Sat+Sun 5/6th Dec
River Tavy (Tavistock-Denham Bridge)
On the Saturday we ran the River Tavy, which was a middling level despite all the rain, a nice cruisey level. Plenty of little drops and ledges to keep us occupied, with tony going for a roll after flaring a rock early on. Few rapids to make us stop and think and set up safety. Last big rapid of the day, produced a roll from me and scratched my nice new rocker helmet (sob sob). A weir to portage and a fab surf wave near the end and it all nearly allover (long story) and it was time for home

River Dart (Newbridge - River Dart Country Park)
Sunday was a short trip from the bunkhouse to the loop (Dart). When we arrived the car park was ful but not much movement a quick peek at the levels showed why, the river was over the slab and through the third arch, for those in the know, this a very high level, experts only and we decided to wait for a while to see what the levels did. After an hour the levels had dropped about 2ft and some of us got on for a bouncy ride down to the Country park, taking just under an hour. It was then time for a lovely carvery in the restaurant and a mooch round the shiny toys in the shop before home in time for tea and medals. Good times had by all, (four club members + others) MH

Sunday 6th. Dec.
River Wye - Rhayader gorge.
Enjoyable paddle, the river level was quite high (above summer spate red line on gauge-level 3), which made the river quite forgiving. The town rapid looked gnarly, and we inspected it for some time, after our experience on the Tywi, but it was no problem to run. Thanks for a well lead trip, Geraint. 5 kayaks. SE

Sunday 29th Nov
Guinea pig session for me with Level 3 canoe coaching assessment. Aberbran-Brecon high water level fast but quite flat, lots of practice and free coaching. Good to be out with good canoeists lots to learn, made some silly mistakes but overall made some good skill improvements. DP

Sun 22d Nov
River Palenna
After all the rain decided to do a river none of us had done before (5 of us), checked through the guidebook and found this in the wilds above port talbot. First 2-3km was low (somehow managed to find the only river in the UK without much water) and full of trees (various portages, swims and black eyes later), so wouldn't recommend.
Then we got to village of tonmawr and a few little streams enter and the river widens slightly and the trees disappear from the middle of the river, a vast improvement and it becomes a really nice grade 3 with loads of ledges and drops, not many eddies but great read and run paddling (almost alpine in nature), you enter the afan, which feels like a freight train after the previous river. A quick blast down a couple of grade 3's and it was time we'd finished just in time for tea and medals. Prob best done again from tonmawr to the afan and then all the way down to aberafan for a good trip.
MH

Sun 22nd Nov
Rivers Senni + Usk - Aberbran
Gr8 paddle, again with high water levels, but not as high as on 1st Nov. At this level both rivers were more defined and very bouncy, great fun. The 3rd drop on the Usk was still tricky as the tree remains in the safe run river right, but we all shot it successfully! 6 kayaks SE

Sun 15th Nov
River Tywi - Towy Bridge Inn - Dolauhirion
Early start at macros led us to the tywi, the river was high but not in spate, a new trip for a number of paddlers (some of whom it was there first experience on big water). Plenty to keep people occupied especially boily eddies and whirlpools and rescue rangers did there job helping those who upset the river gods. Last rapid of day claimed a few experienced paddlers (won't name names), overall good fun trip which was well attended with 17 paddlers coming along. MH

Sat. 14th. Nov.
Afon Ysgir - Pont Faen - River Usk
A lovely new river for me. It was as described in Chris Sladden's The Welsh Rivers. "Below the little weirs in Pont Faen, the river alternates between grade 2 and 3 natural weir-like steps enclosed within a wooded gorge. Some of these provide excellent surfing waves and holes." There is one weir to portage near the end of the run, easily recognised. The height gage here read 5, the Usk gage at Brecon was just above the summer spate red line - a good height to paddle it. We continued on the Usk to Brecon and finished with lunch in the Castle Inn. Very civilised!
5 Kayaks. SE

8th Nov 2009
Upper Dart & Loop
Arrived Sat after work at the RDCP watched the match had food and beers next morning breakfast bright and early for a blast down the Upper Dart around 5ft med to high level lapping the top of the ledge, a great continous grade 4 run which was brillant and it was sunny to boot!!! A couple of swimmers dealt with quickly some had earned their water wings. Will definatly be back to do this again.

We then ran straight down theLoop, was a big anticlimax after the Upper with a few small rapids and lots of flat water not what I was expecting as a great Classic run of the area, good play waves though at the start and the anvil at the get out was partically interesting in the Jefe
CC

7+8th Nov 2009
4* Kayak Training organised by Llandysul Paddlers. Tony and i headed over to Llandysul for ther weekend (seems like second home after being there for past three out of four weekends). Recent rains had swollen teifi to spate level, so choose two other rivers to use.
Day 1 - River Cothi, nice pleasant grade 2 (lots of little drops and weirs to play in), nice cruisey level, with a little grade 3 gorge section near end
Day 2 - River Sawdde, awesome river (starts with a bang, grade 3 rapid, with 1m drop (will backloop a creek boat), next section is grade 2+, with small drops, then a grade 3 mini gorge, with little slot drops and then a nice grade 2 bimble to end interespersed with a couple of weirs. Tony and i loved this river, definetely run a club trip on it in near future

Excellent course, learnt loads and had plenty of practise leading group on grade 2/3, definetly one for those looking to lead groups

8th. Nov. 2009
River Usk - Talybont - Crickhowell.
Reasonably high water levels and mild conditions made this a very pleasant paddle, on Grade 3 water. Bouncy wave trains and numerous play spots kept everyone happy. It was nice to have some female company, even though they did outclass me! ( Naomi James and Rosie Cribbs) 9kayaks + 1OC. SE
Thanks Sue it was great to be out with world class experienced paddlers a real confidence booster, and great fun. dp

1st November 2009
Sennibridge-Brecon. Lots of water in S Wales, following heavy rain on Saturday night. Usk in spate level, so number of newer paddlers decided to give it a miss and went in search of other less hectic paddling. (good call DP - as 2 other canoe clubs, paddling the same section, lost 4 kayaks + 1 OC between them!). Seven of the braver (foolhardy) paddlers got on the senni and paddled to Aberbran, big flows with river dark brown in colour, all three drops washed out with large standing waves most of the way down. Good fun and interesting to see how river changes in spate, took just over an hour (with inspecting and playing). MH.
Thanks Mark, We had a look at the river at Brecon car park, it was high and fast, in summer you can paddle up river from here but not a chance today. Moved on to Canal basin and decided to try the canal, met friendly boater who told us a good get in point(no parking fee) strong winds took us along for about an hour, and then a tough paddle back into the wind, disappointed not getting on river but still enjoyed paddle on canal. DP

24/25 Oct 09
Teifi Tour. Four club members (+ Alun on Sunday) joined a couple of hundred other paddlers for a week end of camping, paddling, partying, and other stuff. A good water level produced some good rapids, weirs and falls, some strong winds didn't help much. Although ground very wet rain held off and it was quite warm. We practiced river leader skills and had some real rescue practice (on other paddlers at Falls). Thanks to Mark Tony, Mike, and Alun, for a good fun weekend with plenty of good ww practice. 4 kayaks 1 oc. DP http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/dpaynealbum/TeifiTour?authkey=Gv1sRgCL_v25Paiez1Hw# cut and paste for web album

25 Oct 09
Aberbran - Brecon
An enjoyable trip. Water level was quite low, but the trip was a good opportunity to improve white water skills.on grade 2 water. There were equal numbers of 'boys and girls' on the river - good to see! 8 members. SE

16,17,18, Oct 09
4 star leadership Canoe training at Llandysul Paddlers. Course director Jon Caterer. 4 on course Mark and me from our club. Day 1 instruction on moving water and group control and safety. Day 2 flat water skills, rafting, sailing, paddle strokes, dealing with strong winds, self rescues, all in rescues. Day 3 boat recovery techniques, river run students taking turns to lead. All days 9am-5pm. Excellent training, areas of skills identified for more practice, (my first time on this river TEIFI ) Good fun lots to learn skills to improve, and then back for assessment. (don't ask Mark about the buzzers and birds). dp

18 Oct. 09
Surfing at Llangennith. As predicted, there were some lovely, clean sets of 2-3ft waves. Gethin got some coaching from world class kayak surfers Naomi and Nathan and gave an impressive performance! I enjoyed the user friendly waves and calm, warm day. 4 members. SE

10/11 Oct 09
White water safety and rescue. 6 club members attended course held at Symonds Yat, run by Glyn Lewis.
Excellent course and instruction with full participation of all members. This was an intensive training week end, (more time in water than out) kept busy all the time, lots to learn and practice. Unfortunately injury prevented one member attending second day, hope leg gets better soon. If the aches and pains and bruises are anything to go by, I think we all put in max effort and had great fun, and are now ready and able to put into practice what we have learnt. dp also thanks to Mark for arranging.

04/10/09
Sunday afternoon paddle, 2 oc & 2 kayak River Ely from 200mtr below UpandUnder up river to old paper works from here too shallow, so back down river into Penarth marina quick look at white water centre then back to get out. paddle time 3hrs, weather good, easy water for beginners, but water quality not good. dp

27-09-09 Tryweryn - National WW Centre to Bala
This section never fails to excite! Virtually continuous grade 3-4, finishing with the technical Bala Mill Falls. 3kayaks. SE

20/9/09 Symonds Yat - Monmouth
13 paddlers, 5(6) open boaters, 7 kayakers. Nice play on the yat for the open boaters (kayakers didn't want to play..boo), breaking in and out, ferry glides (forward and reverse). We worked on different strokes down rest of river and some poling/stand up paddling. Overall a lovely trip, good weather, scenery and conversation. MH

20-09-09 Sea Kayaking- 4 paddlers, Abereidy to Whitesands
Another beautiful calm day, with a NE breeze, perfect! The NE tidal flow ran from Mid day for 41/2 hrs, giving us plenty of time to round St. David’s head. As we were a little early, we decided to head towards Porthgain, but we soon encountered huge over-falls and were making no headway, it was time to turn and go with the flow! We got to St David’s head surprisingly quickly, but also encountered some interesting over-falls, as a result of the spring tides. Once round the head the calm conditions returned, so we practiced our rolls and rescues. Another great day! SE

19-09-09 Sea Kayaking –3 paddlers, Solva to Whitesands.
The conditions were calm, force 1-2 westerly wind and little swell, but it was a 7.56m spring tide. We timed the paddle so that we would go though Ramsey sound 2hrs before high tide, when ‘The *******’ would be running. We crossed the sound above The *******, paddled through the main wave / rapid and broke out into an eddy so that we could watch all of the play boaters surf the waves- very impressive! We then continued to Whitesands with the help of the tidal stream. The paddle through the sound was quite interesting, with grabby eddy lines and whirl pools to negotiate! SE

13 09/09
Another visit to Symonds Yat, first time for most, paddle up river to Symonds Yat West, river lower than last week easier going but still a new experience for girls. Back down to rapids Gethin keen to go , girls sort of. A good run down and ferry glide and small wave practice at bottom. Portage back to top and return paddle to get out. Andrew and daughter just arrived so back to rapids, this time all enjoy eddy hopping up and down a couple of rescues followed by cream teas egg and chips and ice cream, a lovely day out with good weather, and an excellent intro to moving water for girls. DP


11/9/9
Sea Paddle, Ramsey Island, Pembrokeshire
With the lovely spell of weather, conditions were looking perfect for a paddle round Ramsey Island, setting off from Porthclais. High tide was at 11am., sea state 1-2 and a force 3 NE wind which meant that most of the trip would be on the lee shore, sheltered from the wind. The trip went as expected. The lack of swell meant that it was possible to explore caves, paddle through natural arches and do plenty of rock hopping. We enjoyed plentiful sightings of seals, but were unable to land as every beach had seal pups on it! The return journey included ferry gliding across 'The *******' and making use of the tidal stream through Ramsey sound. A perfect maiden voyage for my new sea kayak! 4 paddlers, 2 members and a very impressed couple who joined us. SE.

6/9/09
Me again, Sunday paddle Symonds Yat, up to rock play, down rapids a couple of times. 3kayaks 1 oc. Paddle up to rock hard going against strong flow. Gethin and Mum(in new boat) and Tony as safety and me oc. Gethin had good introduction to seal launch using slides and rock with Tony assisting. As mum was ok with having a go on rapids we headed on down, an exciting end to an excellent day out. Thanks to all. DP

5/9/09
Saturday morning ww trip,Quakers Yard- Graveyard Pontyprydd. Good water level and interesting trip with 2 kayak and 1 OC. A bit late starting (I got lost) but made up time on way down. One portage for oc on first drop, but then all the way down including Graveyard (first time for oc). A most enjoyable morning paddle. Thanks to Geraint/Tony.DP

31/08/09
Canoe camping week end, Hereford- Hoarwithy- Ross on Wye, good cury in Hereford Saturday evening, Full breakfast Sunday morning, on the water 10ish down to Hoarwithy 6pm ish, good campsite big campfire lots of beer and a good nights sleep, earlyish breakfast then down to Ross 4 pm finish. (These trips can be so tough).Thanks Mark,Phil

16/8/09
River Wye - Two star training - 7 paddlers (5 opens + 1 kayaks). Started in Ross (really really busy) and finished in Kerne Bridge (really really busy- packed most cars in lydbrook). Great weather and a relaxing paddle down, interspersed with training for those doing their two star. MH

09/8/09
River Wye, Symonds Yat-Monmouth - 6 paddlers

02/08/09
River Neath - 11 club members, 10 kayaks and one canoe. Bit of a faff at start in dinas rock (forgotten kit, warning from vice chair of local fishing club not to paddle). Good paddle, with plenty of interest, (especially for those following alun's lines). Plenty of friendly fisherfolk wishing us a merry day (not). Fun had by all, with 8 paddlers on small playwave at get out..MH

02/08/09
Langland Surf 2-3ft low to mid tide 3 surf kayakers some surprisingly nice steep waves coming through off the reef sun out good session, with lots of good surfing had by all.CC

26/08/09
Where to go, 3 kayaks 1 oc, Decided on Abercynon to Grave yard, Abercynon weir in good flow and a good ride all the way down, Grave yard difficult with tree branches blocking best runs, so some portage, no photos to busy. DP

25/07/09
Surf at Ogmore, 2 kayaks 1 sot. High water about 9.30pm gave us a couple of hours to play on some useful waves, waves running up estuary made for long surf rides, a few other sot surfers out having fun.DP

19/07/09
River Taff, Abercynon-Grog shop
Change of plan from suggested rhondda due to high water levels. Taff was high (spate) but a good bouncy level, 7 paddlers in all and we got to finish in sunshine and got serenaded with music in ponty whilst paddling through. MH

18/07/09
River Taff, Greg's Bakery - Radyr Wier.
The suggested trip had to be changed as the water level had dropped below the red mark on the Usk and the water gauge was still covered on the Wye! The Taff was at a good level with plenty of opportunities to practice basic white water skills. 6 of the group finished off with shooting Radyr Wier. Well paddled Sam, Gethin and Lara.
12 paddlers, 10 kayaks + 1 OC. SE

05/07/09
Sea Kayaking
Mumbles Langland- with some swell running was a fun trip in bouncy sea and a great place to practice deep water rescues and finish with a play in the surf and some rolling practice. CC

04/07/09 - 05/07/09
Ogmore Canoe Slalom Div 4 and 3
Saturday was a really successful club day with 10 members entering the competition. The coaching we received from Ray 2 weeks before paid off with everyone completing the course really well, gaining great results.
In Men's Div 4 Gethin Gronow won with Steve Haggard 2nd and Andrew White 3rd. All 3 got promoted into Div 3!
In Women's Div 4 Amianne was 2nd gaining the under 18 prize and Ceri was 3rd, gaining the under 14 prize.
Steve Reece won his C1 Div 3 event.
Well done everyone, including the non prize winners.
On Sunday Gethin returned to enter his 1st Div 3 competition. Once again he paddled really well, being placed 2nd and gaining the under 18 prize!
Steve Reece won his C1 Div 3 event again! Well done both! SE

28/06/09
Ross on Wye- Kern Bridge, Well attended 2 OCs 1 SOT 5 Kayaks, Sunshine all the way,water levels low but ok. River busy with hire boats at entry points but no problem when moving, first river trip for 1. Most finished with swim session to cool down. Thanks to all.

28/06/09
Sea Kayaking, Fishgard - Abercastle, rounding Strumble Head.
As this can be a challenging paddle, with numerous over-falls and limited escape routes, the conditions had to be right. The checks were complete, tide times, weather forecast and in this case ferry arrival and departure times, all looked good so we set off in a confident mood. This interesting trip was uneventful, but it was clear that it could be very different in less favourable conditions. We enjoyed a wonderful display of sea birds at Pwll Deri. Another great day!
3 sea Kayaks. SE

27/06/09
Sea Kayaking, Abereiddy-Abercastle
As there were only 2 of us, we planned a round trip which worked well. The day was hot, sunny and calm, so we enjoyed exploring all of the caves, natural arches and other features on this interesting stretch of coastline. This took 3hrs including a Cappachino stop at Porthgain! After lunch we paddled out from Abercastle until we picked up the tidal flow and headed straight back, an easy 1hr return trip! SE

21/06/09
Sea Kayaking, Llangennith - Port Eynon.
This was an exciting and challenging trip! We began by paddling through the bigger than predicted 1.5ft. surf. We then encountered a head wind and swell as we headed to Worm's Head. The overfalls at Worm's Head were huge and very exciting. We paddled out through the waves and then surfed them as we turned towards Mewslade Bay. From then on the wind, tide and swell was 3/4 behind us which has the effect of turning the kayak into wind. These are conditions where the use of a skeg really helps, but as mine refused to work, I had a hard paddle having to continually use sweep strokes to keep direction.
6 sea Kayaks, 2 members and friends including Adrian, an amazing, paraplegic paddler! Overall a great day. SE

13/06/09 - 14/06/09
A weekend of great surf at Newgale. We also caught the bus to Solva and walked back along the coastal path.
2 members + friends. SE

24/05/09
2 oc,s Kern Bridge - Symonds Yat, Sunshine all the way, Symonds Yat very busy, water level good, rapids too busy to play on with oc (too many of those little boats) lots of them trying to run rapids upside down.

24/05/09
Sea Kayaking, Martins Haven - Dale.
Beautiful calm sunny day made an uneventful but enjoyable paddle. 3 of the group decided to do the return trip! 6 Sea Kayaks - 4 members and friends. SE

23/05/09
Sea Kayaking
Skomer Island
2 sea kayaks paddled to Skomer Island from Martins Haven and saw what they went for - lots of Puffins! Great viewing and paddle. SE

17/05/09
FSRT Assessment Cosmeston Lake
7 Candidates and phil as assessor (+ two helpers). Weather was typically autumnal though it was mid may. Wet, cold and windy. Congratulations to all in passing your assessments. The pool training in the weeks prior to assessment has been very effective with all candidates having a high standard of performance.

10/05/09
Llantwit Major to Ogmore
After careful checking, we could see that conditions were perfect for this trip. Sun, force 2 wind from the East and the tidal flow to help us along! These all lead to an enjoyable days paddle, including a lunch stop at Dunraven Bay,Southerndown and a detour to Tusker Rock to explore the wreck. 4 sea Kayaks - 2members + friends. SE

10/05/09
Ross on Wye To Kern Bridge,
Water level very low but useable, after previous days of high winds and hail, Sunday turned out to be a really nice day and we enjoyed a nice relaxing trip with time to enjoy lunch on river bank. 2 oc's 1 double 1 single.

02-03-04/05/09
Canoe camping trip, Bredwardine-Hoarwithy. 3 solo canoes, weather not too bad strongish winds some sunshine and showers and coldish at nights, water level low and slow quite hard going at times, overall a good trip with experienced paddlers/campers.( I think about 30 miles).

19/04/09
Solva to Whitesands
Sea paddle on a beautiful sunny day. As the wind was Northerly the coast from Solva to Ramsey Sound was sheltered and a small swell made for some interesting rock hopping and paddling through narrow gaps! We timed the paddle to pass through Ramsey Sound and 'The *******' with the tidal flow, before heading for Whitesands.
4 sea kayaks. SE

19/04/09
Open Canoe Training. Greggs to Radyr Weir. Delayed start due to bird problem(don't ask) river level dropped from sat but still ok some good practice, 2 double 1 solo should have been 3solo 1 double(don't ask).

18/04/09
Greggs to Llandaff, good weather good water good fun.

04/04/09
Surf development Aberavon
photos by dp

Easter Weekend 10/04/09 - 13/04/09
Pleasant weekend camping at Whitesands. Excellent weather and good surf, which started big and powerful but became smaller and cleaner, allowing all abilities to enjoy a session. There was also time for walking, climbing and socialising. 8 members and friends. SE

29/03/09
Kern Bridge- Symonds Yat +rapids. Low water quite slow but weather good with sunshine and gentle breeze.1 kayak 1canoe, although water level low the new layout at the rapids had some fast water enough to play on. For me in my little canoe getting in and out of the eddies is a bit tight. Having run these rapids a few times I don't think they are are useable as they were (any comments).


15/3/09
Usk, Aberbran-Brecon. 12 Paddlers in total (5 in OCs, 7 in kayaks). Low water level but still floatable. Phil did work with the open boaters on rapids whilst kayakers had a little play. Fantastic weather and scenery (too hot for cags and thermals, was base layer & shorts wather). Got some scratches on my new open now..sob sob. MH
photos by dp

1/3/09
Wye, Symonds Yat - Monmouth. 14 paddlers in total (few others dropped out at last minute). 3 OCs, rest kayaks. Had a little play on new improved yat and then bimble to Monmouth. Fantastic weather, really nice, nice water level too (last yr exactly we did same trip and it snowed). Nice first trip out in my shiny new open.
MH photos by dp PHOTOS

22/02/09
Canoe Wales Freestyle training day, Morriston weirs, Swansea. Well attended by club members, good day had by all. Thanks to Lowri

01/02/09
Taff, Abercynon Weir-Grog Shop - 4 paddlers (last minute change of plan due to low water levels on advertised trip), river was fun cruisey level, lots of waves to play on and rocks to splat/grind on way down, good fun + good company. Weather good, though cold when wind picked up and was threatening to snow all way down...MH

25/01/09
Usk Sennibridge-Aberbran. 12 paddlers in total, started on the senni and onto usk (2 rivers for price of one). Nice cruisey level, lots of nice play waves on way down, couple of swims (Alun on first drop...). Fab paddle and good weather, made even better by hot choc an smartie cookie on way home...MH

Log 25/01/09
River Race Taff, Radyr Weir - Llandaf, Good attendace from several clubs. We had 2 members in 2 classes,
me, open boat (canadian) and Neal in over 4mtr Race Boat. My time was 17min 6 sec (second in class) will add Neals time when I get it. River was high fast with big wave rappids, a good event well worth having a go. DP
(only 2 in oc class but other boat had 2 paddlers and I was'nt far behind)

26/01/09
Middle Tawe sunny floaty quick blast down bit more water would of been nice, lets all do a rain dance for next weekend. CC

Log 18/01/09
Talybont- Crckhowell, Nice and sunny which was a suprise and the water had risen from Saturdays level but only to a high medium. Nice playful run down hardly anyone else out on the river

Chris

Log 17/01/09 (Saturday)
Aberbran- Brecon, High water level on this section produced some nice bouncy streches and good speed, paddling with Sue and Colin gave me a chance to lead (only 3 of us) which I found quite interesting and rewarding plenty of eddy hoping and ferry gliding practice on fairly fast water. Lots of other paddlers out due to weather forcast for Sunday.

Log 18/01/09
Taff, Gregs- Radyr Weir. Change to advertised trip due to high levels and mechanical mishaps (mucho gracias to jon, andy and steve r for lend of jack hammer and pokey things...grr vans). 9 Paddlers, plus bank babe (dave), big water, which was fast flowing and bouncy, some nice surf waves..took 50 mins to do whole trip. WEB ALBUM

Log 4/01/09
Open Canoeing River Wye- Kern Bridge to Lower Lydbrook, was going to be longer but due to it being -4 we decided to keep it short

Log 01/01/09
New year surf Caswell bay, only a few of us out, had a good time although very cold, made up for it with hot choc at Braclet Bay. Car parks at all beaches full. Quite a lot of surfers and swimmiers out. It was good to get out on the water. DP

Log 28/12/08
Swan rescue attempt, assisted in attempt to capture swan with fishing hook in mouth without sucsess tried again in evening with paddlers from other clubs but still no luck. 6 ccc members turned out. very cold and windy. DP

Log 21/12/08
Taff, Gregs-Radyr Weir, Only 3 Canadians going solo, good water level, some wind but not to bad, and warmer than usual. A realy good paddle time to play on waves and practice moves. After last week this was quite relaxing.DP

Log 14/12/08
Usk Talybont - Crickhowell (Christmas Paddle and Dinner)
Weather cold but dry, water level good, 3 canadian canoes 10 kayaks. For me I would class this as a real white water experience (canadian), long bouncy streches with rocks to avoid, drops and weirs to survive and lots of little craft to keep away from,(most of the time but nobody's perfect sorry Rhys). River leader and safety having to work well, a couple of mishaps, but this is where the skills and training show and all was well. This was my first trip on this section anyone else like to add to this log, feel free Pub Dinner very well attended about 40, good atmosphere good food and good company.DP

Log 07/12/08
Tywi 16km grade 2-3. Considering how cold it was this trip was well attended with 9 paddlers
(7 kayaks 2 open canoes). Quite a long drive but well worth it. A new river for most of us with plenty of bounce and nice rocks, the gorge section very impressive, the water was clean and at a reasonable level. Good team work by all. DP

Log 30/11/08
Wye 10km grade 2-3 - (Hell Hole section). We were all a bit indecisive due to low levels and cold weather, but eventually settled on a quick paddle down to hell hole on wye. Had 8 club members turn up and paddle, good turnout especially due to cold conditions and distance. Had no swims and twas a good. We all enjoyed the hot chocolate after in Brecon on way home. Mark

Log 29/11/08
Saturday morning visit to sprint race club at Channel View. 2 adult 2 juniors, We took our own kit and boats but had the use of a junior ski, Daniel and Owen managed it very well although the weather was extremly cold, us older ones found it a bit too wobbly for such a cold morning. The good news is that we have been offered the chance to try one at our pool session.

Log 23/11/08
Trip change from Usk to Wye due to low water levels.Trip well attended with canoes and kayaks, Symonds Yat to Monmouth, first time on new rapids for most of us, a bit washed out for playing. Strong winds a problem for solo canoeing but got there in the end. Always good to be out on the water. DP

Log 16/11/08
Dinas rock -Resolven. A well attended trip, a vehicle breakdown prevented Sue and Colin joining us on river,hope they will join us next week. This was a new river for a few of us and at a higher grade than we are use to but all went well even though we had a later start than was planned. 8 Kayaks and 1Canadian (Phil). As always thanks to leader Mark and safety cover Buddies. Good water, good company, good paddle. DP

Log 15/11//08
Bridgend - WCA inter club Slalom competition. We entered a club team for this event 4 juniors, 2 intermediate, 2seniors and good backup from club members. The friendly run competition and good location provided an excellent introduction to Slalom competition ( only I, Sue, had competed before!). Everyone enjoyed the day and did really well completing the course. It was disappointing that we did not get the results at the end of the day, as prize giving is an important and fun part of competition, however it was the first time Bridgend/ Maesteg Canoe clubs had run an event like this.
Results. Well done, we came 2nd. out of 7 clubs!!
I think you all did really well at your first slalom. We had some good results:-
Junior ladies Ceri 2nd, Kelsey 3rd.
Intermediate men Jonathan 2nd
Intermediate ladies Amianne 3rd (only 5secs. behind Sue! Well done!)
Junior men Sam 6th Josh 9th.
Senior men Dave's 2nd run was much better than his 1st.
Senior ladies Sue, came 3rd
Jonathan was the most consistant, with the best result of Cardiff CC =166 in both runs! Very interesting as he paddled each run in very different kayaks!! Sue

Log 09/11/08
River Ewenny Pencoed-Ogmore 5 Paddlers, Weather, heavy rain at times, gale force winds most of the time, good water levels after Pencoed get in, leaders Phil, Neal, First time on this river for most of us the river guide quite accurate with weirs drops and portages we think this could be a good river under good conditions for 2* kayak or canoe. The river is quite narrow untill it reaches the estuary where depending on tide it widens, the estuary is much more exsposed to weather conditions and also requires knowledge of tides. Thanks to all. DP


my LOG DP 18,19,25,26/10/08
Level 2 coach training Ocean View Cardiff.

Log 12/10/08
3* assessments with Phil and Sue, Kate came along to support girls training, Usk river too low to paddle so moved to Glasbury to Hay on Wye, better levels here able to do assessments and have a play at the weir. Weather conditions were great warm sunny gentle breeze, no problem getting volunteers in the water for line throwing. All paddlers sucsesful in 3* Thanks to Phil Sue Chris and Mark for training sessions and thanks to all on the day for a great day out.DP

LOG 05/10/08
After being asked by several people to organise a a training session for the three star award, and as the rivers were full it would be rude not to. We met at the layby in Aberbran got all five boats and paddlers into my car and drove up to a full Afon Senni and a high Usk. Covered all the river skills from eddy hopping ferry gliding using waves and stoppers and covered leadership, picking lines through rapids. Thanks to those who made it and good luck for your three star assessment . Chris

LOG 05/10/08
Plan for trip changed, Phil unable to run trip and weather conditions were not good heavy rain strong winds and water level quite high and fast flowing. Six of us turned out 5 adult 1 junior, 2 oc 4 kayak. We decided to move to Symonds Yat and do the shorter run up river to rock, this turned out to be quite a strugle agaist wind and current especialy for Josh who made a realy good effort . We eventually reached the rock for lunch after making some boat changes on the way,conditions not to good for playing although Tony took a dive of the rock. I think this was a good trip for all we were at our limits against the conditions but still had a good time. Thanks to all DP

LOG 28/09/08
Symonds Yat fun day.(not club trip)
Steve, me, and family members had a fun day playing on rock and swimming. Steve, me, Ammianne, and Josh, doing kayak slides of the rock and girls jumping, also used shutes for launching. A very good day out good weather good water and good company. Thanks to all. DP
NOTE: None club trips are arranged by club members, ask at club if interested. Club trips are posted and arranged by club Trip (river) leaders.

LOG 21/09/08
ROSS ON WYE TO KERNE BRIDGE leader Mark, 8 paddlers
A realy nice day out, sunshine gentle breeze clear sky and enough water for easy paddle.DP
Just throw it

LOG 6-7-13/09/08
Rivers out, been doing my own thing paddleing up and down parts of Brecon canal getting ready for 3 star assesment OC, good for muscle building and technique, got invited to overtake a canal cruiser, ok till you get into the bow wave.DP

LOG 31/08/08
White water training at Abercynon Weir With Chris and Mark, a BIG turnout 16 paddlers some first time out.
River levels had dropped so Chris chose weir for practice, a few swims so everybody trying hard. A few hours fun then of to the pub for some. The new paddlers did extremely well and Im sure they would like thank every one for their support. DP
WEB ALBUM

LOG 17/08/08
Change from list to Sennybridge Aberbran Phil, Chris, Mark, and Alun, as Instuctors and safety
and four keen student paddlers. An excellent trip for white water training in canoe and kayak, new skills learnt
and other skills tried and tested in good water conditions. Hope to have some photos to follow.DP
videos

LOG 20/07/08
there was 10 of us.myself, (Steve) amianne,kelsey,john,jade,tony,ceri,
andy,sam ,lauren.we arrived at symonds yat at11 and checked out the rappids they were almost washed out no good realy for the youngsters to play on,so we decided to paddle up to the seal launching rock where we spent a good couple of hours diving,jumping and seal launching of it fun was had by all.
videos

LOG 19.20.07/08
Camping w/e
Start Hoarwithy, camp site first night, down to Ross On Wye (10m) early evening, on to beach camp for second night, move out early morning down to Trelleck for late breakfast. As we had planed a mid point shuttle at this point the group was able to split allowing some to finish early and others to extend trip on to Monmouth for late evening meal. 4 canadians 5 paddlers, weather strongish wind Saturday with some rain, Sunday good, river level good moving approx 2-3mph.DP
photos

LOG 14/07/08
ABERCYNON WEIR
photo web album

LOG 13/07/08
Southerndown beach and paddle, small waves to play on and nice sunny day, only a few members out but still an enjoyable day, Greg led paddle towards Ogmore and I stayed on surf with Joshua, also non paddlers out for the day.DP

LOG 06/07/08
Kerne Bridge-Symonds Yat
Strong winds and heavy rain forcast, but not too bad on day. Exellent turn out 16 paddlers
2 canoes and 13 kayaks, paddle power kids on trip Ceri Joshua Sam Loran, all did exceptionaly well
with training from Sue and Colin,that included run down rapids and ferry gliding, every one had a good time, jumping of the rock, running rapids. usuall thanks to safety , Alun Jade Johnathon and trip leader Mark.
photos click for web photos DP

sueeads album in galleryalbum



LOG 29/06/08
Abercynon- Pontyprydd
Low water level lots of rocks a few bouncy rapids a good experience if you have only done flat water before.
Not a good place to drop your car keys(ask Alyn) Grave yard always interesting . Weather (didnt really notice to busy avoiding rocks).exellent turn out 15 paddlers, so ran in 2 groups lots of eddy hopping.Trip leader Chris and Mark and thanks to safety paddlers. DP

LOG 27/06/08
Friday evening white water training, Grave yard.
A good introduction to white water rescues and swimming, well attended with 9 paddlers, to be followed with a trip on Sunday. Thanks to Chris and Helpers. DP

LOG 22/06/08
KAYAK CANOE TRAINING PHIL,CHRIS,
DUE TO LACK OF COMMUNICATION AND DROP OUT OF PADDLERS TRAINING CANCELLED.
ANDREW AND MYSELF EVENTUALLY DECIDED ON RADYR WEIR TO LLANDAFF, ENOUGH WATER NOT TO BE SCRAPING BOTTOM AND STRONG FOLLOWING WIND TRIP COVERED IN ABOUT 40 MIN WITH A BIT OF PLAY TIME ON WAY. FIRST TIME WE'VE PADDLED DOUBLE THIS YEAR AND BOTH AGREED NEAD MORE PRACTICE.
My apologies to Phil for not contacting him on fri/sat. DP

LOG 13/14/15/06/08
CANOE CAMPING TRIP FRIDAY EVENING -SUNDAY AFTERNOON
BREDWARDINE TO HOARWORTHY (DISTANCE 30 MILES)
TWO CANADIANS AND 3 PADDLERS PHIL ALEX AND DP
TWO NIGHTS CAMPING ON RIVER BANK AND PLENTY OF TIME TO COMPLETE JOURNEY
WEATHER WAS VERY GOOD DRY SUNNY AND FOLLOWING LIGHT WINDS
WATER LEVEL WAS LOW AND SLOW MOVING
A GOOD WEEKEND TRIP AND TEST OF FITTNESS.
THANKS TO PHIL FOR ORGANISEING AND ALEX FOR COMPANY. DP

LOG 08/06/08
SAFETY COVER FOR CARDIFF TRIATHLON
VERY EARLY START PROVIDING SAFETY COVER FOR 100 SWIMMERS AROUND COSMESTON LAKE
A GOOD TURNOUT, 8 PADDLERS AND ALL WENT WELL,EXCELLENT WEATHER NO WIND, WARM,DRY,AND A FLAT CALM. NOT SO GOOD FOR SURF AT LLANGENNITH (cancelled) nice to see joe up early. DP

LOG O1/06/08
REVISED TRIP ROSS ON WYE TO KERNE BRIDGE
GOOD WEATHER OVERCAST BUT WARM 7 PADDLERS LEADER MARK
EASY PADDLE WITH TIME TO CHAT AND RELAX, RAPIDS AT SYMONDS YAT WASHED OUT.
A VERY PLEASANT TRIP, THANKS TO ALL. DP

LOG 24-26/05/08
Whitesands surfing.
Heavy rain, very strong offshore winds, not much surf. 13 people turned up. One teenage paddler found his first experience of a real surf boat "interesting"! Greg

LOG 25/05/08
REVISED TRIP SYMONDS YAT
VERY BAD WEATHER GALE FORCE WINDS AND HEAVY RAIN OVER NIGHT UNTIL12PM SUNDAY
A GOOD TURNOUT OF 12 PADDLER'S (4 JUNIORS)
PADDLED UP TO ROCK AND THEN DOWN TO RAPIDS FOR PLAYTIME. WEATHER WAS OK
1 CANADIAN AND 9 KAYAKS. FIRST RIVER TRIP FOR A FEW AND ALL WENT WELL.
CONSIDERING HOW BAD THE WEATHER WAS IT WAS A GOOD TURNOUT.
THANKS TO ALL .DP

LOG 18/05/08
CONY BEACH to OGMORE (ISH)
WEATHER GOOD MEDIUM EASTERLY WIND, LOW TIDE 12.10pm
SEA LOW SWELL NOT CHOPPY BUT QUITE LUMPY
LEADER GREG
PHIL WOOD BIG D AND DP
PADDLE OUT 1HOUR RETURN 50 MIN
A NICE CHANGE TO NORMAL RIVER RUNS AND SURF
A FRIENDLY CHEERFUL OUTING .THANKS TO ALL, DP

LOG 10-11/05/08
HAY ON WYE to BREDWARDINE
CANOE CAMPING WEEKEND
LEADER PHIL
MEMBERS 4 ADULT
WEATHER DRY WARM, HOT ON SUNDAY, WIND SOFT BREEZE
A VERY ENJOYABLE QUITE RELAXING PADDLE WELL ORGANISED, LOTS OF PEOPLE ENJOYING SUNDAY PICNICS ALONG RIVER BANK. LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT TRIP.DP

LOG 27/04/08
RIVER TAFF OPEN BOAT TRAINING
Radyr Wier to Llandaff
I WASN'T ON THIS TRIP NEED DETAILS FOR LOG (Mark Phil)




My log level 1 coach training 26/27 April 08
Two more days of intensive training (good fun and games) all students passed and now eager to get coaching . This is the start on the coaching ladder and I'm looking forward to my next course,(lots of practice to do first). Thanks to all staff and students for making an enjoyable experience. DP



My log level 1 coach training 12/13 April 08
Two full days of excellent training on or near the water most of the time,use of centres boats and facilities also excellent. 12 students on course now all friends, top class instructors. You can see confidence building in everyone not day by day, but hour by hour. Lots of new stuff to take back to club, looking forward to next couple of days training. DP


LOG 06/04/08
SYMONDS YAT to MONMOUTH BOAT CLUB
LEADER MARK
MEMBERS 5 ADULT
WEATHER COLD WITH A BIT OF WIND GOOD SUNSHINE and SNOW SHOWERS
WATER LEVEL FAIRLY HIGH YAT RAPIDS WORKABLE AT BOTTOM
GRADE 1-2
COMMENTS A little bit of discomfort due to weather but still nice to be on the water, doing what we outer?
short practice session on strongish rapid and then stroll down to Monmouth with time to chat.Getting changed in car park in a snow shower quite interesting. Again thanks to all. DP


LOG 16/03/08
KEARN BRIDGE to SYMONDS YAT
LEADER MARK
MEMBERS 5 ADULT 5 JUNIOR
WEATHER FAIR AFTER HEAVY RAIN AND STRONG WINDS
LEVEL HIGH AND FAST FLOWING est 5-6mph
GRADE due to level and speed 2 normal conditions 1
COMMENTS . A WELL ATTENDED TRIP COSIDERING FORCAST CONDITIONS, AGAIN WEATHER ON OUR SIDE FOR TRIP, REALY GOOD TO HAVE FAMILY AND INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS OUT TOGETHER,
AND EVERY ONE ENJOYED OUTING EVEN THOUGH A BIT COLD.THANKS TO ALL...DP



LOG 09/03/08 GREGS TO RADYR WEIR
LEADER MARK
MEMBERS 8adult 4children (8-10yrs)
WEATHER (poor forecast) GOOD FOR TRIP
GRADE 2
LEVEL GOOD AFTER BIT OF RAIN

LEADERS COMMENTS

COMMENT by DP
A good day out well attended with better than expected weather, water level high enough to avoid most rocks and provide some good rapids .Good safety cover from experienced paddlers made trip relaxed and enjoyable especially for the kids who all did very well, nice to get Canadians out (2off) Special mention fof Ceri who paddled her kayak showing a high level of skill and ability and enjoyed every minute. Thanks to Mark and everyone for an excellent trip.


TRIP LOG 02/03/08

TRIP CANCELED
LOW WATER



TRIP LOG 03/02/08 BRECON TO TALYBONT
LEADER MARK
MEMBERS 5
WEATHER DRY VERY STRONG WIND
WATER GRADE 2/2+
LEVEL MEDIUM

LEADERS COMMENTS



TRIP LOG 10/02/08 QUAKERS YARD -GROG SHOP
LEADER PHIL
MEMBERS 2
WEATHER GOOD
GRADE 2/3
LEVEL MEDIUM

LEADERS COMMENTS