River levels are good on both the River Sychryd (Afon Sychryd) and River Mellte (Afon Mellte). The land is holding plenty of water so waterfall levels should remain constant across the weekend meaning we should see good conditions for both Gorge Walking and Canyoning.
It's vital you keep informed of local rainfall, particularly on the mountain regions as we are forecast heavy rain in the Brecon Beacons on Friday night, which could lead to flashing on the rivers, increasing both water levels and the water flow force to unsafe levels.
The swell is looking like it's going to be low this weekend, coupled with the North / North East winds we should see OK conditions for Coasteering. Areas of Swansea, such as Caswell Bay and Ogmore-by-Sea could see some of the better conditions for the event. You need to be aware of wind strength or swell increasing as well as the wind direction changing. Generally Northerlies and Easterlies are OK, depending on strength, whilst Southerlies and Westerlies will be more likely to make the conditions unsafe. You also need to be informed of the tides for the day, with high tide on Saturday being just after 11:00.
If conditions do change, don't forget you always have the option of heading to some of the gorges we have up in the Brecon Beacons, South Wales. Gorges such as the Sychryd and Mellte will offer the chance for some Gorge Walking or Canyoning.
The low swell we are expecting and offshore winds that will make the conditions OK for Coasteering mean the surfers among us are going to find it hard to find the right conditions on the South Wales coast.
You may find you can take advantage of the incoming tide and hope the offshore wind holds the swell up but your best bet is probably to head to a North Wales coast or give another activity a try, such Coasteering on the coast or Gorge Walking and Canyoning in the Brecon Beacons.
High tide this weekend is between 11:00 and 12:00 with a low tide of 2.5m and high of 8.3m
This weekend see the usual mix of stag do's from Cardiff and Swansea, birthday celebrations and Hen Parties (who'll no doubt show the lads how it should be done). The groups will be taking part in a variety of activities across South Wales, including Gorge Walking and Canyoning in the Brecon Beacons, beach activity days in Porthcawl and Coasteering down in Swansea.
With heavy rain forecast for Friday night in parts of South Wales, you must be aware of the potential for flashing on the rivers, increasing water levels and flow force. Stay informed of rainfall levels and check water levels beforehand. If you're not sure if conditions are safe, stay out of the water.
We're expecting Northerlies and Easterlies this weekend, but the wind is not an exact science so be aware of changing wind direction, Southerlies and Westerlies could make conditions unsafe, particularly if wind speed also increases.
