The Lower Tryweryn by Jacki J

Try Try Try leads to Tryweryn!!

Four of us met for a peer paddle at the car park in Bala to one of our favourite stretches of white water in Wales.

The Lower Tryweryn.  What a beautiful, somewhat technical stream of water it is, with plenty of excitement, cheeky bends, turns, and 

boulders to intertwine around and trees to avoid. It’s absolutely brilliant. Roy, Sarah, Ian and I smiled the whole way down. 

Even with great support and encouragement managed to do the last feature, Bala Mill Falls, with ease; it was such an amazing achievement.

But I haven’t always felt so confident. It’s taken commitment, practice, help and support from anyone who has experience. I have, as have many, capsized at times. At the side of some rivers, breathing exercises have helped with growing fear, which sometimes gets the better of me. But I have not given up; instead, facing the challenge has brought me on leaps and bounds. Improving with every paddle, flat or moving water. It’s not ego or showing off, it’s just pure passion for paddling. 

For anyone who is reading this, I cannot express more to you to try one of the progression to white water trips. These organised introductions are full of support and ease you in gently, building your confidence on the water. 

Just get on it, rip off the band-aid, and give it a try, try, try. 

With thanks and respect Jacki