Noob looking for recommendations in North Wales

[polgster]

Hi, I bought some kayaks in the winter and I want to take them out this weekend somewhere in North Wales. I'm a 3 star and my daughter is a 1 star, so looking for somewhere easy but interesting for their first outing, preferably where we can start and finish in the same place.

[David Fairweather]

The lagoons on Llyn Padarn at Llanberris would be perfect for you. Park at the car park by the Surflines kayak shop and go for a play. If it's particularly windy, then you would be best to stay within the lagoon area as it can get a bit choppy on the open water.

[polgster]

Thanks David, I've been to Llanberis and will definitely go there this year but was looking for something a bit nearer for a day trip (about an hour from Liverpool). A nice river with a couple of small drops would be ideal.

[JonFinch]

If you get a bit of the wet stuff before the weekend the River Irwell at the Burrs Country Park at Bury would be good. Park up & paddle up the canal then back down the river, not too far from you.
Jon

[polgster]

Thanks Jon, that looks ideal, do you start at the activity centre?

[JonFinch]

If you drive in towards the activity centre go over the river bridge then park on the left by the chimney, then go up the steps behind the large mouse trap you will find the canal either walk along the path to you right & go over the small foot bridge then follow the path for about 800 meters (or just paddle up the canal,if you do paddle there is a small wooden shelf to get out on ,on the left hand side) get on the river about 60 meters below the large step weir. paddle down & get out river left between the 2nd & 3rd bridges.
Hours of fun have agreat day!
Jon

[polgster]

That was a great recommendation Jon. We went on Monday and even though there was a fair in the park we got preferential parking by the mousetrap (was wondering what you meant by this !!) because we had the kayaks on top.

Made some big noob mistakes though. Forgot the helmets which meant we had to be really cautious and miss a couple of the larger but small weirs, and I stupidly hadn't tried to fit myself into the kayak I'd bought and found my legs were too long for the single centered footboard and couldn't sit properly. However, when I got home I realised it was adjustable although I'll have to bodge the footplate to make it smaller so it will fit lower down the boat.

My daughter has only paddled on lakes prior to this and she was really pleased with herself when she got over the small weirs.

Will definetely go back but we'll be a bit more prepared next time.

Thanks.

[JonFinch]

Glad you found it all ok. It may only be a short section but as you said you needed somwhere to park and paddle back to the car & its great for beginners. Weather must have been good as well.
Jon

[Donna B]

Don't know what sort of boat you have, but in most boats you can move the seat back. Occasionally you have to get the drill out to do this, so getting someone else to help if there are no additional pre-drilled holes might be an idea. Just an option before you attack the footrest!

This is normally done in order to make sure the boat balances in the water without catching either end excessively - someone else could probably judge if you are front heavy at the moment.

Donna

[polgster]

Thanks Donna, I will check the seat at the weekend as I think I am front heavy. We ran the river with no spray decks and whilst my daughter was nice and dry, the front of my boat dipped on each weir and I got a good soaking.

My boat is a prijon



but not sure what my daughters is but is over half a metre longer



I need to get it sorted before the 24th as we're off to Coniston for the weekend