The river levels were predictably low despite the Usk and the Wye having burst their banks 4 weeks previously. But, as usual, it was a fun weekend and well organised thanks to Anna, Steve and all the coaches.

Our 3* group did the mid Wye on the Saturday, which was 6 feet higher than last year but still very low according to Ralph. We got on and came to the first rapid: hells hole. We looked at it from the portage while Ralph explained how the slot where the water piled up against three rocks huge rocks was actually the chicken chute. He then went on to explain that we would be going through the stopper in the middle. Amazingly nobody swam! We were eddy hopping down to the bottom. Then Ralph showed us how to climb to the top of the stopper, which none of us managed, with several of us swimming.

On the Usk the next day, we were split in to two groups: 3 of us doing the assessment and the rest more training. I was in the assessment group with Stuart and Steve. When we got past Mill Falls we got out and Ralph told us to set up throw lines, which in the end we didn't need - apart from Tom, who kindly swam right in front of me just as I had finished packing away my line. At the get out Ralph told me I had passed, which was a surprise seeing as I had made a mess of the rescue test.

So it was a great weekend and many thanks to all the coaches and organisers. I'll be there next year.

Edward Wheatcroft