Time: All Day
Organiser: Olwen Ross [L]
The Usk has been a popular venue for club trips over the years. At most levels the two sections of the river usually paddled are grade one and two moving water with one or two grade three features , which can be portaged if the paddler wishes. 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. The river runs through the rolling countryside of central Wales.
We will be staying at this bunkhouse in Bwlch. We will have exclusive use, at a cost of £36 for the weekend, (Friday and Saturday night) if most places are filled. It’s a comfortable bunkhouse, with good cooking facilities and warm showers. There are supermarkets in nearby Brecon.
As with all rivers, the difficulty is variable, being dependent upon water levels. The trip is not suitable for complete beginners. It’s usually a great river to progress newly acquired paddling skills, alongside more the experienced paddlers and leaders. Please talk to John Richards or Guy Douglas if you’re unsure whether this trip is suitable for you. The Usk also offers some fun spots for those wanting to play! Club boats and paddling kit will be available for the trip. We are talking about December, so it may be cold! You will need decent personal paddling kit to stay warm. Have a look here if you’re unsure what that entails : You may be able to borrow some of the more kayaking specific bits of kit if required eg pogies.
On top of accommodation, costs will include travel, food/drink and hiring of club kit (if required). We will aim to car share, have a communal cooked breakfast and hopefully a Saturday night meal together (either pub or member chefs!).
Please make a booking below asap if you want to join us, as I’ll be opening it up to folk from other kayak clubs if places at the bunkhouse aren’t filled. The trip is reliant on river leaders and kayak carrying car drivers (!), otherwise places will be offered on a first come first served basis! Because of this, your booking will need to be approved by Olwen. Once approved, she will also be asking for accommodation payment to secure your place.
It’s a lovely part of Wales with opportunities to do other outdoor activities, though paddlers will get priority, others may join the trip if bunkhouse places remain available.
Currently attending:
| Name | Boat | Paddle | Helmet | Deck | Ba | Car | Friday | Breakfast | Sat_eve | Booking_comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neil Montgomery | Own boat | Own | Own | Own | Own | Have car, but can't take boats or passengers | Yes | Meat | No preference | Needed to book a place for Annette as well (not sure she still remembers here login details). I will go ahead and pay for both of us. |
| Annette | Own boat | Own | Own | Own | Own | Have car, but can't take boats or passengers | Yes | Meat | No preference | |
| Tim Gilby [L] | Own boat | Own | Own | Own | Own | Have car, can take 2 passengers plus boats | Yes | Meat | No preference | Currently discussing car share with Neil and Annette. |
| Katy Loffman | Own boat | Own | Own | Own | Own | Have car, can take 1 passenger plus boat | Yes | Meat | Cook for all | Happy to help organise and cook, but not by myself! |
| Nita Solanky | Own boat | Own | Own | Own | Own | Have car, but can't take boats or passengers | No | No breakfast | Pub | There is a small chance I may not have a car so Craig and we may need a lift. I prefer going to the pub on Saturday but very happy to cook if eating in. |
| Fi Ritchie [L] | Jackson Zen (Medium) (Orange) | Own | Own | Club | Club | Have car, can take 1 passenger plus boat | Yes | Meat | No preference | Like Katy, I could, as a combined effort, cook on Saturday evening. Equally happy with the pub option as well. |
| Craig Garlington | Own boat | Own | Own | Own | Own | Have car, but can't take boats or passengers | No | Meat | Pub | Hurrah! N.B. may end up needing a lift, depending on how Nita's car does in MOT in November 🙂 |
| Kevin Heydenrych | Own boat | Own | Own | Own | Own | Have car, can take 1 passenger plus boat | Yes | Meat | No preference | Julia will come if she get that weekend off (will know in a week or so), as otherwise much take leave which she needs for Xmas. We have Julia's aunts 90th on that Thurs 7th - if that changes, I may not be able to come too as that gathering takes priority. |
| Mary Hennock | Own boat | Own | Own | Own | Own | Have car, can take 1 passenger plus boat | Yes | Meat | Pub | None |
| Michael Smith | Pyranha B:TWO (Small) (Yellow / orange) | Own | Own | Club | Own | Have car, can take 1 passenger plus boat | Yes | Meat | No preference | This information is for Ottilie Burrill Smith, Michael Smiths daughter, we would like a room with a double and bunk if possible, thank you |
| John Richards [L] | Own boat | Own | Own | Own | Own | Have car, but can't take boats or passengers | Yes | Meat | No preference | Happy to be involved in any discussion about car share. Happy to help with catering if required. |
| Phil Roast [L] | Own boat | Own | Own | Club | Own | Have car, but can't take boats or passengers | No | Meat | Pub | I'll be borrowing David's car. And driving up either after work Friday or very early doors Saturday morning if work decides it can't do without me :0/ Which is why it's best not to rely on me for a lift...unless you fancy rolling the dice :0D |
| Michael Mccarthy | Pyranha B:TWO (Medium) (Red) | Club | Club | Club | Club | Need a lift | Yes | Veggie | Pub | |
| Julia Heydenrych | Own boat | Own | Own | Own | Own | Have car, but can't take boats or passengers | Yes | Meat | No preference | |
| Rosie Bruns | Pyranha B:TWO (Small) (Yellow / orange) | Club | Club | Club | Club | Need a lift | Yes | Meat | Pub | Happy to help with cooking ! Keen to head up Friday morning. Would need to be picked up from the club house. |
Bookings are closed for this event.