We offer kayaking and canoeing. Kayaking/canoeing is provided by Ray Hind (a qualified BCU Coach) who has considerable experience of kayaking and canoeing.

A quick explanation of kayaking and canoeing/open boating:

• Kayaking: The paddler sits in a kayaks and uses a double bladed paddle. We use single-kayaks (decked, closed cockpit) which are suitable for whitewater.
• Canoeing/open boating: the paddler sits or kneels in an open canoe (canadian canoe) and uses a single-bladed paddle. We use an open canoe which can take two adults and children if required.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ray can provide a wide variety of kayaking/canoeing coaching or experience for individuals, a family or small group including:

• Introduction to kayaking/canoeing on Lake Bala
• Kayaking/canoeing experience on Lake Bala or nearby whitewater
• Introduction to whitewater kayaking/canoeing on River Tryweryn or River Dee
• Sea kayaking experience/coaching including rescue techniques and trips on nearby estuaries and the sea
• Learning to roll/support strokes/water confidence in a nearby swimming pool (hire cost typically £20/two hours)

 

Being located in near Bala in North Wales gives unrivalled access to lakes, estuaries, rivers and managed white-water sites, e.g.:

• Lake Bala with magnificent mountain scenery
• Mile End Mill (Llangollen) managed site for Class II white-water
• Canolfan Tryweryn (National White-water centre) for Class II-III white-water
• River Tryweryn for Class II-IV white-water
• Mawddach and Dwyryd estuaries with fantastic views of Snowdonia

 

 

Ray Hind has 40-years canoeing experience and is a qualified BCU Level-3 coach. His canoeing experience includes representing GB at international canoe slalom and extensive alpine experience (Austria, Switzerland, France, Germany, Italy). Competition experience includes both slalom and white-water racing in all classes, i.e. kayak-single, canadian-single and canadian-double. In addition he has experience of sea-kayaking including circumnavigation of the Isle-of-Wight, Bristol Channel crossing and Pembrokeshire coast, Anglesey and the west coast of Scotland.

All sessions start with a safety briefing and can be tailored to the specific requirements of the group.

Times:

• Morning session: 0930 - 1230
• Afternoon session: 1300 - 1600