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The tale of what some members of GVP did on Valentines Day... On Valentines day 2017, 13 members of GVP travelled up to the capital to take part in "Paddle to the Senedd" (and the Quayside Rally), Waters of Wales' campaign for "responsible and sustainable access to the Waters of Wales for all". It was an early morning start from West Wales and bitterly cold at the Cardiff Barrage, the meeting point for the start of the event. It was such a cold morning and the water was bitterly cold so many layers, hats, gloves and anything else available was worn to keep warm! It all started with a crossing of the Cardiff Bay Barrage to the Sailing Club's Car park where all paddlers had to go through the Cardiff Harbour Authority's registration (and payment) process to paddle on Cardiff Bay. Upon registration paddlers were given a Red Band that needed to be attached to their PFD, additionally, coaches were given Yellow Bands and First Aiders were given orange bands. An ideas for future GVP events maybe (?).  With so many paddlers from so many different clubs and paddling backgrounds, it was important that everyone was present and concentrating at the Safety Briefing. The Launch... After the safety briefing, around 90 paddlers in a variety of craft were then allowed to take to the water.  After everyone was on the water - we were off! 
The Quayside rally & demonstration... Once out of our boats we went onto the quayside in front of the Welsh Assembly to meet those Assembly Members that had come out from the nice and warm Senedd to meet with the paddlers and discuss/listen to our cause... The AMs were very approachable and actively engaged in conversation with paddlers and showed an interest in the campaign. The press and TV were also present - more about these later...  Andy Frazer discussing the important issues with Lord Dafydd Ellis-Thomas. Unfortunately for Andy, Lord Ellis-Thomas had only recently had his Double Glazing windows replaced! ;) It's not just about access for Kayakers and Canoeists you know!
They came from Far and wide!!!  This lovely couple came from Oxford (/shire?) to take part in the event! "We've paddled all over the world and think that there should be a fairer system for recreational watersport access our inland waterways in Wales [and England]" We also talked to others that had come from (in no particular order), Brecon, Worcester, Liverpool, Bristol, Haverfordwest, Abergavenny, Forest of Dean, Tamworth, Llangollen, Abingdon, Glasbury, Stroud. Some group photos in front if the Senedd... The GVP Paddlers...
Take a look at this video on YouTube by Tim Jarvis which includes the song whose lyrics have been specifically written for the Campaign. Was it worth it?? The answer must be YES!
Experience: It was a very different kind of paddling event and a great experience for both young and old alike. After all, it's not everyday that one gets to discuss (in person!) an issue that's being discussed in the Senedd with so many Assembly Ministers! Campaign Exposure: The media coverage of the event was excellent.
Social It was nice to meet and talk to paddlers from all over Wales and other parts of the UK that were passionate enough about the cause that they also travelled the distances they did and endured the bitterly cold air and water temperature to participate in the rally. All in all, great support from everyone and a day to remember. Thanks to Bob Mackay, Pam Bell and all the other volunteers that helped putting the event on and who continue to work on the campaign. Comments are closed.
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