Paddling on the Ystwyth

Thanks to a busy week at work last week, I’d done all of my hours and more by Thursday evening, so had Friday to myself. Joe from the kayak club has posted to say he wanted to paddle the Ystwyth and asked if anyone wanted to join him. Imogen had said she’d go with him and decided to join in too.

It turned out to be the perfect day. Yes it was cold, yes there was snow on the river banks and yes the car park at Saw Mills on the River Ystwyth was completely covered in snow and ice. But, the sun was shining there was just enough water in the river and we had a chilled day in our boats.

Boats

I borrowed a boat from the club as usual. I’ll probably end up getting my own boat soon as you know what I’m like with toys. However, for now, I’m happy to try a few of the club boats to see what I get on with. That said, I do seem to have used the same one every time so far. That’s the one I went with today as well. Mainly because I know it works and I’ve got the position and fit set up for me now.

Imi borrowed a boat too and then we all headed off to Black Covert Woods where we left the cars, popped the boats in my camper and then drove up to the get in at Ystwyth Saw Mills.

Joe, knows the river well having grown up on its banks. Imi and I were new to its delights and also lacking in experience and ability. So, Joe was leading and we were doing as we were told. Water levels weren’t great but there was just enough, even if it was a little bumpy over the rocks at times.

We were soon slowly making our way down the river. Despite the snow and ice, it was pleasant in the boats and even my uncovered hands weren’t cold.

Swimming in the Ystwyth

I was going to try to preserve the pride of everyone by not letting you know if I ended up swimming or not, and more importantly if anyone else went in. As you know, I quite like swimming and usually end up in the water. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that. Kayaking is a watersport after all and if you don’t end up getting wet then you probably aren’t learning as much as you could.

I will say that one of us did go for a silly little swim. I will say that it wasn’t completely their own fault either but rather a consequence of the circumstances. You’ll never know who it was though. It’s likely to have been me, but it might not have been. It could have been Imi, but that’s for her to tell. It’s unlikely to have been Joe, but you never know, we are all between swims after all!

Black Covert

We played on a few small features on the way down and soon found ourselves back at Black Covert Woods where the cars awaited. It had been a perfect paddle for me. Nothing intimidating, just a few nice little features to practise on and get some experience. Imi got off the water here while I followed Joe under the bridge down a couple of little drops that were the biggest features of the day. These were fun and there was a nice little wave to play on at the bottom too.

With that done it was time to pack up and get a left back to the top to collect my van. It’s nice to have paddled one of the closer rivers to home. The short drive means that you don’t have to spend too much time on the water to feel as though you are making the most of it. It also means that even with the shuttles and the pfaffing it can easily be done in a morning giving you the rest of the day free. Perfect. Thanks Joe and Imi, I’ll be hoping to join you again soon.

Unfortunately, I failed to take any photos – I’m not quite brave enough to take my new 360 Camera white-water kayaking yet either. So you’ll have to make do with the Strava GPS data and a photo above from elsewhere – it is of me, in the same boat so if there was snow on the banks it could be from the Ystwyth.

Tags: Kayaking