The annual BCU Student Safety Symposium is a weekend long course aimed at keeping University students safe and happy on rivers in the UK and around the world. Run by Tom Parker and held at Plas-Y-Brenin, the weekend saw a variety of coaching workshops, lectures and Q&A sessions covering everything from how to run a intro white water trip to advanced technical rope work.
 Photo – Sarah Jones
It was great to take part in this weekend again, partly because it is a fantastic opportunity to observe top quality coaches in action, but mainly because itÂ’s a chance to catch up with old boating friends and make some new ones.
Saturday I helped out with  some workshops and flat water coaching clinics aimed at a range of abilities and interests. Then in the evening we were all treated to  an inspiring photo presentation by Hick Norwood, documenting his travels in Norway. Followed by a sneaky preview of upcoming movie MOP by Max Bilbow.
 
On the Sunday I jumped at the opportunity to watch three great coaches in action and observed Spike, Dave Fairweather and Nick Horwood deliver a ‘steep creaking’ coaching session. With not much water about, we clambered about Pont Cyfyng and Swallow falls, running some of the sneak lines. It was great to see some guys huck their first drop ( Pont Cyfyng’s not a bad start) and I was impressed how well everyone supported each other.  As I was too busy enjoying myself to take photos I have included an artist’s representation of events instead.
For more information of the next BCU Safety Symposium, held this Easter in Scotland visit www.bcustudentsafety.com