I Canoed Alone Through the Welsh Wilderness

Join me on my third visit to the stunning River Wye in Wales, where I embarked on an incredible solo canoeing adventure. As an intermediate canoeist, I was confident in my abilities and knowledge of the river, but little did I know that this trip would be one of the biggest challenges of my canoeing experience.

On the first day, I paddled downstream, enjoying the beautiful scenery and the calm waters of the river. However, this sense of ease and comfort was short-lived when I encountered a sunken tree that wrapped my canoe and caused me to capsize. The cold winter water (5.5°C) shocked my body, and I found myself struggling to stay afloat in the fast-flowing river.

Despite the dangerous situation, I managed to stay calm and think clearly, thanks to my training and gear. The Garmin inReach Mini was a lifesaver, as it allowed me to quickly signal for help if needed. But before I pressed the emergency button, I tried to remedy the situation myself, with relative calmness.

I took refuge in my tarp tent and sleeping bag, which provided me with warmth and shelter from the cold winter weather. I had to dry my clothes on a hanging line, but the low temperatures outside made it difficult. At this point, I was more inclined to stop and find the nearest put out. With no more margin for errors, another capsize could have considerably added hypothermia risk.
My confidence was rock bottom, I was shaken.

However, I didn't give up on my adventure. After a while, I started to see this as an opportunity to push my limits and overcome the challenges of canoeing in moving water. With a fresh mindset, I welcomed the challenge and continued on.

I found a great campsite less than an hour before sundown, on a high bank, in a spot sheltered from the Westerly winds. Pitching my tarp tent with the back facing the wind direction allowed me to have quite a large opening in the front, allowing for great visibility and ventilation. This was my first time sleeping only under a tarp, and it was a pretty cool milestone for me.

At camp, I got a fire going, cooked a couple of beyond meat sausages on a green stick, and dried my wet merino pants by the fire. Within 30-40 minutes, they were dried, and I had recovered an important layer for my sleep ahead in a night that promised -2°C temperatures.

The following day, I woke up to a frosty but sunny day, and I continued my adventure down the River Wye. Along the way, I met the amazing Josh from Wye Valley Canoes, who was an absolute legend of a guy to meet. We're already planning a future paddle together, and I can't wait for it.

This adventure was a reminder that even experienced canoeists can face unexpected challenges, but with the right training and gear, anything is possible. So join me on this thrilling journey, and let's explore the beauty and challenges of the stunning River Wye.

What was your favorite part of this adventure? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don't forget to like and subscribe for more thrilling outdoor adventures!

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GEAR THAT I USE & TRUST:

Sleep & Camp:
Tent – Naturehike Cloud-Up 2 - https://amzn.to/3tzNNXk
Sleeping Pad - Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm - https://amzn.to/3xpOVhw
Fold Foam Pad - Therm-a-Rest Z-Lite SOL - https://amzn.to/3xncjw9
Sleeping Bag (Comfort 5c) - Thermarest Questar 32 - https://amzn.to/39s6yoX
Sleeping Bag (Comfort -2c) – Rab Ascent 700 - https://amzn.to/3xiMVYk
Tarp (Heavier) - DD Tarp 3x3 - https://amzn.to/3xaVIvX
Tarp Lightweight – DD SuperLight 3m x 2.9m - https://amzn.to/3ty5wyD

Tools & Fishing:
Knife - Mora Outdoor Companion 860 - https://amzn.to/3tCfDlR
Saw - Bahco Laplander Folding Saw - https://amzn.to/3aYd6fv

Cooking:
Water Filter – SAWYER Squeeze - https://amzn.to/3xueDl7
Stove - MSR PocketRocket 2 Stove - https://amzn.to/3QjCRac
Titanium Pot – Lixada Titanium Cup 750ml - https://amzn.to/39uKGZX
Cookware Kit – Aitsite Cookware Kit Aluminum Lightweight - https://amzn.to/3tznCAe
Wood Stove / Bushbox – Lixada Camping Wood Stove - https://amzn.to/3mLXi1O

Filming:
Drone – DJI Air 2S Fly More Combo - https://amzn.to/3MOsZSE
iPhone 13 Pro 512GB - https://amzn.to/3mHR2bl
GoPro – HERO8 Black - https://amzn.to/3txbEa4
Tripod Main – K&F Concept 64” Compact Light Aluminium Tripod - https://amzn.to/3NQ8K8I

Electronics:
Garmin InReach Mini – https://amzn.to/3aYinnj
Battery Bank - Anker PowerCore 20100 - 20000mAh - https://amzn.to/3O57L4N

Clothing:
Muck Boots (Knee length) – Arctic Sport - https://amzn.to/3QhrkYV
Boots Hiking - Scarpa Men’s Terra GTX - https://amzn.to/3mHwjVc
Lifejacket - https://amzn.to/3OesgLG
Socks (Waterproof) - SEALSKINZ Cold Weather - https://amzn.to/3HlVXsb
Socks (Merino Wool) – https://amzn.to/3tW52Td

Other:
Barrel 30l - https://amzn.to/3yzXd72
Barrel 60l - https://amzn.to/3z8kUon


Link to Wye Valley Canoes (also does accomodation) below:
http://wyevalleycanoes.co.uk/