Contacts and Links
In here we will be adding a huge amount of links to clubs, organisations, on-line resources and much more.
Up & Under's Favorite Links
Annual Canoe and Kayak Show based in the Cardiff area that enables people to chat to paddlesport manufacturers, equipment designers, watersport service and training providers, plus a whole host of other paddlesport related stands and exhibitions. Try out brand new boats and equipment on water and browse round the retail stores and stands.
Formerly known as the Welsh International Climbing Centre or (WICC) the Summit Centre climbing wall is located in the Taff Bargoed Valley, 10 minutes from the Quakers Yard exit off the A470 and under an hour from the centre of Cardiff. It is built on the site of the former Trelewis drift mine.
The climbing wall itself is awesome being up to 18 metres high with some enormous overhangs on it's former international competiton wall centrepiece. Throughout the centre there are over 180 routes plus extensive bouldering. The centre also has a man-made caving system with a waterfall inside.
You are assured a warm welcome from very friendly helpful staff and a climb on some long impressive routes all in a relaxed atmosphere.
V9 Bouldering is a dedicated bouldering centre in South Wales between Cardiff and Pontypridd. It features 2 adults rooms and a kids room and has something for all levels of climber. They can cater for groups and host birthday parties, cmpetitions and other events.
Can two strangers work well enough together to complete a UK Circumnavigation? Could they get ready in time for a start in the spring? Eurion and Paul think so.
Heading in a clockwise direction beginning in April 2012 the two hope to go full circle in less than 120 Days.
The trip will use only the ‘Best of British’ equipment to highlight the quality of design, manufacture and companies based in the UK.
On their trip around the UK coast, the two will be raising money for two great causes.
Barnardo’s helps vulnerable children across the UK and helped Paul as a youngster so raising money for them was a natural choice.
The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea and relies totally on charitable donations to operate. Eurion’s association with them goes back to when he was a student at Atlantic College, where the concept of the RIB was originally developed and later adopted by the RNLI for the Atlantic class inshore lifeboat. He is currently serving as a volunteer member of the shore crew at the station.
Up and Under are proud to sponsor Eurion and Paul - good luck boys!
Current casual member of staff Chris is an ideal person to take your first strokes canoeing and kayaking with. If you are looking for a bit of help or pointers to improve your paddling, run group sessions, BCU courses and private bookings, Chris can help.
Chris' BCU Award courses are accredited by Canoe Wales and are run by qualified BCU Coaches with many years experience in the sport. Achieve your 1 and 2 star awards and the 3 star White Water award. Years of experience running courses ensures that you will be relaxed to maximize your learning and provides a high success rate.
Chris' UKCC coach training and assessment courses are run by Coaching Directors and Coach Tutors helping you get the most knowledge and up to date coaching hints and tips combined with more time spent on the water than in the class room.
Check out South Wales photographer Mark Salter's website for climbing, nature and landscape photography with a South Wales bias in all formats from greetings cards to framed prints.
Alternatively you can see or buy a wide range of Mark's work with us in our stores or on this site in our Mark Salter Images section of the catalogue.
South Wales Bolt Fund
The SWBF is a charitable trust fund recently set up with the help of the BMC. Their aim is to promote sports climbing in South Wales by raising funds for the development and re-equipment of in-situ protection on crags designated for sports climbing under the terms of the current bolt policy. Check out how you can help or take a look at some of the new crag topos.
You can get hold of Topos for new crags and recently revamped crags in A4 laminated format from Up and Under outdoor gear and at the same time support the South Wales Bolt Fund by putting £3 a piece in their collection jar.
Topos include: Quarry X1, Mount Pleasant, Navigation, Morfa Bychan, South Wales Winter Climbs, Dyffryn Wood Quarry, Pwll Du Quarry, Watch House East, Dinas Rock, Witches Point, Foxhole Cove, Taffs Well Main and Castle Quarry.
Cardiff International White Water
Cardiff International White Water (CIWW) will be the very first on-demand white water rafting facility in the UK, and is already attracting the attention of people looking for an adrenalin fuelled, white water adventure. Adventurers at all levels of ability will be able to experience and enjoy this world-class facility situated at the heart of the International Sports Village in Cardiff Bay. CIWW will also offer flat water areas for those looking for a more sedate challenge. Experience rafting and other paddle sports from the mild to the wild in a safe and fun-filled environment with something for everyone.
Fancy paddling a demo boat at the Cardiff International White Water Centre then why not drop into Up and Under Watersports, the canoe and kayak store @ Cardiff Marine Village CF11 8TU to pick up one of our fleet to try out for the day. Click here for further info and demo boat listings.
Boulders Climbing Centre
Boulders Climbing Centre is Cardiff's leading Indoor Climbing Centre, offering activities for all ages and abilities. They run Indoor Climbing Taster Sessions for beginners, climbing lessons for adults and kids and challenging routes, bouldering and coaching sessions too! Theres a cracking cafe and a softplay area called Pebbles, so you don't have to leave BamBam at home anymore.
Arran Wild Walks
Lucy Wallace is one of our ex. staff members that has moved away from the area but still retains strong links with Up and Under and the outdoors in general. Contact Lucy and her website www.arranwildwalks.co.uk for Mountain Leading and Local Guiding on the Isle of Arran. Lucy runs a wide range of outings and courses including specific outdoor skills training workshops and wildlife tours both on and offshore around the Isle of Arran area.
JM Spate Analytics
JM Spate Analytics or drjess.com is our old staff member Jess Spate who has moved to new pastures after developing her IT skills with us (her PhD in data mining might have helped a bit) and now runs an up and coming but already well respected Web Analytics business. Contact Dr. Jess for all your web optimization needs and enquiries.