The UK

Welcome to the UK Paddling Scene

To start of with I am going to provide information on the Thames Valley as thats where I am from, and as things build we can start to look at the rest of the UK in stages. The Thames Valley in the UK has an extremely strong Community of kayakers. All disciplines of the sport are focused on, and this includes Freestyle, River running, Creeking, Marathon/Sprint, Polo, Slalom, Canadian, recreation and touring. All the whitewater kayaking in the Thames Valley is done on the River Thames, on the man made weirs that control the rivers flow. Again due to the shear nature of the features created only the introduction to whitewater, general whitewater strokes/techniques, Freestyle, and Slalom can be practiced. The Home of freestyle is Hurley Weir, you may have heard of the saying "there is nothing as good as Hurley" which is truly a false statement, but is more to represent the importance of this extremely good facility to the locals. The Home of Slalom is Shepperton weir, which has had several modifications to the surroundings to create an ideal training ground for the local paddlers. The River Thames has approximately 45 weirs on its stretch from the source in Gloucestershire to the tidal estuary, to the east of London. The Length of the River Thames is Approximately 200+ miles. Out of the 45 weirs only 11 weirs are safe to paddle and only half of those are regularly paddled, as most of the weirs require special levels and conditions.


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Regional Rivers

River descriptions coming soon...

Contacts for getting out paddling in the UK
The main reason people enjoy boating in our region so much is because there are a lot of very friendly helpful people that are keen to push the barriers and support their fellow paddlers. The sport is often taken too seriously, but in the Thames Valley it remains chilled out and Fun.

Regional Paddling News

TVFreestylers first Birthday

A couple of years ago Thamesweirproject was shut down and with it went a huge resource to Thames Valley paddling and the community spirit that such a site engendered in the paddlers that used it. Last weekend TVFreestylers celebrated the rebirth of that community with a debauched evening of fun and frolics on the island at Hurley. The king was dead- Long live the King!


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Perception Wavehopper Challenge

Meridian Canoe Club www.meridiancanoeclub.com Perception Wavehopper Challenge Danson Park, Bexleyheath. Saturday 17th May 2008. 10:00 hrs. to 14:00 hrs.


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Gareth Harvey, UK

Gareth Harvey is from Reading in the UK. He loves helping people of all ages and ability to progress in the sport. He works as an Assistant Manager Wine advisor, and spends most of his free time either Kayaking or running/developing the local area freestyle website. Kayaking is all about having fun with your mates travelling, socialising and meeting new people. It doesn't matter whether he is learning a new trick, running a new river or just at a pool session, his passion for kayaking is always strong.


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UK Slalom Calendar

The 2008 Slalom Event Calendar is now up for the 2008 season! Full details here.


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National Paddling News

    Hotel Charley 3 Premier Dates

    Apr 21 08 - Jesse Coombs just sent in the most up to date list of lucky towns that will play host to a premier of Hotel Charley 3. Keep checking back for more additions as the spring continues.


    April Hometown Throwdown Update

    Apr 18 08 - This month has been full of great moments at all of the throwdown locations.


    In Between Swims Podcast

    Apr 01 08 - Jeff McIntyre has the newest podcast ready for our ears!


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