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30
Jan

And finally there was water……

Since The Gene17 weekend down on Dartmoor at the start of December, work and the lack of suitable paddling weather, had stopped me getting out on the water. The continuous sub zero temperatures at the start of January resulted in me having to go and climb frozen waterfalls in South Wales.

Matt Shipp and myself climbing the top pitch of Torpantau Falls, South Wales. (photo Becca Ward)

Matt Shipp and myself climbing the top pitch of Torpantau Falls, South Wales. (Photo Becca Ward)

A relative short walk in of 40 or so minutes, easy navigation and not a lot of snow around to cause any particular issues, made a very pleasant change to what is normally perceived as Winter Climbing in this country.

When I finally got out paddling it was again to South Wales, but this time to the Middle Tawe, with two of my long term students, husband and wife duo Jim and Cath. For them the river made an exciting change from the river topography of North Wales, which they are more familiar with. At the water levels that we paddled at, it made a nice introduction to running slides and drops, as well as polishing other important river running skills.

Paul Greenwood running the main drop on the Middle Tawe

Paul Greenwood running the main drop on the Middle Tawe

Last weekend, was spent on Dartmoor. On Saturday, we paddled the Upper Dart and the Loop. Sunday on the Middle Tavy, this was a new river for me, and one that I will be returning back to.

Matt Shipp paddling Euthanasia, Upper Dart

Matt Shipp paddling Euthanasia, Upper Dart
Paul Greenwood putting the Z-one through its paces.

Paul Greenwood putting the Z-one through its paces.

Paddling with us this weekend was Steve, a friend of my next door Neighbour and paddling partner, Matt. Steve hadn’t been on white water for over 8 years, and was thrown straight back into it, wearing his ‘old skool’ paddling kit he attracted a few looks on the river! I think that he is hooked again, and spent the whole of one shuttle, talking about which kayak would be suitable for him to buy.

Steve enjoying the first rapid on the Middle Tavy

Steve Cullis enjoying the first rapid on the Middle Tavy