"Many modern white water courses are similar in that they are generally U shaped, pumped and with movable obstacles to create rapids, just like in Cardiff.

"Cardiff is not the most diffi cult I've paddled, nor is it anywhere near the easiest. It sits nicely in the middle, to appeal to paddlers of many levels, from the expert to the beginner.

"The London Olympic course is currently under construction and, when it opens in 2011, the GB squad will be based there full-time to make best use of any home advantage by maximising time on that specifi c course.

"But I'll defi nitely attend any domestic or international races in Cardiff and train there around those events.

"And, by the way, the cakes in the café there were awesome!"

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Coach Ges Humphries said, "In the rivers, you cannot just press a button and the waters come on but we have that advantage here.

"And, in a river, you will get one rapid then a long fl at stretch while here, it is one continuous rapid for 250 metres."

It is a new addition to Wales' growing sporting heritage and part of the 2012 London Olympics legacy that will be used by numerous other teams for training in the build-up towards that extravaganza in two years time.

British World Cup canoeist Helen Barnes said, "The course is absolutely brilliant and is a fab place to paddle."

With the ability to turn the rapids from raging torrents that would make even the best kayaker struggle to get around

the course, plus blue 'rocks' that are interchangeable to create a different course at any point, the facility is just right to help Britain's paddlers to London medals in 2012.

But the public can also use the facility - even beginners - as the rapids strength can be turned down to an almost fl at calm if needed.

Rubber canoes and rafts are available for beginners or those people who do not want to tackle the course single-handedly.

And, with a glorious summer predicted by the weathermen, it is sure to be paddles-high in the coming months for people to challenge themselves against the wild water rapids of the raging River Wye in winter with a storm chasing you downstream - or just a try out with the family - and all without leaving Cardiff! Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52