The club has a very active group of white water paddlers who are out most weekends. We use local rivers such as the Usk and Wye, but also do trips and weekends further afield. This includes North Wales, Dartmoor, the NE of England, the Lakes and Scotland.
We also visit Cardiff White Water Centre throughout the year to enable newer paddlers to practice skills, and for the more experienced paddlers to train when river levels are low. We also have a growing group of playboaters.
Most years we also organise a trip to the Alps for a weeks immersion in more challenging rivers.
Kayak surfing is also a popular activity with our paddlers and Rest Bay at Porthcawl and the Gower are popular spots. We have a regular all club Gower weekend in July. This provides an opportunity to both Surf and Sea Paddle. Some members also dabble in stand up paddling at this time. This is a great weekend for all the family.
Being Gloucester based, we have to include surfing on the Severn Bore. Most years, surfing members take on the bore. Bores happen as the incoming tide pushes back against the flow of the river, causing a wave to travel up river. Spring and Autumn are the traditional time for taking on this challenge.
Beginners need to complete the introduction sessions, then gain some more experience and hone skills, before moving onto the introduction to white water sessions. White water paddling requires regular practice and training to develop the quick responses and the ability to navigate rapids in faster flowing rivers.