Paddling tips, tricks, news and gear reviews from an Unsponsored point of view
Until recently, I didn’t realise how much South Wales could offer in terms of open canoeing day trips. I’d heard of the classic Wye tours but did not realise just how much there is to paddle there: From meandering grade 1 to technical grade 3, something for everyone! I had the opportunity to spend some time down there and between walking and caving, I managed to borrow a subtle lime green canoe and sample some of many stretches of Welsh goodness.
The Afon Conwy has now been under threat since 2013! RWE have been pursuing plans to dam, divert and draw power from the river for over 2 years! This scheme has the potential to ruin the river’s delicate eco-system, provide misery on the roads and damage local businesses & communities.
The National Park’s verdict on the proposed scheme will be given on the 2nd March, 10am at Plas Tan y Bwlch. If you oppose the scheme then please attend and show your solidarity.
The date and time is awkward but if you can be there please do so to represent those like myself who will not be able to leave work. It is essential that the momentum continues.
Keep up to date by visiting the following:
http://savetheconwy.com/2016/
http://www.facebook.com/savetheconwy/
Just in from Benn Goodwill. Footage for a weekend’s worth of boating in Wales.
Some footage from the weekend boating, its always a good day on the river! even got a bit of carnage in here.
Keep up to date with the proposed hydro scheme on the Conwy in Wales by visiting Save The Conwy.
In recent days is has come to light that a number of the people who have written to the National Park Planners in support of the scheme are folk who either work directly for the company wishing to install the hydro or have a direct link to the same company e.g. subcontractors.
Further details can be found here.
The proposed hydro scheme on the River Conwy has been getting a fair bit of news recently, particularly on social media. In summary one of the greatest stretches of whitewater in the UK is still under real threat.
Alternative power sources are an important part of our overall energy plan in the UK the small benefit in power generation in this case needs to be weighed against the damage to the river and surrounding ecosystem.
Please some time to read the FAQ summary here. You will also find details on how you can have your say about the scheme.
A place of legend, the Bitches is tidal race just off the Welsh coastline. It’s a favourite with paddlers of all types. When it is running you’ll see various types of boats and the odd surfboard.
Unsponsored has more about The Bitches here.
One of the greatest stretches of whitewater in the UK is under real threat.
The German company RWE NPower, in association with Dulas (a North Wales renewable energy consultants) are planning to dam and divert up to 75% of the flow above Conwy Falls (Penmachno Bridge) for the purposes of small scale hydroelectric power generation. The section under threat is known to paddlers as the “Fairy Glen”. To put this into perceptive the Conwy only needs 10m³/s of water for it to be paddled. The scheme will divert 6m³/s of water through a 2km long pipe. This will significantly reduce the number of days per year that the Conwy will be at the minimum paddling level.
A wee video of the Falls of Lora, Bitches and Severn Bore. If I’d have known I’d be paddling all 3 in a month I might of had the GoPro on a bit more but oohhh well. Enjoy.
Recently I purchased a fluid bazooka because after a few beaterings it became apparent that to run the bigger rivers in wales I’d need a bigger boat!
The Bazooka is one of the smaller white water boats on the market coming in a just over 2 and a half metres but has shed loads of volume. It’s a boat designed for steep technical rivers but will still look after you on bigger rivers.
Andy Butler takes a P&H Hammer On The Mawddach. The P&H Hammer is a 13ft sea kayak. Could it also be a great river runner or creeker?
Mega Swimmer rocking the Dee in the Long boat.
Just a fun training session on the River in the Long Boat waiting for it to rain. Continue reading
Start as you mean to go on.
My first paddling day of 2015, a quick blast down the Ogwen (no footage) followed by a few blasts down the Aberglaslyn Gorge in North Wales. Continue reading
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