Paddler Spotlight: 1,400 young people try paddlesports in Birmingham

At the end of last year, we shared an inspiring story about an initiative making waves in Birmingham. The Birmingham Community Paddle Sports Project is transforming the city’s waterways into hubs of activity, offering young people the chance to try canoeing and bell boating.

Spearheaded by Olympic canoeist Andy Train and supported by Paddle UK, StreetGames, and the Canal & River Trust, the project has supported more than 1,400 young people to get on the water through paddlesport sessions across the city’s extensive canal network.

Since 2022, it has opened up paddlesports to diverse participants, many from underserved communities who had never previously considered activities like bell boating or canoeing. Over the years, it has become a platform for young people to build confidence, encourage teamwork, and forge new friendships.

The system change approach has fostered the creation of eight community paddling hubs by empowering local leadership and trusted local organisations. These hubs aim to build capacity and incorporate paddlesport into local youth, community, and family activities.

The eight community paddling hubs include:

• Green Lane Masjid and Community Centre
• Aspire & Succeed
• Nowka Bais
• Saheli Hub
• Newbigin Community Trust
• South Birmingham Paddle Club
• Community Environment Trust
• Womens Wellbeing Ltd

In 2024, the project continued to thrive, with 89% of attendees eager to return to the water. A highlight of the year was the October city-wide water sports festival, which brought residents together for a weekend of water-based activities, including bellboating, canoeing, sailing, and rowing.

The festival created a welcoming environment for families and participants of all abilities, promoting paddlesports and other water-based activities. One participant shared their experience, saying, “It was relaxing, quiet, and I felt safe in the boat with my brother.”

A highlight of the event was the bell boat competition, which saw 60 teams compete over the weekend. The format supported families with children who have learning difficulties and individuals from different economic and ethnic backgrounds to join in.

Over 150 participants braved the weather on Sunday at the Andrew Simpson Centre in Bartley Green Reservoir to try a variety of activities. These included sit-on-top kayaking, bell boating, sailing, powerboating, and rowing, with ergo challenges.

“It was a new experience, and I enjoyed being able to join together alongside my peers to take part in a group activity.” – Participant.

Throughout the weekend, participants had the chance to meet and engage with several inspiring athletes, including Paralympians Emma Wiggs and Rob Oliver, Olympic rowing medallist Esme Booth, and former Olympian and World Champion Steve Train. Aspiring Olympians George Bell (canoe sprint) and Alfie Noel (sailing) also joined, offering further inspiration and motivation to attendees.

Looking ahead in 2025, and building on the past two years’ success, the initiative will continue to strengthen its partnerships with local organisations and support the community clubs to enhance their paddlesport offerings. With plans to further increase access and provide even more opportunities for young people to get involved, the project remains dedicated to creating lasting, positive change in Birmingham’s communities through the power of paddlesports.

You can read the full 2024 report here:
The Birmingham Community Paddle Sports Project 2024 (https://paddleuk.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/The-Birmingham-Community-Paddle-Sports-Project-2024.pdf)

If you are a club, group, or organisation that engages with underserved communities and would like to explore how to add paddlesports to your delivery, reach out to Paddle UK’s Recreational Programmes Lead, Gregory van Heerden, at gregory.vanheerden@paddleuk.org.uk