Thank Heaven For The CIWW 22-05-2011

With the rather inclement weather putting pay to any Sea Kayaking so far in May, the Cardiff International White Water Centre (CIWW) has meant I have been able to paddle on a few occasions with the weather having no impact.

Today Adrian and Sian were running an Ultra Marathon from Brecon to Cardiff, Elliott joined me for his first paddle at CIWW and in fact his first paddle on any moving water.

As usual I had a great time playing on the standing waves  and as usual spent a fair amount of time being thrown around and upside down, still good rolling practice.

Elliott did amazingly well especially as this was his first time on moving water and even though he has only been paddling for 6 or 7 months he already has a bombproof roll.

A very enjoyable but tiring few hours were spent at the CIWW before we made our way to the Skate Park on the Cardiff Bay Barrage to watch Lewis, Bobby and Harry performing some tricks on their skateboards and scooter before heading to Sophia Gardens to watch the finish of the Ultra Marathon.

Congratulations to Adrian and Sian who both completed the 52 mile run and both looked remarkably fresh.  I think I will stick to Kayaking it's much easier sitting down.

Some Rapid Fun 17/07/2010

With the recent weather not being too good for sea kayaking lately I have spent the last two Saturday mornings at the Cardiff International White Water Centre and today Tracy, Bobby and Harry came down for an hour to watch and take some photos.

I think I am slowly getting the hang of the course, as I haven't had too much experience white water apart from in tide races, though I am still spending a bit of time upside down but it's good rolling practice.
I am particularly enjoying playing on the wave at the bottom of the course and am really pleased with the Dagger Juice. Thanks to Ronnie at the Canoe and Kayak Store for all the help with the demo boats and everything else.

CIWW 05/05/2010

With no sea Kayaking on the cards due to working weekends and the last bank holiday, I jumped at the chance at a club night at the recently opened Cardiff International White Water course.

We watched the course quickly fill up as the pumps were turned on, tonight it was only on four cumecs.
It was Bobby's first time on proper moving water and he was a little wary and I think the amount of kayaks on the water was a bit off putting but there is no rush and I am sure his confidence will come in time.
I have been on the course before when it was on eight cumecs and there was a lot of difference and as this was my first time in a playboat it was probably a good thing the water was a lot slower.

I have had little experience on white water except for tide races but I am starting to get the bug and with CIWW just on the doorstep I am sure I will doing a lot more in the future.

A great night was had by all and thanks must go to Sue, Mark, Colin and all at Cardiff Canoe Club who turned up and thanks to Dave for the loan of the boat, though I think I will go for something slightly longer.