It's been good to be back in a kayak

I've been back in a kayak for the first time since November this weekend! Since it got nice and cold and winter climbing really got going, I couldn't think of anything worse to do then to get in a boat, but with these warmer conditions and a fair bit of water about, one would become very depressed just waiting for good summer or winter climbing conditions without any backup plan. That's not to say kayaking is any lesser a thing to do mind you.

I've had a very busy week in terms of work, it was nice to have a chilled out day on Friday. In the afternoon though, I really wanted to do something, and I've had a little local mission in mind that I've really wanted to do for some time. So I managed to rope Rory into it, amazingly, because it involves going in a canoe. And Rory would like to claim he wouldn't be seen dead in a canoe or kayak. So here he is:

He loves it really

It was quite an interesting mission, underground exploration in a canoe, with lots of darkness, tunnel, and eels. Nice. Enjoyable though, even for Rory!

Yesterday, I went out paddling with friends Gerwyn and Paul, and a few other friends of his, John, Harry and Rommie. After epic driving epic miles all over north Wales, we met the other lot at the 'Twrch', at the end of Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake). Although it has some gnarly bits in it that I would not have run it did look good, but the water was dropping so fast by the time we had inspected it from the banks it was getting a bit on the low side. So a bit more driving later and we were ready to paddle the 'Wynion' instead. I was the only one in the group to have never done it, but have wanted to for a while.

Harry on the Wynion

It was a great stretch of river. Continuously interesting, loads of waves, drops and great rock features. Not an easy paddle, and very committing once in the gorge, also difficult to lead, as in some places there is no line of sight between the eddies. I really enjoyed it. I did portage one section that I didn't want to take any chances with, as getting it wrong could result in a very serious pinning, not my cup of tea. I did get some photos of Harry, Rommie and Paul who ran it though.

Paul smashing it in on the Wynion

Today, following a really early start I met up with John and Rommie again to head over to the Dee, where John was being signed off to run 4* assessments and Rommie and I were being guinea pigs for it (in preparation for our upcoming 4* assessments). We didn't do the Dee though thankfully, and went over to the Vyrnwy and ran that instead.

Although its boring as sin being led the whole time, and my hands were totally freezing after being tricked by the sun that it was going to be warm, it was a good run, and I have picked up on a few things to do with leading groups on that sort of water. So it will certainly be beneficial. I fancy trying it in an open boat next, it's just a mega drive to get there.