Paddling through the city It’s hard to believe there’s any open space close by as we drive across Sheffield’s huge M1 flyover, past shiny online warehouses and shopping centre car parks. Yet hidden amid the concrete, Tinsley Marina is an oasis of sparkling blue and verdant green. Built to carry iron ore into the city, and steel out of it, the canal is now being brought back to life. Today, it’s the venue for a ‘Let’s Paddle!’ event and Dan Crawford, our instructor, is busy explaining how to get going. “Paddle right to go left. Left to go right. Forwards to go backwards. Backwards to go forwards. And remember, screaming won’t stop you. Only paddling will.” As difficult as it sounds, as soon as we get on the water, paddling comes completely naturally. Soon, 13-year-old Joseph is ploughing eagerly ahead through this gorgeous ribbon of water. We are totally focused and at peace. Like wanderers in wilderness, looking for adventure around the next bend. “Snake! Snake!” goes up a shout ahead. Sure enough, a grass snake swims head above water across the canal. A truly amazing sight in the heart of Sheffield. Community roots engagement coordinator, Jade Wilkes, is responsible for putting on waterside events all year round. “We’ve got paddleboarding, walking, fishing and a ‘Let’s Lock-Keep!’ day coming up. There are street art days. Yesterday, I was running a Forest School session. Families might be a bit nervous at first, but every single time, they love the activities.
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With lots of free events running on our canals this year, people of all ages are paddling, pedalling, walking or exploring nature by water. We visited the Sheffield & Tinsley Canal to discover how these open taster sessions are helping people in urban areas get active right on their doorstep.
