Trip Tips & Recollections

This page contains personal recollections of trips and tips if you are to go:

Cardiff International White Water Centre (CIWW)

Colin checked out the CIWW in April 2010:

• It helps to take a spare paddle. I lost mine for a long time before it reappeared (safe & sound), so it is worth taking a spare paddle. It is apparently unusual to lose a paddle they normally just float off down the course if you let go.

• It is better to loosen up before attempting the course; you can spend some time in the wave/eddies at the bottom to get your feel. If it's your first time, you should not attempt the whole thing at once - instead they do not mind you starting part way round and building up to it - but it is not obvious that you can do this. There is a ramp down into the water about three stages from the bottom.

• You need parental consent forms signed if you are under 18 - so go with a parent.

• The conveyor belt is very cool if you can do the whole run...

• You can get good swimming practice! But don't worry you will be in good company as there a lot of swimmers.

• In terms of difficulty, recent 3* paddlers can get round about one in five times initially (e.g. me, Chris, Katrina). More experienced paddlers can get round every time (e.g. Ben, Nick, Phil).

Tryweryn - National White Water Centre (Wales)

The club organises a weekend trip to the Tryweryn every summer (in August). The river Tryweryn is just above the town and lake of Bala in north Wales and takes about 5 hours to get there. We normally travel up on a Friday, paddle all day Saturday and Sunday Morning then back Sunday Afternoon. We have stayed in lodgings or camped.

The Tryweryn (otherwise known as the National White Water Centre) comprises a 5-mile section of river fed by a reservoir that is used to control the water levels in the Dee though Chester. The centre organises for dam releases which allow the river to be paddled on most weekends. The flow rate is typically 9 cumecs.

The upper mile of the river at the centre itself has been modified to provide a series of water features at around Grade 3/4 level. This section can be fairly unforgiving (if you capsize then your boat can go a long way without you) but can also be good fun.

The remaining 4 miles of the river is a lovely Grade 2/3 with a surprise Grade 3/4 (Bala Falls) at the end (which has an easy portage).

Having tried the upper section then the lower section on my first trip and then the lower section before the upper section on my second trip; I can thoroughly recommend doing the Lower Section in the Saturday morning (to get your balance and practice) prior to doing the Upper Section in the afternoon. That way round is more enjoyable and better on ones confidence.

If you are Grade 3 standard and get the opportunity it is well worth a try.