Paddlers protecting their sporting environment

Clean up the big paddle

Canoeing is far from the only sport taking an active role in addressing the threat of pollution to participants and those around them.

Sailing has led the way in highlighting the horrors of plastic pollution, while Surfers Against Sewage has also shed a light on the amount of untreated sewage washing up into Britain’s rivers and seas.

But few sports can play such a direct part in identifying the problems and dangers that Welsh rivers pose as the canoeing and kayaking, who paddle hundreds of miles across Welsh waters every week.

That’s why Canoe Wales recently launched its Big Paddle Clean Up campaign, aiming to remove 500 bags of rubbish from inland and coastal waters between 27 May and 11 June this year.

Canoeists are encouraged to organize cleanups with club members and friends, log what they’ve accomplished where, and share it via social media using the hashtags #BigPaddleCleanUp and #GlanhadMawrWrthBadlo.

The Code of Paddlers

Those new to watersports – particularly to fast-growing areas such as paddle boarding – are also encouraged to look into the governing body’s new ‘Paddlers’ Code’, which offers advice on paddling responsibly and ensuring a sustainable future for the sport .

Canoe Wales Places to Paddle Manager Phil Stone is urging these newcomers to learn what it takes and urging everyone on the water to fight pollution.

“Unfortunately, there’s just more general clutter in our rivers these days,” says Phil.

“There’s a bigger concern in the paddling community and the broader community of river users – whether you’re bathing in the water or swimming outdoors, fishing or paddling – that we’re seeing more debris and debris in the rivers.

“If there is clear evidence of pollution, canoeists should report this to Natural Resources Wales’ Environmental Incident Reporting Unit by calling 0300 065 3000.

“As part of the Big Paddle Clean Up campaign, we are also sending out cleaning kits to clubs that request them – trash collectors, bags, bag hangers and gloves – so people can do their own cleaning jobs.”

Last year over 30 clubs approached Canoe Wales asking for kits and this year that number is expected to increase.

“On a personal level, we also ask individual canoeists that if you spot a piece of litter on the river, please do your duty and pick it up. Report where you found it and report it through the Big Paddle Clean Up campaign website.

“Everyone can do their part and there are other environmental initiatives that we are involved with such as the Check, Clean, Dry campaign which is there to prevent the spread of invasive species on our waterways.

“We all have to work hard and be vigilant to protect the beautiful waterways that we have.”