Last summer I took part in the “Wave Sweepers” event organised by Far and Wild from the Walled City up the Foyle Estuary to Moville (we were originally aiming for Greencastle but the tide and light beat us in the end). We managed to paddle about 30km in 6 hours and raised funds for Lighthouse, a local suicide prevention charity.
Honestly, I’m not sure if I can recommend paddling on any SUP for 6 hours straight, but it was a brilliant event and a great way to see the Foyle!
My favourite places to paddle are on the Lower Bann (using the Canoe Trail and avoiding the weirs and sluice gates), the River Roe from outside Limavady (from Swanns Bridge) and around White Rocks on the North Coast.
As well as being a great workout for both the body and mind, spending time on a SUP offers a different perspective to either a canoe or kayak. I think it’s a useful tool for introducing children to the world of paddlesport and you can also fit the dog on as well.
If you don’t have your own board, there are now loads of outdoor providers offering lessons and rentals all over Northern Ireland from the Roe, to Bangor and Strangford Lough. I think it’s great to see and testament to the unique view of the water that only being on a SUP can offer you.
The full report is available here.
CANI Equality Committee Recruitment
CANI are looking for volunteer Equality Committee members for the following positions to help us move to the next stage in our development;
- Chairperson
- Secretary
- Female Lead
- Ethnic Minority Lead
- LGBT+ Lead
- Cross Community Lead
- Young Person Lead
The two other roles of Disability Lead and Older Person Lead have been appointed.
We need individuals who share in our values and vision for paddlesport and who have the skills, qualities, and expertise to help the CANI Equality Committee operate effectively.
Please note: Individuals do not need to be a member of CANI or have experience paddling to apply.
These roles are voluntary and the roles offer great flexibility to fit around your time as the majority of our work will take place at bi-monthly evening meetings with occasional weekday activities such as conference calls.
- The updated CANI Equality Committee Terms of reference and details of members can be accessed here
- The CANI Strategy 2017-21 can be accessed here
- Information on equality can be accessed on the CANI website here
Have you and your Club members seen Sport NI’s Learning Compass?
The Learning Compass is a sign-posting webpage which aims to offer coaches, officials, volunteers and development staff useful links to learning and resources available from other organisations.
Please see the full list of links here.
Sport NI in partnership with the Department for Communities are delighted to announce the re-opening of the Sports Hardship Fund to help sports clubs and other organisations delivering sporting activities, who are experiencing financial hardship.
The Sports Hardship Fund initially opened on 14 April and has provided support totalling £1.245M to help over 600 sports clubs maintain facilities during the lockdown.
Each successful applicant will receive £2,000 for costs incurred from 1st April 2020.
The fund will close for completed applications at 12 noon on Wednesday 5th August 2020.
For further details and to apply click here.
The Percy Bilton Charity – £3k to £5k
The Percy Bilton Charity is a grant-making Trust (registered Charity number 1094720) and company limited by guarantee founded in 1962.
Assistance is given to organisations and individuals assisting disadvantaged youth, people with disabilities, people with mental health problems and older people may apply for grants towards furnishings and equipment (excluding office items), building or refurbishment projects.
The deadline for applications is rolling.
Find out more and apply here.
CANI Funding Database
Please click here to review the many funds on the CANI Funding Database find out if your paddle club can apply.
CANI have also produced a sample funding needs register to help your club target funding here.
