Wednesday night at the Club, looking at the map to find out how to get to that River Tryweryn, I was getting excited. In fact I felt like a little kid! I was definitely looking forward to the camping part, and in a nervous sort of way I was also looking forward to the paddling. As far as the white water went I was a bit unsure. But for once I had decided to trust other peoples’ judgement and give it a try.

Having decided to leave Friday lunch time the journey to the campsite on the Tryweryn was hassle free. Following Gary’s van and trailer was easy enough as they are fairly distinctive but the last part from Llangollen to Bala seemed a long way. At last, we were at the campsite - my first glimpse of the river and the sound of all that moving water as I got out of the car. Ahhhhh…

Gary suggested a walk up to the Canoeing Centre to have a look and then up to the dam below the reservoir. Seemed like a good idea to me. He pointed out all the named features of the river - the Graveyard and the Ski Slope etc. – but was also quick with the reassurance that what we would be facing on the lower section of the river was a far cry from this when he saw the look on my face. Probably sheer terror, especially when we heard that the flow that day was only 6 cumecs and the next day’s would be 10!!! I decided not to think about it any more and see how I felt the following morning. Time to put up the tent, sample Gary’s sausage casserole and chill out while waiting for everyone else to arrive.

At about midnight the others dribbled in and after a quick rest and a beer we all helped to put up their tents by what torchlight we had. The campsite, despite being extremely packed, was remarkably silent, so when Petra opened the Sherpa van’s door to check on how their airbed was inflating the explosion was very noticeable... The bulge in the airbed looked like it was going to be rather uncomfortable to sleep on but that was probably preferable to finding bits of airbed scattered round the inside of the van if left much longer… The perils of the electric pump!!!

The next morning, fuelled with Gary’s porridge (I’m now hooked on porridge and Ready Break…), I was feeling very apprehensive but ready to face the river. There was only one final obstacle in my way – the dreaded dry cag neck seal. No, there was no doubt that if I wore my new cag I was going to explode. Gary kindly lent me his and I was ready for the off. (A bottle of lemonade and a few shampoo bottles should sort out that neck seal at home I was told!) Paddling round on the water next to the campsite, practising ferry-glides and breaking in and out I began to feel a lot happier. I even began to feel at home in the “Whip It” despite all the stick I’d taken about it!

We split into groups to head off down the river and once we were on the way it didn’t seem as daunting as I’d imagined. I even attempted to surf at some play spots! OK, so my rock avoidance left a bit to be desired but I didn’t hit all of them! I managed to steer round a few but then I glided quite gracefully sideways up onto a huge rock in front of me where the river went left but I didn’t. I did my best to hug the rock but it was a bit too big. I was looking at Gary in front of me, trying to listen to what he was shouting, when Trevor came up from behind to try and pull me off the rock. I noticed him too late -- my first swim… Fairly unspectacular, really, I just fell off the side of the rock.

My second swim was after going over a drop and getting caught out by the water but I was expertly rescued by David and Trevor. At that point I decided that bobbing down the flow over the rocks, hanging onto your paddles, was not the best way to enjoy the river. When we reached Bala Mill Falls I was very tired and looking forward to a flat bit to paddle. Enough excitement for a day! Looking at the falls I just thought – one day!!! And then we were at the get out point and waiting for the minibus back to the campsite. I’d made it and was still in one piece. It was great feeling.

After a hot shower we were all off into Bala in search of something edible. The warm Chippie was welcoming and the food much needed. With topped-up energy levels we went back to the Centre for a few beers and relaxing over their live band. Perfect end to the day…

After a good night’s sleep, a good breakfast and packing up the tents it was time to face the river again. The Welsh weather was kind to us and while we packed up the tents the sun shone and dried out all the wet kit. A dry wetsuit seemed much more appealing than a cold damp one! Some of us decided that paddling the river from the campsite to Bala again was a bit much but were quite happy to play around in one spot. Sean, Petra and Gary took us to just below the Chipper. The flow seemed quite fast here and it took me a while to get my confidence level up again. Ferry-glides and breaking out into a small eddy behind a rock were the aim. Then we had a go at surfing. Exhausting work but when Sean decided to stand in the river holding the boats and pushing them out onto the wave, it was much more fun for learning with more time to get the boat facing upstream without being washed off straight away. All too soon it was time to meet our “river-running” part and head for home.

To sum it all up – it was an excellent weekend. There was great group atmosphere on and off the water making everything about the weekend excellent fun. Thanks to everyone who encouraged me to do this trip - it was just what I needed. Looking forward to the next one!!!

by Sarah Mant, October 1999