Lottery cash helps buy new boats

1:13pm Wednesday 31st October 2007

BASINGSTOKE and Deane Canoe Club have been awarded a £5,000 grant to buy touring kayaks, which are easier to steer for older and less experienced members.

The Awards for All money from the National Lottery followed a club decision to develop a touring kayak programme.

After discussions with James Hinves, the local Canoe England development officer, the club submitted a proposal for five sets of kayaks, kit and also training.

At weekly evening meetings on the Basingstoke Canal at Odiham, the new boats have proved popular with paddlers of all ages and abilities.

The boats have also been used on the Solent, a day trip up the Hamble Estuary, an evening crossing to the Isle of Wight and to explore the Dorset coast.

The most recent outing was four days exploring the coastline of Anglesey.

The club was formed in 1987 as an initiative by the borough council to provide canoe and kayak recreational activities.

With around 100 members of all ages, the club runs activities throughout the year.

The focus is on recreational paddling, with regular weekend trips throughout the year.

There is also a bi-annual trip to the Alps for more reliable white water sport.

The club is run by a group of 20 volunteers, with fully-qualified BCU coaches in several of the canoeing disciplines.

Courses and activities cater for a wide range of abilities, including the BCU 3 Star, BCU aquatic first aid and Canoe Safety tests.

Volunteers are encouraged to take the nationally-recognised courses in water safety and are subject to a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check.

For more information on Basingstoke and Deane Canoe Club, visit the website www.badpaddlers.org or telephone the club secretary on 01256 362921.