The brand new Cardiff International White Water (CIWW) was officially opened on Friday 26th March by Winter Olympics gold medallist Amy Williams, as part of her visit to Cardiff International Sports Village (ISV). Costing £13.3m the new 250m course at ISV will provide the UK with its FIRST Olympic-standard pumped water canoe slalom course.
The course with its variable river flow offers canoeing and white water rafting facilities ranging from starter to recreational, through to full international competition use. Other activities include kayaking, hydro speeding and hot-dogging. Or for those looking for a more sedate challenge the flat water areas offers a range of paddle sports from the mild to wild in a safe and fun-filled environment. Park and play sessions, annual passes, hen and stag parties, activity breaks and corporate and school packages are also available. All specialist equipment will be provided and prices and session times vary. To book now, or for further information, visit www.ciww.com or call 029 2082 9970
Enjoy Cardiff Caterings True Taste of Wales Menu with locally sourced Welsh ingredients. Located on the top floor, the cafes’ balcony over looking the course is perfect to enjoy a bite to eat, or an evening drink, while watching the rafters take on the white water. Also our on site Canoe and Kayak Store specialise in selling professional equipment at competitive prices. The friendly staff will give impartial advice about the different types of on the water equipment.
The centre aims to be one of Cardiff’s top tourism destinations and it is expected to attract up to 50,000 users per year once fully established. CIWW aims to attract major sporting events and will be utilised as a training ground for the 2012 London Olympics. Alongside major competitions, the centre will also support grassroots level events to allow a new generation to take up Water sports.
Above: Visitors to the new course enjoy the facilities
David Florence, Olympic Silver Medallist Beijing 2008 comments -
“I was really impressed by the facility – I enjoyed paddling there and I think it’s just fantastic for Britain to have such a good new white water course!”
Nick Smith, C2 Coach Olympic Podium Programme, Olympian 2000 & 2004 comments -
“Also, thanks to Cardiff White Water for being so friendly and helpful. The course is truly World Class: challenging, fast and surgy, it is just the facility that Britain needs to further improve our sport.”
Mark Delaney, C1 Coach Olympic Podium Programme comments -
“It’s an absolutely fantastic facility. It just goes to show, what can happen when you get some enthusiastic individuals with a dream and the drive to make this happen in such a short space of time. Cardiff has set a new standard for a white water facility in the GB. It also show’s what is achievable on such a small footprint of land!”