Seren Dŵr Wins Be Active Wales Funding to Grow Kayaking in Cardiff
- 3 hours ago
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Seren Dŵr Secures Funding to Grow Inclusive Kayaking in Cardiff
Seren Dŵr Slalom Canoe Club is proud to announce that we have secured funding from the Be Active Wales Fund to support the next phase of our growth.
This investment marks a major step forward for paddle sport in Cardiff and South Wales, helping us expand access to kayaking, canoe slalom, freestyle and white water activities for our community.
Over the past three years, Seren Dŵr has grown from around 40 members to over 100 paddlers, driven by volunteer coaching, inclusive programmes, and beginner-friendly opportunities.
This funding allows us to build on that success and reach even more people.
Expanding Access to Kayaking and Canoe Slalom
Our project, From First Paddle strokes to Lifelong Participation, focuses on making kayaking, freestyle and canoe slalom accessible to everyone, from complete beginners to competitive athletes.
With this funding, we will:
Launch Kayak Cross training in Cardiff, following its Olympic debut
Increase access to white water kayaking and freestyle paddling
Provide more opportunities for junior paddlers and youth development
Support recreational river paddling for long-term participation
These developments will strengthen our pathways from entry-level paddling through to competition and lifelong involvement in sport.
Removing Barriers to Paddle Sport Participation
A key focus of this funding is making paddle sport more inclusive and affordable.
We will invest in shared club equipment, including freestyle and white water kayaks, ensuring that people can take part without needing to own expensive gear.
This is particularly important for:
Young people and junior paddlers
Women and girls in sport
Disabled and neurodiverse participants
Families facing financial barriers
By removing these barriers, we are creating equal access to kayaking and canoeing opportunities across South Wales.
Building a Stronger Coaching and Volunteer Team
Sustainable growth in sport depends on people.
This funding will support the training of:
New paddle sport instructors and leaders
Whitewater safety and rescue teams
First aid and safeguarding qualified volunteers
This investment ensures that Seren Dŵr continues to deliver safe, high-quality kayaking sessions in Cardiff, while creating leadership opportunities for both young people and adults.
Supporting Youth Sport and Lifelong Participation
Nearly half of Seren Dŵr’s members are under 18, highlighting the demand for youth sport and outdoor activity in Cardiff.
This funding helps us:
Keep young people engaged in sport
Provide progression into competition and coaching
Support long-term physical and mental wellbeing
By offering both competitive and recreational pathways, we ensure paddlers can stay involved at every stage of life.
A Sustainable Future for Paddle Sport in South Wales
This project is about more than growth. It’s about creating a sustainable, inclusive paddle sport community.
With this funding, Seren Dŵr will:
Increase participation across all age groups
Improve equality of access to kayaking and canoeing
Strengthen volunteer development and club sustainability
Support long-term engagement in physical activity
Without this investment, many of these opportunities would remain out of reach for our community.
Join Seren Dŵr
If you’re looking to try kayaking in Cardiff, get involved in freestyle or canoe slalom, or join a welcoming and inclusive paddle sport club, we’d love to hear from you.
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