It was a cloudy start over the serene waters of the River Dee, two groups of club paddlers gathered at the top car park at Horseshoe Falls. Most were experienced paddlers drawn by the allure of the river’s twists and turns, from the majestic Horseshoe Falls to the thrilling rapids of the Serpent’s Tail and Town Falls in Llangollen.

With their kayaks bobbing gently in the calm waters (river was low at 0.56m @Corwen Gauge), the adventurers made final adjustments to their gear, tightening straps and checking helmets. Excitement hummed in the air as they prepared to launch into the unknown currents of the River Dee.

As they pushed off from the shore most were able to boof Horseshoe Falls at the river was low. In medium and high conditions this weir needs a wide berth and should only be paddled down the rocky steps on the very left hand side of the weir.

Roy was paddling his new Pyranha Firecracker. He had taken it to the pool session on Thursday to check that he could still roll and then to his delight he could. Now on moving water he declared that this boat would “make kayaking great again”.

Leaving the Horseshoe Falls behind, the river narrowed, its currents growing swifter and more turbulent. The adventurers paddled with determination, their eyes fixed on the swirling waters ahead. They approached the Serpent’s Tail, a series of twisting rapids that tested their agility and reflexes.

With adrenaline coursing through their veins, they maneuvered their kayaks through the churning whitewater, each dip and turn a dance with the river’s untamed spirit. The Serpent’s Tail proved to be a formidable challenge, but the adventurers rose to meet it.

The two groups, paddling as one played and used all the river features. We met a group of opens poling their way upstream from TNR. We played for a little while at the bottom wave. Roy was now convinced with his purchase and was even declaring it the boat that the “Ozone wished it was”.

We paddled on know that ahead lay the final obstacle: Town Falls in Llangollen, a breathtaking cascade of water that would put their skills to the ultimate test.

Approaching Town Falls, the adventurers felt a mixture of anticipation and trepidation. The roaring waters surged forward, beckoning them to dare the plunge. With nerves of steel and hearts pounding, they paddled closer, feeling the pull of the current beneath them.

In a moment of pure adrenaline-fueled exhilaration, they descended over the edge of Town Falls, their kayaks slicing through the frothy spray as they plummeted into the swirling depths below. Most emerged victorious on the other side, soaked to the skin but grinning from ear to ear, the adventurers knew that they had experienced something truly extraordinary. This would “make kayaking great again!”