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British Canoeing Page
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British Canoeing
Participation: Canoeing as a recreational activity has grown over the past few years as is evident from all on and by the waterways and a trend likely to continue. In 2021, the National Watersports Survey suggested that 7.6 million people said that they had either kayaked, used a canoe or a Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP). Much of the boom in numbers can be attributed to the pandemic restrictions and finding the waterways as an outdoor recreational resource. This growth has also seen a significant increase in British Canoeing’s membership. In 2016, there were 32,000 members and now it is more than 90,000. With this influx of participants British Canoeing Awarding Body have announced two Safer Courses. For anyone new or relatively novice there is a course for canoe and kayak users and another specifically for SUP paddlers. Both courses provide paddlers with information modules to raise awareness of their personal safety and responsibilities covering – equipment, environment and weather, planning, and safety on the water.
Parking at Ferry Lane slipway, Medmenham. Parking restrictions are getting more problematic for direct access to waterways. Most recently Bucks County Council plan to apply no waiting restrictions on both sides of Ferry Lane in the vicinity of the slipway. As proposed the number of available parking spaces will be significantly reduced. Canoe clubs and paddlers have responded to a consultation and objected on the extent of the restriction. The main response is no waiting should only apply to one side of Ferry Lane. Such an arrangement would assist responsible parking and reduce any loss of parking for paddlers and other visitors to this attractive Thames reach.
Anchor Sluice, Barcombe, River (Sussex) Ouse, the access issue reported previously is ongoing. Information on the course of the former navigation and towpath provided by SORT and East Sussex Records Office is being examined for a possible portage route.
River Thames Scheme: From a recent meeting of the Maidenhead to Teddington Catchment Management Partnership the Environment Agency outlined a timescale for the next steps. Little has been heard of the scheme progressing for some while. British Canoeing is a Partnership member. The Agency announced plans for discussions with landowners and other interested parties in the coming months, followed up by a public consultation. An Order to enable the scheme to commence was said to be three years hence. Since the outset of the scheme British Canoeing has maintained a particular interest in access to the channels and the infrastructure to realise the potential for providing a recreational resource for paddlesport. Refer to https://www.riverthamesscheme.org.uk/scheme
