SC(3) - AIW16

Sustainability Committee

Inquiry into access to inland water in Wales

1. What is your interest in the issue of access to inland waterways?

Kayaker/ canoeist

2. Are you a member of an organisation related to your use of water?

BCU and member of a BCU and RYA affiliated canoe and sailing club

3. Which stretch/es of water do you own/use/manage?

In Wales I paddle most rivers that have rapids on: Wye, Dee, Tawe, Trwyeryn, Usk, Mellte

Legal rights:

• The legal rights are quite well defined, although seem to discriminate against kayakers

• Kayakers have use of the rivers in the winter, when it's freezing and fishermen decide they'd rather be inside. In the Summer kayakers are only allowed to paddle the river when it is in flood, so very dangerous

• I would like all rivers to be open to everyone all year around. Everyone who uses the rivers wants to get as much use and enjoyment out of them as possible, it seems pointless argueing about this and stopping others from enjoying themselves

• The legisation in Scotland works well for kayakers and fishermen and I would like to see that put in place not only in Wales but throughout Britain

Voluntary agreements:

• Wye/Usk

• Kayakers/ canoeists have use of the rivers in the Winter and anglers have use of them all other times, unless in spate when kayakers can use the river.

• I would prefer for a voluntary agreement that anglers and paddlers can enjoy the river side by side and therefore for the rivers to be open to all sports throughout the year

Rheanna Colyer