A Big Thank You!

After months of preparation and hard work The Big Paddle finally arrived, and we’re glad to say was a huge success!

People flocked from all over the UK and further afield to come and join us for paddling and fun at the beautiful Symond’s Yat on the river Wye.

There was lots to see and do, and fun was had by all, from Masterclasses and ‘have a go’ sessions, to guided nature tours, and of course Saturday evening’s party.  A huge number of people got out on the water in all manner of craft, from first timers to seasoned veterans, to enjoy and celebrate paddling in one of the UK’s most beautiful locations.

The event  also saw the return of the chaotic and hugely entertaining Cardbard Canoe World Championships, which involved a hard fought race between several of the paddling industry’s leading manufacturers.

A huge thank you goes out to everybody who came along and got involved, and also to everbody who worked tirelessly to make the event such a success, we couldn’t have done it without you.

Here are some pictures from the event, thanks to Paul Wilkinson. Enjoy!

Click on a picture to see the full image.

If you made it to the event then please feel free to leave a comment below and let us know what you thought!

If you’re on Facebook please post your own pictures to the Big Paddle event, we’d love to see them.

Alternatively, send us an email.

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FAQs

If you’ve got a ticket, here’s what you need to know:

I’ve got a ticket, what now?
Great stuff, we can’t wait to see you there on Friday or Saturday.
Download the info pack now, it contains all the info you need – where to register when you arrive, tours, activities and shuttle bus timetables, and more. Info Pack (pdf)

I haven’t booked on Masterclasses or Activites yet! Can I still do that?
No problem, it will be possible for ticket holders to book on to the remaining places on the masterclasses on Friday evening and Saturday morning at the event!

Do I need to book on the tours? – I don’t need a guide
If you want to paddle one of the tours independently you don’t need to book. Shuttle buses will be running from the Big Paddle Campsite to the start and finish of all three tours we’re running. The buses will be running constantly during the day as quickly as possible, expect 30-40mins between buses. The info pack contains bus timetables and maps, and there will be information boards to explain the various tour routes.

I think I need a guide, how can I book one?
There will be guides available, however hundred of people paddle the Wye every weekend with no prior experience and there’s no risk of getting lost! If you hire a canoe we’ll run you through some quick safety tips and basic paddling technique to ensure you get the most from your paddle.

I’m staying at the Royal Lodge Hotel at Symonds Yat and want to have a drink at the Big Paddle Party?  How will I get back?
Shuttle buses between Symonds Yat East and The Big Paddle Campsite will be running all day and hourly on Saturday night until 0130.

I haven’t yet booked my canoe hire! Can I still do that?
Yes, there are still canoes available to hire from both of our rental partners. Their details are in the info pack. Canoes will also be available to hire from the Event Village at Symonds Yat East on the weekend.
Canoes and Kayaks come with Buoyancy Aids and Paddles.

I have my own canoe, can I bring that?
Of course!

I’m coming paddling on the Wye this weekend and I’m not part of the event, will that be a problem?
Not at all, there’s more than enough space for everyone! We’re sorry, but licensing and logistics mean we won’t be able to offer shuttles / Masterclasses or party tickets for people turning up on the day.

Will I be able to tickets on the day?
We’re sorry, for licensing reasons we can’t sell any further tickets on the day. Of course, though, you’re more than welcome to come along and paddle the river! The event village is also open to all, and you’re welcome to try demo boats, but activities and shuttles provided for ticket holders won’t be available.

Won’t it be quite congested with all the cars driving up and down the river?
To cut congestion and limit our impact we encourage all participants to leave their cars with their tents at the Big Paddle Campsite for as much of the weekend as possible. Our numerous shuttle buses will transport people and their boats to the various secions of the river (see the info pack for timetable)

I have more questions
Email us at info@thebigpaddle.com and we’ll get back to you asap.