Wales received its fair share of white and fluffy precipitation over the last few weeks and what better way to make the most of it while curing a turkey tryotphan hangover than to go snowboarding on boxing day. Chris C. and I shredded some of the pow up in Brecon Beacons and followed it up yesterday with a good run down the Mellte as it melted.
We met our group (of 7) at the iced up get in and hiked down. It always takes a while to get the boats down to the get in but when we got there I was pleasently surprised by the levels- EA gauge was running at 0.48 m when we got on. Yes!
Photo: Chris and Nicki lowering the boats.
Photo: Shane getting ready to launch at the get in below the big one.
It was good to see that the levels were high enough to allow us the run the first drop-ie the ledge was covered. A few paddle strokes warm-up and bam, straight into the 15 fter. No brainer; I’ve heard its shallow (I didn’t check) but its a real easy boof.
Photo by Shane: Me boofin’ the warm-up drop.
Photo: Chris C. on the second drop
Fun times. About 50 meters further on is the 25 footer. We inspected and Rhod was first down again. We all went for the pencil and oregon tuck. I’ve spoken to a guy who gorge walks this area and has brought scuba gear to this drop and checked it out. He says its really deep river left, but goes down to about 8 ft on river right. Nice drop. Rhod ran laps on it…
Photo: Rhod atop the fall
Photo: Nicki tucking on the 25 fter.
After this drop, its was into the gorge and some really cool icicle scenery. I always like this section at this level- classic pool drop class 3+. Then there’s the looping pool which was uneventful at this level and then the drop that nearly always hurts my back, even with a great boof.
Photo: Chris on the drop that hurts your back
Finally there was the last shallow weir, which is a lovely boof spot. Again, i’ve been told that it’s super shallow (I failed to check if this is true) but the slightest of boofs will keep you right.
Photo: Jonny on the last weir drop
A fun day on the river with Sam, Rhod, Nicki, Shane, Jonny and Chris. A first no portage run with put in just below the big waterfall (Sgwd Isaf Clun Gwyn) for me. I heart kayaking, I heart kayakers and I heart the Pontneddfechan area of the homeland. Video up in a little bit…