2025 02 08 WW Progression Paddle on the River Dee

Although the rivers were a little low the Dee always has water so we confirmed early to all those who had booked on before the event closed. Some met at the Kingsways Pool (which is now closed with the new pool opening on Monday) while the rest met us at the get-out at Ty Mawr Park. We managed to get everyone into 5 vehicles and shuttled up to the start. We then split into groups, some basic instructions and then got on to the river.

On the trip down we practised breaking in and out, and ferry glides across the current. There was more than enough water (0.58 m on the Corwen Guage) and many of the features were different from a few weeks before.

It was a little cold but the group was well dressed. We did not stop and spent a pleasant couple of hours on the river. The sticky “play hole” was not sticky at all but Trevor Rocks needed a careful line down on the river right to avoid the ledges and rocks. The play wave below “The Bont” (Cysylltau or Trevor Bridge) kept us occupied for a little while. The best rapid was just below the iconic Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. Before long we were soon at the get-out (the third red lifebuoy just before the viaduct. We shuttled back for the cars and some went to the cafe in the top car park before they closed dead on 3 pm. Great day and a good bunch of people.