Plas y Brenin is thrilled to announce that we will be hosting our #ShePaddles event from Friday 10th May to Sunday 12th May 2024. The purpose of the event is to inspire more women to embrace the world of paddlesports in a joyful and safe atmosphere. Throughout the weekend, you can expect to meet inspiring instructors, coaches, brands, and like-minded individuals who wholeheartedly support #ShePaddles. Our goal is to provide you with the best possible experience, filled with unforgettable moments. Whether you're new to paddling or looking to enhance your skills, this entire weekend presents a fantastic opportunity for you. Join us for an incredible time!

We invite you to choose the ideal workshop for you. Please take care when booking and select ONE workshop per timed session. The weekend workshops will be structured as follows:

Friday 10th May: Please choose ONE of the following when you book.

Pool: Water Confidence Session 5:30 – 6:30 pm (Please see the session description below on this page)

(Newly Added) Pool: Water Confidence Session 6:30 – 7:30 pm (Please see the session description below on this page)

Evening Meal: 6:30 - 8:00pm (You can buy a servery meal ticket at our bar on the night)

8:00pm - 9:00pm: Ice Breakers/ Q & A

Saturday 11th May: Please choose ONE Morning and ONE Afternoon workshop when you book.

AM and PM workshops: 9:30am - 4:00pm (Lunch 12:30 - 1:30pm) (Please see session descriptions below on this page)

(Newly Added) Intermediate Sea Kayaking: 9:30am - 4:00pm. For those with a basic level of sea kayaking who are looking to build confidence and hone technique

(Newly Added) Intermediate White Water Kayaking: 9:30am - 4:00pm. Focused on developing the core white water skills required to improve your confidence on grade 2

PLUS: Suppliers and cool brands such as Peak, Pyranha amongst many more.

Live music and Céilidh 

Sunday 12th May: Please choose ONE of the following workshops when you book.

Venture out into North Wales with Plas y Brenin's expert instructors. A full day of learning or honing skills.

Journeys: 9:00 am – 3:30 pm (Please see session descriptions below on this page)

(Newly Added) Intermediate Sea Kayaking: 9:30am - 4:00pm. For those with a basic level of sea kayaking who are looking to build confidence and hone technique

(Newly Added) Intermediate White Water Kayaking: 9:30am - 4:00pm. Focused on developing the core white water skills required to improve your confidence on grade 2

4:30pm - Close of Event

Your weekend ticket includes:

Make your weekend unforgettable, convenient and comfortable, with our great value two-night Residential Pass. You'll be in house and right where the action is from early-doors till late. Our Residential Passes are all-inclusive (excluding drinks):

Informative and inspiring Saturday workshops

Getting out there, a thrilling experience, Sunday’s full-day journey on the water

Keeping you fuelled with delicious PyB Head Chef Ania prepared meals from Saturday's breakfast to Sunday tea and cake. 

Full on Evening entertainment – with a Céilidh (get your dancing shoes ready), or you can relax and meet likeminded people in our bar.

Session Descriptions:

Friday 

Pool: Water Confidence Session: If you are feeling a bit unsure about being in a boat or potentially going upside down in one the join us for an hour in our heated pool to learn techniques for staying calm and how to get out of your boat underwater if you should ever need to. This session will focus on using kayaks. 

Saturday

• Introduction to Canoeing (Beginner): Spend time on the water learning the basics of canoeing in a fun and friendly atmosphere. Topics covered will include but not limited to - Understanding the different parts of a canoe, Kit and equipment needed, Moving the craft confidently on the water. Experience needed: None, this session is for anyone new to canoeing or someone who may have done some in the past but would like a reminder.

• Introduction to Kayaking (Beginner): Spend time on the water learning the basics of kayaking in a fun and friendly atmosphere. Topics covered will include but not limited to - Understanding the different parts and types of kayaks, Kit and equipment needed, Moving the craft confidently on the water. Experience needed: None, this session is for anyone new to canoeing or someone who may have done some in the past but would like a reminder.

• Introduction to Stand Up Paddleboarding (Beginner): Spend time on the water learning the basics of Stand Up Paddleboarding in a fun and friendly atmosphere. Topics covered will include but not limited to - Understanding the different parts and types of paddleboards, Kit and equipment needed, Moving the craft confidently on the water. Experience needed: None, this session is for anyone new to canoeing or someone who may have done some in the past but would like a reminder.

• Introduction to Sea Kayaking (Beginner): Spend time on calm water (not sea) learning the basics of Sea Kayaking in a fun and friendly atmosphere. Topics covered will include but not limited to - Understanding the different parts and types of sea kayaks, kit and equipment needed,  moving draft confidently on the water. Experience needed: None, this session is for anyone new to sea kayaking or someone who may have done some in the past but would like a reminder. 

• Introduction to Rolling (Some experience needed): Spend time onsite in our purpose-built pool looking at skills and techniques to begin or progress your roll in a kayak. Experience needed: You have spent time in a kayak on open or white water and want to learn to roll. 

• Skills workshop: Forward Paddling (Some experience needed): The first stroke you learn, but have you ever thought about whether it is as effective as it can be, book on this workshop to take a deeper dive into how to get the most out of your forward paddle stroke. Experience required: Some prior paddling experience but mostly just want to learn. 

Sunday 

• Introduction to Flat Water Journey: Mixed Craft (Beginner): Full day out on the water, in a mixture of craft between kayak and canoe. This will be a flat-water journey with little to no flow and be about further developing the skills you have learnt the previous day. Experience needed: None, just need to be confident in water and able to swim.

• Introduction to Whitewater Kayaking Journey (Some experience needed): A river journey taking in small and basic rapids helping you focus on learning how to keep yourself safe on a river, read rapids and navigate yourself through them successfully. Experience needed: You will need to have previous experience in a kayak on flat water, and be confident moving the craft around, in water and be a strong swimmer.

• Introduction to Sea Kayaking Journey (Beginner): A journey on the sea (weather permitting). Take in the stunning North Wales coastline, maybe see some wildlife, and develop your skills and confidence in water. Experience needed: None, just need to be confident in water and able to swim.

• Introduction to Canoe: Tandem Journey (Beginner): A chance to have a go at or further develop your tandem skills (2 people in a boat). Learn how to make the canoe move efficiently as a pair while surrounded by beautiful scenery and a fun atmosphere. Experience needed: None, just need to be confident in water and able to swim.

• Introduction to Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) Journey (Beginner): Full day out on the water honing your SUP skills surrounded by beautiful scenery in a relaxed environment. This will be a flat-water journey with little to no flow. Experience needed: None, just need to be confident in water and able to swim.

FAQ's

Can I borrow kit from Plas y Brenin? Yes, wetsuits, buoyancy aids, helmets, kayaks/paddleboards/canoes (depending on the workshop) can be hired free of charge from stores.

What level of paddler do I need to be to attend #ShePaddles? All levels are welcome, from complete beginners to experienced paddlers.

What happens if there are poor weather conditions during the event? Our instructors will adapt the program depending on weather conditions to make sure all attendees stay safe.

If I buy a Non Residential ticket, does it include catering? Yes, a Non Residential ticket includes Saturday's breakfast to Sunday tea and cake.

What is the difference between a canoe and a kayak? 

A Canoe: Can be paddled by one or two people each with a single ended blade, in a seated or kneeling position. In a canoe you are not enclosed in. 

A Kayak: Most often for 1 person and paddles with a double ended paddle. There are a few different types of Kayaks, in river and white water boats you will be sat in an area knows as the "cockpit' with your legs inside the boats itself (as a beginner it is unlikely you will need a spray deck that encloses you in the boat). A sit on top kayak does what it says on the tin and you would simply be sat on top of the boat rather than inside it.

What happens if I can no longer attend the event? Terms and Conditions apply, please see our website for further details: https://pyb.co.uk/terms-conditions/