Develop Your Moving Water Skills 2 Day Course On The River Dee Wales

Develop your White Water Skills on this Improver Course on the Welsh Dee at Llangollen in Canoes and Kayaks. Two days of coaching, development of skills, work on safety and rescues, personal paddling…

Level: Grade 1-2 (with some short sections of grade 3 which can be portaged) lake and river journeys

9th - 10th May 2026
Email us to join the waiting list or contact us for a private group booking
£240 per person with the option to add camping and food at £49 - Book your place with a £49 deposit

9th to 10th May 2026
Duration: 2 days

Develop your white water canoe and kayak skills with our new Develop Moving Water Skills led by our experienced white water coaches and river leaders. We will be using different sections of the magnificant Dee Valley including the Dee loop to develop and hone skills. This course is aimed at the beginner and intermediate paddlers aiming to progress their skill set. There is an opportunity to practice rescues, breaking in and breaking out, surfing and ferry gliding as well as work towards qualifications such as the Canoe and Kayak Personal Paddling Awards. (PPA).

Options: Book either canoe or kayak. If you have a private group, family friends or club then why not contact us to arrange a group booking.

You will love 2 exciting days of paddling the River Dee in Wales learning new techiques and improving your white water skills iconic Welsh landscapes with creeks, shooting rapids, exploring estuaries, riding waves, and having the adventure of a lifetime.

Trip Overview

Duration: 2 days
Price: £240 per person with options to add on camping and campfire food at £49. Book with a £49 deposit and the option of staged payments
Dates: 9th and 10th May 2026 or you can contact us with a request for a group booking
Group size: Small groups for a personal experience
Skill level: Suitable for all abilities (Grade 1–2 with short sections of Grade 3 whitewater)
Craft: Canoes or kayaks available

Expedition Highlights

Develop white water skills on the Dee Loop on the River Dee, Llangollen
Enjoy river coaching and fun rapids below Llangollen
Work on white water intermediate skills including eddying out, ferry gliding, surfing waves and more
Options to add camping, hearty meals, and campfires under the stars

What’s Included

We provide all the specialist kit and guiding you’ll need:

Canoe or kayak, paddle, buoyancy aid, helmet, dry bag
Professional coaching and guiding throughout
Evening meals on day 1 and breakfasts on day 2 during the expedition
Campsite arrangements

Shuttling

We may have some days where we are doing an A to B River and consequently need to drop vehicles and trailers at the finish point for the trip. Customers will need to help with the transport shuttles to bring people back to the start and pick up vehicles.

What You’ll Need to Bring

Please bring your own:

Tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat
Packed lunches and snacks
Personal clothing (suitable for mixed weather), spare dry clothes, waterproofs
Footwear for paddling and campsite use
Cutlery, bowl, mug, knife & fork

Optional extras (hire available):

Waterproofs, wetsuits, tipi tents, back support seats

Itinerary at a Glance

Days 1 - Rapids & Skills

Paddle the Dee Loop with opportunities for coaching on moving water, eddy turns, and river reading.

Day 2 – More Rapids and Skills

Work towards your Paddle UK Personal Paddling Awards PPA for Canoe or Kayak Award, practice safety and rescue skills, develop more autonomous skills. Potential to tackle a different stretch of the river

Who Is This Trip For?

This expedition is suitable for paddlers of all abilities. Beginners and intermedidate paddlers will be supported with coaching and steady progress, while more experienced paddlers can refine their moving-water skills. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended, as we’ll be paddling for several hours each day.

Testimonials

“An incredible experience exploring the waterways of Wales with Canoe Trail. Stunning scenery, expert coaching, and a brilliant team spirit throughout.” – Sarah

“Crossing the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct by canoe was unforgettable! I’ll be back for another trip.” – Tom

Why Join Canoe Trail?

Multi-award-winning, family-run adventure company
Featured in national press and outdoor adventure publications
Experienced, qualified guides with a passion for sharing the outdoors
Friendly, small-group approach with focus on safety, fun, and skill development

The trip will be based out of a local campsite, and we will pick paddling locations to fit with the weather and conditions to maximise our adventure.

No experience is necessary however we will move participants subject to conditions and experience including selecting the best location for the weather, using tandem canoes or single kayaks (please specify) to provide a more stable ride and also spending time coaching and exploring Welsh Waters.

This is, without doubt, one of our favourite locations to canoe around the UK with clear and stunning waters, majestic wildlife and plenty of history to enjoy. This is your chance to join our instructor team on a bucket list trip of a lifetime.

Note: Itinerary subject to change at any time if deemed necessary by Canoe Trail

Hire FAQ's

What's the difference between a kayak and a canoe?

If you're not sure of what each craft is, then read our guide here.

Are the trips guided?

There are no guides or instructors needed for hire. This is simply a hire where you paddle out and back to our launch point. We recommend our preferred route, however, you are free-range and able to explore the river.

What if it rains?

Unless you hear from us then your booking will run on the day agreed. Canoe Trail runs watersports, paddling, and adventurous activities throughout the year with people enjoying the river and our woodland campsite during the different seasons. On rare occasions (it only happens a couple of times a year) we may move or change your booking. This will be in freak weather conditions such as extremely high river flows in spate or during heavy storms with lightning. You can read our full FAQ here.

How does the booking process work?

We use a live booking system that will assign you the relevant craft and resources. Once you have confirmed your booking date, it is not then transferable and non-refundable in the same way you book an airline seat. Bookings are to be paid in full at the time of booking and are non-refundable. There will be no refunds for early returns, poor weather, or non-usage as per our general terms & conditions.

Location

Best of Wales, Conwy, Bala, Dee and more

River Dee Llangollen Welsh White Water 2 Day Improver Course

Canoe Trail have pioneered Intro to Moving Water Courses helping hundreds of people to develop white water skills in canoes or kayaks. Join us for this 2 day course to develop more advanced skills, safety and rescue, reading the water, breaking in and out, ferry gliding and surfing the rapids of the River Dee, Llangollen Wales