An Introduction to Tawe Kayak Club

 

History

The club was founded in 1992. We are an active, friendly club based in the Swansea Valley. Our main aims have been to introduce and encourage the participation in the sport of canoeing.

We are affiliated to the Welsh Canoeing Association and have qualified coaches who give their time free of charge.

 

Interests

Members are interested in many aspects of the sport. We are generally a kayak oriented club and spend most of our time looking for white water rivers.

We have a keen polo section which participates in the South Wales league, and one of our current members plays for the Welsh under 18 team.

We have members interested in sea kayaking, a keen group of surfers and the occasional expedition into Canadian canoeing.

 

Equipment

The club currently owns a large selection of kayaks, canoes and safety equipment which are available free of charge to established members. Their use is restricted to flat water and rivers up to grade 3.

 

Tuition

The club offers informal tuition and does not run structured courses. After an introduction to basic safety techniques new members will soon progress to learn other skills more often than not from the other members who may not be qualified coaches but experienced paddlers who will pass on their advice.

 

Facilities

We currently run pool sessions at Ystradgynlais leisure centre (Fridays 8:30 to 9:30 pm) and Penlan leisure centre (Sundays 8.00 to 9.30 pm). 

During the summer June to September the pool sessions are uneconomic and we meet at Caswell Bay for a beach session instead.

 

Activities

Throughout the winter we take advantage of the local rivers outside the fishing season.

A week in the French alps in June. Visits to the whitewater centre in Bala. Occassional sea trips and Star tuition and testing.