Kayaking & Canoeing at The National Whitewater Centre
Canolfan Tryweryn (now officially re-named as the National White Water Centre) was established in 1972 to provide whitewater facilities for kayakers and canoeists. Over the last 20 years the centre has expanded and developed and is now the UK's leading whitewater centre welcoming thousands of canoeists and kayakers every year.
Located on the banks of the Tryweryn River, the centre offers 7.5km (4.7 miles) of classic Welsh whitewater. The elevation at the Chipper is 250m dropping to 167m in Bala. Because the Tryweryn is a dam-controlled river (rather than rain-fed), there is often water available here when all the other rivers are dry. The average dam release is 9 or 10 cumecs. A cumec is short-hand for one cubic metre of water released every second; also cms or m3/s (m3s-1). A 9 or 10 cumec release makes the upper/centre section a grade 3/4 river with both technical sections (Graveyard) and steep drops (Ski Jump, Chapel Falls), and the lower section (from the centre to Bala), continuous grade 2/3 with one grade 4 drop.
To limit environmental damage there is no rafting allowed if the release is below 9 cumecs and no kayaking or canoeing if the release is below 7 cumecs. A 7 cumec release lowers the grade of the Upper section from 3 - 4 to 3. A release of between 10 and 16 cumecs increases the grade of the Upper section to 3+ - 4.
The Top Site is often unavailable to day paddlers because it has been exclusively booked for private courses, usually rescue courses. If your canoe club may be interested in booking the Top Site for a Rescue Course please click here...
Money Stuff
There is no charge for paddling at the National White Water Centre and the facilities (such as changing facilities, hot showers and first aid provision) are all offered free. Charges were dropped in July 2008 following a decision by the WCA Board who wished to make a statement regarding access for canoeists and kayakers to rivers in Wales.
Historically the centre spends about £30,000 a year on purchasing water releases to enable activities to take place on the river. We will continue to secure releases to allow the site to be used in a predictable and sustainable way, and would appreciate any donations that users of the site are willing to offer. There is a donation box on reception.
Car Parking
From 20th May 2010, car parking charges will be introduced at the NWWC in an attempt to ensure all visitors contribute equally to the maintenance of the site. You will be pleased to note that the charges are more than reasonable and we encourage efficient use of vehicles at the site.
For regular visitors, we have introduced parking season tickets that will be valid for a year. Application forms are available at reception.
Signing-in at the Centre
All individuals must sign-in at reception for themselves before accessing the river.
Third parties may not sign-in on behalf of another individual, unless they are part of a coached group led by a suitably qualified instructor. In this case their group leader must sign the group in using the Coaches Signing-In Book.
There is no charge for coaches or their clients.
Competitions
As well as providing facilities for recreational boating and safety and rescue courses, the National White Water Centre also hosts numerous whitewater events including wild water races, slalom competitions and freestyle events.
Fun
The National White Water Centre takes whitewater kayaking and canoeing very seriously but there is also a light-hearted side to the centre. The centre has a very active social scene and as much time is spent chatting in the eddies and at reception as is spent surfing and river running!
Funding and donations
The National White Water Centre is self–funded, being run on a commercial basis to support the development of the WCA. All profits generated are used to develop both the facilities at the centre and canoe-sport in Wales.
Whilst there is no charge for kayaking on the Tryweryn, any donations given by customers towards the use of facilities provided will be greatly appreciated. There is a donation box on reception.
Clients with specific requirements
We have a policy of inclusion. If you have any specific needs please contact the centre.
Parental Consent
Parental consent is required for all customers who are under the age of 18 and are participating in any activities at the National White Water Centre... click here for more
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