FOLLOWING a successful year on the river, the team at the town’s canoe club, Wiltshire Youth Canoe Club (WYCC), has said they are looking forward to offering more opportunities for the community to try paddlesports.
Based alongside the King George V Park, on the River Avon, last year saw the club reach new heights and offer a wider range of paddlesport opportunities for the community.
“2023 was a great year at the club,” says chairman, Alex Edwards, who is also a volunteer coach. “It was amazing to see the growth and for people to grow with the club. It’s got a lovely community feel. Everyone is excited for 2024 season for new friends and adventures on the water where every session is different.”
Funding was received from Sport England, with support from Wiltshire and Swindon Sport during the application process, which allowed this club to purchase a range of Stand Up Paddleboards (SUPs).
The new equipment allowed the club to offer new sessions and a wider range of paddlesport opportunities to the community. Over 150 new young people tried paddlesport at the club, with around a 50/50 split of boys and girls joining the club sessions.
“The club increased its membership with now more than 85 members – more than double 2022,” said a spokesperson for the club. “Membership in the club provides access to club kit and regular sessions every week of the year.
“A new group of volunteers were trained to develop their SUP skills and safety over a period of weeks, with some going on to become qualified British Canoeing SUP Instructors.
“Eight new volunteers gained their British Canoeing SUP Instructor qualification at the club. This significantly increased the pool of qualified volunteers supporting the increased activity on offer.”
One of the club’s members, 15-year-old Fin, was one of those new volunteer SUP instructors and was recognised as a Rising Star by British Canoeing’s National Governing Body.
“He was shortlisted as a top three finalist for the public vote. This is a fabulous reflection on the positive vibe at the club and the attitude towards the development of volunteers at the club,” says the spokesperson. “It is such a supportive and inclusive learning environment, which helps enable people to develop into the best they can be.”
The club continues with canoe and kayak opportunities, plus opportunities for those keen to get involved at any level in competitive disciplines of the sport, as it has done previously, with club members representing Great Britain again in 2023 at international levels of paddlesport.
The spokesperson added, “The club also offers opportunities to explore a range of other venues, with club trips on rivers and canals. Due to popularity, more trips will be on offer in 2024.
“As the club looks back on such a great year, it looks forward with great excitement to seeing the club grow, offering new opportunities for those wishing to try paddlesports or take the sport up more regularly.”
For more information visit the club’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/WYCCMelksham
