It’s All Smiles at DeeFest

If you’ve never been to DeeFest, you’re missing out. Held on the River Dee in Llangollen, it’s one of those kayaking events that perfectly captures what paddling is all about — good people, fun times, and a river full of energy.

Hosted at Mile End Mill, right in the heart of North Wales, DeeFest is open to everyone. Whether you’re just getting into kayaking or you’ve been chasing whitewater for years, there’s something for everyone. It’s the kind of weekend that makes you fall in love with kayaking all over again.

This year’s theme? Pirates. And it did not disappoint. There were paddlers in full pirate gear, inflatable parrots, unicorns floating down the river, and even a rogue crocodile or two. You couldn’t go 30 seconds without hearing someone laugh — it was that kind of weekend.

The River Dee itself is a cracking spot. It's a go-to for kayaking in Wales, and you can see why. It’s a great mix of fun features and friendly rapids, and when the sun’s out and the vibes are high, it’s unbeatable.

Then there’s the Saturday night. After a full day on the water, everyone gathers for the party — music, stories, and a solid mix of paddling banter and pirate accents. It’s a good time, every time.

We had an amazing weekend catching up with friends, meeting new people, and being reminded why we love doing what we do. Events like DeeFest bring the kayaking community together in the best possible way — on the water, with a smile, probably dressed as a pirate.

Same again next year? Absolutely.