Self-Launch
Self-Launch
Self Launch is available to book in blocks of 3.5 hours at the Lliw Reservoir for just a £5 launch fee.
You will have the opportunity to launch your own equipment in a controlled and safe environment. Watersports activities come with inherent risk and the safety of all water users will always have priority, as such the rules and regulations which govern self-launch must always be adhered to.
FOR SUP YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO SHOW US THAT YOU CAN GET BACK ON YOUR BOARD AT THE START OF YOUR SESSION.
Dogs are not permitted on the water on or in any craft.
Fishing from any craft is also not permitted.
Self Launch Information
What craft can I self-launch at the Lliw Reservoir?
Sit on Kayaks | Inflatable Kayaks | Stand Up Paddle Boards | Canoes | Closed Cockpit Kayaks
How much is self-launch and for how long?
Self Launch is £5 per half day. Available times are 9am - 1.00pm or 1.30pm - 5.30pm. You may arrive at any point during the slot you have booked, but please note that if you arrive with less than an hour of your booking slot left you may be denied access to the water.
What age do I need to be to self-launch at the Lliw Reservoir?
Children aged 14 may launch their own craft if they have a responsible adult onsite with them. Children age 13 or under must be accompanied on the water by an adult. Children age 7 or under cannot launch their own craft and must be on or in a craft with an adult (age 18+).
Can I swap between people on one craft during the self-launch slot?
As the only permitted area to access the water is via the pontoon and slip way there is limited space. In order to make sure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience, a maximum of two swaps will be permitted. Everyone wishing to go on the water must pass the initial induction and assessment.
What do I need to self-launch?
In order to self-launch at the Lower Lliw Reservoir, all participants wishing to go on the water must be wearing a correctly fitted buoyancy aid to current safety standards as listed below.
What happens during my first self-launch visit?
On your first self-launch visit you will have short orientation and assessment. We will inform you of the rules and regulations which you have to follow while self launching. Depending on the craft you are wishing to self launch you will be assessed as outlined below.
Will there be someone watching me while I self-launch?
A member of Swansea Adventures staff will be stationed on the launch pontoon at all times while people are on the water and will come and help if you get into difficulty.
Is there somewhere for my craft if I want to take a break?
Unfortunately there is limited space available at the Lliw and as such there is nowhere for craft to be left for a 'break' from paddling. Any craft that is not in the process of being launched must be removed from the launch area.
- All self launch participants must wear a correctly fitted buoyancy aid to one of the following standards (available to rent if required) and it must be less than 10 years old;
- CE Marked
- ISO12402-5
- ISO12402-4
- ISO12402-3
- ISO12402-2
- Self-Launch is weather dependent and as such will not take place if the wind speed is 13mph or greater.
- All self-launch participants must fill in and sign a registration form and waiver, in the case of children under the age of 18 this must be filled in by a responsible adult.
- No children under the age of five may take part in self-launch.
- Self-Launch participants must always check in before entering the water on every visit.
- Inflatable dingies, rings and any other inflatables not specified are not permitted for self-launch.
- Swansea Adventures does not take any responsibility for any damage caused to equipment while in use at the Lliw Reservoir, including while it is being washed with the jetwash at the washdown facilities.
- Any unsafe behaviors will result in access to the water being revoked immediately and a ban on future use of the Lliw Reservoir.
- Entering and exiting the water is only permitted via the slip-way or pontoon and landing elsewhere on the reservoir is not permitted.
- All self-launch participants must be able to swim.
- All self-launch participants must pass assessment on their first visit as detailed craft specifically below.
- Children age 14 or over may self-launch with a responsible adult onsite.
- Children aged under 14 must be accompanied on the water by an adult.
- Children age under 8 must be on/in a craft with an adult (18+).
- Free swimming or swimming away from your craft is not permitted.
- All craft must be in good working condition with no obvious significant wear and tear which may compromise the safety of the craft.
- All self-launch craft must be washed down immediately prior to entering the water and exiting the water.
- No vessel shall be brought onto the reservoir after it has been on any inland water known to be affected by ulcerated dermal neurosis or any other known contaminants.
- Swansea Adventures reserve the right to deny access to the water without warning and without the need to give reason.
- Any abuse of any kind including online towards Swansea Adventures will not be tolerated and will result in a ban from the use of all facilities at the Lliw Reservoir associated with Swansea Adventures.
- It is not permitted to book self-launch in order to provide lessons, education or training on any craft to anyone.
- Self-Launch outside of that provided by Swansea Adventures at the Lliw Reservoir is strictly prohibited, as it has always been.
Stand Up Paddle Board
On your first visit to Self-Launch a Stand Up Paddle board you will need to show us that you know how to inflate your paddle board to the manufacturers recommended PSI. You will need to show us that you know how to safely attach your leash. You will also need to show us that you have basic control over your paddle board while you are on you knees and that you can get back on your paddle board when you fall in.
Sit-On Kayak / Inflatable Kayak
On your first visit to Self-Launch a Sit On Top Kayak you will need to show us that you have basic control over the kayak. If it is an inflatable kayak, you will need to show us that you have inflated it to the manufacturers recommended PSI and that it is in good working conditions with no obvious significant wear and tear.
Canoe
On your first visit to Self-Launch a Canoe you will need to show us that you have basic control over the canoe. The Canoe will also need to be kitted out with sufficient buoyancy so that it will still float if full of water.
Closed Cockpit Kayak
On your first visit to Self-Launch a Kayak you will need to show us that you have basic control over the kayak. The kayak will also need to be kitted out with sufficient buoyancy/air bags so that it will still float if full of water. You must also demonstrate a self-rescue, this can either be a roll, or you must show that you can pull your spray deck while capsized.