We Started at our Private Riverside Centre with Orientation and making sure all Staff understand and agree on our Strict safety rules and how we operate all aspects of our Canoe Hire. This proved to be a great time spent talking over different ideas and also explanations of why we do what we do and what makes us stand out above the rest.

We then drove up to Kerne Bridge where we cleared many overhanging hazards that hinder Paddles of all Levels as they go through the Bridge. This all helps to ensure the Safety of our Customers. We also carried out minor pruning around the Bishopswood Launch point and down towards Lydbrook.

This took us all morning to achieve but we were very very pleased with the results.

The Start of the afternoon was spent practising capsizing Canoes and emptying them as if they were a Customer with little or no Canoeing Experience, and also going through many different scenarios like a customer with a small child on their own in the boat and how to empty a Canoe without putting any more strain on your body than necessary. This proved invaluable, Helping the staff understand what a customer has to deal with and going through the correct & safe method of sorting the problem out should the situation arise.

We then moved on to the rapids where we spent a long time going through Safe Rescue Techniques and putting them into Practice. Under the watchful eye of our Level 5 Coach Paul Howells who brought a lot of experience, knowledge and understanding to our session.

These Practice Sessions are vital to our Safety Ethics and Practices. As we are so close to The New Weir Rapids, If an accident was to occur we are usually the first port of call and can respond ASAP. All of our Full Time Centre Staff are First Aid Certificated.

Before heading home after a long but Very Productive Day we spent some time collecting Rubbish from the Island on the rapids and along the river bank. Sad to say there was quite a lot. It is disheartening to think that some fellow river users do not appreciate the Beautiful surroundings and cannot simply take the rubbish back with them and stick it in a bin.

Photos to follow shortly

In 2011 Julia Bradbury joined us on a trip along the river Wye taking in the history and also going through the rapids in a canoe along with our very own Paul Howells.

Please Click Here to read the Countryfile Article about this event.

On a morning in January 2012 we met Ellie Harrison on the banks of the River Wye just below Huntsham Bridge. After a short time rigging up the equipment to the kayaks and presenters we safely took the film crew in a Sparred Canoe and followed Ellie and Paul Howells down the river towards Symonds Yat East. Ellie Managed to take a swim (capsize) almost right at the beginning but thankfully Paul was there to rescue her and get her back into her kayak to continue the journey.

The River was in spate so with the current it did not take us long to reach Symonds Yat East, where we got Ellie warm and dry thanks to the Roaring fire at The Royal Lodge Hotel

After a warm coffee we moved on to the Rapids at Symonds Yat, This was the main area of focus for us as we are desperately trying to save the rapids and protect the Island. The island is to be protected by a willow bank which will be planted across the top of the island. This will hopefully Slow down the Erosion by the powerful water and give the island a chance to Naturally Flourish once again.

Many Thanks to the Fantastic Countryfile Team. We look forward to working with you again in the future.