Our flat water taster sessions are a great way of having a go at canoeing and seeing if it’s the activity for you. Each session can be done as a half or full day activity, depending on what you are looking for and on a full day a journey could be undertaken. These taster sessions offer a great way of learning the art of canoeing and having fun at the same time and we have plenty of venues to choose from, including our local Pontsticill Reservoir or the Brecon and Monmouthshire canal.
At the start of the day the group will learn how to maneuver their canoe confidently and independently. Throughout the session we will teach a variety of skills through different means, including games based learning, showing you how to use different types of skills to get your canoe where you want, all while having tremendous fun!
Each session is tailored to the needs of the group, so if it’s a wet and fun splashing session that you desire, let us know and we will ensure you leave thoroughly soaked! Likewise, if you would like a relatively dry session we will do our best to keep you out of the water (although there is alway a chance you may fall in!).
This course is designed for people who have had experience of canoeing before and are looking to develop their skills whilst experiencing some more challenging water. We usually explore some of our local moving water rivers, such as the Taff, Usk, and Wye.
In each session you will learn how to safety canoe down beautiful rivers, conquer some rapids and discover how to surf waves in your canoe.
This course can be delivered to solo or tandem canoes, depending on what you would like to achieve. We are always happy to tailor our activities around you so just let us know what it is that you are looking for!
This activity is all about getting up close and personal with some of our local rapids and white water sections and as such is one of our most popular choices! In each session we look at running rivers with main features to negotiate (up to grade two), ensuring that your skills and your nerve is put to the test.
This course is ideal for those who already have experience of running rivers and want a progressive, fun-filled session on improving their skills, such as leader, or for those who are simply looking to push their grade with the support of a qualified instructor.
Our white water sessions can be done solo or tandem depending on what you prefer.
During our traditional skills courses you can expect to learn a host of new strokes and discover new ways to move your canoe without your paddle, including Poling and Snubbing.
Traditional paddle strokes we look at include:
- Improving your J Stroke, making sure that it is efficient and technically correct
- Knifed J Stroke, a slight modification on the original J Stroke, which allows you to effectively steer the canoe without losing momentum
- Indian Stroke, originally a silent means of canoeing used to sneak up on wildlife
- Running Pry, a technique which glides the canoe sideways whilst still moving it forwards
- Lots more skills!
Traditional ways of moving the canoe that we learn include:
- Poling, standing up in a braced position in the canoe using a 16ft pole to push up river, progressing onto rapids
- Snubbing, standing up in a braced position in the canoe using a 16ft pole to control the canoe and get it moving down the river and progressing down rapids
- Lining and tracking, this is traditionally used for loaded canoes, lining the boat down the river to avoid a hazard or to avoid swamping the canoe. Tracking is the same skill but controlling the canoe going down river
- Canoe sailing and improved canoe sailing, using the wind to propell the canoe down wind, while using the paddle as a rudder to control the direction.
For more information on these sessions and some of the skills we cover please get in touch.
Here at Dolygaer we have a huge range and variety of places to go Canoeing within easy travelling distance, meaning no matter how many times you get out there you can always see something new.
On our doorstep we have the beautiful Pontsticill Reservoir, where you can experience some of the most relaxing and serene moments you could wish for on the water. With stunning views of the surrounding mountains and countryside, this really is a great way to see the local area.
We have a number of rivers in the area that all have different characteristics. We are very close to the River Taff, which is great to explore by Canoe, while for those looking for full or multi-day trips, we have the beautiful River Wye, which is a fantastic and varied excursion. If you are looking for more adventure still we have the fast flowing waters of the River Usk, which holds a range of rapids between grade 2 - 4.
Finally you can also explore the beautiful 200 year old Brecon to Monmouthshire Canal by Canoe, a varied journey where you travel over aqueducts and pasted fantastic views of the central Brecon Beacons mountains.
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