AquaPaddle

Click here for AquaPaddle Charity Information

The Paddle

AquaPaddle – “5k for Paddlers”

Dittons Paddle Boarding Supports AquaPaddle, and it is a free, regular, 5km timed paddle. It is like the famous regular timed run in the park; it is not a race. It is a social paddle for those who want to improve their fitness and wellbeing, open to all paddlers, including paddle boarders, kayakers and canoeists.

The first AquaPaddle was run on Saturday 17th July 2021, and the course was from Ditton Beach, Albany Reach Open Space, around Ravens Ait and finishing at The Albany Pub, Thames Ditton.

Most Paddlers, even new paddlers, would be able to complete the route in a reasonable time. It’s not about power or strength. It’s all about your style as a paddler that will get you round.

AquaPaddle is classed as a Free Social Paddle, with paddlers responsible for their own safety. There are trained safety volunteers to help marshall the event, giving support and markers around the course. AquaPaddle is independent of any club or commercial organisations, welcoming all paddlers, young and old, to sign up and join in.

Initially, numbers on each AquaPaddle will be limited as we learn and understand the safety requirements needed, as a safe, happy environment is paramount to us. When on the AquaPaddle, as mentioned earlier, there will be safety volunteers marshalling the route. Still, if someone falls in near you, you are expected to help and alerting the volunteers, not just paddle past. The safety of other paddlers is more important than getting a ‘time’; you can come back another day and do that. If there is a medical emergency, the First Aid Trained Safety Volunteers are on hand to step in – Let us build a community of kindness and a passion for water sports.

Here are some of the Pictures of the First AquaPaddle.

The Charity

AquaPaddle is an independent Charity with the aim of bringing paddle boarding to those communities who would really benefit from being out on the water for Physical and Mental Health reasons. Free at the point of use so that there is no financial burden preventing the known benefits of being in Nature and out on the water.

The Charity was approved by the Charities Commission in June 2021 – Link to details

We have worked with Surrey and Sussex Police giving their Officers and Staff Free sessions, to help with there Mental and Physical Wellbeing.