A New River – The Upper Wye
Sunday was the last of the Aber Kayakers winter ‘White-Water Development’ day trips. There was at least some water in the rivers this time but only a few of us were available to paddle.
Ro, Callum, John and myself therefore met in Aberystwyth and headed out to a new river for me, the Upper Wye. I didn’t get any photos or video today but we had a good few hours on the water making our way down the Wye from a put-on point between Llangurig and Rhayader, all the way into Rhayader itself.
Mainly Grade 2 with the odd Grade 3 feature it was perfect for me. It was perfect for Callum too who was able to get some practice leading with Ro there to back him up. John seemed to be having a good time playing on the various features as well. I did of course end up going for a little swim. Only once today though and on the only feature that we got out to inspect before running it. It was a very narrow little shoot. I managed to go into it just a little of line. I hit one of the rocks on entry which knocked me off balance and off course a little so over I went! I wasn’t the only one who went for a little swim though so I don’t thnk I did too badly. I’m not sure if I’m improving much yet either though!
We saw plenty of dippers and other birds whilst paddling along and were entertained by a whole load of vintage cars on a rally that were stuck in the mud at one point.
All in all a good day out and another river that I’ve now paddled. Just a shame there weren’t a few more of us really. Although, saying that, smaller numbers does result in significantly less pfaff!
