Cardiff’s International White Water Centre will turn into a battleground for fundraising teams on Sunday 19 September, as it hosts its very first RNLI White Knuckle Rafting Experience.
After 9 years in North Wales, the popular RNLI challenge is moving to Cardiff’s fantastic new white water rafting facility, giving south Wales daredevils the chance to battle the rapids on their own doorstep. The charity is currently looking for 20 teams of up to 6 friends or colleagues who would like to take part in the challenge, and help raise essential funds to train and equip its lifesaving volunteers.
The centre opened in March this year and offers raging rapids and adrenaline fuelled fun in the heart of Cardiff Bay. As well as being recognised as a centre of excellence by the international rafting and kayaking community it is also used as a training venue by the RNLI, whose volunteer crews have undertaken fast water rescue courses at the centre.
Teams from south and west Wales have a history of taking the plunge and leaving their mark on the whitewater challenge leader board. In the last few years, teams of colleagues and friends from Cardiff, Bridgend, Cwmbran, Haverfordwest and Aberystwyth have all travelled north to battle the rapids and raising thousands of pounds for the charity, which is funded by voluntary donations, not HM Government.
Teams of up to 6 people will battle the rapids against the clock to try and become the fastest team of the day. Accompanied by an instructor at all times, the experience starts with a training session on flat water, moving on to around 5 sessions on the rapids themselves. Only two of these will be timed for the competition, so there’s plenty of time for enjoyment as well as adrenaline. At the end of the session there will be a free barbecue for all team members, the chance to buy photos of the challenge and a prize giving ceremony.
Each team member is asked to pay a £30 registration fee, and each team must pledge to raise at least £650 to take part.
Tamsin Davies, the RNLI’s Senior Event Manager, said:
‘We’re delighted to be the first charity to be given the opportunity to organise a challenge at the rafting centre, and we can’t wait to take advantage of the facilities. The RNLI’s crew members have trained at the centre to ensure they can handle fast moving water, and we’re looking forward to seeing if our teams can handle it too!’
