Paddlesport for Health & Wellbeing in Camden
The Pitch
Problem statement
Demand for our paddlesport services has surged since the pandemic as more people look for affordable, local ways to get active outdoors & improve their fitness / wellbeing levels. As paddling is a low-impact sport suitable for all abilities, it's equally attractive to people who aren't traditionally 'sporty', including those who're put off by team sports or may be reluctant to engage in sport due to inactivity, lack of confidence & / or health / age concerns. Over 90% of our first-time attendees hadn't previously tried paddlesport, were sedentary or felt isolated but now view our weekly adult paddle sessions as integral to maintaining a healthy, happy, active life - help us engage more!
Solution
The project will provide more opportunities for local adults, over 50s & members of the LGBTQ+ community to access & experience the numerous health, fitness, wellbeing & social benefits of paddling with us on the Regent's Canal. The funding will be spent on British Canoeing instructor costs to plan & deliver weekly 1 x 1.5 hour session for up to 10 people from each target group between 1st April and 31st October 2024, plus a contribution to back-office administration, monitoring & marketing. Expected impacts include: increased levels of physical activity through engaging with a new sport; increased personal health, wellbeing, confidence & sense of connectivity with self, place and others.
Why are we best placed to deliver?
As the only British Canoeing-affiliated club & paddlesport activities / training provider in Camden since 1966, we continue to provide unique opportunities for local people to access the waterway and participate in low-cost, scheduled paddlesport sessions, often introducing them to kayaking & canoeing for the first time. Led by our team of experienced, supportive British Canoeing instructors & coaches, over the years we've forged a reputation for the quality & safety of our provision & ability to meet the needs of our diverse client groups. We're also deeply embedded within our community, with strong links to a wide partnership network who cross-promote and refer people to our services.
Focus Areas
Delivery plan
Budget breakdown
| British Canoeing Coach @ £15 per hour x 6 hours per week (3 x 1.5 hour session delivery + set up / down) x 30 weeks | £2,700 |
| Project bookings / back-office administration, marketing & monitoring | £300 |
Beneficiaries
300 people
Who will benefit
Expected impact
Increased number of adults ages 18 - 49 & 50+ trying paddlesport for the first time, including members of the LGBTQ+ community; Increased number of adults ages 18 - 49 & 50+ regularly attending community paddlesport, including members of the LGBTQ+ community; Increased number of adults ages 18 - 49 & 50+ engaging in sport / exercise who did not previously, or did so at a very low level / intermittently, including members of the LGBTQ+ community; At least 70% of adult participants reporting improved levels of mental wellbeing, including reduced stress / anxiety levels; At least 60% of adult participants reporting improved levels of physical health / fitness; At least 30% of adult participants reporting improved self-confidence; At least 30% of adult participants reporting reduced isolation / loneliness; At least 30% of adult participants achieve British Canoeing Discover / Explore award level; At least 10 adult participants begin their volunteer journey at The Pirate Castle;
Track record
"I attend the over 50s sessions & still can't believe my luck in discovering kayaking at Pirate Castle over a year ago & I've been a regular since. It's fun, healthy & having an outdoor activity in the middle of Camden just seems amazing. If I'm having a stressful week I look forward to the session & getting on the water is as good as going to Brighton for the day. I benefit from this activity enormously, physically, emotionally, socially & mentally. The paddlers have got to be the nicest bunch of people, where everyone helps each other. The instructors inspire confidence & fun, & give their attention & support wholeheartedly to each & every member of the group. They always make sure that a newcomer is well supported. I have brought a few friends to Pirate Castle over the last year & they have become hooked on the activity. It also provides a challenge & at times I feel out of my comfort zone, but with the support of the coaches I feel safe & push myself to become more skilled." Nadiya