Get Paddling for Go Canoeing Week 2014

Go Canoeing, the Olympic legacy initiative from Canoe England, is inviting the nation to get paddling for National Go Canoeing Week 2014, taking place from Saturday 24th May – Sunday 1st June.

Back bigger and better for 2014, the annual festival of canoe and kayaking fun will give the public a chance to pick up a paddle and discover what’s on offer at clubs and centres across the country, with the aim to get as many people on the water as possible.

In 2014, Go Canoeing Week will aim to get even more people involved by introducing the new Every Mile Counts theme. The initiative will encourage the nation to collectively paddle the distance around the UK coastline during the week, totalling 11,073 miles. Whether participants want to head down to their local centre for a Starter Session or Guided Tour, take part in one of the new Challenge Routes or simply paddle on a stretch of water near them, all miles clocked will go towards the target.

At official Go Canoeing clubs and centres, participants of all ages and abilities will be offered a range of easily accessible and sociable activities to get involved in. Starter Sessions and Guided Tours will be taking place throughout the country, offering a great way for beginners to get involved, while for those looking to tackle their own personal challenge, there will be Every Mile Counts Challenge Routes taking place at three idyllic locations in the UK – Lake Windermere, Rutland Water and the beautiful Portsmouth coastline – where participants can complete either a one or three-mile route. And with so much to do at these great venues, why not see what else is on offer, bring a picnic and make a day of it?

No matter how participants get involved, everyone can log on to the Go Canoeing Week website to submit their distance and help reach the overall Every Mile Counts 11,073-mile target. Participants will be able to monitor nationwide progress via an interactive map on the site, which will give a running total of mileage completed during the week.

"Canoeing is a hugely varied sport and our brand new Every Mile Counts Challenge Routes offer a great chance to pick up a paddle and challenge yourself on the water, while exploring some truly stunning locations.

Make sure to stay up to date via the Facebook page and on Twitter.

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For further information and press enquiries, please contact:

Jack McCombe / James Swan – Threepipe

0207 632 4800 Jack.McCombe@threepipe.co.uk / James.Swan@threepipe.co.uk

Jon Schofield – Go Canoeing Marketing and Communications Officer

0845 3709543 jonathan.schofield@gocanoeing.org.uk 

 Notes to Editors:

Some of the activities participants will be able to take part in during National Go Canoeing Week are:

Every Mile Counts Starter Sessions – Provide the perfect introduction to the sport no matter what level you are, and are suitable for all ages. Everyone taking part in an Every Mile Counts Starter Session will be encouraged to complete a mile, which they can register to help meet the overall target. No specialist kit or skills needed, just turn up and see what the wonderful world of canoeing has to offer!

Every Mile Counts Guided Tours – Suitable for absolute beginners, as well as those with some canoeing experience, Guided Tours are a great way for adults and families to broaden their horizons, meet like-minded people and escape the daily grind on an adventure. Specially trained Tour Guides will help you discover new places to paddle, as well as pointing out all the local points of interest.

Every Mile Counts Challenge Routes – Participants can complete either a one or three-mile route at one of three stunning locations. The routes are open to everyone and equipment hire will be available at all locations. Or you can bring your own kit and complete your mile or miles in any form of paddlesport craft, as long as it doesn’t have a motor. A great way to have fun and spend time with the family.

Clock Up Your Own Miles – Participants don’t just need to come along to one of our activities to get involved. Simply get out on the water and enjoy the wonderful world that canoeing has to offer – and help us beat our target mileage in the process.