In February the canoeists and kayakers descend on the Welsh rivers before the fishing season restricts access to these wonderful waters. Four of us set off from Builth Wells. Two people, Chris and Alison, I had never met before. They turned out to be great company. It's amazing how quickly you bond when you are so dependent on each other for your safety, your health, and the strong teamwork needed to paddle rough water. Chris hitched a ride in Joanna's boat. Alison and I paddled solo in our lighter boats. We covered about 20 km of the beautiful river Wye. Most of it was too wide to scout ahead so we cautiously took each rapid as it came. There is a famous slot called Hell Hole, the name is designed to strike fear into newcomers to canoeing. I sent Chris an E mail the night before to let him know that I have never seen an incident at Hell Hole, but other rapids make groups complacent. Sure enough, three of us took a long swim not long after the start. Alison competently took charge. Once on the bank we took off our outer clothes off, swung them around, squeezed them out and put them back on again. By the end of the afternoon we were all paddling more confidently and feeling warmer.
On Friday evening we joined the rest of the group at a Bunkhouse in Brecon. The Canal Barn Bunkhouse, Brecon
Mainstream is a group of canoeists, mainly Christians, who love to meet outdoors and enjoy God's wonderful creation together. Anyone is welcome if they don't mind getting wet.
The second day we paddled the Usk from Sennybridge with a group of kayakers. Some were nervous simply looking at the river. Some were old hands. Everyone supported and helped each other out.
It was great to see how quickly everyone talked and shared their lives with each other. Every job got done without complaint. People were free to go to the pub, spend time alone or join in with a time of worship in the evening. We were privileged to have Peter Hollingsworth with us. He shared some songs that he had written to well known tunes.
On the Sunday most of the group took a shorter day. Three of us chose to spend longer on the river Usk, covering 18 km to Crickhowell. Once we had past the get out point the river grew bigger and simply got better and better. In the end the sun came out to round off a glorious weekend.
One reflection on the weekend is how when the adrenaline is flowing we can't always distinguish between excitement and fear. One friend was a very competent canoeist but still felt afraid. We covered their boat as best we could but in the end you have to ask yourself, What is the worst that could happen? Has it happened yet? Personally I take that fear emotion and drill it down into my non-conscious. I rehearse success in my mind and make no room for so called failure. Failure might simply be a long swim. Even that can be turned into a brilliant memory and a great story.
Thanks to everyone for such a supportive weekend. Contact Chris for more information about Mainstream
I love to talk with creative thinkers who look at life from a sideways perspective. I want to meet people who keep their feet in touch with the earth, exploring its surface and depth, drawing on the experience of people who walked before us in history.
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