lower down which I would recommend!

The two other rapids of significance on this section of the Dee are Serpents Tail and Town Falls. Serpents Tail is good fun for working on your technical skills and is a rapid that can be both easily inspected and lapped. Town Falls marks the end of this section and brings with it an opportunity for spectators to cheer you on from the bridge. There are also so many fun eddy lines to practice tailees, waves to surf and general spots to play. I have easily spent 4 or 5 hours on one lap of the Dee in the summer because I was having so much fun playing!

Below Town Falls is a car park which makes it an ideal get out. If you wish to save yourself a shuttle, however, there is a canal that you can paddle back up to the top on. In 2022 I completed a 24-hour charity kayaking challenge on this section and so have done many loops of the river and canal in my time!

THE END So there you have it – 5 of my favourite Welsh white water rivers. Further details about all UK rivers can be found via the online UK rivers guidebook: www.ukriversguidebook.co.uk/rivers/wales/

“SERPENTS TAIL IS GOOD FUN FOR WORKING ON YOUR TECHNICAL SKILLS AND IS A RAPID THAT CAN BE BOTH EASILY INSPECTED AND LAPPED. TOWN FALLS MARKS THE END OF THIS SECTION AND BRINGS WITH IT AN OPPORTUNITY FOR SPECTATORS TO CHEER YOU ON FROM THE BRIDGE.” Selfie with Matt and Jack under Rhaeadr

ABOUT Del Read is a UK-based white water kayaker, who is addicted to the sport. She’s always out and about on the water, catching waves and making new paddling friends.

Check out her blog: www.delkayaks.co.uk

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SUP GUIDES

Holi & Ateb

A R T I C L E : E M I L Y E VA N S CW ARWEINYDD PAD/SUP

Sefydliad Cenedlaethol Brenhinol y Badau Achub (RNLI): Diogelwch PAD (SUP) Mae padlfyrddio ar draed wedi bod drwy rai cyfnodau da a drwg dros yr ychydig flynyddoedd diwethaf. Mae hygyrchedd y gamp wedi cynhyrchu ffyniant anhygoel yn deillio o'r pandemig, gyda llawer o badlwyr newydd yn mynd i'r dŵr. Mae’n hynod gadarnhaol bod PAD (SUP) wedi cyrraedd cynulleidfa newydd ac wedi rhoi cam i bobl i fyd gwych chwaraeon padlo. Mae llawer o bobl bellach yn dweud eu bod yn mynd ar y dŵr i ofalu am eu hiechyd meddwl yn ogystal â'u hiechyd corfforol. Ar yr ochr arall bu rhai damweiniau sydd wedi siglo'r gamp ac wedi hyrwyddo gweithredu pendant ar sut i fynd i'r afael â diogelwch PAD o bob ongl. Mae'r negyddol i hygyrchedd PAD yn golygu bod padlwyr newydd yn gallu cael mynediad hawdd i bob amgylchedd dŵr, heb lawer o wybodaeth flaenorol. Mewn llawer o achosion mae hyn wedi arwain at badlwyr yn mynd i drafferthion mewn tywydd gwyntog a llanwol. Mae'r manteision o gael pobl i fynd ar y dŵr a chymryd rhan yn y gamp yn drech na'r pethau negyddol; rydym bob amser eisiau annog padlwyr newydd. Fodd bynnag, mae'n rhaid i waith cydweithredol gael ei wneud nawr i helpu padlwyr i gadw'n ddiogel ac aros yn y gamp.

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O ran delio â phadlwyr sydd mewn trafferth, mae'r SCBBA (RNLI) ac achubwyr bywydau traethau ar y rheng flaen. Mewn achosion eithafol mae hyn yn golygu bod criwiau achub yn peryglu eu bywydau eu hunain er mwyn achub padlwyr sydd mewn trafferth.

Gyda’r SCBBA yn dathlu ei ben-blwydd yn 200 oed eleni, nid yw gwirfoddolwyr yn neilltuo eu hamser yn anhunanol i helpu eraill yn beth newydd, ond po fwyaf y gallwn godi ymwybyddiaeth o ddiogelwch dŵr, y mwyaf y byddwn yn lleihau’r risg bosibl i bawb sy’n gysylltiedig â senario achub. Yng Nghanŵ Cymru, un o’r ffyrdd yr ydym yn mynd i’r afael â diogelwch PAD yw trwy weithio’n agos gyda’r SCBBA i ddeall tueddiadau digwyddiadau yn well a gweithredu yn unol â hynny.

Yma mae’n fraint i ni sgwrsio â Chris Cousens, Arweinydd Diogelwch Dŵr SCBBA Cymru a Tom Caswell, goruchwyliwr achubwyr bywyd yr SCBBA ar gyfer Abertawe. Mae cael eu safbwyntiau ar ddiogelwch PAD yn addysgiadol iawn. Mae Chris yn rhoi rhywfaint o fewnwelediad i'w gwaith yn mynd i'r afael ag ymwybyddiaeth o ddiogelwch PAD, ac mae Tom yn esbonio ymhellach sut mae ffyniant PAD wedi effeithio ar eu gwaith a'u hyfforddiant achubwyr bywyd.

Helo Chris, diolch yn fawr iawn am gymryd yr amser i sgwrsio â ni, a fyddech cystal â dweud wrthym ba mor hir rydych chi wedi bod gyda'r SCBBA a beth mae eich rôl yn ei olygu?

Rwyf wedi bod gyda'r SCBBA am naw mlynedd.

Am y pum mlynedd diwethaf rwyf wedi bod yn Arweinydd Diogelwch Dŵr, yn gofalu am Waith Diogelwch Dŵr yr elusen yn rhanbarth Cymru, y Gorllewin ac Ynys Manaw.

Yn anffodus, bu rhai damweiniau PAD sylweddol yn ystod yr ychydig flynyddoedd diwethaf sydd wedi tynnu sylw'r cyfryngau. Fodd bynnag, a oes mwy nad ydym yn ei weld o ran achubiadau SCBBA? Mae ffigurau 2023 yn debygol o weld lefel yr achubiadau i bobl sy’n defnyddio PAD yn gwastatáu, ond yn y blynyddoedd blaenorol – 2018 i 2022 – bu cynnydd sylweddol yn nifer y digwyddiadau yr ymatebodd badau achub y SCBBA ac achubwyr bywyd iddynt i bobl sy’n defnyddio PAD.

Sut mae'r ystadegau achub hyn yn adlewyrchu'r angen am negeseuon diogelwch PAD penodol? A oes tueddiadau sy'n dangos meysydd allweddol y mae angen inni eu targedu?

Gwyntoedd alltraeth yn gyson yw'r ffactor achosol mwyaf cyffredin ar gyfer y digwyddiadau achub y mae ein badau achub a'n hachubwyr bywyd yn ei wneud i bobl sy'n defnyddio PAD. Mae negesi i helpu pobl i ddeall beth yw gwynt alltraeth, sut i wybod a oes gwynt alltraeth a beth y dylent ei wneud i osgoi mynd i drafferthion mewn amodau gwynt alltraeth yn bwysig.

Mae dadansoddiad o’n data, ynghyd â’n gwybodaeth a gwybodaeth partneriaid, yn dangos i ni ei bod yn hollbwysig canolbwyntio ar y pedair neges diogelwch allweddol a ganlyn ar gyfer defnyddwyr PAD: » Gwisgwch gymhorth hynofedd » Osgowch wyntoedd alltraeth » Gwisgwch y tennyn cywir » Cariwch fodd o alw am help – ffôn mewn cwdyn dal dŵr Beth mae’n ei olygu i chi fel sefydliad bod Canŵ Cymru wedi cael statws Corff Llywodraethu Cenedlaethol dros BAD? Rydym yn croesawu unrhyw gam sy’n gwneud darpariaeth diogelwch mewn gweithgaredd penodol yn fwy cadarn ac effeithiol a byddwn yn gweithio gyda chyrff llywodraethu cenedlaethol mewn gweithgareddau yr ydym yn eu nodi fel rhai risg uchel i gefnogi diogelwch yn y gweithgaredd hwnnw.

SUP JUNKIE

A allwch ddweud wrthym am unrhyw waith sydd gennych ar y gweill i dargedu diogelwch PAD? Mae diogelwch PAD yn flaenoriaeth allweddol gan y SCBBA yn ein Strategaeth Diogelwch Dŵr ar lefel genedlaethol a rhanbarthol. Mae llawer o'n Cynlluniau Diogelwch Dŵr lleol sy'n gysylltiedig â'n

CHRIS COUSENS, ARWEINYDD DIOGELWCH DŴR SCBBA CYMRU

“YR ANGEN MWYAF YW DOD O HYD I FFYRDD MWY EFFEITHIOL O DARGEDU AR Y CYD DEFNYDDWYR PAD ACHLYSUROL A/NEU AMHROFIADOL. MAE HYN YN DECHRAU GYDA’R ANGEN I DDEALL Y DDEMOGRAFFEG HONNO O BOBL YN WELL AC YNA SUT I’W CYRRAEDD A’U CYNNWYS.”

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gorsafoedd badau achub a rhai ardaloedd mewndirol hefyd yn cynnwys ymyriadau sydd wedi'u hanelu at gefnogi defnydd diogel o BAD. Rydym wedi datblygu adnoddau diogelwch PAD newydd yn seiliedig ar ein pedair neges diogelwch allweddol a nodwyd, sef: » Gwisgwch gymhorth hynofedd » Osgowch wyntoedd alltraeth » Gwisgwch y tennyn cywir » Cariwch fodd o alw am help – ffôn mewn cwdyn dal dŵr Cyn i Ganŵio Prydain a Chanŵ Cymru gymryd statws corff llywodraethu cenedlaethol ar gyfer PAD, bu’r SCBBA yn cydlynu fforymau diogelwch PAD gyda gweithgynhyrchwyr, darparwyr hyfforddiant, manwerthwyr, cyrff llywodraethu, dylanwadwyr, pobl yr effeithiwyd arnynt yn bersonol gan ddigwyddiadau PAD ac arbenigwyr diogelwch dŵr i adeiladu tuag at gonsensws ar negeseuon diogelwch, ymgyrchoedd a chyfeiriad yn y dyfodol.

Rydym yn gweithio'n agos gyda Chanŵ Cymru a Chanŵio Prydain, gan gynnwys gwybodaeth diogelwch wedi'i brandio ar y cyd fel y graffig canllaw dennyn PAD. Mae’r SCBBA a Chanŵ Cymru yn cynllunio gweminar diogelwch PAD ddydd Mawrth 26 Mawrth i helpu padlwyr i baratoi ar gyfer tymor padlo diogel, ac maent yn gweithio ar sgwrs diogelwch PAD ar y cyd i’w rhoi i ddefnyddwyr PAD ar draethau prysur a safleoedd lansio i hyrwyddo neges ddiogelwch gyson.

Rydym hefyd yn cynllunio rho ii ffwrdd cas ffôn symudol sy'n dal dŵr ar gyfer yn ddiweddarach eleni.

Mae'n wych bod yna lawer o sefydliadau PAD ledled y DU, ond beth allan nhw ei wneud ar y cyd i helpu i gefnogi diogelwch PAD? Yr angen mwyaf yw dod o hyd i ffyrdd mwy effeithiol o dargedu ar y cyd defnyddwyr PAD achlysurol a/ neu amhrofiadol. Mae hyn yn dechrau gyda'r angen i ddeall y ddemograffeg honno o bobl yn well ac yna sut i'w cyrraedd a'u cynnwys.

Yna mae angen i ni ddefnyddio'r mewnwelediad hwnnw i helpu pawb - o sefydliadau PAD i gyd-badlwyr - i gefnogi a hyrwyddo'r 4 neges allweddol fel ffordd sylfaenol y gallwn ni i gyd helpu i gadw pobl yn ddiogel ar y dŵr. Gyda'n gilydd, gallwn ni i gyd wneud gwahaniaeth.

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Helo Tom, diolch yn fawr iawn am gymryd yr amser i ateb rhai cwestiynau! Mae gennyf ddiddordeb mewn clywed am ba dueddiadau o ran pryderon diogelwch yr ydych yn eu gweld ar draethau yn yr haf. A oes unrhyw beth penodol sy'n amlygu ei hun?

Mae poblogrwydd padlfyrddio ar draed wedi tyfu'n sylweddol yn ystod y blynyddoedd diwethaf, diolch i argaeledd byrddau pwmpiadwy a dylanwad cyfryngau cymdeithasol. Er ei bod yn wych gweld mwy o bobl yn mwynhau'r dŵr a'r arfordir, rhaid cymryd rhagofalon diogelwch. Yn anffodus, rydym yn gweld unigolion yn defnyddio byrddau padlo ym mhob tywydd heb ystyried mesurau diogelwch.

Mae'n bwysig nodi y gall arfordir y DU fod yn dra gwahanol i'r hyn sy'n cael ei bortreadu mewn fideos cyfryngau cymdeithasol. Hyd yn oed gyda phresenoldeb hosanau gwynt yn nodi dim offer pwmpiadwy, mae pobl yn dal i gymryd rhan mewn padlfyrddio yn ystod gwyntoedd alltraeth. Mae'n hanfodol cofio bod y rhan fwyaf o'r byrddau padlo sy'n cael eu defnyddio yn rhai pwmpiadawy.

Gwyddom fod padlwyr PAD yn aml yn mynd i drafferthion ar y môr, ac rydym yn canolbwyntio ar helpu i addysgu pobl, ond pa straen y mae’n ei roi ar dimau achubwyr bywyd yn gorfod cyflawni llawer o achubiadau?

Yn ystod y blynyddoedd diwethaf, bu cynnydd amlwg yn nifer y digwyddiadau yn ymwneud â phadlfyrddio ar draed. Mae'r gweithgaredd hwn fel arfer yn digwydd y tu allan i'n hardal ddynodedig, sy'n dargyfeirio sylw ein hachubwyr bywyd oddi wrth eu prif gyfrifoldebau. Er gwaethaf ein hymdrechion rhagweithiol i hysbysu unigolion am yr amodau dyddiol a rhagofalon diogelwch, mae llawer o badlfyrddwyr yn mynnu mynd i mewn i'r môr gan eu bod eisoes ar lan y dŵr. Rydym yn darparu cymorth i'r rhai nad ydynt yn gallu dychwelyd i'r lan oherwydd gwyntoedd cryfion neu gerhyntau llanw. Fodd bynnag, rydym yn aml yn

dod ar draws padlfyrddwyr sy'n mentro y tu hwnt i bentiroedd, lle mae effaith yr amodau hyn yn dod yn fwy difrifol. Gall achub padlfyrddwr gymryd llawer o amser, yn enwedig ar draethau lle nad oes gennym unrhyw offer arbenigol fel jet-sgi neu gwch. Mewn achosion o’r fath, gall ein timau achubwyr bywyd asesu’r sefyllfa a gofyn am gymorth gan fadau achub neu achubwyr bywyd ar draethau cyfagos.

A oes rhaid ichi roi ystyriaeth ychwanegol i addysgu achubwyr bywyd newydd sut i achub PAD a'u padlwyr?

Mae atal yn well na gwella, a dyna pam rydyn ni'n sicrhau bod ein hachubwyr bywyd yn ymgysylltu'n rhagweithiol â phadlfyrddwyr cyn iddyn nhw fynd i mewn i'r dŵr. Mae hyn yn ein galluogi i amlygu peryglon posibl a darparu negeseuon diogelwch priodol. Yn ogystal, rydym yn ymgorffori technegau ar gyfer achub padlfyrddwyr yn ein hyfforddiant sefydlu, gan ystyried unrhyw ddiweddariadau gan gyrff llywodraethu amrywiol. Ein blaenoriaeth bob amser yw diogelwch yr unigolyn, ond byddwn yn aml yn tynnu'r bwrdd padlo ar draed y tu ôl i'n byrddau achub i sicrhau bod y bwrdd padlo ar draed a'r padlwr yn dychwelyd i'r lan. Fodd bynnag, bydd yr achubwr bywyd yn asesu'r sefyllfa ac yn addasu yn unol â hynny ar sail yr amodau.

Pe bai un peth y gallech chi gynghori pobl sy'n dod i'r traeth i ddefnyddio eu PAD, beth fyddai hwnnw?

Ymwelwch â thraeth sydd ag achubwyr bywyd a siarad â'r achubwyr bywyd am yr amodau dyddiol.

Gall yr achubwyr bywyd roi gwybodaeth leol arbenigol i chi am amgylchedd y traeth, yr arfordir a rhoi negeseuon diogelwch priodol i badlfyrddwyr cyn mynd i mewn i'r dŵr.

Os oes gennych unrhyw gwestiynau am BAD gallwch gysylltu ag Emily: admin@canoewales.com

TOM CASWELL, GORUCHWYLIWR ACHUBWYR BYWYD Y SCBBA AR GYFER ABERTAWE

“MAE ATAL YN WELL NA GWELLA, A DYNA PAM RYDYN NI’N SICRHAU BOD EIN HACHUBWYR BYWYD YN YMGYSYLLTU’N RHAGWEITHIOL Â PHADL FYRDDWYR CYN IDDYN NHW FYND I MEWN I’R DŴR. MAE HYN YN EIN GALLUOGI I AMLYGU PERYGLON POSIBL A DARPARU NEGESEUON DIOGELWCH PRIODOL.”

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Q&A

A R T I C L E : E M I L Y E VA N S CW SUP LEAD

RNLI: SUP Safety Stand up paddleboarding has been through some ups and downs over the last few years.

The accessibility of the sport has produced an incredible boom arising from the pandemic, with many new paddlers taking to the water.

It is hugely positive that SUP has reached a new audience and given people a step into the wonderful world of paddlesport. Many people now state they get on the water to look after their mental health as well as their physical health. On the flip side there have been some accidents that have rocked the sport and promoted decisive action on how to tackle SUP safety from all angles. The negative to the accessibility of SUP means that new paddlers are able to easily access all water environments, without much prior knowledge. In many cases this has led to paddlers getting into trouble in windy and tidal conditions.

The benefits of people getting on the water and participating in the sport outweigh the negatives; we always want to encourage new paddlers.

However, collaborative work must now be done to

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help paddlers stay safe and remain in the sport.

When it comes to dealing with paddlers in trouble, the RNLI and beach lifeguards are on the front line. In extreme cases this involves rescue crews putting their own lives at risk to save paddlers in trouble. With the RNLI celebrating their 200th anniversary this year, volunteers selflessly dedicating their time to help others isn’t a new thing, but the more we can raise awareness around water safety, the more we decrease the potential risk to all involved in a rescue scenario. At Canoe Wales, one of the ways in which we are tackling SUP safety is by working closely with the RNLI to better understand incident trends and act accordingly.

Here we are privileged to chat with Chris Cousens, RNLI Water Safety Lead for Wales and Tom Caswell, RNLI lifeguard supervisor for Swansea. Getting their perspectives on SUP safety is very enlightening. Chris gives some insight into their work around tackling SUP safety awareness, and Tom explains further how the SUP boom has impacted their work and lifeguard training.

Hi Chris, thank you very much for taking the time to chat to us, please could you tell us how long you have been with the RNLI and what your role entails?

I’ve been with the RNLI nine years. For the last five years I have been the Water Safety Lead, looking after the charity’s Water Safety Work in the Wales, West and Isle of Man region.

Sadly, there has been some significant SUP accidents in the last few years which have drawn media attention. However, are there more that we don’t see in terms of RNLI rescues?

2023 figures are likely to see a levelling out in the number of rescues to people using SUPs, but in the years previous – 2018 to 2022 – there was a significant rise in the number of incidents responded to by both RNLI lifeboats and lifeguards to people using SUPs.

How do these rescue statistics reflect the need for need for specific SUP safety messaging?

Are there trends that show key areas we need to target?

Offshore winds are consistently the most common causal factor for the rescues our lifeboats and lifeguards do for people using SUPs. Messaging to help people understand what an offshore wind is, how to know whether there is an offshore wind and what they should do to avoid getting into difficulty in offshore wind conditions is important.

Analysis of our data, combined with our knowledge and the knowledge of partners, shows us that a focus on the following four key safety messaging for SUPers is crucial: » Wear a buoyancy aid » Avoid offshore winds » Wear the correct leash » Carry a means of calling for help – a phone in a waterproof pouch What does it mean to you as an organisation that Canoe Wales have been given National Governing Body status over SUP? We welcome any step which makes safety provision in a given activity more robust and effective and will work with national governing bodies in activities we identify as high risk to support safety in that activity.

SUP JUNKIE

Can you tell us about any work you have coming up to target SUP safety?

The RNLI has SUP safety as a key priority in our Water Safety Strategy at a national and regional level. Many of our local Water Safety Plans linked

CHRIS COUSENS, RNLI WATER SAFETY LEAD FOR WALES

“THE BIGGEST NEED IS TO FIND MORE EFFECTIVE WAYS TO COLLECTIVELY TARGET THE OCCASIONAL AND/OR INEXPERIENCED SUP USER. THIS STARTS WITH THE NEED TO BETTER UNDERSTAND THAT DEMOGRAPHIC OF PEOPLE AND THEN HOW TO REACH AND ENGAGE THEM.”

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to our lifeboat stations and some inland areas also feature interventions aimed at supporting safe SUP use.

We have developed new SUP safety resources based on our four identified key safety messages of: » Wear a buoyancy aid » Avoid offshore winds » Wear the correct leash » Carry a means of calling for help – a phone in a waterproof pouch Prior to the introduction of British Canoeing and Canoe Wales taking on the national governing body status for SUP, the RNLI co-ordinated SUP safety forums with manufacturers, training providers, retailers, governing bodies, influencers, people personally affected by SUP incidents and water safety experts to build towards a consensus on safety messaging, campaigns and future direction.

We work closely with Canoe Wales and British Canoeing, including joint-branded safety information like the SUP leash guidance graphic.

The RNLI and Canoe Wales are planning a SUP safety webinar on Tuesday 26th March to help paddlers get ready to have a safe paddling season, and are working on a joint SUP safety talk to be given to SUP users on busy beaches and launch sites to promote a consistent safety message.

We are also planning a waterproof mobile phone case giveaway for later this year.

It is great that there are many organisations SUP organisations throughout the UK, but what can they do as a collective to help support SUP safety?

The biggest need is to find more effective ways to collectively target the occasional and/or inexperienced SUP user. This starts with the need to better understand that demographic of people and then how to reach and engage them.

We then need to use that insight to help everyone – from SUP organisations to fellow paddlers – in supporting and promoting the 4 key messages as a fundamental way we can all help to keep people safe on the water. Collectively we can all make a difference.

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Hi Tom, thank you so much for taking the time to answer some questions! I am interested to hear about what trends in safety concerns you are seeing on beaches in the summer. Is there anything specific that stands out?

The popularity of stand-up paddleboarding has grown significantly in recent years, thanks to the availability of inflatable boards and the influence of social media. While it's great to see more people enjoying the water and coastline, safety precautions must be taken. Unfortunately, we are witnessing individuals using paddleboards in all weather conditions without considering safety measures. It's important to note that the UK coastline can be quite different from what is portrayed in social media videos. Even with the presence of windsocks indicating no inflatables, people still engage in paddleboarding during offshore winds. It's crucial to remember that most of the paddleboards being used are inflatable.

We know that SUP paddlers often get into trouble on the sea, and we are focused on helping educate people, but what strain does it put on lifeguard teams having to perform many rescues?

In recent years, there has been a noticeable rise in incidents related to stand up paddleboarding.

This activity typically occurs outside of our designated area, which diverts the attention of our lifeguards from their primary responsibilities.

Despite our proactive efforts to inform individuals about the daily conditions and safety precautions, many paddleboarders insist on entering the sea as they are already at the water's edge.

We do provide assistance to those who are unable to return to shore due to strong winds or tidal currents. However, we often encounter paddleboarders who venture beyond headlands, where the impact of these conditions becomes

more severe. Rescuing a paddleboarder can be time-consuming, especially on beaches where we lack specialised craft such as jet skis or boats. In such cases, our lifeguard teams may assess the situation and request support from lifeboats or lifeguards at neighbouring beaches.

Are you having to give extra consideration into educating new lifeguards in how to rescue SUPs and their paddlers?

Prevention is better than cure, which is why we ensure our lifeguards are proactive in engaging with paddleboarders before they enter the water.

This allows us to highlight potential dangers and provide appropriate safety messaging.

Additionally, we incorporate techniques for rescuing paddleboarders into our induction training, considering any updates from various governing bodies. Our priority is always the safety of the individual, but we will often tow the stand-up paddleboard behind our rescue boards to ensure the stand-up paddleboard and paddler return to shore. However, the lifeguard will assess the situation and adapt accordingly based on the conditions.

If there was one thing that you could advise people coming to the beach to use their SUP, what would it be?

Visit a lifeguarded beach and to speak to the lifeguards about the daily conditions.

The lifeguards can give you expert local knowledge of the beach environment, coastline and give paddleboarders appropriate safety messaging before entering the water.

TOM CASWELL, RNLI LIFEGUARD SUPERVISOR FOR SWANSEA

“PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE, WHICH IS WHY WE ENSURE OUR LIFEGUARDS ARE PROACTIVE IN ENGAGING WITH PADDLEBOARDERS BEFORE THEY ENTER THE WATER. THIS ALLOWS US TO HIGHLIGHT POTENTIAL DANGERS AND PROVIDE APPROPRIATE SAFETY MESSAGING.”

If you have any questions about SUP you can contact Emily: admin@canoewales.com

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THE GREAT GLEN, SCOTLAND One journey ... different outcomes

A R T I C L E : JO H N TATA M

After a 2-night expedition along the Great Glen in Scotland, traveling from Inverness to Fort William, I was keen to reflect on the influence that one journey can have on two different people. This led to the question – why do we bother going on an expedition? I think the answer varies for different people, and so I thought after the latest expedition that I carried out with my daughter, across the Great Glen, it would be nice to share our personal reflections on things that led to it being a success for both of us. I have asked Lucy to write some words too, without seeing what I have written, and it is nice to see how some of our reflection match up.

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JOHN’S REFLECTIONS For myself (John Tatam), I lead expeditions as part of my work as a full time Outdoor Education Teacher at St David’s College, Llandudno. I spend a lot of my time trying to work out how pupils see the world and why they react the way they do to outdoor situations, and how I can help them understand their experiences positively.

This trip started on the first day of my half term and I was keen to get away on an adventure for myself. I have always loved being in the outdoors and have seen the benefits of bringing up my children to do lots of trips, both on the water and in the mountains. My daughter Lucy is now 22 and has left home (mostly!), leading her own life at the usual hectic pace of a young person. I had noticed she had drifted away from being on the water and in the mountains, and I was keen to get away with her and give her a little reminder of how good it makes you feel being in the outdoors for a decent period of time (perhaps the purpose of the expedition for me). We agreed on the dates and then had the process of waiting and planning.

Because I love doing a wide range of outdoor activities, the planning phase of the expedition consisted of narrowing down what sort of expedition Lucy would prefer to do, thinking and looking at options based on our experience and how we currently felt about our abilities, the time frame we had, money available (as I was funding the trip, so I suggested ‘let’s stay in the UK’), and the purpose of the trip. With a variety of ideas, we waited until a few days before, to see the weather forecast and then focused on the best trip for the weather conditions. Finishing with getting everything in place to make it happen.

Narrowing down the type of trip was very straight forward for me, because I already knew the purpose for me, which was to spend time with my daughter in the outdoors, so I asked her what she would like to do. Paddlesport was her choice and that was decided. We both agreed on an expedition, which for us means self-contained, journeying, challenging and a bit of uncertainty.

I have a mental list of things I want to fit into my life as I get older. For paddlesport this included; exploring more areas of the west coast of Scotland by sea kayak, paddling some more of the multiday classic rivers in Scotland and a few of the across Scotland canoe trips. I had my ideas, spoke to Lucy about some of them and she was keen to sea kayak on the west coast.

3 days before departure I had arranged with a very busy Lucy to put 2 evenings aside to choose a plan and help me pack. The days of mum and dad doing all the packing for a trip are long gone and having another pair of hands on the job makes such a difference. Welcome to end of Storm Babet!

This major storm hit the country and brought

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“A COUPLE OF HOURS TO GET SORTED AND LOAD BOATS AND WE READY TO SET OFF. ‘PSSSSSSS’ … THE FRESHLY INFLATED PORTAGE TROLLEY TYRE WENT FLAT. NO PROBLEM FOR SOMEONE WITH A LIST OF WHAT'S NEEDED FOR EACH EXPEDITION. OUT CAME THE PUNCTURE REPAIR KIT, OFF WITH THE TYRE. DOH, IT’S TUBELESS!”

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huge amounts of rainfall in Scotland, the synoptic charts showed that the west coast of Scotland would have relatively light to moderate offshore winds. But if the huge low pressure that we would be in the centre of shifted a bit, we could be fully committed sea paddling in gale force winds. Not a very relaxing thought and I have always been a person that believes in doing the best activity for the conditions, if possible. We abandoned the sea kayak ideas, abandoned the river plans due to the huge floods and settled on the across Scotland Great Glen trip. To me this looked perfect for the weather – settled winds from one direction which were not too strong, dry and it’s October so NO midges. Lucy wanted to do it too, perfect.

Packing is pretty quick these days after lots of practice. There is, however, a bit of a seesaw effect. My ability to get stuff well packed has been honed with time, but my ability to remember everything to pack seems to be diminishing with time. My solution recently has been to make some permanent lists in my kit store, for the equipment I need, for doing different types of expeditions.

It’s working well. We had a look at some guidebooks, registered with the Scottish Canals to use the waterways on the Caledonian Canal as they request, and checked the opening times via the internet, so we could pick up a key to use the great facilities that they have.

Finally, it was time for the long drive up to Scotland, from North Wales to Inverness. All the

guidebooks we looked at describe the trip from Fort William to Inverness but, because of the easterly winds forecast, we were going to paddle from Inverness (Muirtown locks) to Fort William (Neptune’s Staircase locks) and have a tail wind.

The only issue with this was that the guidebooks all seem to be written for trips west to east and for me, following a guidebook in reverse is a bit like reading a book in reverse. In the end we pretty much got on the water early, followed our noses and got off the water before it went dark.

I enjoy this process of preparation for an expedition, trying to choose the best thing to do for the conditions and then seeing if it works out and that I have made good decisions.

After a late finish to the long drive up to Scotland we were up at 8am. We went down to the Scottish Canals office to get our key for £10 but it turns out the times we saw on the internet didn’t match the ones on the door of the office, so we would not be using the nice warm showers and toilets on this trip. A couple of hours to get sorted and load boats and we ready to set off. ‘Psssssss’ … the freshly inflated portage trolley tyre went flat. No problem for someone with a list of what's needed for each expedition. Out came the puncture repair kit, off with the tyre. Doh, it’s tubeless! Sunday is not the easiest day to sort out solutions to problems but with enough thought they can be found, and as a colleague Ian has told me, there are no such things as problems only expenses! B&Q was around the

corner and is open on Sundays. They just happened to sell a good range of wheels, two of which fitted the portage trolley perfectly! 2pm we were on our way ... uphill walking to the top of Muir locks.

Already the time spent fixing the portage trolley had been saved. To not have a portage trolley each for the Great Glen is going to add a lot of hard work and time to your days.

Once the best activity for the conditions is chosen the next part of the expedition that I enjoy is choosing the best means of moving efficiently, and canoeing is so good for this as there are so many ways of moving forward. We paddled in beautiful still water, sailed in perfect tail winds, poled along shallow shores into a brief head wind and paddled (kneeling, sitting and stood up) trimming the boats well for different conditions. You could say we were lucky to have such perfect conditions but it wasn’t luck, it was careful planning in choosing a suitable expedition given the weather forecast. This was Lucy’s first expedition paddling solo, and it was great watching her skill set develop quickly, especially with canoe sailing, boat trim and stand-up canoeing. I don’t see many other people standup canoeing, but I have been doing it for about 10 years now. I use my stand up paddleboard paddle, stand near the rear seat and put the boat on an edge and, even without a skeg, with a bit of practice you don’t need to swap sides or use a j stroke. I find it much better on long trips if there is no head wind. You can see more, your body creates a sail if the wind is from behind, you can see down into the water better, it’s good practice for stand-up poling and, most importantly for me, my older joints and muscles get to move around rather than being cramped up kneeling all day. I can stretch my legs now for long periods of time.

We were expecting to take 5 days but after 3 hours on the first day, a couple of 9-hour days and 2 hours on the last morning we were in Fort William, ready for me to get the bus straight back to Inverness and complete the shuttle. The bus service is very handy, doesn’t cost much and it’s only about 30 minute walk at either end to get to and from the bus. There’s even a café by the get-out at Fort William so someone can wait in comfort whilst the 5-hour shuttle takes place.

Reflecting on the expedition, from my point of view it was a huge success on many fronts.

The planning and choice of trip worked out to be excellent with ideal conditions, challenging days and beautiful scenery. We had a bonus here in that we had not really considered that the trees and hill sides would be in full spectacular autumn colours. They were amazing and I spent a lot of the trip endlessly looking at the scenery, lost in my own thoughts. It was amazing to be able to spend a chunk of time with my daughter and see

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her at her best, outside loving life. I really got a feeling she was connecting with where she was and what a wonder it is to travel in such beautiful places. There is something very special about having a shared experience in the outdoors with someone, especially on an expedition, but I think that this is even stronger when it is with your own children. I got to see Lucy in a new light, realising how grown up she is and that it’s ok to let her help me, she can do things for herself that I would have done for her in the past. I realised that it’s still fine to pass parts of the day in silence with your own thoughts, knowing the other person on your trip is doing the same thing. I find the space, colours, smells, exercise and challenge all blend together to make me content, happy and alive.

I like the feeling of getting into a rhythm on an expedition, making camp, striking camp, spotting the portage pontoons with the adapted railing so you can manoeuvre the trolley around the corner, which bits you unload first on a portage, who goes in the tent first, who chops the veg, who controls the stove and the rhythm of the paddling.

Looking to the future, well there is still the west coast to explore, the classic Scottish rivers and the Great Glen perhaps with a different aim. I will be planning more trips with Lucy if she wants to and letting her look after me more. I will be taking a drogue with me for stopping the boats instantly when canoe sailing, if needed (a capsize or something). I usually use a builder’s bucket on a rope which works but it takes up a lot of room in a loaded boat, so I will be experimenting with a smaller version or even a fold-up version to see if it is just as effective. And I will keep trying to plan the best trip for the conditions.

LUCY’S REFLECTIONS RE-DISCOVERING ADVENTURE I feel as though everyone talks about falling in love with the outdoors and with adventure, but falling out of love with it and trying to re-discover it is very rarely discussed. This trip for me was about re-discovering my love for being outside and my adventurous spirit. Being outside and in nature is at the core of who I am, it’s in my heart and my soul, but for years I felt pressure to adventure in a certain way, to climb hard or to paddle hard, and to continuously strive to do more extreme adventures. After a while I totally lost my desire to be outside, somewhere that had been a haven to me for years, because I felt as though there was no space for someone like me in the outdoors. As someone who also identifies very strongly as part of the LGBTQ+ community, and has been exploring this over the last couple of years, I struggled understanding how I would be accepted in the outdoor world. As I started to express this part of myself more, it felt as though respect for me as

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part of the outdoor community became less.

Recently I watched an incredible friend of mine, Pat, thrive both as a massive part of the outdoor and queer community, and through them I came to realise there is space for both as long as you make space for both. Over the last few months I decided to reclaim being outdoors in a way that I enjoyed, with people I enjoyed doing it with. I went mining, mountain biking, wild swimming, exploring, walking, climbing, and finally, I paddled the Great Glen. This for me was the final step for falling in love with the outdoors again and I felt incredibly grateful and privileged that I got to complete the first expedition I’ve done in years with my dad.

The trip itself was stunning, we had planned and packed to complete it over 5 to 6 days so that we didn’t feel any pressure to rush it and could allow ourselves time to relax and enjoy the paddling. In the end we completed it in two full days and then two half days, which felt like the perfect balance between pushing myself a bit physically and mentally and also having time to sit back and enjoy the incredible space we were in. There is something especially beautiful about being able to carry everything you need with you and stripping your life back to the basics for a little bit. Doing that, even only for a couple of days, allowed me space to think and exist in a very unique way. As each day went on, I began to pay attention to my surroundings and be

more inquisitive of the nature around me, and because of this it felt as though I appreciated the beauty more throughout the trip. Over those few days I came to realise that I love the outdoors more for the peace it brings me, rather than the excitement that comes from extreme adventures. I realised I love the challenge that long days of paddling, staying warm, and finding places to camp bring me. And finally I realised that above all, I enjoyed spending time in the company of my dad, learning from him, listening to his stories and also being in silence, an opportunity I get very rarely in my day-to-day life. Paddling and wild camping felt so natural to me, I wondered why I ever felt like I could not be outdoors anymore. This trip taught me to adventure how I want to adventure, not how I feel like I should adventure, and since then I’ve walked and explored my way, gently, peacefully and inquisitively, taking notice of every small detail of nature that I am surrounded by.

“THERE IS SOMETHING ESPECIALLY BEAUTIFUL ABOUT BEING ABLE TO CARRY EVERYTHING YOU NEED WITH YOU AND STRIPPING YOUR LIFE BACK TO THE BASICS FOR A LITTLE BIT. DOING THAT, EVEN ONLY FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS, ALLOWED ME SPACE TO THINK AND EXIST IN A VERY UNIQUE WAY. ”

MORE INFO The Great

Glen Canoe Trail follows the 60 miles of the Caledonian Canal from Fort William to Inverness, taking in the open waters of Loch Lochy, Loch Ness, Loch Oich and Loch Dochfour. www.greatglencanoetrail.info

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SHOT OLAF Llwybr Canŵio’r Great Glen, Yr Alban Lucy Tatam John Tatam

PARTING SHOT Great Glen Canoe Trail, Scotand Lucy Tatam John Tatam