Ceufad Winter 2021

ceufad KAYAK

Issue 149 Winter 2021 £2.50

CYLCHGRAWN CANŴ CYMRU JOURNAL OF CANOE WALES

WHO'S YOUR PASSENGER? CONWY ASCENT DESTINATION WALES: MON & BREC CANAL MONSTER THE LOCH INTERVIEW: RHYS GREEN

KRONOTSKY RIVER, RUSSIA COURTESY OF TOM MCLAY

editorial

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his year’s CW photo comp has been an overwhelming success; we’ve been inundated with stacks of fantastic photos. It’s been a really tough job looking through them all (OK, maybe not …) and has been a reminder of the amazing paddling locations we have in Wales; inland and coastal. It’s also provided a little inspiration and there are a few new paddling destinations on my tick list.

It’s not just Welsh destinations that have been in the spotlight, Welsh paddlers have been too; at the European Champs for canoe polo and for freestyle (p22), and with Megan Hamer-Evans winning the U23 slalom British Open. And they’ve been on TV too! N Wales paddler Tom McLay appeared on our screens this autumn, as part of the Steve Backshall expedition team taking on a first descent of the River Kronotsky in the far east of Russia (there’s a spoiler-free review on p15 and it’s still available to watch on Dave). After many months of travel restrictions and social distancing this was a great reminder of the bond within a paddling team and that there is pristine whitewater still be discovered and run. It also gave us the first river signal for ‘bear’ – thanks Tom! Vicky Barlow Editor ceufad@canoewales.com

Ceufad Ed Ceufad

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@Ceufad

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Canoe Wales News Info and updates from Canoe Wales

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Canoe Wales Awards Winners of the 2021 CW Awards

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#ShePaddles Ambassadors Meet the new team

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River Dee Making a weir good for conservation and safer for recreation

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Who's your Passenger?

Protecting Wales' island wildlife

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In the Flow Paddlesport news and reviews

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The Conwy Ascent 33 years of racing upstream

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2022 Calendar All the paddlesport dates for 2022

CONTENTS 22

Competition Report A round up of the autumn competition season

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Q&A Rhys Green Interview with the new CW Director

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Club News Updates and guides for CW clubs

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Destination Wales A scenic paddle on the Mon & Brec Canal

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Canoe Wales Photo Competition 2021 Our favourite photos from the comp

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Monster the Loch 21 mile race along the waters of Loch Ness

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COVER ALEX KIERNAN AFON TRYWERYN JETHRO KIERNAN

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CANOE WALES – OUR TEAM Alistair Dickson

SWANSEA CANAL SOCIETY AWARDED £5K GRANT

CEO

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

Chair Finance Director

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

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SWANSEA CANAL DEVELOPMENT We are thrilled to announce that Swansea Canal Society has been awarded a £5,000 grant as part of over £50,000 of grant funding awarded to local projects for sustainable access developments by the Canoe Foundation this autumn. The Foundation opened up applications from across the UK through the spring and summer. This funding cycle, the Foundation looked for grant applications from projects looking to improve access for all paddlers and regenerate local areas through paddlesport. There was also an emphasis on sustainable development and repairs to our waterways.

Swansea Canal Society, who are a British Canoeing Delivery Partner, secured the £5,000 grant for their 'Clydach Lock Portage Ramps and Watersports Basin' project, which will install portage ramps on this section of canal. The funding is part of a large-scale project to reopen the remaining sections of the Swansea Canal. This grant will assist with the next part of their regeneration project in the area which has been ongoing since the Society formed in the 1980s.

Congratulations to Swansea Canal Society for securing funding in this latest cycle, and we look forward to seeing the new developments on this waterway.

To read about other projects across the UK awarded grant funding from the Canoe Foundation this Autumn visit www.canoefoundation.org.uk WHAT'S NEXT? The next round of funding from the Canoe Foundation will open in 2022. When funding applications re-open, we will share this news with Canoe Wales members and followers across our digital channels – so make sure you follow us on Facebook or Twitter, and opt in to receive our emails via your member profile. If you're looking to fund a project that will improve accessibility for paddlers, or protect our waterways and oceans, you can check eligibility through www.canoefoundation.org.uk ABOUT THE CANOE FOUNDATION The Canoe Foundation raises money through donations to give away in the form of grants in order to improve places to paddle across the UK – it directly funds projects across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Through its funding to improve sustainable places to paddle, the Foundation supports the Clear Access Clear Waters campaign for fair, shared, sustainable open access on waterways.

The Canoe Foundation is a charity and relies on donations to improve places to paddle across the UK. We ask you to consider donating in order to help them continue with their work and boost projects to ensure everyone has sustainable, effective access to our waterways and coastline.

CANOE WALES AGM 2021 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING GOES ONLINE! It was fantastic to have nearly 80 people attending this year's AGM, which was held online via Zoom on Monday 11 October.

The AGM started with a warm welcome and overview from the Chair of the Board, Kerry Chown, which was followed by a 25-minute presentation on Stand Up Paddleboarding by Phil Scowcroft, Club Support Officer at British Canoeing.

Using an online polling function, three candidates were elected onto our Board of Directors: Jethro Moore (re-elected), Lowri Davies (re-elected) and Rhys Green (new Board member – interview p24).

After agreeing the minutes of the 2020 AGM, annual reports were presented by Kerry Chown (Chair), Alistair Dickson (CEO) and Andy Booth (Finance Director).

Alistair presented a summary of achievements throughout the 2020/21 financial year and an update on progress since then. He spoke about some of Canoe Wales’ work supporting members and the paddling community through the COVID-19 lockdown, the very different challenges following the release of restrictions in May, and the increasing popularity of paddlesports since.

Phil Edwards gave a presentation on how Amlwch Canoe Club had managed through the lockdowns and the subsequent return to paddling during the summer of 2021. He spoke about the increased demand for paddlesport and the challenges this was presenting to

the club. He also talked about the successful Go Paddling event the club had run earlier this summer and how this had roughly doubled club membership. He finished by thanking Canoe Wales for all the support and guidance through the lockdown period – and also the Outdoor Partnership who had been instrumental in the club’s formation and onward success.

We'd like to thank all of the members, presenters and stakeholders who attended and supported the AGM, making it such a valuable event.

We'd like to hear whether members would like to keep the current online format for the 2022 AGM, or would be prefer in a face-to-face event that alternates between North, Mid and South Wales every year (similar to the Eisteddfod). Do contact us to let us know your views.

If you weren't able to attend the AGM, a recording is now available on the Canoe Wales YouTube channel: www.bit.ly/3EfNZ1e

NEW BLUE SPACE FOR PADDLERS IN SOUTH WALES SWISS VALLEY / LOWER LLIEDI RESERVOIR NOW OPEN TO PADDLERS Canoe Wales is excited to announce the opening of another blue space for paddlers near Llanelli in South Wales. Until recently, the Swiss Valley reservoir has only been accessible to registered providers, clubs and organised groups with appropriate safety protocols in place; however, Llanelli Rural Council who manages this body of water has been working hard with advisors to make Swiss Valley / Lower Lliedi more accessible for paddlesports. We can now confirm that individual paddlers are welcome to self-launch as long as they book by email and follow all safety protocols and biosecurity procedures.

Our Places to Paddle Manager, Phil Stone, said: "Canoe Wales is pleased to see this open water venue being made available for paddlesport. Llanelli Rural Council has worked hard with water safety specialists and insurance companies to find the right approach for paddlesport to go ahead. Hopefully, this is a model that can be adopted at other open water sites in Wales. We look forward to working with Llanelli Rural Council to help them develop the site further."

Llanelli Rural Council, for the time being, are not running a booking system for paddlers to access the reservoir. An online system is

CLARE RUTTER

being developed which it is hoped will be available soon. They do, however, ask that users notify them of their intent to use the facility by emailing Graham.Williams@llanelli-rural.gov.uk giving the activity, e.g. SUP, canoe, kayak, the date and the number of people that will be going. You will not necessarily receive a reply to the email.

SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS » Those using the water are expected to be fully equipped and competent for the activity they are taking part in. » Red marker buoys indicate an angling zone and exclusion safety zone for paddlers. » If accessing from the North car park (between the upper and lower reservoirs), recreational paddlers are permitted to launch from beach areas within the angling zone but must immediately paddle out of the angling zone. » Please liaise with any anglers on the beach before launching. » Angling from a kayak or canoe is permitted within the angling area with the relevant rod licence and permit.

STOP THE SPREAD We ask that anyone accessing the water follow the onsite guidance for safety and biosecurity in order to stop the spread of any nonnative invasive species (i.e. Check Clean Dry). You must ensure that your paddlecraft and equipment have been cleaned thoroughly before getting on the water and again when you leave the water. If you are unable to use the provided washdown equipment, everything must be washed as soon as possible before getting onto any other water.

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MEET THE COACHING, LEADERSHIP & SAFETY SUB-COMMITTEE Canoe Wales has recently launched its new sub-committee framework, which aims to increase engagement with its membership and develop its decision making in the functional areas of the 2019-23 strategy.

This issue, we’d like to introduce you to the members of the Coaching, Leadership & Safety sub-committee.

This committee will work to provide advice and guidance to our Board of Directors about the CW strategy for the development of coaching, leadership and safety in Wales. They will ensure we effectively represent members on British Canoeing Coaching Strategy and Coaching Administration groups (the groups setting and implementing the strategy for British Canoeing Qualifications & Awards) and that we have enough qualified leaders and volunteers needed to achieve excellent standards for delivery and safety in Wales.

A D A M H A R M E R ( C H A I R ) Lots of people will know of Adam through his Senior Instructor role at the National Outdoor Centre, Plas-y-Brenin, where he carries out a range of course delivery across a huge variety of qualifications for both mountaineering and paddlesports. Adam is a British Canoeing Level 5 Inland Kayak Coach with A5 assessor status and is a National Trainer and National Association Training Provider.

Adam is passionate about all things paddlesport and feels it’s time to give back to the sport he loves. He wants other paddlers to have a voice and feels that volunteering on the sub-committee is a way of influencing change for the better and for the good of paddlesports in Wales.

EILA WILKINSON Eila is a self-employed professional coach running sea kayak coaching courses, guided trips and expeditions from near her home in Anglesey. Eila has also opened one of the first surf-ski schools, where she provides opportunities for people to have a go at one of the newest and most exciting paddling disciplines.

Eila has worked alongside some of the most experienced and respected coaches worldwide and in a variety of different cultures and locations. She feels this exposure – both at home and overseas – means she is a progressive coach and leader, and someone who will effectively represent the sea kayaking and surf-ski community within the sub-committee.

A N T M O R G A N Ant is a highly experienced and very qualified self-employed coach based in the Rhondda Valley in South Wales. He’s a BC Paddlesport Instructor Award and Coach Award tutor, a Paddlesport Leader and WWSR & FSRT provider, and a Level 3 Canoe and Kayak coach. He’s also completed a PGCE in Physical Education and has experience of working as a teacher.

Ant has a wide experience working on a variety of committees and works well with a wide variety of people. He has a vast knowledge

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and experience of the coaching, leadership and safety qualifications and awards, and would like to ensure the feedback he receives relating to the qualifications and awards is best represented at this sub-committee level.

RICHARD HUGHES Richard is a self-employed outdoor instructor based in North Wales with extensive experience in delivering NGB qualifications and awards across a wide range of paddling disciplines. He is a Level 3 Coach (Sea Kayaking) and Advanced Sea Kayak Leader. He’s also a SUP Coastal Leader, Open Water Leader and Open Water Coach.

Richard would like to support CW in attracting and retaining the next generation of paddlers, and ensure the pathways within the sport are fit for purpose. He has experience from working strategically as a development officer at the Outdoor Partnership, which he feels would benefit this committee in driving engagement forward.

R H Y S G R E E N Newly elected CW Board member, Rhys Green, is one of the two Board representatives on the sub-committee.

Rhys has completed an MA in Outdoor Education and a PGCE in Outdoor and Adventurous Education. He’s selfemployed, delivering a range of professional qualifications including paddlesport courses. He’s a British Canoeing Coach Educator, Safety Award provider and Leadership Award provider, and has qualifications in canoe, sea and WW kayaking.

Rhys has extensive experience of CW as a staff member and member. As a Board member sitting on the committee, he would like to ensure the skills and experience of the sub-committee are utilised effectively to further the development of coaching, leadership and safety.

J E T H R O M O O R E Jet is a hugely experienced paddler and outdoor educator based in West Wales. He runs his own business (Adventure Beyond) which provides outdoor experiences for a wide range of people. More recently, he’s built a niche providing support to TV production teams in outdoor locations around Wales.

Jet is moving into his second term as a CW Board member where he has been busy representing the paddling community in Board-level discussions wherever possible. He’s also the CW representative on the British Canoeing Coaching Strategy Group so works with other British Canoeing representatives to further the development of the British Canoeing Qualifications & Awards.

These are your representatives on the sub-committee, and they would all like to hear your views and feedback – so please feel free to give it to them! The sub-committee intends to meet around 6 to 8 times a year, and we'll update you on some of its work.

CANOE WALES

AWARDS

The Canoe Wales Awards recognise the tremendous dedication and commitment of our members and those who support them. This year there were six categories, with members being asked to nominate candidates. We would like to say thank you for all your nominations and well done to all who received an award. It’s incredible to have so many dedicated volunteers, athletes, paddlers, coaches and clubs contributing to paddlesport in Wales.

Here are the 2021 award winners and the reasons why they were nominated.

CLUB OF THE YEAR

ENVIRONMENTAL CHAMPION

Llandysul Paddlers

Angela Jones

“Seeing the commitment and hard work every member of staff and volunteer and parents and paddler over the time I have been a member has shown me it’s more than a canoe club – it’s a family that genuinely cares about the community and the success of each other..."

"Llandysul Paddlers have been life changing to my family and have opened several new opportunities, friendships and hopefully a bright future for my kids ...'

“Angela has been relentless in bringing attention to the plight of the river Wye and calling for action to be taken to address the pollution from modern farming methods, sewage and plastics, and decline of habitat for wildlife. She is constantly working to raise awareness of the 'demise of the River Wye' and pushing for action to be taken to clean it up.”

YOUNG VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

ALAN BAKER VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

Luke Maguire “Luke is always the first to the club sessions, dragging out boats, setting up the session, helping others with spray decks, running out to make sure everyone has a paddle, then watching to see where he can be most helpful. He ends every session by making sure everything is put away, going around helping as needed. In between he is there to coach, develop, demonstrate or participate as he feels appropriate.”

GARETH BRYANT

MARK ABBOTT

BEN HIGSON

Mark Abbott “Mark is the backbone to canoe slalom events in Wales, the face behind the technical running of a race. From running all the wires, setting up the PC’s, creating start lists beforehand and the constant running around on race days if any technical issues arise. Mark has done this tirelessly ... canoe slalom races in Wales could not run without him.”

PADDLER OF THE YEAR

COACH OF THE YEAR

Ben Higson

Gareth Bryant

“Ben is a freestyle paddler who paddles regularly at CIWW where he started his paddling career. He's been nominated for his competitive paddling achievements representing GB in K1 freestyle, his willingness to pass on his skills and encourage other paddlers, especially youngsters, for his friendly personality, and for his joyful love for paddling.”

“Gareth is always down Llandysul Paddlers day and night either organising or out coaching us, giving us constant advice and personally fills me with confidence. He makes the environment feel like a family, everyone is treated equally but you know he’s always got your back. He is the heart of Llandysul Paddlers."

ANGELA JONES

LUKE MAGUIRE LLANDYSUL PADDLERS

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#SHEPADDLES CYMRU AMBASSADORS MEET THE NEW TEAM! Canoe Wales is excited to announce our three inspirational #ShePaddles Cymru Ambassadors for 2021. The #ShePaddles Cymru Ambassadors will be pivotal in promoting paddling and encouraging more women and girls to get on the water in Wales!

L I N A PAT E L LOCATION: Cynwyd (near Corwen), Denbighshire CLUB/CENTRE: Colwyn Canoe Club & Bala Canoe Club INSTAGRAM: @linapatelcanoe Lina applied to become a #ShePaddles Ambassador to support change for the future, primarily for not wanting her daughter to experience some of the things Lina has. Lina is looking forward to support from the inside to help develop a more welcoming and inclusive environment where women feel they can belong, contribute and thrive.

INTERESTING FACT Lina is a professional paddlesport and outdoor instructor as well as a director of the charity My Ebb and Flow which is for PTSD in veterans.

Lina is a keen canoeist and enjoys expeditions, but has been involved in a number of disciplines through the years in some way, whether it be as a youth worker, working in some of London’s clubs, or doing adventure therapy with young people through social services up in Scotland and in the USA.

K AT I E S I M M O N S LOCATION: Nant-Y-Ffrith, Wrexham INSTAGRAM: @katiesimmo By becoming a #ShePaddles Ambassador, Katie hopes to share the importance of protecting and respecting the coastline and waterways to ensure they can be enjoyed by future generations and to ensure the wildlife can thrive. Katie is also looking to continue to inspire numerous women into the world of paddlesport, especially stand up paddleboarding.

INTERESTING FACT Katie is well and truly embedded in the world of white water SUP and has won several WW races taking place in North Wales. Katie, is hoping to attend an expedition SUP course in Scotland later this year to combine SUP touring with mountain leadership and expeditions.

CL ARE THOMAS LOCATION: Brecon, Powys INSTAGRAM: @clare_bambi As a #ShePaddles Ambassador, Clare is hoping to share her journey to help other women realise that they can reach their paddling goals no matter their age. Clare is also passionate about increasing the number of women working within the industry as well as increasing the number of women role models within the community.

INTERESTING FACT Clare has been an instructor at various centres for over 13 years and has experienced paddling in some beautiful locations from the Ardeche to the River Dyfi.

WHAT'S NEXT? We hope you'll join us in welcoming our fantastic Ambassadors! Over the coming weeks and months, we will be helping you get to know them and sharing their paddling stories on social media. Remember to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to stay updated!

WHAT ABOUT THE REST OF THE UK? Our three new #ShePaddles Cymru Ambassadors are the Welsh representatives from a group of 16 British Canoeing #ShePaddles Ambassadors, chosen to inspire women and girls throughout Great Britain. To read more about the other Ambassadors – including ten for British Canoeing England and three for the Scottish Canoe Association – check out: www.bit.ly/3rmMXNz

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Looking upstream at Lower Mill weir. Town Falls is visible through the bridge arch

RIVER DEE

MAKING A WEIR GOOD FOR CONSERVATION AND SAFER FOR RECREATION Joel Rees-Jones from Natural Resources Wales tells us about the work carried out at Lower Mill in Llangollen on the River Dee.

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his is a story about heritage, kayaking, rafting, angling, salmon, lamprey, and amazing partnership working. It is focused on a multifaceted piece of work at Lower Mill in Llangollen on the famous Welsh Dee. Firstly, some background on the project that has transformed this stretch of river ...

LIFEDeeRiver is a £6.8 million, cross-border (Wales and England) project that will bring multiple benefits to the environment, particularly improving the numbers of salmon, lamprey and freshwater pearl mussels, helping them become more sustainable in the future. The project is funded through the LIFE programme, with additional funding from Welsh Government, Environment Agency, Dŵr Cymru/Welsh Water and Snowdonia National Park Authority.

Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru (Natural Resources Wales) are the coordinating beneficiary of the project and lead on all the work carried out and employ all of the staff. The team includes experienced officers who have worked on the Dee for many years

on river restoration projects. However, the scale of this project will allow us to carry out a huge amount of work in a relatively short space of time.

With a catchment area of more than 695 square miles (1,800 km), the Dee is one of the most highly regulated rivers in Europe.

Along with Llyn Tegid it has been designated a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) with many of the species found within the river part of that designation. Unfortunately, all the fish species are currently classed as being at ‘unfavourable’ conservation status, and urgent work is needed to address this issue.

Conservation work carried out during the project will help the entire river ecosystem, by improving fish migration, biodiversity, and habitats for birds and mammals. It will also improve water quality and the safety of recreational use.

Working in partnership with local communities, landowners and contractors, the project will include weir removals, constructing fish passages, improving the river channel, and adapting farming and forestry practices. It will also focus on rearing and releasing the critically endangered freshwater pearl mussel, until the population is re-established.

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Work starting on the new egress point

Building the steps at the new egress point

Concrete and blockwork at the egress point

Completed egress platform and steps

Weirs and other instream structures can be a major issue for river connectivity, limiting, or in some cases preventing, upstream and downstream migration of fish. Fish such as salmon travel 1000’s of km from their spawning grounds in the river to feeding grounds at sea, before returning as adults to spawn back in the streams where they hatched. Weirs also impact on natural riverine processes, such as the movement of gravel downstream to provide habitat for invertebrates and providing fish spawning.

Many of the readers will be familiar with the Welsh Dee, and especially with the recreation options around Llangollen. There are many positives to the rafting and kayaking in the area – numerous commercial rafting operations, lots of fun areas to play – Serpents Tail, Town falls to name but a couple.

However, over recent years there have been two serious areas of concern in the area. The first was Lower Mill weir (adjacent to Riverbanc Café and Safe and Sound Outdoors). On higher flows this weir is a particularly unpleasant place to end up if people happened to swim above in Town Falls, and many near misses have been witnessed here. The second issue was the egress ramp at Lower Mill car park. This egress point is frequently used by both recreational and commercial users and experiences a lot of traffic.

It has suffered over the years from erosion, resulting in the bankside becoming eroded and the introduction of sediments to the river.

Additionally, the weir at Lower Mill is a partial barrier to upstream migration, with some fish being held up on their upstream migration.

Due to further weirs downstream, some species of fish (notably river and sea lamprey) currently can not reach the Dee around Llangollen,

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but under the project, we will be addressing these structures as well, meaning these species will be able to access this area in the years to come. It was therefore vital that we carried out this work, with the future in mind.

Initial discussion on site started with LIFE staff, Denbighshire County Council (DCC), contractor and design consultants to discuss the constraints of the site and the elements that would need to be considered. Given the number of users in the area there were some key design constraints: » Ensuring the notch created had a low enough velocity to allow the target fish species to pass. » Ensuring the water level upstream did not drop too much with the removal to impact on the upstream features (namely Town Falls). » Making good any impact of the work on the egress ramp and area around the work site. » Carrying the work out at a time of year that would have minimal disruption on Other discussions were held with internal Natural Resource staff to discuss impacts on flood risk, protected species and other licencing requirements.

Heritage was raised early on as an important consideration as we would be dealing with an historic feature. Clywd and Powys Archaeological Trust (CPAT) were commissioned by DCC to carry out a Level 2 Survey at the site, recording the features of historical significance prior to any work taking place. This work was accompanied by drone surveys carried out by LIFEDeeRiver drone pilots.

Following the heritage survey work on the structure and the surrounding area, it was clear that the weir at Lower Mill has been in evidence since 1805. As a result, there is a lot of heritage around the site that needed to be preserved during the works. It was great that we could work so closely with CPAT to record what was there and allow more recent developments to carry on.

Work started on site in September 2021 after the main holiday season in Llangollen. DW Jones Fencing and Groundworks were the contractor employed to deliver the work and they set up a large site compound to ensure the safety of site workers and river users was protected.

A key element of the work was to ensure there was still egress points available to recreational users, even while work was being carried out. To achieve this, DW Jones removed three low hanging limbs on river-left that had been acting as strainers. Combined with DCC closing a couple of parking bays near this point, this allowed safe egress for rafters and kayakers downstream from the old egress point.

All work was promoted on the Canoe Wales website, and all the local providers were informed of the work and posted on their social media channels that the work was ongoing.

There were a couple of incidents when river users did ignore the barrier tape and accessed the site compound, which was a shame as it put them at risk. However, having 24 hours security on site ensured that they were informed of the work and escorted away from any danger.

The work was focused in two phases – the in-river work on the weir and the work on the bank. To carry out the actual works, a specialist machine more commonly used on steep forested hillsides was used to access the river. Even with this machine, damage was inevitable to the old egress point, which we knew was going to be a result. Once in the river, the Menzi Muck used a pneumatic pecker to create a 4-metre-wide notch in the old weir. This size of notch had been based on the design constraints outlined above and was modelled to reduce the water level upstream by just 15cm at Q50.

Once the notch had been created, local users requested that we remove a few pieces of metal from the area that presented a hazard to kayaks and rafts. Again, the pecker was used to do this on the Menzi Muck.

Once the Menzi Muck was out of the river, work to repair and create the new egress ramp could start. This work was based on a design the DCC had put together based on other areas and incorporated a large platform and series of steps. All the flat surfaces were covered in slate from a local quarry, and the old historic elements of the site were carefully preserved and strengthened.

Menzi Muck arriving on site

Crossing the river

Huge thanks go out to all those who were involved in the project, it was a true example of partnership working for multiple benefits. As Craig ‘Spud’ Forde from Safe & Sound Outdoors has commented on the work carried out: "It’s often we get involved in partnership projects that don’t happen but this one has and for the benefit of all.

The work that has been done is fantastic and everything from the original consultancy to the actual work has been exceptional.

Well done to all and let’s hope it the start of other fruitful projects in the future."

Working on the Lower Mill weir

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WHO’S YOUR PASSENGER? Tessa Coledale from RSPB Cymru tells us about the work they are doing to ensure the biosecurity of our seabird islands and what we can do to help.

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he islands that dot the Welsh coastline are globally important for breeding seabirds. Over half the world’s population of Manx shearwater nest underground in burrows on Ynys Sgomer (Skomer), Ynys Sgogwm (Skokholm), Middleholm and Ynys Enlli (Bardsey), whilst the third largest gannetry in the world can be found off the Pembrokeshire coast on Ynys Gwales (Grassholm).

Razorbills and guillemots’ nest on the towering cliffs surrounding some islands whilst the largest Arctic tern colony in the UK can be found on the low-lying Ynysoedd y Moelrhoniaid (Skerries) off Anglesey. Ynys Seiriol (Puffin Island) is confusingly more important for its breeding cormorants, but puffins are the most charismatic seabird to attract visitors to the Welsh islands. These islands are havens for seabirds thanks to the historical absence of predators such as rats, mice, feral cats, stoats, hedgehogs, and mink.

I’m sure many of you have enjoyed the magical experience of kayaking close to a seabird colony, immersed in the sights, sounds and smells that entails. But have you ever thought about the risk your kayak has of accidentally operating as a taxi for invasive nonnative mammalian predators? Seabirds have not evolved to defend themselves from these skilled hunters, and invasive predators can quickly decimate breeding colonies by eating eggs, chicks, and adult birds. Just one pregnant female rat can wreak havoc on a seabird island, producing a colony of 300 individuals in just over eight months! It is therefore vitally important to stop them reaching our islands shores.

During the last couple of years of ‘staycations’, the number of people engaged in water sports in the UK has expanded rapidly.

Although each individual trip in a small vessel such as a kayak carries a much lower risk of transporting a stowaway than the same trip in a larger vessel there is still a small risk of an invasive predator reaching an island this way. When you think about all the trips happening close to our precious seabird islands on a peak August bank holiday for instance, you soon realise that the cumulative risk is actually relatively high.

Although the space available within a kayak is small, there are reports from around the world of rodents stowing away in people’s rucksacks or drybags. It is often just down to luck that these invasive predators haven’t reached our unique seabird islands

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PETE CATTERALL

PETE CATTERALL

already. Indeed, there are plenty of reports of near misses on islands around the UK where individuals have thankfully been spotted jumping ashore and swiftly dealt with before they threaten these special places. A pregnant female rat even reached Ynys Sgomer (Skomer Island) in the first half of the 20th century, a report which makes us shudder just thinking about it!

Biosecurity for LIFE is a project working on implementing and improving biosecurity on all 42 of the UK offshore island Special Protection Areas (SPAs) designated for breeding seabirds including the five Welsh sites mentioned in this article. Since the project started, we have had many reports of shipwrecks and cargo spills close to the sites we work on, these events happen much more frequently than you might imagine. A yacht was shipwrecked on Ynysoedd y Moelrhoniaid (the Skerries) in May 2019, posing a risk of introducing an invasive predator to this seabird hotspot. In December 2019 the Elbcarrier cargo ship lost 12 shipping containers close to Ynys Gwales (Grassholm) during a storm, with debris washing up all along the Pembrokeshire coast including on Ynys Sgomer (Skomer Island). Thankfully biosecurity surveillance showed there weren’t any stowaways, but it is a very real risk that they could hitch a ride. Storms are increasing in frequency as the climate

changes and our weather becomes less predictable meaning that these incidents could also be on the rise, increasing the risk of a biosecurity breach.

The good news is that there are quick, simple steps YOU can take when travelling to or near seabird islands to help keep them safe and reduce some of the threat’s seabirds face. » Keep your food in animal-proof containers to avoid attracting any unwelcome guests. » Pack your bag on the day of travel and do not leave your baggage unattended on land. » Be vigilant for signs of stowaways in your bags and kayak. » Do not throw an invasive predator overboard dead or alive (did you know house mice can swim 500m and a rat can swim over a mile?).

These simple steps will make all the difference in protecting these spectacular islands and the wonderful wildlife that inhabits them. Particular care should be taken with the third step when getting your kayak out of winter storage. Garages and sheds often attract rodents especially during the colder months. We’ve heard instances of rodents nesting or overwintering in the bow or stern of a kayak having chewed through the seating material to make

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SKERRIES

PETE CATTERALL

themselves cosy. There are even reports online of mice chewing a hole through the kayak itself … although that problem should be difficult to miss once you get your boat out on the water!

Of course, it is not just those enjoying the marine environment that have a part to play. We are working with island owners, communities, local authorities, and businesses to establish barriers on other potential incursion pathways to prevent invasive predators reaching an island by other means. We’ve been running training sessions with tour boat operators for instance and have also been engaging with the lighthouse boards, so they incorporate biosecurity into their daily protocols.

If an invasive predator did reach a seabird island, we need to know about it quickly, and have set up routine monitoring so that any animal would be detected early on. Alongside maintaining general vigilance for signs of stowaways, we have been installing detection devices on islands. These include wildlife camera traps, tracking tunnels that record ink footprints of creatures that walk through them and flavoured wax chew blocks that record teeth marks of animals that nibble them. We are even in the process of training a conservation dog to sniff out signs of rats – conservation dogs are used around the world due to their acute sense of smell but are relatively new to the UK. If an invasive predator is found on a seabird island then a rapid response preventing an incursion turning into an invasion, where an invasive predator reproduces and establishes itself on an island, is critical. In order to do this, we’re developing a network of eight regional Rapid Incursion Response Hubs (RIRHs) including one in North Wales and one in South Wales. These hubs will hold all the kit required for detecting invasive non-native mammalian predators on seabird SPA islands and responding if an incursion occurs. To man these hubs, we’ll be looking to set up and train large volunteer teams similar to the idea used by the mountain rescue or RNLI. This will hopefully mean that there will always be enough people available to set up a response to a possible incursion within 48 hours.

With the above in place, we will be in a much better position to prevent the current situation on Ynys Seiriol (Puffin Island), where unfortunately brown rats have found their way back and become re-established. Although the island is private and it is not known how the rats reached the island, it is conceivable that they were accidentally transported there by some type of boat as the waters around the island are understandably very popular for water sports and unauthorised landings do happen. Brown rats previously

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reached Ynys Seiriol (Puffin Island) in the early 19th century via a shipwreck. Back then there were estimates of over 50,000 puffins present on the island, which dwindled to just a couple of handfuls of pairs by the early 1990’s. An eradication was carried out in the late 1990’s, alas long before there was sufficient funding or understanding that effective biosecurity is essential to help maintain the invasive predator free status of an island. We are working with the island’s owners and Natural Resources Wales to ensure biosecurity measures are improved in this locality in preparation for any potential future eradication work. We’ll also be working with authorised boat operators to educate visitors about biosecurity when they travel close to the island. Although we cannot eliminate the risk of future incursions, we can reduce it substantially, along with increasing the chance that we identify any incursion early on before it requires a full-blown eradication.

Island biosecurity is still a relatively new concept for the UK but with your help we can change this. We see this project as only the start of biosecurity being fully implemented in the UK so we’re working with statutory agencies to write seabird island biosecurity strategies for mammalian predators and ensuring that funding is available for biosecurity to not just be maintained but also enhanced in the years to come. The simple steps you can do to help mentioned in this article, act as barriers to invasive predators reaching seabird islands as stowaways on kayaks. 2022 is an exciting time for the expansion of island biosecurity into the public arena in the UK. Thank you for playing a part in this.

GET INVOLVED If you’re interested in volunteering for a

RIRH or simply want to keep up to date with the project, keep your eyes on our website biosecurityforlife.org.uk follow us on Twitter @biosecurityLIFE or come and have a chat when you see us at marinas or event stands during 2022.

MORE INFO Biosecurity for LIFE is a partnership between RSPB, National Trust and National Trust for Scotland, it is funded by EU LIFE Environmental Governance and Information [LIFE17 GIE/UK/000572], NatureScot, Natural England, Natural Resources Wales and the Northern Ireland Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs

IN THE FLOW THE JOURNEY NOT THE DESTINATION Olly Sanders is known to many people as a sea kayak coach and mountaineer who has numerous expedition firsts to his name. Not so many people know that he also toured as a rigger with the Rolling Stones, Genesis and Michael Jackson. And worked as a stunt rigger on the Batman movies. If you’ve spent any time with Olly he will probably have shared some of the incredible (and hilarious!) situations that he’s found himself in, on the water, rock, on tour and on set. Olly has now gathered all these stories together into a truly entertaining book, featuring great photos and tales of sea kayaking and rock climbing in Greenland, huge big-wall climbs and epic peaks in the Himalayas and awkward encounters with Mick Jagger …

If you’re looking for something inspirational, entertaining and sometimes downright hilarious then this is the book for you.

RRP: £12.99 ISBN: 9781800499812 Available from: www.rockandseadventures.co.uk

EXPEDITION WITH STEVE BACKSHALL The new series of Expedition with Steve Backshall has kicked off on Dave. In the first series Steve took on a first descent of the Chamkar Chhu in Bhutan with a team of British kayakers and had a near fatal encounter with a hole and undercut.

He was rescued by Sal Montgomery and, in his words is "very, very lucky to be here."

This series sees him back in a kayak, this time on a first descent of the Kronotsky River in Kamchatka in the far east of Russia. With a slightly re-jigged team, still featuring throwbagging legend Sal and Welsh paddler Tom McLay, the paddlers set out to kayak from source to sea, starting in the shadow of a still active volcano and ending at the Pacific Ocean. Kayaking through an unspoilt wilderness packed with more brown bears than anywhere else on the planet, this is a journey into unchartered territory. Although there are no deadly holes and undercuts there is plenty of whitewater entertainment with Steve unintentionally leading a pretty stout set of rapids. As a kayaking expedition film this really delivers; it shows the great team dynamic, has stacks of river footage from GoPros and drones, and a heart-stopping amount of bears.

If you need a hit of overseas whitewater and like bears then this is the programme for you.

Expedition with Steve Backshall is available to watch on Dave now.

GODSPEED, LOS POLACOS! During the Cold War, Poland’s youth looked for any way to break away from the monotony of life under Communist rule. In 1979, in the City of Krakow, a group of university students formed a kayaking club as a tool to explore their local rivers and avoid participation in Communist parades and rallies. After experiencing the thrill of Poland’s one and only class III rapid, club members Andrzej Pietowski, Jurek Majcherczyk, and Piotr Chmielinski set their sights on the impossible – leaving the Eastern Bloc to paddle whitewater.

Godspeed, Los Polacos! tells the story of five kayakers on the edge of adulthood who skilfully pull the strings of the Soviet system, and find themselves on an expedition in the Americas with a six-wheeled military truck, homemade equipment, and little to no whitewater skills. The story follows their epic two-year journey that culminates in the record-breaking first descent of the world’s deepest canyon, and finds the kayakers in Soviet cross-hairs after they leverage their newfound fame to fight for democracy in the Eastern Bloc.

The film is truly amazing, not least because it has taken over 40 years for this epic kayaking roadtrip to reach the screen.

Godspeed, Los Polacos! is avaiable to watch on Amazon now.

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THE CONWY The Conwy Estuary is the venue for many annual races, however, the one with the longest history is the Conwy Ascent. Organised by Dyffryn Conwy Paddlers (DCP) this upstream race chases the tide from Conwy Marina to Dolgarrog Bridge and paddlers return year after year to take on this challenging and scenic race.

ARTICLE: PENNY WINGFIELD

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ASCENT

2006 – K1 start

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T 2004 – DCP paddlers Alison Haynes and Denise Harris racing K2

2007 – K1 and K2 group under Tal y Cafn Bridge (about half way)

2012 – Colin Smith racing his C1 2018 – K1 start

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he Conwy area of North Wales is an ideal location for paddlers of all sorts, whether that’s white water, sea paddling or flat water. Over the years the Afon Conwy has hosted slalom competitions and the National Marathon Championships, while slightly further afield there used to be a regular sea kayak race along the north coast of Anglesey. More recently Colwyn Bay has become the venue for an annual surf ski race (also open to sea kayaks and SUPs) and the canoeing leg of the Dyffryn Conwy Mountain Triathlon takes place on the Conwy. However the race with the longest history is the Conwy Ascent which uses the incoming tide over a 15km course from near Conwy marina to Dolgarrog footbridge.

The first event in approximately the current format was in 1988, taking inspiration from earlier races held by local clubs on the estuary. For the first few years all boats started on the river which demanded good control both by the paddlers and by the starter. A newspaper cutting from 1990 includes two current DCP members in the contestants – Chris Gash took third in a K1 and James Wingfield paddled his WWC1.

We believe that the following year was the start of the current ‘Le Mans’ style start where all the boats are lined up on the beach. A quick launch became a key element for a fast race and the braver K2s paddle out to midstream before sorting their spraydecks.

As the race needs a suitable tide its date varies from year to year. The tide calculations have to be done months ahead and in 1995 something went slightly wrong so that racers found themselves paddling against the flow for the final section of the race, although some were remarkably slow to realise this.

2000 was an eventful race with a strong tide and challenging conditions through the harbour.

Several experienced crews were caught out and one K2 was broken around a midstream buoy.

Fortunately no people were harmed but after this buoyancy aids were compulsory for all paddlers.

2001 saw a very different race as foot and mouth restrictions kept us away from Dolgarrog footbridge. Instead a handily placed buoy near Bodnant Garden’s stream was used as the upstream turn point and both start and finish were at the Beacons car park.

In 2009 a SUP class was added. Initially we thought they would find the course too long so they started at Tal y Cafn but it was quickly proved that SUPs could handle the distance and be as fast as some of the kayaks.

Paddlers who want to complete the course at a more leisurely pace can take part in the tour, setting off at a suitable time within the designated start window. Many touring paddlers take part as groups so that they have the security

2012 – DCP paddlers David and Sarah Gardener finishing the tour at the top of the tide and companionship of other paddlers while being part of a timed event.

Access to the river at the finish is through land belonging to Dolgarrog Aluminium Works.

When the Conwy Ascent started the works were processing aluminium, but since 2016 the site has been home to Surf Snowdonia and, more recently, Adventure Parc Snowdonia. For some paddlers this has added another challenge to the day as they aim to finish their race in time to take the family surfing.

The Conwy Ascent is not a ranking race of any sort, paddlers end up 10 miles from where they started, the faster paddlers face a very muddy exit from the river at Dolgarrog and it’s a half mile walk from the river to the facilities at the finish.

The conditions are always a challenge of some sort and it’s hard to predict exactly what the river

will be like as a change of a few degrees in wind direction can make a profound difference. This might be why we attract such a wide range of paddlers from those who never do any other races and those who spend most of their paddling hours at sea to Olympic sprint paddlers and others who have represented their country in sprint, marathon, slalom and whitewater paddling.

We don’t yet know what changes we will need to make to how we run the Conwy Ascent for 2022 but we hope to see as many of you as possible on Saturday 21 May, when we find out what the Conwy will dish up this year.

2019 – surf skis half way along the course

2016 – K1s setting off into the current

FIND OUT MORE

For course records, photos and event details go to www.dcpaddlers.co.uk/conwy_ascent/

2007 – Ian Tordoff in his K1 competing against Sarah Millest and Chris Davison

2011 – assorted boats mid-race

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LOCATION: CARDIFF INTERNATIONAL WHITE WATER PHOTO: OLIVER LLOYD

ASK CA FBOR GBS LRF PF TF TT WOCS

ANGLESEY SEA SYMPOSIUM CONWY ASCENT FISHGUARD BAY OCEAN RACE GLOBAL BUSHCRAFT SYMPOSIUM LLANDYSUL RIVER FESTIVAL CIWW PADDLEFEST TRYWERYN FEST TEIFI TOUR WELSH OPEN CANOE SYMPOSIUM

022 JULY

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LOCATION: LLYN PADARN PHOTO: JETHRO KIERNAN

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LOCATION: PORTH CLAIS PHOTO: EWEN ARKISON

COMPETITION FREESTYLE BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIPS September saw the freestyle competition season kick off with the British Championships at Holme Pierrepont (HPP). It had been two years since the last competition and the athletes had been training hard and were ready to see what they could throw down. Three Welsh athletes were in the mix; Ben Higson (K1 Junior Men), Ellis Pimborough Jones (K1 Junior Men) and Lowri Davies (K1 Senior Women). It seemed the two-year break had been put to good use as multiple ICF records were broken, including the highest scoring rides in the both the K1 Senior Women and K1 Senior Men. Ben and Lowri took second place, with Ellis taking third. A great start to the season!

BEN HIGSON

PHIL BULKELEY

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS Next on the competition calendar were the European Freestyle Champs. 19 athletes headed out to Vaires-sur-Marne, France in October, including two Welsh athletes; Ben Higson (K1 Junior Men) and Lowri Davies (K1 Senior Women). Lowri is a freestyle veteran and European Champion 2006, whilst Ben is a rising-star junior paddler. Ben stormed through the qualifications, winning his heat with 696 points and qualifying for the semi-finals. He put in a strong performance in the semis but it wasn’t enough to qualify for the finals; he was just 7 points off a qualification place. Lowri also made it to the semis after winning her heat, but also just missed out place in the finals. However, two Brits went onto to be crowned European Champions; Toby Marlow (K1 Juniors Men) and Ottilie Robinson-Shaw (K1 Senior Women), whilst Jennifer Leal also made it onto the podium with silver (K1 Junior Women).

GB TEAM SELECTION The final event of the season was GB Team selection at HPP, which would decide who would compete at the 2022 World Championships.

Ben, Lowri and Ellis were in action again, alongside fellow Welsh paddler Jolyon Evans (OC 1). This was Ellis’ first competition as a senior and it was against some world class paddlers and unfortunately, he didn’t make the cut. Lowri, Ben and Jolyon all made it onto the team with Ben and Jolyon taking the overall win in their events.

These are some great results ahead of the World Championships which are being held at HPP next summer. Congratulations to all the athletes and good luck for next year!

SURF WELSH OPEN SURF KAYAK COMPETITION October saw the 2021 Welsh Open Surf Kayak comp drop into Whitesands in Pembrokeshire. With good surf and great competitors the event was a huge success. Event organiser, Paul Bramble said; "First of all, big thank you to everyone who helped organise and run the event, and a special thank you to Porthmawr Surf Life Saving Club for helping provide safety cover for the day! We had a fantastic turn out and some great paddling which created a very competitive event! Thankfully the weather held off long enough to run the event before this storm came in!"

BETH MOORE

MIKE TAYLOR

Congratulations to all the medallists and well done to all involved for supporting such a great competition.

Open HP 1st Sam McQueen Jones 2nd Peter Copp Ladies IC 1st Beth Moore 2nd Fran Bateman

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Junior IC 1st Iwan Brew Ladies HP 1st Beth Moore 2nd Lucy McQueen Jones Junior HP 1st Iwan Brew

Waveski 1st Sam McQueen Jones 2nd Jem Howe

Masters HP 1st Gary Adcock 2nd Peter Copp

Masters IC 1st Ewen Arkison 2nd Gary Adcock

Open IC 1st Gary Adcock 2nd Noel Dummett

COMPETITION M A R AT H O N MASTERS MARATHON WORLD CHAMPS Chris Tatam started kayaking at the age of 16 as a member of Newham Canoe Club where he entered slalom, whitewater and marathon competitions.

By the time he was 19 he was a member of the British Marathon Team racing in Holland, Denmark, Belgium, Germany to name but a few countries, and winning the Sella Descent in Spain and the Liffey Descent in Ireland. He was still in the British Team when he contracted Weils disease (Leptospirosis) at the age of 25. He convalesced for nearly one year and started coaching sprint paddlers, and in particular a young lady, Lesley Smither, from Leaside Canoe Club in London who made it into the 500 metre finals in both the Los Angeles and Moscow Olympics.

CHRIS TATAM (CENTRE)

In 1988 he moved from London to Wales where he first formed Kingfisher Kayak Club and then later Swansea Kayak Club, as sprint and marathon racing clubs in South Wales.

When he retired from work he moved to Turkey and continued to travel back to the UK to race for Swansea Kayak Club, 3 to 4 times a year. In 2019 he was 2nd in the 200 metres and 3rd in the 500 metres Masters Sprint Championships at Holme Pierrepont in Nottingham.

The last two years have been a problem for travelling due to Covid, so he has been training daily on his own, which included circuit training, weight training, running, cycling and of course paddling over distances between 8 and 20 kilometres.

In early September he travelled to the Masters World Champs in Bascov, Romania, where he won his race and took the title of 2021 Masters Marathon World Champion!

To any budding racing canoeists out there, young or old, the moral of the story is "never give up".

CANOE POLO EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS In October Team GB headed out to the European Canoe Polo Champs in Catania, Italy with four Welsh athletes on the team; Kirsten Lee (Senior Women), Rhian Griffiths (Senior Women), Ben Muller (U21 Men) and Katie Howes (U21 Women). Wales was also represented off the water too by Elan Winter; one of the championship referees.

Scheduled to run over 4 days the event had to be delayed after a tornado tore through the site. Despite the serious damage, the organising committee, local volunteers and athletes came together to rebuild and ensure the event could get underway. Not the best start to a competition!

TEAM GB

GB had sent 4 teams to the champs: Senior Women, Senior Men, U21 Women and U21 Men, and all four teams were in action on day 1. It was the U21 women who really shone, winning 2 out of their 3 matches with Katie Howes scoring a hat-trick against Spain.

The U21 Women continued their winning streak on day 2, winning 2 out of their 3 matches and securing a place in the semi-finals. The U21 Men also had a great day with three wins from three.

On the final day the U21 Women were in the fight for a medal while the U21 Men, Senior Men and Senior Women were playing for a top ten finish. In their semi-final the U21 Women lost their match, finishing 4th overall. The Senior Women won 2 of their 3 matches, finishing 6th overall. U21 Men and Senior Men both took wins on the final day, both securing 9th place.

With all four teams placing in the top ten and U21 Women taking 4th it was a good result for Team GB – congratulations to all the team members!

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Q&A

Rhys Green

Rhys Green started paddling when he was 12 years old, after a taster week at his local club Llandysul Paddlers. He was instantly hooked and paddling has been a major influence in his life since then. He studied Outdoor Education at Uni, gaining is Level 2 Inland Kayak Coach award two weeks into the course. By the time he was 19 he was a Level 4 coach and had paddled in a few interesting places including the Nile and Zambezi. Roll on a few more years and paddlesport has taken him to various destinations and shaped his decision to obtain his MA; researching recreational paddlesport motivation in Wales. He's now a Director on the Canoe Wales Board – Ceufad caught up with him to find out more …

“BEING ON THE CW BOARD IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR ME TO GIVE MORE BACK TO MY COMMUNITY, TO BE ABLE TO LISTEN TO OUR COMMUNITY AND TO PASS THINGS ON AT A NATIONAL LEVEL.”

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How did you get into paddlesport?

I started paddling properly through a halfterm taster week at my local canoe club – Llandysul Paddlers. It was a week of trying different types of paddling and I kind of ran with things from there.

What are your preferred paddlesports and why?

I’m now happy paddling most recreational disciplines, however, my background is definitely within whitewater kayaking and that’s where I’ve had the majority of my adventures to distant places. Through work my canoeing has developed and I’ve had a few good adventures with canoes.

Canoeing has come more to the forefront with lockdowns/travel restrictions; I live within 5 miles of a river so I can drive to the put-in, pole up the river for a few miles and then drift back down. It’s only a grade 2 section but it’s a good couple of hours out. Through my whitewater kayaking I’ve met some great people, one of these introduced me to a school in Singapore and I was able to work with them on a few sea kayaking programmes. During my days off I would go on solo paddles, heading off to different islands in the local area and be back in time for food. These solo adventures got me more interested in sea kayaking. Finally, paddleboarding; mainly due to lockdowns and restrictions I discovered I could walk from home with a deflated paddleboard, get on, float down the river and then walk home again.

Paddleboards have opened up a whole new side of adventuring for me.

Looking at things now, if I’m fortunate enough to have a day off, I will look at the weather and decide where to go and what will work best for how I’m feeling/who’s around. During 2021 these

have included a couple of sea paddles exploring parts of Pembrokeshire, canoe sailing on the Usk reservoir, canoe poling on my local river, a few whitewater trips in canoe or kayak, and a few float days on a SUP on either the canal in Brecon or down my local river.

What led you to coaching?

For me paddling is enjoyment; when an environment or area isn’t as much of a challenge I look for enjoyment in other areas. That can be looking at wildlife or assisting someone else with their paddling. From a young age helping others has been part of paddling; whether it’s holding the end of a boat, putting someone’s deck on, helping to choose the correct paddle etc. etc. We’re always assisting one another. Coaching for me is just a small part of this paddling process. Over a few years I have developed my understanding and approach to coaching but in essence it’s all about helping someone else to enjoy their paddling.

For your MA you researched recreational paddlesport motivation in Wales, what did you discover?

How long can I have to answer this … ?! Yes, there were a few different things that I found on the way; there were a few differences in motivation due to gender but there were more differences in motivation due to discipline. So, one of the biggest changes for me as a coach was to completely amend my delivery style depending on what discipline I am coaching, or the emphasis on the session. As a quick example, for whitewater kayakers the focus tends to be more on technical understanding, or competition, repetition and skill honing. For canoeists; being a greater part of

a community, collaborative learning and assisting with problem solving. For sea kayakers nature and our environment are at the forefront of learning.

If I ignore some of the key things for a discipline and coach everyone using the same style it won’t be as effective. Individualised coaching is coaching the individual the way that best works for them. Within courses one of my main things is to attempt to get across some of these points, which is why it’s great having a supportive community of coach educators who can bounce ideas off one another. If coach educators work collaboratively we all improve our practice and as a result paddling in general benefits.

You recently set up Llansawel Agored, which is a canoe club and social enterprise with a strong environmental and community focus. What was the motivation behind this?

Well, here’s another longer answer that I’ll attempt to boil down slightly. In 2015 my local school closed and I was approached to get together a business plan for it becoming an outdoor education centre.

Unfortunately the council took too long and a new job started for me in 2018, which meant this was put on the back burner. One of my aims through the business plan was to have a stronger community feel; the centre was all about drawing in funds for the club to work and to assist the local

community. I think I live in a great area, but there’s not exactly a lot to do here; a couple of pubs and a village hall, our nearest shop is 8 miles away, a post office 11 miles, supermarket 20 miles … It’s a rural area and the community don’t have much they can turn to. In time I want this to develop into something larger for my area and to be able to normalise spending time with others outdoors through whatever medium works.

In 2021, another slight shake up, and I thought now is the time to get something happening.

The canoe club has started, which focuses on canoeing – 2022 will be an exciting year with a few trips planned. A men’s shed was started in 2021.

We secured some trees which were planted in November, creating a nature area and which will lead to other opportunities in the future. I already work with the local mountain biking club on their committee and I am a community councillor.

Again, this all comes back to values and that desire to assist if possible. If I can see a way of improving something I’d like to be able to help with that.

Why did you volunteer to join the CW Board?

I enjoyed paddling the first time I got into a boat; it was exciting, it was new, it was different, and I wasn’t the worst at it. Within a few months I was helping a bit at pool sessions. At 18 I became a life member of Canoe Wales, I had my Level 3

“FOR ME PADDLING IS ENJOYMENT; WHEN AN ENVIRONMENT OR AREA ISN’T AS MUCH OF A CHALLENGE I LOOK FOR ENJOYMENT IN OTHER AREAS. THAT CAN BE LOOKING AT WILDLIFE OR ASSISTING SOMEONE ELSE WITH THEIR PADDLING.”

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“PADDLING HAS BROUGHT A LOT TO MY LIFE, I AM GRATEFUL FOR THE OPPORTUNITIES AND THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE ASSISTED ALONG THE WAY.”

Kayak coach and was exploring further; going to the Zambezi and my first summer in America.

Once back from America I started a club in my university and I was nominated and received the Young Volunteer Coach of the Year from my county. I am now moving forward as a coach educator and helping with another couple of clubs. Paddling has brought a lot to my life, I am grateful for the opportunities and the people who have assisted along the way. If I can do anything which may assist someone else to have a similar opportunity as I did to start paddling, I will jump at it. Being on the CW Board is an opportunity for me to give more back to my community, to be able to listen to our community and to pass things on at a national level. Any opportunity that may lead to being able to improve paddling or help with improvements I want to be part of.

What do you hope to achieve as a Director?

My main aim is to assist our sport to develop, we can’t lose what we have and we need to progress forward. If we have more people accessing our sport it can only be a good thing.

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What do you think and the strengths and weaknesses of Canoe Wales?

In Canoe Wales we have some very strong aspects.We have easy to reach and friendly staff, who you talk with on a first name basis.

Our performance pathways are developing and producing more athletes. Access pontoons have recently gone in. Membership has increased.

Our area offers great venues and we have the knowledge in these areas, from Pembrokeshire to the Valleys, the Straits to Llangollen, we have a lot going on.

I have seen several improvements over the past couple of years and I hope to see this trajectory continue.

What’s your message to the CW members?

Please talk to Canoe Wales, be it myself, others on the Board or staff members, about what’s working or what needs improvement. We can only develop what we know about, we’re all interested in the progressive development and safeguarding of paddlesport.

C L UB N E W S

Canoe Wales

Club News

This section focuses on our clubs. It includes updates, info, guides and general club news.We're open to suggestions as to what to include. So, what club guides would you like to see?

What “how to” videos should we post on our YouTube channel (canoewales.com/youtube)? Let us know your thoughts and ideas about how we can best support your club and its volunteers – email admin@canoewales.com or message us on: Facebook.com/canoewales

COLWYN CANOE CLUB AWARDED GRANT Colwyn Canoe Club have some new additions to their fleet, all made possible thanks to the grant they have received from The Moondance Foundation.

These boats and paddles are specifically designed by Soul Custom Kayaks in the United States for the very youngest and smallest members of their club.

Supplied by Craig Marsport Hill through Marsport (the UK importers of these amazing little boats) the club cannot wait to get their small paddlers out in them and having some fun!

Thanks also go out to Margaret 'Migs' Hollings for helping the club with the grant application and form filling.

Colwyn Canoe Club are a club who embrace all paddlers of any age and ability and are continually investing in this type of kit opens the doors for even more people to get involved in our fab sport.

For more info on the grant they received visit: www.moondancefoundation.org.uk

TIME TO LISTEN COURSE The Time to Listen is a 3-hour course for Club Welfare Officers (CWO) developed by the Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU) and is mandatory for Club Safeguarding Officers to attend. The course covers the following objectives: » Describe how a Club Welfare Officer works with others to create a child-centred environment. » Explain how the Club Welfare Officer role fits into the wider safeguarding environment. » Apply learning to case studies including sharing good safeguarding practice.

This autumn 7 club representatives attended the course: Gareth Bryant, Llandysul Paddlers Tanya Howells, Rhondda Paddlers Jonathon Porter, Llangollen Canoe Club Jason Humphries, Seren Dŵr Slalom Club Karen Martin, Cardiff Bay Kayakers Peter Sedgwick, Haverfordwest Kayak Club James Bowen, Llandysul Paddlers More CSO's are due to attend courses this winter. For more details contact: cath.sykes@canoewales.com

MONMOUTH CANOE CLUB AWARDED GRANT Congratulations to Monmouth Canoe Club who were awarded a grant from the Be Active Wales fund.

With the grant they have purchased 6 new boats and have a new trailer on order. The boats are whitewater crossover boats and include two sit on tops (with straps to make them more agile in moving water). The main aim was to improve the equipment for those

needing a larger boat, with mobility issues or who just don't fancy an enclosed boat.

The club reports that initial reviews from the pool are very positive and they are looking forward to the first river use …

For more info on the grant they received visit: www.sport.wales/grants-and-funding/ beactivewalesfund

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

In this article we take you on a tranquil journey along the picturesque Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal.

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

MON & BREC CANAL The ‘Mon and Brec’ is one of Britain’s prettiest canals, running from Brecon to Cwmbran, through the Brecon Beacons National Park and the Blaenavon World Heritage Site. This lower section starts at Goytre Wharf, which provides a fascinating glimpse into the industrial heritage of the canal, and finishes at Five Locks, the end of the navigable section. It winds through old-growth forest, past open farmland and between the houses of Pontypool and Sebastopol.

There are four access points so you can alter or shorten you trip, along with a picnic site, café and pub to keep you well fuelled. With no portages it’s a stress-free trip along a picturesque waterway.

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

USEFUL RESOURCES Map: OS152 Newport & Pontypool / Casnewydd a Pont-y-pŵl

Pontymoile Basin

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© freevectormaps.com

DESTINATION WALES

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

Picture-perfect paddling near Goytre Wharf

Joseph Healey

SHELTERED WATER

Goytre Wharf to Five Locks Start: Finish #1: Finish #2: Distance:

Lapstone Bridge car park – SO 31440 07138 or Goytre Wharf, NP7 9EW – SO 31304 06419 Pontymoile Basin, NP4 0RF – SO 29188 00200 Five Locks moorings, NP44 1DD – ST 28730 97026 #1 – 9km #2 – 12.5km

This route can be paddled in either direction, from four main access points. It’s described as a one-way trip, but can be adapted or paddled as a return trip. Although the canal is reasonably sheltered there are open sections of water which can be exposed to the wind, so check the forecast and avoid any strong headwinds!

There are no portages on this section, however, there is a tunnel which requires a forward-facing bright light or head torch and a personal flotation device with whistle attached (Canal & River Trust – CRT – requirement). Before entering the tunnel secure your light and check the tunnel is clear of other craft (two-way navigation).

There is a towpath along this section which has been restored in most parts to a wide gravel/hard surfaced track. However, some sections can be muddy.

DESCRIPTION Start from either the CRT car park at Lapstone Bridge (no. 76) on the east bank, or from Goytre Wharf on the west bank (750m south of Lapstone Bridge). Goytre Wharf has parking (pay & display, accessible bays), café, toilets (accessible), picnic area, visitor centre and marina. It can be busy and the car park is around 150m from the canal but it has all the facilities. Lapstone Bridge car park has no facilities but is free and is right next to the canal (access to canal: 10m to canal, dirt/turf surface).

Launch from either start point and turn to paddle south along the canal. This section meanders through old growth trees with views

Looking back to Goytre Wharf across the fields to the hills beyond. It is very scenic and tranquil.

Bridge 62 is the closest access point to the small village of Mamhilad and The Star Inn. Get out on the right, on either side of the bridge (access to pub: 150m, sloping track and narrow road, turf/ hard edge, gate).

Paddle on to bridge 56, past houses and farms, along a rural and quiet stretch of water. After bridge 56 the buildings become more frequent, with gardens running down to the canal and houses half hidden in the trees above. This is the edge of Pontypool.

The canal retains its scenic nature, even though the town presses in on either side. This is a popular section with dog walkers and cyclists.

Directly after bridge 52 is Pontymoile Basin and The Boat Yard café. There is a picnic area and public toilets (varied opening times).

The easiest place to get out is after the bridge on the right; there is a slipway at the back of the basin (20m to café/toilets, concrete/ grass). This is also an alternative start/finish point; there’s a car park for café customers and also parking on the road alongside the car park (75m to car park, concrete/grass).

The section below Pontymoile is navigable, however, as it has less traffic it can be a little more overgrown.

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The Open Hearth pub near Sebastopol

Collette Crewe

Cutting a trail along the canal

Collette Crewe

Paddle under bridge 51A, which carries the A472, with a marina on the right after it. The scenery varies with tree-lined banks, gardens running down to the water’s edge and house windows almost at eye level! This makes it an interesting and diverse section.

About 350m after bridge 49 The Open Hearth pub is on the left. It faces the canal, with picnic benches along the towpath (access: 10m, grass/tarmac, turf/timber edge). The pub has a large car park behind, so could be an alternative start/finish point for customers (car park: 30m, 6 steps, tarmac). This is one of a number of pubs that face the canal; they were built to provide food and accommodation for the boatsmen and indicate how busy the waterway must have been in its heyday.

The section from The Open Hearth to bridge 46 passes through Sebastopol, with houses backing onto the canal and the occasional stretch of trees or shrubs.

Bridge 46 is the site of a new development with moorings on the right. The canal then continues through a pleasant rural stretch to Cwmbran Tunnel (80m), which is hard to miss! You can paddle through the tunnel, however, you must have a forward-facing bright light or head torch and a personal flotation device with whistle attached (CRT requirement). Before entering the tunnel secure your light and check the tunnel is clear of other craft (two-way navigation).

After the tunnel the woods give way to houses and Five Locks moorings is on the right, which signals the end of the navigable section. There is a small car park alongside (access: 50m, tarmac/ grass, concrete edge).

HISTORY The Mon and Brec originally ran from Brecon to Newport and was built in the early 1800’s to carry coal, iron and limestone.

Competition from the railways saw it go into steady decline; by 1915 transport had all but ceased.

The canal was abandoned in 1962 and during the 20th century various parts were filled in for road construction. It was about to be lost for good, however, campaigning by canal enthusiasts secured its future and in 1968 restoration work began. Today the canal is owned and managed by the Canal and River Trust (CRT), with a dedicated group of volunteers working on preservation and restoration projects.

Apart from the remains of the wharfs and lime kilns there is little evidence of what a busy industrial waterway this used to be. Goytre Wharf provides a fascinating insight into the history of the canal and, with a visitor centre and café, it is definitely worth visiting.

Once an industrial artery, the canal is now a green corridor, supporting wildlife such as water voles, newts, otters and kingfishers. And lots of very friendly ducks and moorhens!

USEFUL INFORMATION Goytre Wharf: www.goytrewharf.com Canal and River Trust: www.canalrivertrust.org.uk Mon, Brecon and Abergavenny Canals Trust: www.mbact.org.uk CRT canal user guidelines: bit.ly/3BTbHz7 ACCESSIBILITY Slipways: concrete slipways at Goytre Wharf and Pontymoile Basin.

Toilets: accessible toilets at Goytre Wharf.

Parking: accessible bays at Goytre Wharf and parking alongside the canal at Lapstone Bridge.

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MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNTS Canoe Wales has joined forces with some great retailers to give their members* a range of exclusive discounts and special offers.

So, if you’re thinking of buying some new kit or planning a trip in the UK or overseas check these out; you might save some serious money! * Available to ‘On the Water’ and ‘On the Bank’ members

Cotswold Outdoor

15% discount in store & online

Snow + Rock

15% discount in store & online

Runners Need

15% discount in store & online

Kayak Session

discounted subscription

Up and Under

range of discounts available

Aquapac

30% discount online

Aqua Plugs

up to £20 off a new pair of Aqua Plugs

Want to Canoe?

free parking & river 'access at Hay on Wye

NWWC

money off facility fees

Trusted Travel

up to 30% off airport parking

Skiline

5% off skiing holidays

Adventure Alternative

5% off adventure holidays

Undiscovered Mountains

5% off kayak or outdoor activity holidays

For more details: www.canoewales.com/discounts To become a member: www.canoewales.com/membership

LLYN PADARN LISA WELLS

Canoe Wales Photo Com MENAI STRAITS DAVE JONES

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RAMSEY ISLAND ANDY KETTLEWELL

petition

We've been totally blown away by the quantity and quality of submissions in this year's photo competition. So, we've chosen our favourites and dotted them around the magazine. There's this double spread, front cover, back cover and calendar. A big thank you to everyone who submitted photos – it's been great fun looking through them all!

RIVER TAWE GEORGE WHITTAL-WILLIAMS

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MONSTER THE LOCH

SAMUEL HOWARD IG: S.HOWARD_PHOTO

Monster the Loch is a mass participation boat race on Loch Ness; racing 21 miles of exposed water in surf skis, SUPs, kayaks, Celtic longboats, canoes … Basically if it’s people-powered and seaworthy then it’s eligible to race! It attracts competitors from all over the world racing as singles, doubles, quads and more. Each year hundreds of paddlers and rowers line up on the shore of Loch Ness ready to take on this epic challenge.

Not only is this a mass participation event but it’s also a mass fund-raising event too; last year’s competitors raised over £30’000 for their chosen charities.

This year there were quite a few Welsh athletes on the start list. Ben Edom – avid surf ski competitor and Fishguard Bay Ocean Race (FBOR) race secretary. Welsh Ocean Ski National Champion Mat Rowlands, who, along Jim Taylor-Ross (GB Ocean Ski Squad Manager and head of Epic Kayaks UK), had taken a group of Welsh and English athletes from the Junior and U23 GB squad, who were racing double ocean skis. Phil Geddes from Cardiff Bay Kayakers who was racing a double ski with his daughter Libby (their first race in a double!).

Here’s how their races unfolded …

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WORDS:

PHIL GEDDES & BEN EDOM P H OTO S : C O U R T E SY O F MONSTER THE LOCH

MAT AND JIM Words: Phil Geddes

An early start saw crews gathering in a field outside Fort Augustus, there was a subdued murmur as they prepared their boats and themselves for the 33.8km downwind race to Dores. The loch was calm, grey clouds low and the mist still clung to the surrounding hillsides as the skirl of the bagpipes from the lone piper drifted out over the water. Any romantic dreaming was curtailed by the race and safety briefings which focused minds on the job in hand. Boats were launched, warm-ups completed and competitors jockeyed for position on the start line. The initial tension eased as the start was delayed, the warm-up became a cool down, there was banter and muttering. Finally the horn sounded and the impressive flotilla moved off. The faster craft, including the ocean skis, immediately began to assert themselves. Whilst calm, flat water is not the home of the double Epic V10, the paddlers Drew and Rosie, Evie and Olivia, Mat and Hannah, Toby and Amy, soon set into a regular cadence and speeds in excess of 10km/h. Mat and Drew were involved in an early skirmish before Mat accelerated off in urgent pursuit of waves and the ultimate wash ride. With 30km to go Hannah was not sure what she had let herself in for.

Moving through the flotilla reminded us that Britain’s maritime affiliations remain strong with Celtic longboats originating from West Wales, Orkney yoles, St Ayle’s skiffs, SUP’s, Canadian canoes, outrigger canoes, a couple of traditional rowing 8+’s (one of which won the race) and their more adventurous cousins the coastal rowers, either singles, doubles or quads. Some competitors were clearly out to achieve their best time whilst others, like Captain Dave the lone Viking rower, were more intent on rowing their boat gently down the loch to enjoy the view and perhaps catch a glimpse of Nessie. There were some foreign entrants and, barring the pandemic, many more keen to experience the beauty and romance of this famous location would have been present.

Whilst the loch and the surrounding country accentuate the beauty of the Scottish Highlands the ocean ski paddlers were more intent on stroke rate and speed. As the race progressed the wind picked up slightly (15km/h), small waves formed and there was intermittent rain. Wind, waves and swell can be exploited to drive the ocean ski. As they decrease in strength, conversely the work of the paddler increases. The large surface area of the loch, the surrounding hills and a strong southwesterly can generate waves of up to 3m at Dores, but the conditions on the day reflected the time of year and, for the paddlers, more of a flat water marathon.

SAMUEL HOWARD IG: S.HOWARD_PHOTO

SAMUEL HOWARD IG: S.HOWARD_PHOTO

SAMUEL HOWARD IG: S.HOWARD_PHOTO SAMUEL HOWARD IG: S.HOWARD_PHOTO

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SAMUEL HOWARD IG: S.HOWARD_PHOTO

SAM IG: S.HOW

SAMUEL HOWARD IG: S.HOWARD_PHOTO

The kilted piper was there to pipe them in, the sun began to shine and, as the ranks of competitors increased, so too did a general air of festivity.

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The first in was a rowing 8+, ‘Corpus Swifti’ with a time of 2h 31m. Drew and Rosie were the first ocean ski home with a very creditable 2h 44m averaging more than 12km/h. Over the next 3 hours nearly 90 vessels arrived on the stony beach at Dores. The kilted piper was there to pipe them in, the sun began to shine and as the ranks of competitors increased so too did a general air of festivity. Monster the Loch T shirts and medals were issued whilst home-made pizzas, coffee, beers and snacks were available as everyone relaxed and enjoyed the atmosphere.

Looking back down the loch at the flotilla of boats extending into the distance, many of them wooden yoals and skiffs, the only sounds those of oars on the water and the human voice, briefly evoked an image from the past, more peaceful and less hurried. After a few hours relaxing in the sunshine the squad returned to Fort Augustus and a well-earned meal courtesy of Jim and Micky McDonald from Think kayaks.

The following day, although the GB ocean ski squad thought they were tired and had earned a rest, Jim had another plan. After a quick breakfast at Morag’s Lodge they were dropped at Foyers and would paddle to Dochgarroch lock,

the start of the last stretch of the Caledonian canal before it reaches Beauly Firth on the Scottish east coast. The sun was out, there was a decent sou’wester and the resultant waves, although small, could be utilised to make a more interesting and exhilarating paddle. Occasional SUP’s were seen on their second day of the Great Glen Challenge, 92km in total, along the Caledonian canal. The event is additionally open to canoes, kayaks, ocean skis, OC1’s and prone.

The squad were joined by Jim on the last leg of their 25km paddle and arrived at Dochgarroch well pleased that they had paddled Loch Ness and more. It was time to head home, the vans were packed and boats loaded for the return trip by road whilst Jim ferried the team to Inverness airport for the journey back to Bristol. There might have been time for something to eat on the way for those who could stay awake.

The spectacular vistas of Loch Ness, the numbers and variety of vessels and the excellent atmosphere made The Monster of the Loch a great success. Many thanks to Pete Wells and his team. No doubt there will be those keen to race Monster the Loch again but I suspect some will already be planning the Great Glen Challenge.

SAMUEL HOWARD IG: S.HOWARD_PHOTO

MUEL HOWARD WARD_PHOTO

SAMUEL HOWARD IG: S.HOWARD_PHOTO

SAMUEL HOWARD IG: S.HOWARD_PHOTO

BEN EDOM Registration at 07:30 – then the cars had to be moved away, change-bags handed over, all in the cool mist of a Highland morning with spectacular, atmospheric views down the loch, so long you can clearly see the earth's curvature with our destination below the horizon.

15 single and 9 double surf skis, with a good contingent of the GB youth squad powering half of the doubles. And half of the singles were ridden by local Nairn Kayak Club paddlers, who know the loch as their home waters. Hmmm – good challenge! I also aimed to raise £200 in support of the RNLI. The start was a bit unclear but in seconds the GB doubles were leading everything. I was close to the front of the singles and we even left the rowing eights and coastal quads – for a while. Skis are light and have great acceleration – fine and coastal rowing shells are longer and have a higher cruising speed with efficient levers from the pivot of the outriggers while, for us kayak/ski paddlers, the pivot is the top hand on the paddle. Both craft require massive core strength and both use leg drive – one at a time for ski, both together for rowing.

The pace stayed high, 11-12 kmh, and I was looking around for someone going my speed or a

little faster in the hope of a good wash to ride, since there was not even the hint of a wave to surf.

I picked on an OC-6 (think Hawaii Five-O). At about 40ft long they can maintain a good speed and throw up a useful wash, but this one had a double ski on its wash already so I slotted in behind the double and focussed on staying in touch.

I hadn’t realised how much an OC-6 slews around and how much work the steersman has just trying to keep control. It’s not easy to stay in that sweet spot close to their stern as it keeps swinging irregularly from side to side. After half an hour or so, the double ski peeled away and I was able to take its place, still not an easy task.

We had gone about 9 km when I noticed the OC’s speed dropping, although they still seemed to be paddling as hard. So after a while I decided to get off their wash and attempt to overtake, since I would need to keep my average over 11kph to achieve my three hour target. I sprinted off their wake and settled into my own rhythm but found it very hard to keep to my 11kph. I noticed the top Nairn boys much further out in the loch riding the wash of a coastal yole – could there be some kind of contrary current on this side? So I edged further out into the middle of the loch and just kept pumping.

SAMUEL HOWARD IG: S.HOWARD_PHOTO

The start was a bit unclear but in seconds the GB doubles were leading everything. I was close to the front of the singles and we even left the rowing eights and coastal quads ... for a while.

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Emily Jackson (USA) in the Women’s finals.

SAMUEL HOWARD IG: S.HOWARD_PHOTO

SAMUEL HOWARD IG: S.HOWARD_PHOTO

SAMUEL HOWARD IG: S.HOWARD_PHOTO

Having never raced 33km before, particularly in a ski paddler's nightmare conditions of flat calm, I was on my last legs.

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Soon afterwards, I heard a small noise behind and turned to glimpse the bow of a ski right in on my stern – someone was wash-riding me! I remember shouting over my shoulder, “That’s Foyers we’re passing now, halfway.” – “About time!” came the breathless reply.

A surf ski on the sea is always changing speed and direction to catch whatever waves are on offer. I’m used to that so I tried shaking off my follower with sprints and awkward direction changes – but he stayed with me. With perhaps 9km to go, the forecast sou’westerly wind picked up enough for a few useable ripples and we were able to increase our pace, gradually hauling in the double yole that had stayed a tantalising half kilometre ahead for the past hour. I shouted, “You owe me a beer,” over my shoulder. “Definitely,” came the reply.

Having never raced 33km before, particularly in a ski paddler's nightmare conditions of flat calm, I was on my last legs. The only things that kept me going was riding the small waves that had picked up, staying in front of my invisible ‘tow’, and that three-hour target that I’d told everyone about.

The finish hooter finally came and I rested for a minute in my boat. The small, round pebbles on that steep beach at Dores were not easy to climb

with my jelly-legs, but I managed to lift my ski and not to fall over. An official race photographer came up, “May I take a photo of you both together?” My tow and I stood trying to look bright and confident. We then turned and introduced ourselves, to which the photographer looked surprised and said, “Don’t you know one another?”

– “No, never met before,” we said in unison!

Organising such a large race over such a long distance is a huge undertaking and the MTL team ably led by the memorable Pete Milne, himself an accomplished competition rower, did a wonderful job. At the time I was just grateful to change into dry warm gear and to be handed an unexpected lager by my mate, Mat Rowlands. Back for MTL 2022? I’m planning on it!

MORE INFO

Monster the Loch is held every October on Loch Ness. It runs with the wind from Dores to Fort Augustus (or reversed). If 21 miles is too far you can team up and change at Foyers Campsite (roughly halfway)! www.monstertheloch.com

Live for White Water?

Coaching at NWWC Courses 2022 BC WHITE WATER SAFETY & RESCUE 12–13 Feb £190 pp 23–24 April 11–12 June 13–14 August 22–23 October

BC ADVANCED WHITE WATER SAFETY & RESCUE 16–17 April 18–19 June

£190 pp

RESCUE 3 – WRT PRO 1–3 March

£290 pp

RESCUE 3 – WRT ADVANCED TBC

£390 pp

RAFT GUIDE WORKSHOP (3 DAYS) 15–17 April

£250 pp

T FEST – SAVE THE DATE! 22-24 July

For more dates and further information please give us call or check the website.

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

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

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

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

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

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

PARTING SHOT Canoe Wales 2021 Photo Competition submission Location: Ramsey Sound Photo: Andy Kettlewell