Brecon Canoe Club

Sun 8 Jun 2025 Canal Trip
2025-06-08 00:00 - 23:59 (Europe/London) | Rhondda Cynon Taff
Next Sunday’s trip will be on the canal and is specifically aimed at those ‘new’ paddlers who’ll be joining us on Monday evening (but open to everyone else, of course!) – and will be followed by a social gathering and our AGM. We haven’t finalised where we’ll start and finish (because that will depend on the venue for the social / AGM, which we haven’t fixed yet!), nor how long the trip will be (because that depends on who’s coming!) – but we’re currently thinking about Pencelli to Brecon.

Timing to be confirmed, but likely to be 10am to 3pm (finishing in time for the AGM!). Bring packed lunch; and dress for the weather!

Please ‘get tickets’ in the usual way (buttons below this event listing!) as soon as possible if you’d like to join us (there’s no charge if you’ve joined our Learn to Paddle course, nor if you have your own craft; £10 fee to hire club boats). Or drop an e-mail to Steve if you’d like more information to help you decide…

Final info to follow later in the week for those who’ve expressed interest…

Mon 2 Jun 2025 Summer Training - including 'Learn to Paddle' course
2025-06-02 18:30 - 21:00 | Brecon Promenade, Fenni-Fach Road, Brecon, Powys, LD3 9LL, United Kingdom
Alongside the first week of our 5-week ‘Learn to Paddle’ June course (which also includes the ‘easier’ trips on Sundays 8 & 22 June), this week offers the opportunity for personal coaching (limited numbers) and social paddling including the ‘great river clean-up’ for existing members – please book website ‘tickets’ (or e-mail Steve) by 9pm Sun 1st.

NB no polo skills this week, while we get ourselves organised for the course – hopefully this will return the following week…

Venue

Brecon Promenade – meet by the Club’s store adjacent to the toilet block in the ‘upper’ car park (https://what3words.com/tigers.loitering.bandage) – NOT in the car park next to the river / boathouse (although some of us might end up operating from there).

Times

Meet at 6.30pm, ready in your paddling clothes. We want to have everyone kitted-up and getting on the water by 7pm, so late arrival has quite a disruptive effect!

We’ll aim to be getting off the water by 9pm, before it gets dark.

Parents or other adults must be available at the start and end of the session to help under-18s with kit and to carry boats; and throughout the session in case they need to get off the water early.

Facilities

There are no indoor changing facilities on site, so it’s a case of changing in the car park. Toilets may be open but only until 7pm – they cost 20p to get in.

Cost

No cost for ‘social paddlers’ bringing their own boat & kit (although donations welcomed to help us cover costs)

£10 for personal coaching; £5-10 to hire club boat & kit

All existing Club members must also have up-to-date membership of both the Club and Paddle Cymru – we’ll send separate reminders for those of you who need these! Any new members will need to join formally after their first three sessions.

Equipment and Clothing

We’ll provide boats, paddles, buoyancy aids, helmets and spray-decks for those who need them – but if you have your own, please bring them along

Although deliberate immersion isn’t always part of the plan (and even when it is, it’s usually towards the end of the session) there’s always a chance of accidental capsize, so kit should take account of this (and the general weather conditions).

At the very least, wear clothing layers of the type you might wear to go walking – ideally synthetic materials that stay warm and don’t get too heavy when wet. Most people wear swimwear underneath. And a waterproof jacket (to keep off the rain and wind, rather than keep you dry if you capsize!) – we do have a limited number of canoeing cagoules, but not enough of the right sizes for everyone.

Footwear that you don’t mind getting wet, not too large (chunky trainers don’t fit well in kayaks; neoprene wet-shoes are ideal; sandals or crocs no good as they fall off!).

If you want to be assured of staying warmer if you fall in, a wetsuit is the next step. Ones made specifically for paddling are called Long Johns (or Long Janes) and don’t have sleeves, for maximum mobility (worn with e.g. rash vest beneath and/or fleece above). But a standard surfing-type ‘full’ wetsuit is also fine as a starter. Again, we do have a very limited number of wetsuits, which you’re welcome to check-out on the first evening in case we have one that fits you…

Don’t forget a towel and complete change of clothes for the end of the session, in case you do fall in!!

Sat 31 May-Sun 1 Jun 2025 'Harder' White Water Weekend, Canolfan Tryweryn
2025-05-31 00:00 - 2025-06-01 23:59 | Canolfan Tryweryn, Frongoch, Bala, LL23 7NU, United Kingdom
A trip to Afon Tryweryn (as long as it’s releasing!) for our white water paddlers; particularly aimed at those joining us in the Alps in July (you know who you are!); but potentially open to others (check with Steve – numbers will be limited). RSVP expressions of interest using button or e-mail and we’ll confirm eligibility and details nearer the time.

Mon 19 May 2025 Summer Training - Social Paddle, Polo Skills & Personal Coaching
2025-05-19 18:30 - 21:00 | Brecon Promenade, Fenni-Fach Road, Brecon, Powys, LD3 9LL, United Kingdom
For our third Monday evening on the river we again hope to offer:

‘social paddling’ – come along and join us for a gentle paddle, probably to the rapids and back;

skills training for our polo squad (if enough of them want to come) – boat handling, fitness and ball skills (and maybe some game-play!); and

personal coaching (very limited numbers, depending on coach availability, will run alongside the social paddle).

Logistics as for Mon 28 Apr 2025 Summer Training (meet at bottom car park by boathouse unless advised otherwise).

Mon 12 May 2025 Summer Training - Social Paddle, Polo Skills & Personal Coaching
2025-05-12 18:30 - 21:00 | Brecon Promenade, Fenni-Fach Road, Brecon, Powys, LD3 9LL, United Kingdom
***NB no session on 5 May (Bank Holiday)***

For our second Monday evening on the river we again hope to offer:

‘social paddling’ – come along and join us for a gentle paddle, probably to the rapids and back;

skills training for our polo squad (if enough of them want to come) – boat handling, fitness and ball skills (and maybe some game-play!); and

personal coaching (very limited numbers, depending on coach availability, will run alongside the social paddle).

Logistics as for Mon 28 Apr 2025 Summer Training (meet at bottom car park by boathouse unless advised otherwise).

Details for subsequent weeks to follow in due course…

Sun 11 May 2025 Cardiff International White Water
2025-05-01 08:00 - 17:00 | Cardiff International White Water, Watkiss Way, Cardiff Bay, Cardiff, CF11 0SY, United Kingdom
Morning session 4-6 cumecs flow suitable for both ‘developing’ and ‘harder’ white water paddlers – limited coaching available

Afternoon session 8 cumecs flow for ‘harder’ paddlers only – no coaching!

Expressions of interest only at this stage (using tickets button or e-mail to Steve), by 6pm Thu 8 May – participants will then need to book places and pay direct with CIWW (details to follow by e-mail).

Mon 28 Apr 2025 Summer Training - Social Paddle, Polo Skills & Personal Coaching
2025-04-28 18:30 - 21:00 | Brecon Promenade, Fenni-Fach Road, Brecon, Powys, LD3 9LL, United Kingdom
Apologies for the short notice, but please ‘get tickets’ (or e-mail Steve with expressions of interest) ASAP, he’ll aim to decide on Wednesday evening what we can actually offer next Monday. Thanks!

For our first Monday evening outdoor foray on the river at Brecon Promenade after Easter we hope to offer:

‘social paddling’ – come along and join us for a gentle paddle, probably to the rapids and back;

skills training for our polo squad (if enough of them want to come) – boat handling, fitness and ball skills (and maybe some game-play!); and

personal coaching (very limited numbers, depending on coach availability, will run alongside the social paddle).

Details for subsequent weeks to follow in due course…

Venue

Brecon Promenade – meet by the Club’s store adjacent to the toilet block in the ‘upper’ car park (https://what3words.com/tigers.loitering.bandage) – NOT in the car park next to the river / boathouse (although some of us might end up operating from there).

Times

Meet at 6.30pm, ready in your paddling clothes. We want to have everyone kitted-up and getting on the water by 7pm, so late arrival has quite a disruptive effect!

We’ll aim to be getting off the water around 8.30pm, before it gets dark.

Parents or other adults must be available at the start and end of the session to help under-18s with kit and to carry boats; and throughout the session in case they need to get off the water early.

Facilities

There are no indoor changing facilities on site, so it’s a case of changing in the car park. Disabled (and maybe other) toilet/s should be open but cost 20p to get in.

Cost

No cost for social paddle or polo skills if you bring your own boat & kit (although donations welcomed to help us cover costs).

£5 to hire club kayak & kit for social paddle or polo skills (canoes & SUPs may also be available for some sessions at additional cost).

£10 for personal coaching – to be confirmed once we know availability (same cost for own or hired kit).

All existing Club members must also have up-to-date membership of both the Club and Paddle Cymru and have signed-up to our Club Code of Conduct – we’ll send separate reminders for those of you who need these! Any new members will need to join formally after their first three sessions.

Equipment and Clothing

Don’t forget a towel and complete change of clothes for the end of the session, in case you do fall in!!

We’ll provide boats, paddles, buoyancy aids, helmets and spray-decks for those who need them – but if you have your own, please bring them along

Although deliberate immersion isn’t always part of the plan (and even when it is, it’s usually towards the end of the session) there’s always a chance of accidental capsize, so kit should take account of this (and the general weather conditions).

At the very least, wear clothing layers of the type you might wear to go walking – ideally synthetic materials that stay warm and don’t get too heavy when wet. Most people wear swimwear underneath. And a waterproof jacket (to keep off the rain and wind, rather than keep you dry if you capsize!) – we do have a limited number of canoeing cagoules, but not enough of the right sizes for everyone.

Footwear that you don’t mind getting wet, not too large (chunky trainers don’t fit well in kayaks; neoprene wet-shoes are ideal; sandals or crocs no good as they fall off!).

If you want to be assured of staying warmer if you fall in, a wetsuit is the next step. Ones made specifically for paddling are called Long Johns (or Long Janes) and don’t have sleeves, for maximum mobility (worn with e.g. rash vest beneath and/or fleece above). But a standard surfing-type ‘full’ wetsuit is also fine as a starter. Again, we do have a very limited number of wetsuits, which you’re welcome to check-out on the first evening in case we have one that fits you…

Sun 27 Apr 2025 River Trip
2025-04-27 00:00 - 23:59 | Rhondda Cynon Taff
This will be a trip for all-comers in any craft (as long as you can paddle far enough in a reasonably straight line!!); the venue will depend on who wants to come but is most likely to be a stretch of the Wye somewhere between Glasbury and Monmouth; likely meeting 9.30am and finishing around 3pm (bring lunch!). ‘Get tickets’ by 5pm Wed 23 April, please, after which Steve will send more details. Numbers will be limited (also depending on whether other coaches / leaders are also coming!) – if it says it’s sold out, do drop us an e-mail just-in-case…

Sun 20 Apr 2025 Welsh Canoe Polo Indoor 4s Tournament
2025-04-20 08:30 - 14:00 | Rhondda Sports Centre, Gelligaled Park, Ystrad, Rhondda Cynon Taff, CF41 7SY, United Kingdom
For our tournament squad ‘A Team’ (you know who you are!). Arrive by 8.30am for tournament start 9am. Finish 2pm. Lift available with Steve from Brecon or Libanus.

Sun 13 Apr 2025 River Trip
2025-04-13 00:00 - 23:59 | Rhondda Cynon Taff
This will be a trip for all-comers in any craft (as long as you can paddle far enough in a reasonably straight line!!); the venue will depend on who wants to come but is most likely to be a stretch of the Wye somewhere between Glasbury and Monmouth; likely meeting 9.30am and finishing around 3pm (bring lunch!). Expressions of interest (by e-mail or RSVP button) by 5pm Wed 9 April, please, after which Steve will send more details. Numbers will be limited (also depending on whether other coaches / leaders are also coming!) – if it says it’s sold out, do drop us an e-mail just-in-case…

Watch this space for more trips – there’ll be something happening the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month (except 25 May, since that’s bank holiday weekend and we now have a Tryweryn trip the weekend after).

Mon 7 Apr 2025 Pool Session (Polo Training)
2025-04-07 19:00 - 21:00 | Brecon Leisure Centre, Cerrigcochion Road, Brecon, Powys, LD3 9SR, United Kingdom
This will now be an extra polo training session, since only a couple of people signed-up to the proposed general training session – apologies for those of you were looking forward to a last ‘rolling’ session before we go outside after Easter (for whom we’ve issued a refund). On the other hand, it will give our polo players more time to practise for their final Welsh 4s appearance on the 20th…

Tickets available now in the usual way…

Already paid: Fleur, Harrison, Huw, Logan, Mel, Nat, Stef, Steve

Mon 31 Mar 2025 Pool Session (Polo Training)
2025-03-31 19:00 - 21:00 | Brecon Leisure Centre, Cerrigcochion Road, Brecon, Powys, LD3 9SR, United Kingdom
Seventh (and probably final) polo training session of 2025 – tickets available now in the usual way…

Already paid: Chris, Fleur, Gethyn, Huw, Mel, Nat, Sam

Mon 24 Mar 2025 Pool Session (Polo Training)
2025-03-24 19:00 - 21:00 | Brecon Leisure Centre, Cerrigcochion Road, Brecon, Powys, LD3 9SR, United Kingdom
Sixth polo training session of 2025 – next week 31 Mar will probably be last one – tickets available now in the usual way…

Already paid: Chris, Fleur, Gethyn, Glyn (paid for 24th but not 31st), Harrison, Huw, Logan, Mel, Nat, Sam, Stef

Sun 23 Mar 2025 'Easier' White Water Trip
2025-03-23 00:00 - 23:59 | Rhondda Cynon Taff
This will be the last of this winter season’s ‘easier’ white water trips – aimed at those of you new to white-water paddling (but also suitable for more experienced paddlers).

Venue TBC depending on river levels etc. – but probably further afield than the Wye or Usk (their fishing season will have started!)

Numbers are limited and priority will be given to ‘new’ paddlers, so ‘get tickets’ quickly; participants and details will be confirmed a few days before. Please ask if you’re not sure!

Mon 17 Mar 2025 Pool Session (General Training)
2025-03-17 19:00 - 21:00 | Brecon Leisure Centre, Cerrigcochion Road, Brecon, Powys, LD3 9SR, United Kingdom
Sixth general training session of 2025, for those who want some personal coaching or rolling practice etc. – contact us if you’d like to discuss options. This term we’re moving away from ‘alternate weeks’ to a ‘block’ pattern (see list at Mon 27 Jan 2025 Pool Session). Tickets available now in the usual way…

We’re currently expecting (those in bold have already paid): Anne, Mel, Mike B

Details as Mon 4 Nov 2024 Pool Session (General Training)

Sun 16 Mar 2025 Welsh Canoe Polo Indoor 4s Tournament
2025-03-16 08:30 - 14:00 | Rhondda Sports Centre, Gelligaled Park, Ystrad, Rhondda Cynon Taff, CF41 7SY, United Kingdom
For our tournament squad (you know who you are!). Arrive by 8.30am for tournament start 9am. Finish 2pm. Lift available with Steve from Brecon or Libanus.

Mon 10 Mar 2025 Pool Session (General Training)
2025-03-10 19:00 - 21:00 | Brecon Leisure Centre, Cerrigcochion Road, Brecon, Powys, LD3 9SR, United Kingdom
Fifth general training session of 2025, for those who want some personal coaching or rolling practice etc. – contact us if you’d like to discuss options. This term we’re moving away from ‘alternate weeks’ to a ‘block’ pattern (see list at Mon 27 Jan 2025 Pool Session). Book all 3 remaining sessions or just one – tickets available now in the usual way…

We’re currently expecting (those in bold have already paid): Anne, Mel, Mike B, Mike M

Details as Mon 4 Nov 2024 Pool Session (General Training)

Sun 9 Mar 2025 'Harder' White Water Trip
2025-03-09 00:00 - 23:59 | Rhondda Cynon Taff
For our experienced white water paddlers, if we can find any water! (Contact Steve to book places).

Sat 8 Mar Paddlesport Safety & Rescue Course
2025-03-08 00:00 - 23:59 | Brecon Promenade, Fenni-Fach Road, Brecon, Powys, LD3 9LL, United Kingdom
This is a course being run ‘commercially’ by Steve but available at a reduced rate to Club members. There are a few spaces still available, contact Steve for details.

The British Canoeing Awarding Body (BCAB) Paddlesport Safety & Rescue course aims to provide paddlers with the key safety and rescue skills required to operate safely and to be able to deal with common problems in a sheltered water environment. The objective is to introduce, explore and practise simple strategies and safe skills that can provide you with the tools to solve common paddling issues. It is a pre-requisite for the British Canoeing Awarding Body Paddlesport Instructor Award.

Mon 3 Mar 2025 Pool Session (General Training)
2025-03-03 19:00 - 21:00 | Brecon Leisure Centre, Cerrigcochion Road, Brecon, Powys, LD3 9SR, United Kingdom
Fourth general training session of 2025, for those who want some personal coaching or rolling practice etc. – contact us if you’d like to discuss options. This term we’re moving away from ‘alternate weeks’ to a ‘block’ pattern (see list at Mon 27 Jan 2025 Pool Session). Book all 4 remaining sessions or just one – tickets available now in the usual way…

We’re currently expecting (those in bold have already paid): Anne, Mel, Mike B, Mike M (paid twice!), Paul, Scott, Wayne

Details as Mon 4 Nov 2024 Pool Session (General Training)

Sun 2 Mar 2025 Welsh Canoe Polo Indoor 4s Tournament
2025-03-02 08:30 - 14:00 | Rhondda Sports Centre, Gelligaled Park, Ystrad, Rhondda Cynon Taff, CF41 7SY, United Kingdom

Mon 24 Feb 2025 Pool Session (Polo Training)
2025-02-24 19:00 - 21:00 | Brecon Leisure Centre, Cerrigcochion Road, Brecon, Powys, LD3 9SR, United Kingdom
Fifth polo training session of 2025. Book all 3 remaining sessions (24 Feb, 24, 31 Mar), or just this one – tickets available now in the usual way…

Already paid: Chris, Fleur, Gethyn, Huw, Mel, Nat, Sam

Sun 23 Feb 2025 'Easier' White Water Trip
2025-02-23 00:00 - 23:59 | Rhondda Cynon Taff
This will be the next of this season’s ‘easier’ white water trips – aimed at those of you new to white-water paddling (but also suitable for more experienced paddlers).

Venue TBC depending on river levels etc.

Numbers are limited and priority will be given to ‘new’ paddlers, so ‘get tickets’ quickly; participants and details will be confirmed a few days before. Please ask if you’re not sure!

Currently expected: Jane, Jas, Martin, Mike M, Simon, Steve

Mon 17 Feb 2025 Pool Session (Polo Training)
2025-02-17 19:00 - 21:00 | Brecon Leisure Centre, Cerrigcochion Road, Brecon, Powys, LD3 9SR, United Kingdom
Fourth polo training session of 2025. Book all 4 remaining sessions (17, 24 Feb, 24, 31 Mar), or just this one – tickets available now in the usual way…

Already paid: Chris, Fleur, Gethyn, Harrison, Huw, Logan, Mel, Mike, Nat, Pat, Sam

Mon 10 Feb 2025 Pool Session (General Training)
2025-02-10 19:00 - 21:00 | Brecon Leisure Centre, Cerrigcochion Road, Brecon, Powys, LD3 9SR, United Kingdom
Third general training session of 2025, for those who want some personal coaching or rolling practice etc. – contact us if you’d like to discuss options. This term we’re moving away from ‘alternate weeks’ to a ‘block’ pattern (see list at Mon 27 Jan 2025 Pool Session). Book all 5 remaining sessions or just one – tickets available now in the usual way…

We’re currently expecting: Anne, Ben, Cath, Harrison, Logan, Mark, Mel, Mike B, Mike M, Paul, Rohn, Scott, Stef (coaches Chris, Dave, Nat, Steve)

Details as Mon 4 Nov 2024 Pool Session (General Training)

Sun 9 Feb 2025 'Harder' White Water Trip
2025-02-09 00:00 - 23:59 | Rhondda Cynon Taff
For our experienced white water paddlers, probably Ogmore to Bridgend (contact Steve to book places).

Mon 3 Feb 2025 Pool Session (General Training)
2025-02-03 19:00 - 21:00 | Brecon Leisure Centre, Cerrigcochion Road, Brecon, Powys, LD3 9SR, United Kingdom
First general training session of 2025, for those who want some personal coaching or rolling practice etc. – contact us if you’d like to discuss options. This term we’re moving away from ‘alternate weeks’ to a ‘block’ pattern (see list at Mon 27 Jan 2025 Pool Session). Book all 6 remaining sessions or just one – tickets available now in the usual way…

We’re currently expecting: Anne, Ben, Cath, Mark, Mel, Mike B, Mike M, Rohn

Details as Mon 4 Nov 2024 Pool Session (General Training)

Mon 27 Jan 2025 Pool Session (General Training)
2025-01-27 19:00 - 21:00 | Brecon Leisure Centre, Cerrigcochion Road, Brecon, Powys, LD3 9SR, United Kingdom
First general training session of 2025, for those who want some personal coaching or rolling practice etc. – contact us if you’d like to discuss options. This term we’re moving away from ‘alternate weeks’ to a ‘block’ pattern (see below). Book all 7 sessions, the first 3 or just one (the more you book, the less they each cost) – tickets available now in the usual way…

We’re currently expecting: Anne, Ben, Harrison, Logan, Mark, Mel, Mike B, Mike M, Rohn

Details as Mon 4 Nov 2024 Pool Session (General Training)

27 JanGeneral training3 FebGeneral training10 FebGeneral training17 FebPolo training24 FebPolo training (half-term)3 MarGeneral training10 MarGeneral training17 MarGeneral training24 MarPolo training31 MarPolo training7 AprGeneral training

Sun 26 Jan 2025 'Easier' White Water Trip
2025-01-26 00:00 - 23:59 | Rhondda Cynon Taff
This will be the next of this season’s ‘easier’ white water trips – aimed at those of you new to white-water paddling (but also suitable for more experienced paddlers).

NB local river levels are LOW (and no rain forecast) so we may end up travelling for this one – possibly over to the Teifi in W Wales (1.5hrs from Brecon) – if there’s nowhere suitable on the Usk or Wye. Decision to be made once we know who wants to come (we’re aware that some of us will have had a late night in Cheltenham the day before!); hence only ‘expressions of interest’ (no payments) at this stage…

Numbers are limited and priority will be given to ‘new’ paddlers, so ‘get tickets’ quickly; participants and details will be confirmed a few days before. Please ask if you’re not sure!

Sat 25 Jan 2025 Southwest Regional League Polo Tournament
2025-01-25 00:00 - 23:59 | Leisure@Cheltenham, Tommy Taylors Lane, Cheltenham, GL50 4RN
Indoor tournament for our polo squad, Division 3 Southwest Regional League. Minimum 5, up to 8 players needed.

Tournament 2.30-10pm, shared transport tbc from Brecon and points on route…
