Supporting paddlers and paddling is core to Paddle UK membership. Individual On the Water membership allows paddlers to access a waterway's licence and third-party liability insurance. Also, paddlers enjoy a range of fantastic specific offers and opportunities.
All of this comes at great value, costing less than £1 a week. If these elements were sourced externally the costs would be much higher for the same level of cover and benefits. But not only that, membership fees contribute to much, much, more…
What does membership money contribute towards
Income generated by membership fees is reinvested back into supporting projects that benefit the paddling community. Membership fees support:
- Clear Access, Clear Waters – Our campaign for fair, shared and sustainable open access for all. Waterways are a fantastic resource that should be available for everyone to enjoy responsibly, without prejudice or exclusion. £2.00 of every Go Green membership is ring-fenced to support this vital work.
- Waterway Management – A percentage of membership income is passed onto the waterway authorities to cover the costs of waterway licences included in our membership package. As part of their work, the waterway agencies carry out vital maintenance and environmental work on managed waterways across England and Wales.
- Information for paddlers – Our Go Paddling website is a fantastic resource for recreational paddlers, containing a vast amount of information on where and how to go paddling. Including over 175 paddling trails, paddling challenges, blogs and an interactive PaddlePoints mapping resource that helps you find and share places to go paddling.
- Protection of Waterways – Vital projects around conservation and river cleanups are being coordinated by Paddle UK and supported by paddlers nationwide. This important work keeps the waterways protected for us and future generations to enjoy.
- Courses and Resources – With over 80 coaching, leading and personal performance awards you are bound to find one that interests you. In addition to these courses, a range of NEW digital resources have been developed including a Coach Self-Analysis tool and a Digital Library, which is packed full of e-learning, videos, podcasts, academic research and much more!
- Competition and Events – Did you know over 1,500 competitions and recreational events take place annually within the world of paddlesport? Almost all of these are run by or with the support of passionate hardworking volunteers. We support volunteers and disciplines through the work of our development team and ensure all Paddle UK events have adequate insurance.
- #ShePaddles – An initiative which aims to get more women and girls paddling and progressing within the sport, whether that's through their own personal skills, coaching or leadership. The focus is on creating a welcoming and supportive environment at every level within the sport.
- Governance – Having clear policies, guidance and procedures operating across all elements of our sport, supports participant’s safety and well-being. Allowing paddlers and volunteers to enjoy pursuing their paddling passions in the knowledge that good practice is in place.
- Community – Ensuring our members, volunteers, clubs, centres, disciplines, coaches and providers are supported is at the heart of what we do. Regular communications through our members’ enews, canoe focus, social media platforms and website allows paddlers to stay connected with the latest paddler news and exclusive member discounts.
Supporting Paddlers
The above highlights just some of the ways your membership helps support paddlers and paddling. But there is a huge amount more going on and we're continually listening to member feedback. So, join us today and help us in supporting paddlers like you.