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place . The gorge is continuous , so you need to constantly think about what you are doing at the end of each feature to set yourself up ready for the next feature .
We got to Breaker , the most notorious rapid in the gorge , to find a huge and very mobile tree bobbing about in the whole rapid . The line to get past it was marginal , but as the tree moved so much within the hole , it could easily move into that marginal space . It was clear that no one would be running this section of the river today . I had already convinced myself that the gorge at this level was potentially above my skillset anyway ; therefore , I wasn ’ t going to get on .
We worked our way up from the bottom and picked our imaginary lines . Choosing your own lines is good practice , and I ’ ve gotten better at it since I first started kayaking . It was good to discuss options with Matt and Nic and hear their ideas . Once we ’ d shuttled and changed , it was time to say goodbye to Matt as he returned home to Southampton . I was sad to see him go , but it had been a lovely three days to catch up with one another .
DAY FOUR
Lyndon Williams joined us to replace Matt as the second coach . We also had three new paddlers join the group . Michael and Adam joined us for the day , and Frank joined us for the next two days . Being only 16 , Frank came with his own personal driver and photographer ( his Dad Stefan ), who was a welcome addition to the team . I had actually met Frank two years previously when he attended a kid ’ s kayaking camp where I had been helping to run , so I am sure he was thrilled to see his ‘ camp mum ’ again for some paddling !
After a morning discussion over coffee , we decided to head to the Ogwen . The Ogwen had been my suggestion as it is a river I have wanted to paddle for years , but it ’ s never worked out . We drove over , and it was decided it was low but had enough water to paddle , so we geared up and got on . We knew we were in for a low-water technical day , and that ’ s precisely what we got . There were sections of the Ogwen that were absolutely stunning and to me , it felt in line with many other Snowdonia classics with crystal clear water , mossy rocks and fun white water rapids .
Due to the boulder garden nature of the river , we split into two groups , and I was in ‘ Lyndon ’ s group ’. I had been a little nervous about Matt leaving us on Wednesday . Matt knows me and my paddling incredibly well , so having him there was both comforting and allowed me to relax enough to push myself in my paddling . Matt ’ s coaching style is all about getting people to have fun with style ! Although I know Lyndon , I hadn ’ t paddled with him before outside of on a white water course , but it turns out I needn ’ t have worried . Jamie knows how to pick the best of the best to work with him , as Lyndon was , of course , a fantastic coach .
Me , Nic , Matt , Graham , Ben , and Phil ! This is a selfie at the get-on for the Glaslyn
Me and Frank ! Michael is all smiles on the Ogwen ! Photo : Del
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