The Ski Slope on the Tryweryn is my favourite rapid for practicing going through a meaty stopper and also provides the opportunity to use the tools in our tool box to achieve our desired outcome.
1. At the top of the rapid I go through the same ritual. First thing is to remember to breathe. I use the tree and wall on the left hand bank as markers for the direction I want the boat pointing.
2. Before going through the V at the top sit upright like a proud peacock and I say to myself “I’m going to do this!” This feeds your mind and body with positive thoughts and makes you alert.
3. The entrance V will normally kick the boat towards the right so I advise approaching with a little bit of right to left momentum and putting in a right stroke before hitting the V. Sometimes the V still kicks the boat right and so the next stroke will have to be on the right hand side as well.
4. Keep paddling towards the stopper. I always use a right hand stoke on entering the hole to ensure Im perpendicular to the hole. Remember the bottom stopper is not lined up with the direction of the river! Then I use a nice left hand stroke to keep the momentum going and thus prevent being pulled back in to the stopper.
In summary then …..breathe! pick markers on the bank, think about angle of approach, think about key strokes.
