Since 1980, Cheltenham Canoe club have been bringing the people of Cheltenham together, with regular trips into Wales, down to Dartmoor or even local trips to the Wye or the Avon.
As well as local trips, they embark on international trips, with the club, headed by Steve Slater, heading to mainland Europe annually.
Typically held in May, the club have travelled to Austria, into the French Alps as well as Slovenia, when they took on the Soča River.
“We Kayak all year round and in the summer months we meet at the Cheltenham Lido, where we also offer coaching sessions to members of the public, where we teach them the basics of Kayaking.
“We have a trip programme, where we will have a weekend on the River Dart at the end of the month. That is 26 people travelling down to Devon for that at the end of the month. They’re really fun, but they can be a nightmare when sorting out accommodation and all the other logistics.
“We also go abroad, over Europe too.”
It is important to note that a lot of dedication is required. With weekend trips away and European trips, it is a real commitment, however, the rewards can be fantastic.
“We all have to be dedicated to the club. I don’t kayak so much anymore, but it’s good to see young people out on the water, dedicated and enjoying it.
“It also requires dedication from the parents, but they love it, and sometimes they get involved as well.
“We have 110 members and a nucleus of very good paddlers, as well as a some brilliant fully qualified coaches and river leaders who keep it safe and avoid any disasters. They’re there for everyone.”
