AMFYOYO on the River Dee!

I recently had the pleasure of paddling from Glyndyffrdy to the Horseshoe Falls on the River Dee in North Wales. I was there to assess a number of candidates for the British Canoe Union (BCU) four star leader award in  canoe. This award allows individuals to lead a group in moderate water conditions. Moderate water is defined as: large areas of open water (lakes,lochs) with winds up to force 4, and grade 2 rivers.

The River Dee or Afon Dyfrdwy as it is known in Welsh, starts in the hills south west of Bala and then flows for about 10 km before entering Bala Lake (Llyn Tegid). The canoeing sections start from below the lake and work their way through the country side to Llangollen. After this the river continues its path cross country, leaving Wales and entering England shortly before Chester, where it then flows flows into the sea. Access can be a problem on some sections, however this section is regularly paddled and parking is courtesy of a local farmer who charges a small fee for the pleasure.

As a an indication to the level on the day you can check the gauge at Mile End Mill. On this day it was on 11 proving good conditions of continuous grade 2.

I was joined on the day by my friend and fellow coach Chris

This really is a lovely section of river at the grade. Large sections of grade 2 rapids, with waves to be surfed interspersed with short flat sections. Add to this the stunning scenery with the hills as a back drop. Around half way down a nice surf wave can usually be found, however at this level today it was washed out.

Unlike paddling a kayak open boaters have a real chance of swamping. This can be good fun if just messing about or on a short paddle, but if the boat was fully laden as for a multi day trip then it could become an issue. A useful strategy when running sections like this in open boat is to try and slow your self down, or check your speed in order to avoid swamping. Combine this with use of the reverse ferry and a clean or even dry line can be achieved. An alternative to this is, where you find a downstream ‘V’ or tongue is to adopt a style similar to the Voyageurs, who ran a line slightly to one side of the apex of the ‘V’ resulting in a drier descent. The line was know as a ‘filet d’eau’ or fillet of water.

I t was nice to see that a tandem crew joined us for the day, which gave he candidates on assessment a bit more to think about.

As it was a leadership award Chris took it upon himself to discuss the different leadership styles with the group and introduced them to the lesser known style AMFYOYO!! This is only to be used in times when all else has failed, and stands for “Adios my friend your on your own!” I think we can all think of a situation when this was probably quite apt.

Leadership need not be difficult in this environment if a logical approach is taken to it. Ask your self a few simple questions:

Where do I want to go or be?
Can I see where I want to go or be? If not move somewhere you can
What hazards if any are between me and my destination, and how big a hazard do they pose?
Can the hazard/s be avoided or what can I do to lessen the result?
How many boats or swimmers can I deal with here at one time?
What style should I use? One at a time, eddy hop, leap frog etc

Remember if all else fails.. AMFYOYO, But don’t. quote me on that

The day moved on and lots more fun was to had on the various sections of grade 2. A brief stop for lunch was followed by some nice rapids. Thank you to Simon (aka Redframe) for the following shots of myself doing what I enjoy.

There was then one last rapid that led to a slow flat section which gave us warning of the approaching  Horse Shoe Falls. Great care should be taken on approaching the falls especially at this level as a powerful recirculation is formed below the weir. Egress early on river left and portage round, or if care is taken in lower conditions and keeping well clear of the weir there is the option of a sneak down the side.

This was all the fun over with for now. All that was left to do was to paddle down the canal to the Eisteddfod International Pavilion (small parking fee) where we had left the vehicles. Alternatively the river could be paddled further taking in the section of the Serpents Tale (grade 3 -4) and continuing down grade 2 rapids to the white water center at Mile End Mill.

The section described here from Glyndyffrdy to the Horseshoe Falls is approximately 10 km (6 miles) in length and is a really good day out.

A big thank you to all of that gave your time and joined me for the day.

See you on the water…

Jules

www.voyageur-coaching.co.uk