Coached groups

Coached kayak and canoe groups at Canolfan Tryweryn

Coaches are welcome to bring their groups to the Tryweryn, to use the centre as a venue for hosting their course. We have wet and dry classrooms available for coaches who wish to hire a space, but if you’re trying to keep costs down, then we also have a number of picnic benches and outdoor meeting points that you’re welcome to use to meet and greet your clients.

Coaches must submit a copy of their qualifications and their National Governing Body membership to us, before their first visit or as they arrive, in order that we can check that they hold adequate liability insurance to coach here.

Students are charged at the same rate as Paddle UK members, regardless of whether they have that membership or not. Working coaches paddle free of charge.

You can book as a coach in two ways:

With a CT Member ID (we can set this up for you) this allows you to pay for your coached group booking online, by invoice* or upon arrival at reception.

Online without a CT Member ID, payable at the time of booking.

*Register to pay by invoice by contacting us with the following information:

Company name
Company address
Company phone number
Company email address
Contact name

Site information for coaches

This gives coaches and leaders clear guidance on which qualifications are appropriate when using different sections of the Afon Tryweryn. It is in no way a substitute for sound professional judgement and decision-making, particularly in regard to water levels on the lower river which can change dramatically as a result of rainfall.

The document has been put together in consultation with Paddle Cymru with the aim of allowing Paddle Cymru to support coaches and leaders in the unlikely event of an accident and any subsequent legal action.

The Afon Tryweryn is a natural venue with the upper part of the river managed by Canolfan Tryweryn, the National White Water Centre. The Lower section is a natural river which is largely unmanaged and therefore will have hazards you would normally expect to find in this type of environment. The river is dam controlled with a range of different releases. The lower section also has additional water feeding into it so levels on the Lower Tryweryn can be higher than the release level indicated at the centre on the day.

The Top site from the Welsh Water gate to the Raft put in steps (old Chipper location) is grade 3.

The section from the raft put on steps to the large raft briefing eddy river right is grade 2.

The Upper section from the large raft briefing eddy river right to Tyn Cornel Camp site is graded as 3-4.

The lower section from the Camp site to Bala is graded 2-3 with Bala Mill Falls at Class 4.

This last rapid has a leat running above the drop so can easily be avoided.

Each coach / leader has a responsibility to remain within the remit of the award held, and their students must have an appropriate level of skill and experience to be taught in that environment, with the coach giving those students a positive experience.

Coaching qualification/leadership award	Section
White water coach award kayak	Raft put-on steps, to the large raft briefing eddy river right. Lower section from the camp site to Bala, avoiding Bala Mill Falls via the leat.
Advanced water canoe coach	Raft put-on steps, to the large raft briefing eddy river right. Lower section from the camp site to Bala, avoiding Bala Mill Falls via the leat.
BCU Level 3 kayak	Raft put-on steps, to the large raft briefing eddy river right. Lower section from the camp site to Bala, avoiding Bala Mill Falls via the leat.
BCU Level 4 canoe	Raft put-on steps, to the large raft briefing eddy river right. Lower section from the camp site to Bala, avoiding Bala Mill Falls via the leat.
Advanced water kayak	All sections. All sections with slalom gates. All sections covered by the coach's remit.
BCU level 4 kayak	All sections. All sections with slalom gates. All sections covered by the coach's remit.
Slalom coach	All sections. All sections with slalom gates. All sections covered by the coach's remit.
Performance slalom coach	All sections. All sections with slalom gates. All sections covered by the coach's remit.
WWR coach and performance coach	All sections. All sections with slalom gates. All sections covered by the coach's remit.
WW Kayak Leader	Raft put-on steps, to the large raft briefing eddy river right. Lower section from the camp site to Bala, avoiding Bala Mill Falls via the leat.
4* Kayak Leader	Raft put-on steps, to the large raft briefing eddy river right. Lower section from the camp site to Bala, avoiding Bala Mill Falls via the leat.
Advanced Canoe Leader	Raft put-on steps, to the large raft briefing eddy river right. Lower section from the camp site to Bala, avoiding Bala Mill Falls via the leat.
5* Canoe Leader	Raft put-on steps, to the large raft briefing eddy river right. Lower section from the camp site to Bala, avoiding Bala Mill Falls via the leat.
Advanced kayak leader	All sections

For any other qualifications not listed above, please consult Paddle UK and Paddle Cymru guidance or email the National White Water Centre explaining your individual situation.