Well, apparently we've had, or are having a heatwave here in South Wales these past few days (although the Met Office wouldn't classify it as one). This means river levels have dropped quite considerably since last week and ground water levels will also be reduced. However...
There has been plenty of talk of torrential rain and thunderstorms and if these materialise that can make Gorge Walking and Canyoning conditions tricky, particularly after a spell of dry, warm weather. The chance of flashing on the river is ever present, so making sure you are aware of the previous 12 - 18 hours weather on the mountain regions of the Brecons is vital. As the land dries, roots become less secure, so if we do see a rapid rise in water levels, and therefore water flow force, you could find unexpected objects becoming loose and flowing down the river.
If water levels remain low, there maybe the temptation to try and manufacturer certain situations. Don't. Make sure you are with an experienced guide who can ensure you get the maximum enjoyment from your Gorge Walking or Canyoning activity without unnecessarily increasing the risks.
Nature seems to be conspiring against those wanting to go Coasteering this weekend. Early on Saturday, the swell and wind will be slight, and wind direction will be North North West, however these times may not coincide with tidal times, and we're in for a big spring tide in South Wales this weekend, up to 9.4m on high.
Later on Saturday the wind speed may start to pick up and will also move to Southerlies and Westerlies and these conditions will continue into Sunday. If your going to find acceptable Coasteering conditions then it will most likely be on some of our Easterly facing beaches, such as Caswell Bay in Swansea, early afternoon on Saturday.
You may find it better to plan an inland activity which will offer similar experiences, such as Gorge Walking or Canyoning up in the Brecon Beacons instead.
The best bet for surfers in South Wales this weekend could be to get off work early and hit the beaches on Friday. We could see swell around the 4ft height and the winds should be gentle too. Most of the beaches here is South Wales should see similar conditions on Friday, a couple of our favourites being Coney Beach in Porthcawl and Oxwich Bay in Swansea, which will also provide some degree of protection from the winds.
The swell is set to die down and wind pick up as we head into Saturday and Sunday and whilst surfing may still be an option conditions will likely not be ideal.
We're in the Brecon Beacons over the weekend for some Gorge Walking and Canyoning. We've got the usual mix of Stag Do's from across South Wales including Porthcawl, Cardiff and Swansea sending their mates off and a few Hen Parties from Cardiff and Swansea too.
We're also looking to run another of our RLSS National Water Safety courses for groups from Porthcawl, Swansea and Cardiff, which will provide them with the skills and knowledge to perform risk assessments for water based activities. This course is becoming more and more popular and we think it's a great thing people are becoming more aware of the risks of water. Our instructors have all achieved or are working towards Level 3 of the RLSS National Water Safety certification.
