Lowri Davies

Last weekend I was humbly part of an impressive? team of providers for the first River Rescue Symposium held in the UK? for over 12 years. Being part of this? event obviously meant a lot to me as I gave up? defending my title at? the National Student Rodeo and supporting the 43 members of my club who were in attendance. I felt major pangs of miss-out-itus as my whole house excitedly packed up and left dressed as pirates on Friday afternoon, but I looked ahead to a fun and informative weekend.

Over 50 people arrived on Saturday? for? an introduction lecture followed by? workshops about everything from advanced rope skills? and? first aid for? paddlers? to equipment and boat outfitting;? most of which were based in the warm and dry of Llangollen’s leisure centre.

Photos: Mark Rainsley

My workshop? was about the the dangers of those who’ve learnt to paddle through playboating taking to the rivers – why it is a problem and some ideas on tackling the problem. Here’s some cracking examples of playboaters going river running:

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Photos: Tom Laws

After dinner it was Question Time where I found myself sat between Franco Ferrero, Bob Timms, Peter Knowles and Dino Heald as part of? an expert panel. Things got a little heated at times, but at least we cleared up whether to use a cows tail…

Photo: Mark R

Saturday was rounded up with an excellent talk by Allan Ellard about his most recent trip to Arundel Pradesh and it wasn’t long before everyone was at the bar discussing where their next adventure would be.

Sunday was an entirely water-based affair, with half-day sessions working on the ideas presented the day before. I was running a session entitled “Improved Skill for Improved Safety” which? I certainly enjoyed? and hopefully everyone went away with a few new ideas and? something to work on.

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Photos: Mark R

Thanks must go to everyone who helped to put on the weekend, especially Stuart Woodward of Canoe Control. The event has already recieved a lot of positive feedback so I’m sure? it will be back next year, just hopefully next time it won’t clash with the National Student Rodeo!?

Apologies for the lack of my own photos, but my camera is in? for repairs