Saturday 18th Jan 2014 “Afon Rhiw”

[Nigel]

A mild albeit dull Saturday morning and the “Dirty Dozen”, from the most active Kayak Club around, met at Dobbies, in Shrewsbury.  A short meeting took place taking guidance from our oracle and river connoisseur, Mr Cartwright, the suggestion was to take a look at the Afon Rhiw, a paddle no one in the group had ever tackled and if that was not paddleable Mr C, had a couple more ideas up his sleeve.

We headed along the A5 and turned off towards Welshpool, skirting this little market town and heading toward Newtown on the A483. We arrived at Berriew, a quaint little village which is the takeout for the Rhiw, upon inspection it was mixed feelings, then again we were staring at the last drop of the run which is a grade 3+ to 4 depending on water levels.

Agreement made so we parked up alongside the Sculpture museum to change into paddle gear then set off for the Put in, which is west along the B4390 passing a caravan park on the left then through the village of Manafon, as you come across a pub called the Beehive, immediately before it is a left turn into a Caravan Park, please ask permission as Rich D, did for us, at the house on the left as you drive in, really nice Guy who runs it and a local chap  ! from Wolverhampton.

We set off around 11 -40 am narrowish river easy gentle waves grade 1+/ 2 a few trees to negotiate but nothing to worrying.  We arrived at “Pant y Ffridd” which is the location of a second large caravan park which has a concrete ford across the river, BEWARE THIS IS POTENTIALLY LETHAL , the river was just lapping over the concrete slab, Rob pulled up alongside it and next thing, his boat was sucked backwards into one of the holes under the ford causing a syphon, this couldn’t be seen as the river level had covered both the holes. Great reaction and quick thinking from Barry to attract Kee’s attention and shout to our youngest member letting him know Rob was in trouble, Kee ejected himself from his own boat at speed, ran across the ford to rescue Rob, by pulling his boat free from the flow and onto the concrete, no mean feat as Rob, is a hefty chap and paddles a Big Boat, what a Hero great job Keelan well done buddy. 😉

Once back on the river from here the pace quickens and lots more little features, plenty of waves and small ledge drops to surf etc and some bouncy wave sections. Then the main attraction as we arrived back in Berriew, the Grade 4 drop was upon us. We portaged river right just above the feature, Ricki, decided to run it and was followed by Rich, Kee, Dave Y, Andy from Stourbridge and trusty and steady John. I must say as I stood on the bank below the drop with a throw line for safety, it was great to watch these Guy’s, all had the perfect line and upon hitting the bottom of the drop they each completely submerged under the deluge of water, facial expressions were a real treat as the bobbed back up, Dave Y came up vertical as if he was about to launch into space.  Unfortunately no photo’s as Go Pro’s had run out of battery.

Paddle is around 11 km, or for us more mature folk a tad under 7 miles and takes approx 2 and half hours, the level, no gauge on the “Afon Rhiw”, but the “River Banwy”, was on 1.45.    If we paddled it again we feel it would be best to Putin at the first caravan site in Pant y Ffridd, as the section above this is really a steady bimble, the forecast was right we had rain on and off for most of the trip but it stayed mild for January.

Another great day and New river for the Club, Active in name Active in nature.Big thanks to all for the usual great company, banter, fun and entertainment.

Paddlers: Rich, Barry, Kee, Geoff, Dave Y, Gary, Dave B, Andy, Rob, John, Ricardo and Myself  😉  😉

 

[admin]

Cracking blog Mr L,and a thoroughly enjoyable day guys

[Geoff]

Spot on report yet again Nige…..and so proud or Kee’s actions at the ford…I would also like to mention Barry the unsung hero in all of this.
He was quick to realise Rob was in difficulty and alert Kee to the danger.

Great day and great company as usual and another tale for the campfire.

[Rob]

great day as usual . much respect for Keelan , watching the footage back shows how easily the shit could of hit the fan and the speed at which Barry covers the last 50m he should be in the GB kayak sprint team . I owe you one .

[Paul W]

Cracking report Nige. Saw the video, it is truly shocking. Well done Barry & Kee for your quick thinking and Rob for having the presence of mind to wedge the paddle down. Hate to think what would have happened to a less experienced paddler. Can’t make up my mind whether I’m glad I missed it or not!

[Barry]

Another brilliant day thanks to everybody and may we continue to look after one another thanks

[Tim]

Everyone came home safely and that’s the most important thing. I cant recall seeing a feature like that on a river I’ve paddled before. The confusing reports on the internet guide didn’t help. I had a chat with Rob yesterday and he believes the levels were perfect for causing problems there. Lower and you would have noticed it and higher you would have plopped over it. I left a message on Geoffs
phone asking him to give Kee a big pat on the back. I would urge everyone in the club to keep paddling in teams like you are and keep looking around that next corner. Man made hazards can be worse than trees. Look at the fish counter on the Cerriog with chains across the river. In fact that has just reminded me. There is a man made raised ford on the Cerriog below the A5 bridge that needed to be portaged. Look out for it if you ever run that section.

[Richard D]

Another great report Nigel with all the detail for future reference. It ended up another great day but one to reflect on. Like Tim says it seems to be the grade 2 stuff and man made features that cause the major hazards.
Gives us something to talk about at the Committee meeting on Thursday !

[Gary]

Great report another great day cheers guys and a very well done Kee

[Author]

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