Paddle Cymru

🕵️‍♀️ Ready for today's challenge?

Can you identify this river or bridge from just one photo? 👀

No hints. No clues. Just bragging rights for those who get it right! 😎

👇 Pop your guesses in the comments and let's see who knows Wales' waterways best.

🎙️ From the paddleboard to the podcast mic!

The BCAB Coaching Podcast is welcoming a new voice as Emma Love takes over hosting duties from Georgina Maxwell.

Emma's paddling journey began at 46, and since then she has built a coaching business dedicated to helping women develop their skills, knowledge and confidence on the water while fostering a strong sense of community. Her passion for coaching has seen her progress as a provider in the Sheltered Water environment and begin her Performance Coach pathway.

Many paddlers will know Emma through her work as a Ambassador, her writing for Paddle UK and SUPMag UK, and her commitment to sharing the stories of women coaches, paddlers and providers from across our sport. She has also been recognised by Paddle UK for her work supporting women on the water and was shortlisted for the Delivery Partner Awards in successive years.

In the latest episode, Georgina hands over the microphone to Emma, marking the start of an exciting new chapter for the Coaching Podcast. We can't wait to hear the conversations, insights and coaching discussions that lie ahead.

Congratulations, Emma! 👏

S7 Ep13 Georgina Maxwell Handover to Emma Love | BCAB Coaching Podcast In this final episode of series 7 of the Coaching Podcast, your host, Georgina Maxwell, hands over the microphone to our new host, Emma Love. Based in the East Midlands, UK, Emma Love began paddling at the age of 46. In 2021 she set up her coaching business, Wotbikini Stand Up Paddleboarding, with a...

📢 Have Your Say on the Future of Sport in Wales

The Welsh Government is developing a new Culture and Sport Strategy for Wales and is inviting people, clubs, organisations, communities and partners to help shape its future through a national call for evidence.

This is an important opportunity for the paddlesport community to share its experiences, challenges and ambitions. Whether you're a club volunteer, activity provider, community group, coach, paddler or partner organisation, your voice can help influence how sport is supported and developed across Wales over the coming years.

The Welsh Government wants to understand the current state of culture and sport in Wales and identify the practical actions needed to create a shared national vision for the future. Responses will help inform a new long-term strategy and action plans for the sector.

🗓️ The call for evidence is open until 18 December 2026.

Find out more and submit your views: 🔗 https://www.gov.wales/vision-culture-and-sport-wales-call-evidence-html

Please share this with your clubs, members, staff, volunteers and networks. The stronger the response from the paddlesport community, the stronger our collective voice will be.

Do you know an outstanding paddlesport coach, programme or organisation making a difference?

Now’s your chance to give them the recognition they deserve.

Nominations for the UK Coaching Awards 2026 are open, celebrating the coaches, projects and organisations helping people thrive through sport and physical activity across the UK. With 10 award categories available, from community coaching through to talent development and high performance, there are plenty of opportunities to shine a spotlight on great coaching.

⏰ Nominations close on 2 September

Find out more and submit a nomination through the UK Coaching Awards page. https://www.ukcoaching.org/campaigns/our-awards/

European Champion titles claimed as Brits secure 9 medals at home Wildwater Championships!

What a weekend for Team GB at the 2026 ECA Junior & U23 Wild Water Racing European Championships in Grandtully, Scotland. Racing on the iconic River Tay course, British paddlers delivered an outstanding performance, securing nine medals and multiple European Champion titles on home water.

From thrilling sprint races to impressive team performances, the championships showcased the talent, determination and depth of young paddlesport athletes across Britain. A huge congratulations to everyone who competed, coached, volunteered and supported the event.

Read Paddle UK's full recap and medal roundup.

European Champion titles claimed as Brits secure 9 medals at home WildWater champs Last weekend saw Paddle Scotland host the 2026 ECA Junior and U23 Wild Water Racing European Championships. Held at the iconic Grandtully Rapids race course, the event brought together the best young…

Given the recent incidents across the UK, understanding the dangers of cold water has never been more important.

Cold water shock can happen to anyone. Even on a warm day, entering cold water unexpectedly can have serious consequences.

In this powerful video, Professor Mike Tipton from the University of Portsmouth explains what happens to the body when it enters cold water, why cold water shock is so dangerous, and the simple actions that can help save lives.

Whether you're a paddler, swimmer, angler, sailor, walker or simply enjoy spending time around water, this is essential viewing.

🎥 Watch the video and share it with friends, family and your local community. The more people who understand the risks, the safer we can all be around water.

💙 A few minutes of your time could make a life-saving difference.

Professor Mike Tipton on Cold Water Shock Professor Mike Tipton of the University of Portsmouth provides an e...

GDPR for Paddlesport Clubs: What’s Changed in 2026?

Many clubs are sitting on years of old membership forms, emails, WhatsApp messages and safeguarding records without realising the GDPR risks involved.

Our new blog explains the latest data protection changes for 2026, common challenges facing clubs, and practical solutions to help you stay compliant and protect your members' information.

📖 Read more: https://www.paddlecymru.org.uk/gdpr-for-paddlesport-clubs-simple-steps-common-pitfalls-and-the-changes-you-need-to-know-in-2026

👀 Think you know Wales' waterways?

It's time for another round of Guess the River or Bridge!

Take a close look at today's photo and see if you can work out where we are. Is it a famous paddling spot? A hidden gem? Or somewhere you've paddled before?

💬 Drop your guesses in the comments below. We'll reveal the answer Thursday!

How Healthy Are Wales' Rivers?

Wales' latest water quality assessments show a mixed picture.

There is some encouraging news. The proportion of water bodies in Wales' protected rivers meeting phosphorus targets has improved from 39% to 50%, and the River Usk has shown significant improvement in recent assessments. Overall, 40% of Welsh water bodies are now achieving "good" or better status.

However, challenges remain. Recent assessments show that rivers including the Wye, Usk, Teifi, Dee and Cleddau still have water bodies failing environmental targets, while concerns continue around nutrient pollution, water quality and the long-term health of some of Wales' most important waterways.

However, challenges remain. Recent assessments show that rivers including the Wye, Usk, Teifi, Dee and Cleddau still have water bodies failing environmental targets, while concerns continue around nutrient pollution, water quality and the long-term health of some of Wales' most important waterways.

As paddlers, we see first-hand how important healthy rivers are for recreation, wildlife and local communities. Whether you're paddling on the Usk, Wye, Teifi, Tywi or your local waterway, we all have a role to play in helping protect the places we love.

What changes have you noticed on your local river this summer?

Paddle. Peak. Pedal.

This September, Paul Grime will be taking on an incredible challenge across North Wales, combining paddling, climbing and cycling into one epic adventure.

Covering water, mountains and miles on two wheels, the challenge will test endurance, determination and resilience while raising funds for important causes.

From the waterways to the peaks, it's a fantastic example of the adventurous spirit that inspires so many people to get outdoors and explore Wales.

If you'd like to support Paul and follow his journey, you can find out more and donate here:

👉 Support Paul's Challenge https://www.givewheel.com/fundraising/16296/paddle-peak-pedal-the-welsh-challenge/

Best of luck, Paul. We're looking forward to seeing how you get on! 💙