AquaPaddle Manvers Pilot Event

When I first heard about AquaPaddle I instantly wanted to be a part of it, I talked to fellow paddlers and they agreed it was something they felt an affinity with. After a few months of planning, preparation and consultation with existing AquaPaddle venues and volunteers, I feel proud to finally join a community of like-minded paddlers.

The morning of the AquaPaddle was a hive of activity; checking the course, registering paddlers, briefing the safety crew and the paddlers. We were kindly assisted by our neighbouring AquaPaddlers from Lincoln, it was lovely to know there was reassurance just a few steps away throughout the event. Starting a new initiative in January I was worried about the uptake by both volunteers and paddlers, the warm indoors is often more inviting at this time of the year. We had a fantastic response with ten volunteers and ten paddlers attending the event, on a bit of a typical grey winters day.

The start of the AquaPaddle gave a sigh of relief, as paddlers were on the water and keen to get involved. The crew were fantastic, keeping us updated throughout the paddle. We had a mix of crafts including sit on top kayaks, sit in kayak, paddleboards and even an OC1. All paddlers completed the course and more importantly created a real buzz afterwards, chatting about how they wanted to return and do it again; preferably in the Summer with an ice -cream afterwards, for now they were happy with a hot chocolate, but the main thing is they really want to come back! There may have been a few mentions of PB’s and wanting to improve next time. Look out for live events being published soon, we would love to see you on the water at Manvers soon!

AquaPaddle is run purely on Donations. If AquaPaddle is of value to you with your health and wellbeing, please help by giving a donation.