Sun 22 Oct 2023 ‘Easier’ White Water Trip (with optional training elements for ‘Introduction to WW Safety’ and ‘White Water’ Awards)

This will be the first of our ‘easier’ white water trips this winter, aimed at our less-experienced paddlers who would like to gain white water skills and experience, while also suitable for existing white water paddlers who just want to get out on the water!

These trips will be suitable for anyone aged 14+ who can paddle at least 5km under control on a moving river, who is confident capsizing, and who has the stamina and clothing for cold water paddling!

The aim is for these trips to get progressively harder throughout the winter, starting on ‘gentle’ grade 1-2 rivers (possibly with the odd grade 3 section that can be walked-around) and moving up to more demanding grade 2 rivers with sections of grade 3 (which can all be walked-around) – with appropriate coaching to help everyone develop their skills and confidence. Most of the trips will be in South Wales, although at least one of the later ones is likely to be further afield.

Venues will be decided nearer the time – once we know who’s coming and have an idea of water conditions. Timings are likely to be 0930-1500 (or thereabouts) ‘at the river’.

We are intending to include on this trip (if there is sufficient demand) training towards:

1. the new Introduction to White Water Safety course, which is “designed to support paddlers [in kayak or canoe] to become effective group members in a moderate white water (grade 2) environment; suitable for anyone starting out on their white water paddling journey, wanting to explore the role of an effective group member and learn simple strategies and safe skills that can provide the tools to solve common paddling issues” (see Introduction to White Water Safety (britishcanoeingawarding.org.uk) for more detail). The remaining elements of this course will be covered on the following 2 ‘easier’ trips – on 26 Nov and 24 Dec (although we could move this to 17 Dec if that worked better for everyone) – and candidates will need to attend all 3 trips to complete the award. NB there is a registration fee of £25 for this course (in addition to craft hire, if required), to cover certification costs – and participants on this course may have an earlier start and/or later finish than those just wishing to ‘run the river’.
2. the White Water Award, which is “designed to develop your ability to apply appropriate decision-making skills for a safe day out white water paddling [in kayaks on rivers up to grade 2]” (see 01112018BCABWhiteWaterAwardV1-1Nov21.pdf for detail). Training towards this award will continue throughout the winter’s ‘easier’ trips (alongside rolling clinics in the pool!) and candidates can choose to be assessed when they feel ready (you do need to be able to roll, on flat water!). NB there is a registration fee of £25 for anyone choosing to be assessed for this award, to cover certification costs; this can be paid later, but anyone registering now will have a priority place on trips.

Book places NOW using the ‘get tickets’ and ‘RSVP’ links. Places will be strictly limited and priority will be given to (a) candidates registering for the IWWS course; and (b) the WWA course (you can book for one or both!); followed by (b) other ‘less-experienced’ paddlers (especially those who’ve already expressed an informal interest to Steve); then (c) experienced white-water paddlers. For this reason, places will be released by ‘drip-feed’, so if the trip appears to be ‘full’ or ‘closed’, do check with Steve in case he’s keeping places up his sleeve! Also, if you’re not sure whether this trip – or the course(s) – are suitable for you, please check with Steve before booking.