water sports
Nestling in the hills above Bala, about 20 miles from Dolgellau, the National canoeing and rafting centre, Canolfan Tryweryn, offers a range of activities guaranteed to wet more than just your appetite. The centre sits on the dam-controlled river Tryweryn, and consequently boasts virtually year-round white-water when other rivers are running dry. At its simplest, the centre provides rafting trips and access for recreational paddlers. The centre also provides coaching courses, and hosts numerous whitewater events including wild water races, slalom competitions and freestyle events. In addition there is the Tryweryn Coaching Festival, a mix of whitewater boating, coaching courses, competitions and evening events - the highlight of many boaters' calendars!
The many long stretches of beach in the area offer plenty of opportunity for kayak surfing when conditions permit, and a good day will see quite a flotilla pitting their wits against the might of the sea (for venues see seaside and surf). For a more tranquil day on the water, why not check out the tide times and make a tour of the Mawddach estuary, stopping for a pint at the George III pub while the tide turns. This is a popular trip for the open boat canoeists, and offers spectacular views of this gem of Southern Snowdonia.
For kite surfers there are two popular venues nearby. Bala lake is 4-miles long and 1-mile wide and provides a good day's surfing with some spectacular views and good local amenities. For those a little more daring there is the Dyfi estuary at Aberdyfi where it's possible to wind or kite surf from Aberdyfi to Aberystwyth, stop for a drink and catch the train back!