This guide is based on:

THE WELSH RIVERS

The Complete Guide to Canoeing and Kayaking the Rivers of Wales

by Chris Sladden

Published by Chris Sladden Books

The Author

Now resident in Canada, Chris Sladden has spent over 17 years living and canoeing in Wales - though he is still an avid English rugby supporter. He spent four years at Bangor University where, in between rainfalls, he picked up a BSc and teaching diploma. After a brief spell teaching chemistry and outdoor education, he returned to university life in Cardiff, to read medicine. Here, placements at the various district general hospitals around the Principality coincidentally suited the exploration of the more out-lying of Wales’ rivers.

He has kayaked in Europe, the Indian and Nepalese Himalayas, Mongolia, the Peruvian Andes, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, the USA, and Canada. In 1988, he completed a solo 1,400-mile descent of the River Danube, raising money for LATCH, a children’s cancer appeal.

He is a general practitioner with various interests, including ‘outdoor medicine’. Previous books include the White Water Runs … series.

You can buy the book from most of the retail equipment outlets listed (CLICK)

Chris’ Acknowledgments

I am extremely grateful to my sponsors who assisted me during the research for this book:

Graham Mackereth of Pyranha Mouldings Ltd

For the past 16 years or so, I have been using Pyranha boats. During the research paddling for this book, I used a variety. These were mainly the Stunt 300, Micro Bat 240, Acrobat 275 and a Prospector (Canadian canoe). The paddling of an estimated 5,000-plus kilometres of Welsh rivers has all been in Pyranha boats.

Lendal Paddles

For many of the later stages of the book, I used paddles specifically made for me by Alistair Wilson of Lendal. Always willing to be involved with a new project, Alistair and Lendal have been at the cutting edge of paddle technology for many years.

Dave Holloway of Euro Kayaks

I am extremely grateful for the supply of a selection of the Cyclone range of canoeing gear produced by Euro Kayaks.

Huw Evans of White Water Consultancy International Ltd

Huw runs White Water Consultancy International Limited, one of the country’s foremost canoeing and kayaking traders. Based at Bronwydd Arms, on the banks of the Gwili, he supplies anything to do with the paddling world. Huw has faithfully supported me during the publication of all of my books and I am most grateful for his loyalty.

A project of this sort is rarely just one individual’s efforts but, rather, represents the contributions and enthusiasms of many others. I am extremely grateful to the many people who have been involved in ‘the book’ in one way or another. If I have missed anyone out of this list, I apologise.

I would like to thank the ‘Cryptic Irishman’, who inspired a generation of paddlers - myself included. My mentor and life-long friend, Tim Palmer, is owed a special thanks; and my mother, Rosemary Sladden, for all kinds of support over the years. I owe a particular debt of thanks to Phil Blain who not only provided me with photographs of some outrageous paddling, but was the main proof-reader of the text. Without his knowledge and enthusiasm it would have been far more difficult to complete the project. Other proofreaders were Dave Proctor, Franco Ferrero, Carol Blain and Clare Jefferson who put in no less effort.

Trying to obtain photographs in Wales is a difficult task and I have relied on the goodwill and kind help of the following: Ian Walsh, Allan Fox (Foxy), Phil Blain, Shaun Baker, Heather Gunn and Loel Collins.

In addition, Ken Vickers of Cordee and Peter Hodgkiss of the Ernest Press were both extremely kind in steering me in the right direction regarding book publication.

Once again, I would like to thank Graham Mackereth, firstly, for agreeing to write the foreword and also, secondly, for his personal encouragement and faith in my canoeing projects over many years.

I am also extremely grateful to Caren McCann for translating the introduction into Welsh.

In addition to finding some excellent photographs for me to use, I would like to thank Allan Fox for dreaming up the chapter illustrations in the book.

In addition, to those people who have paddled with me, transported, fed and encouraged me, especially at times of low water - thank you. In particular, Fred Wondre, Paul and Jane Howells, Ambrose and Janice Hearne, Kimberley and Jane Jones, Neil and Carol Sweirs, Patrick and June Jefferson, Paul Jefferson, George Novak, Jel Coward, Piers Nesbit, Paul ‘Wibbler’ Ross, Mike Harrison, Andy Knight, Dave and Chrissie Evans. I would also like to thank Dick Renshaw, "climber turned paddler", who was willing to be led astray on a few of my more hare-brained ideas, and in doing so reflect some of his own enthusiasm back on me.

Finally, I would like, once again, to thank Clare Jefferson who not only has completed the huge task of typing but has, also, put up with my foul temper brought to the surface every time the PC crashed.

Chris Sladden