We had a fantastic trip away in South Wales. It was a surprisingly warm February weekend for the eighteen intrepid UHCC paddlers who made the trip. The main group paddled on the Usk and at Symonds Yat on the Wye, with some people shooting off on bikes or heading off to Cardiff White Water Centre. On day one, fourteen of us ventured onto the Usk, paddling from Sennybridge to Aberbran. The water level was a little low, however the new-to-whitewater paddlers were able to handle all the features and had big smiles as they boofed those rock ledges.
On the Sunday people headed off in different directions: a group went off to Cardiff White Water Course; a walker and cyclist took in the Welsh countryside; and the main group headed to Symonds Yat on the River Wye, to develop skills and work the rapid. There was a good flow and plenty to work on. Ben was the only paddler to get from the bottom back up to the top, so a pat on the back there. A few finished off the day off with rolling practice and there was a big a cheer for Paul’s roll at the steps of the get out. The new-to-whitewater group had an excellent time and took home lots of adventure stories to retell.
We stayed in the shadow of the Brecon Beacons at the Penstar Bunkhouse. A warm and comfortable bunkhouse, we even had to have the windows open at night! The bunkhouse has a spacious social area and Nick sorted great breakfast food that was cooked up and heartily consumed. On the Saturday night we headed into Brecon for a big club dinner at the Clarence Inn - again an opportunity to mix, share experience and plan the next adventure.
Superb organising by Lyn to ensure a friendly social atmosphere.
Loads of fun. See you on the river soon.
