Time: All Day
Organiser: Katy Loffman
Currently attending:
- Katy Loffman
- Richard Marien
- Michael Stafferton
- Nita Solanky
- Guy Douglas [L]
- Matt Oldfield
- Phil Roast [L]
This trip is almost full, with 13 people signed up. Please sign up ASAP if you would like one of the few remaining places.
The River(s)
The Usk has been a popular venue for club trips over the years. The two sections we will be paddling are grade 1 and 2 moving water with one or two grade 3 features. It is suitable for any paddlers wishing to extend their experience to white water. It is also an excellent river to develop and polish your skills. If you don’t fancy the harder features, they can be portaged. The river runs through the rolling countryside of central Wales. You can find out more about its scenery and wildlife here: UK Rivers – Usk
For those who can travel down on the Friday, there will be an afternoon paddle, possibly on the River Wye – please click the Friday button to join.
Accommodation
We will be staying at the Star Bunkhouse in Bwlch, https://www.starbunkhouse.com/bunkhouse.html. We have exclusive use of it, at a cost of £46 per person for the weekend (Friday and Saturday night) if most places are filled. It’s comfortable, with good cooking facilities and warm showers. There are supermarkets in nearby Brecon and a pub over the road.
Who Should Come?
As with all rivers, the difficulty is variable, depending on the water levels. The trip is not suitable for complete beginners but if you are confident on the Thames and have tackled the Legacy at Lee Valley, you will be fine. The Usk is a great river to progress newly acquired paddling skills, alongside more experienced paddlers and leaders. Being able to roll is not mandatory. The Usk also offers some fun spots for those wanting to play! Please talk to John Richards or one of the Thames Leaders if you’re unsure whether this trip is suitable for you.
What to Bring
Equipment – Club boats, helmets and BAs are available to hire for the trip.
Kit – decent personal paddling clothes to stay warm. Have a look here if you’re unsure what that entails : https://www.putneybridgecc.co.uk/trips/whitewater-trips/ You may be able to borrow some of the more specific bits of kit from the club or other members if required eg pogies.
Food – watertight things that will fit in your BA for lunch and snacks on the river eg muesli bars, chocolate etc
Drinks – water and a hot drink to put in your boat.
Bedding – Sleeping bag and pillow.
Transport
Please indicate on the booking form whether you can offer a lift or if you need a lift, and Katy will be in touch to match you up.
Food
On the booking form, please say
1) if you are vegetarian
2) if you would like to eat at the pub on Friday evening, so that we can book a table – it can get very busy
3) if you are happy to help cook a communal meal on Saturday evening.
Preparation
The perfect way to get your white water skills warmed up is to come on the club trip to Lee Valley on 3 October. You can book here: Club trip to Lee Valley, Legacy
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