Frequently Asked Questions

Do you do introductory courses? : What courses do you offer? : What grade is the river? : What sections are open for recreational boating? : What about the dam release? : What about the level of water? : Do you do introductory courses? : Can you supply equipment? : What facilities do you have? : How much is the facility fee? : Child Safety Initiative

Do you do introductory courses?

Due to the grade of the river we don’t offer introductory courses. If you're a first-timer and don't know where to start contact either the British Canoe Union (0115 9821100) or the Welsh Canoeing Association (01678 521199) for details of canoe clubs or suitable courses in your area.

What courses do you offer?

We run Whitewater Safety & Rescue courses and Raft Guide Training.

What grade is the river?

The upper section (dam – centre) is classed as a grade 3/4 although it is pool-drop rather than continuous grade 3/4. The lower section (centre – Bala) is grade 2/3 (fairly continuous), with one grade 4 rapid which can be easily portaged.
Grading – rivers are grade from 1 to 6 with grade 1 being flat, moving water and class 6 being un-runnable.

What sections are open for recreational boating?

The river (from the Top-Site to Bala egress), is open whenever there is a release from the dam.

The top-site (above the Chipper) is a dedicated safety and rescue site and is closed whenever there is a safety and rescue course running.

What about the dam release?

Basically the Tryweryn is open for boating whenever there is a suitable release from the dam, which is controlled by the Environment Agency. There are a number of factors which influence the dam release pattern including local river levels, forecast rainfall and the height of the reservoir. Because of this releases can only be decided a few days in advance. As soon as we are advised of the release we up-date our web-page and water info line.

On certain weekends of the year there are scheduled releases where we know in advance that there will be water – these are the Tour, competition and Festival weekends and are detailed on our Events Calendar web-page.

What about the level of water?

The dam can release anything from 1 cumec to 16 cumecs into the Tryweryn (a cumec is a cubic metre per second). The river can only be kayaked above 7 cumecs with 10 cumecs being the normal release. On a 12 cumec release or above the river is classed as a grade 4.

Can you supply equipment?

For canoeists on our coaching courses there are drysuits, buoyancy aids, helmets, boats and paddles available to use free of charge.

What facilities do you have?

On-site we have changing rooms, with lockers and (free, hot), showers, a café and 5 coaching buildings with classrooms which can be hired out.

How much is the facility fee?

Paddling is now free at the National Whitewater Centre... read more here

Child Safety Initiative

Parents are reminded that the river is fast flowing and that close supervision is required for younger visitors. Children's buoyancy aids are available at reception in the main centre for peace of mind… and a small returnable deposit.