From the Tryweryn’s rapids to the World Stage

In June 2025, Matt Stephenson, Tryweryn raft guide, clinched the men's C1 Canoe Freestyle gold medal at the ICF Canoe Freestyle World Championships in Plattling, Germany – a truly phenomenal achievement! This victory follows years of hard work, honing his skills and pushing the boundaries of what's possible in a kayak.

Here at the National White Water Centre, Canolfan Tryweryn, we're immensely proud of the incredible talent, including Matt, who train here on our challenging rapids.

Matt's Rise to Prominence

Matt Stephenson isn't just a kayaker; he's an artist on the water. His dedication, precision, and innovative style have seen him consistently rise through the ranks.

The Tryweryn Training Ground

For many freestyle kayakers and canoeists in the UK, Canolfan Tryweryn is more than just a centre; it's a second home. The dynamic, natural whitewater here provides the perfect playground for developing the technical skills and power needed for top-level freestyle. Matt, like so many other elite paddlers, has spent countless hours on the Tryweryn, perfecting his moves, pushing his limits, and building the foundations for his international success. 

Beyond the Podium – Inspiring the Next Generation

What makes Matt truly special isn't just his titles; it's his passion for the sport and his commitment to inspiring others. He's known for his humility, his infectious enthusiasm, his warm smile and his willingness to share his knowledge, embodying the spirit of the paddling community. His dedication to the sport encourages aspiring young kayakers to pick up a paddle and dream big. He's a fantastic role model, demonstrating that with hard work and a love for the water, anything is possible.

Through Bala Canoe Club, Matt finds opportunities to give back, volunteering his coaching skills to beginners and improvers. 

Novices learn in the swimming pool over the winter then head out onto the lake and the Lower Tryweryn in the warmer summer months. The river's unique features and consistent flow make it an ideal place to practice those gravity-defying tricks and complex combinations that Matt loves so much!

What's Next for Matt and Tryweryn?

As Matt continues to dominate the freestyle scene, we'll be cheering him on every step of the way. His achievements shine a spotlight on the incredible talent emerging from the UK and highlight the vital role centres like Tryweryn play in nurturing these athletes. We're excited to see what new incredible moves he'll pull off and how his continued success will inspire even more people to experience the thrill of whitewater kayaking and canoeing at Canolfan Tryweryn.

Have you been inspired by Matt Stephenson's incredible journey? Why not come and experience the excitement of freestyle kayaking and canoeing for yourself at the National White Water Centre, Canolfan Tryweryn? Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, we have courses and experiences to suit everyone.