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Free Paddling at the Tryweryn!
Posted
17th July 2008
16th July 2007
Welsh Canoeing Association announces that paddling is free at the National White Water Centre.
The WCA Board is happy to announce that charges for recreational kayaking and canoeing have been removed at the National White Water Centre located near Bala. Chairman of the WCA Board, Phil Blain outlined "The WCA has made this positive decision in the interests of the sport and in support of the WCA push towards a resolution of the access position in Wales.
"We have shown that even intensively used sites such as this can be managed successfully for the sport and recreation of canoeing in a positive and environmentally friendly manner" said Mr Blain. "It was felt that the Tryweryn is no different to any other river in Wales and that it was essential for canoeing to maintain parity with other similar outdoor activities like Walking and Cycling. WCA feel that any notion of charging for access to the water was unacceptable, much as it is unacceptable to charges for recreation on other natural resources." he added.
The Centre will remain an operational facility of excellence. It will continue to provide White Water Rafting, Coaching and Rescue Courses and host both National and International competitions under a managed programme.
Paddlers will still need to register at Centre reception before taking to the water, but from now canoeists and kayakers will be able to paddle for free.
Site availability will continue to depend on the managed programme of events and exclusive use will be required to meet the needs of competition and coaching operations.
The WCA acknowledges that the provision of genuine facilities that enable canoeists to take to the water such as car parks and changing rooms are something that paddlers would pay for as would payment for exclusive use of a site for competitive events or training. However, payment for linear access along water is not acceptable.
Paul O'Sullivan, Centre Director added. Historically the centre spends about £30,000 a year on purchasing water releases to enable activities to take place on the river. We will continue to secure releases allowing the site to be used in a predictable and sustainable way. We will not be differentiating between releases that we have purchased over those made available through the operational needs of the Environment Agency. Canoeing and kayaking will be free of charge in both cases. We will continue to provide the excellent range of services that our users have come to expect from the centre.
Phil Blain concluded This is a large investment in the sport. It is hoped that paddlers will recognise this and support the WCA in its aims. WCA will still need investment to maintain the facilities at the centre and the charging structure for facilities is being re-modelled. Paddlers are encouraged to join the Association as supporter members. All voluntary donations for the upkeep of this gem of a site are welcome.
Notes:
Daily information is available at reception. Listed below are some guidance notes for assistance. All profits from the running of the National White Water Centre are invested into the development of paddle sport in Wales
Is this for the Whole of the River?
Yes.
There is no differentiation between the top site and Lower River. The lower river remains an unmanaged section of river. There is no agreed access/egress point between the centre's boundaries and the take out point in the public car park in Bala.
Who does this apply to?
All recreational canoeists and kayakers who paddle at the centre. If exclusive use of particular sections of the river is required for events or training then a charge will still be made for that exclusive use.
This does not affect white water rafting clients who already get full use of the centres facilities as part of their rafting session.
Do I still need to sign on?
Yes The centre remains a managed facility and users need to be aware of and consent to the conditions of use and sign to say they are competent to paddle. If you are under the age of 18 then your parent or guardian will have to sign you in at reception.
Paddlers will have to sign in at each visit.
What about exclusive use for events and training?
There will be a full programme of events and courses running and some of these activities will require and be provided with excusive use of sections of the water. Daily information is available at reception.
Have the terms or conditions changed for paddling at the centre?
The only change is that canoeists and kayakers will not be charged for using the centres facilities.
Can I get on the river anywhere?
Currently access is from the Centre's landholding only. Egress is at the car park in Bala. The upper site has access provided and signed alongside the bank. From the lower limits of the Centre to Bala there are no agreed access/egress points and paddlers must respect local landowners wishes. There are details in the centre about portage arrangements around Bala Mill Falls which will be updated as improvements are made over the coming months.
Details of access and egress are available at reception and it is the responsibility of the individual user to make certain they know where they can and can't use the land by the river.
When can I paddle?
Whenever the centre is open for normal operations and there is sufficient water being released from the Llyn Celyn dam by the Environment Agency. The centre reserves the right to close the access to the river in the event of competitions, events, emergencies and environmental issues such as Foot and Mouth.
I have a season ticket will I get a refund?
If you wish to receive a refund, this will be available on a pro rata basis. Season tickets which do not request a refund can be assured that the balance of funds will be spent on the development of the centre and canoesport in Wales.
What about coaching groups?
Coached groups will also be able to access the river free of charge.
Coaches will still need to sign their group at reception and be suitably qualified to work on the site and meet the centre health and safety requirements.
If a coached group wished to hire classroom facilities of exclusive/shared use of a river section this will continue to be charged for and needs to be booked in advance.
What about payment at other sites?
WCA cannot dictate the operations of other sites. As with any sport, participants need to familiarise themselves with the terms of each site they visit.
Can I make a contribution to the costs of maintaining the facility?
Yes you can join as a WCA Supporter Member online here:
http://www.welsh-canoeing.org.uk/membership/membership.htm
This category is open to all.
Or you can make a voluntary contribution to the costs of providing the centre facilities when at the centre. All profits from the running of the National White Water Centre are invested into the development of paddle sport in Wales.
