This year's event was again held on the Cleddau Estuary, also known as the Secret Waterway.

May I thank all those who came? We had some 12 boats on the water, mostly paddled with 2 occupants.

Like other organisers, I spent the week glued to the weather forecasts on the TV and Internet and it was looking OK. The main hazard on this waterway is strong winds. The forecasts were for northerly force 3 - acceptable for those paddling doubles but for the less experienced paddling solo, it can be hard work paddling into the wind, or dealing with winds from the side.

On Saturday we left Lawrenny paddling north with our destination to be Landshipping and return.

The water at Lawrenny was calm, but this was sheltered from the north wind. As we turned to paddle upstream the wind became quite strong. There were two changes from solo to double and one two involving three in a boat. Through this co-operation and frequent stops to pull the group together we landed at Landshipping for a lunch break.

In the past when I've had this weather, and sailing back was being anticipated the wind has changed direction by 180 degrees. Thankfully Mother Nature looked kindly on us and we sailed in small rafts all the way back - most relaxing. On Sunday the sun shone and there was hardly any wind - making the trip from Pembrokeshire Watersports to Cresswell Quay easier for the solo paddlers. Throughout this waterway there are numerous small creeks leading to quarry scrapings and are interesting to explore - which we did.

We had lunch with all boats rafted up and arrived at the quay just on high water - magnificent organisation (or luck!)

See you next year. There may also be an additional event using the River Teifi on one day and a trip on the sea (conditions permitting) the next.

Bob Andrews