Afon Tawe 5th December

[Tim]

Country Park to Abercraf
Level 0.6
Grade 3+
Weather 10 degrees and blowing a hooley.
Breakfast at Morrisons in Leominster.
Apres Paddle drink and nibbles at The Fountain Inn.

With higher winds and the potential for floods in North Wales we decided to head south to the less visited Brecon Beacons. Driving conditions were not the best en route and sure enough a very large branch fell from a tree missing our cars by several feet. Scary Stuff!

The Tawe provided us with a variety of paddling experiences and features – rock slides, drops and bendy twisty type rapids often set within a dramatic limestone gorge environment. Anyone running this section of river for the first time will be enthralled by it and long will it last in the memory. Nothing beats running a river for the first time and challenging yourself on a new rapid. The features that have been carved into the landscape along here need to be seen to be believed.

The highlights of the day include watching the lads successfully running pen y cae falls with big smiles and Kee paddling backwards superbly down a long rock slide. Paul cruised through everything today. Rich continues to go through a second childhood and I just love being out on the water!

Personal Reflection……..without getting too deep and meaningful here are a few points I would like to make. If paddlers commit to the club we can do exciting things like this river. We can develop and move on collectively and develop our skills, confidence and experiences together safely. I predict that clubs will go through a hard time in the future with people able to meet up outside the club environment due to social forums like Facebook. I use it as well but my commitment is first and foremost here.

Thanks to Geoff for shuttle runs and apologies to Dave P for cancelling the Usk trip.

P.S We were stopped in Tenbury Wells on the way back because of a Santa Parade. When Paul wound his window down to chat to a steward I’m sure I heard the steward say “thank god your here, your on in 5 minutes. Get your suit on quick!”

• This topic was modified 8 years, 11 months ago by Tim.
• This topic was modified 8 years, 11 months ago by Tim.

[Richard D]

Thanks Tim for a true reflection of a cracking day out with the club. Fantastic river for so many reasons but great to see a sign saying “Kayak friendly” in one garden backing onto the river. Far more exciting watching a group of paddlers running a rapid than a fisherman dangling his line !

[admin]

Great report, really envious but glad you got back safely without any mishaps.

[Nigel]

Nice report, only wish circumstances had been different this end. Well done to all. May I apologise to Dave P, as I believe it was discussed with him at the pool on Thursday that we would perhaps meet and travel together. Due to my ongoing Car issues this was not to be, I could just about get us both in the Nissan Micra, but no means of transporting boats which on these trips is a reasonably important piece of kit to have. Bring on 2016. 😉

[David]

Don’t worry about it Nige. I’ve got a set of wheels and a roof rack if it happens again. Always happy to come over and collect you for future trips.

[Steve]

Looks and sounds like a brilliant day out boys – gutted to have missed it!

[Tim]

You have been missed Nige! After the tree nearly hit us near to the Usk get in we decided to stop Dave driving down for safety reasons. I had visions of us paddling round in circles on the river!

[Nigel]

Thanks Dave,
Tim kind words. This is what I love about this Club great support and genuine people who have become really good friends.
Cheers

[Author]

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