Paddling with Pride was first launched in partnership with Pride House Birmingham during the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Since then, it has grown into a national initiative promoting inclusivity on the water. Now in its third year, Paddle UK is proud to continue supporting and expanding the initiative, working alongside organisations to host events that celebrate diversity and create welcoming spaces for the LGBTQ+ community.
This year, we were proud to support the Queer Outdoors Club event hosted at Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre, with invaluable support from volunteers at the Leicester Wild Women Outdoor Club.
Georgie Cubin, founder of Queer Outdoors Club, said:
“I’m very passionate about LGBTQ+ and disability inclusion in the outdoors. This event was the perfect opportunity to combine the two in a meaningful way. We wanted to bring the local LGBTQ+ community together, not only to introduce them to paddlesport but also to make them aware of the Queer Outdoors Club and other initiatives happening in Leicestershire.”
Over 60 participants from Leicestershire, Nottingham, Coventry, Derby, and Leeds took to the water to celebrate Pride. For many, it was their first time paddling, while others shared their knowledge and supported fellow participants, all united by smiles, new friendships, and what Georgie described as “pure queer joy.”
“Next year, we’d love to offer more specific skills sessions alongside the beginner paddling opportunities. We’re already considering things like weir navigation, paddle games, and self-rescue skills.”
In September, the Canal & River Trust hosted the first-ever Gloucester Pride Paddle as part of Gloucester Pride Week. Coordinated in partnership with Pride in Gloucestershire and supported by Paddle UK, this community-driven event saw 27 paddlers celebrate Pride on their journey from Gloucester Docks to Hempsted and back.
Lara Bienkowska, Community Roots Engagement Coordinator at the Canal & River Trust, said:
“We had some brilliant feedback from the Pride Paddle, and it was great to get everyone together on the water to share in the inclusivity of the Pride message and to enjoy the benefits that our waterways can bring.”
The new Community Paddling Hub at Gloucester Docks will continue to offer free paddling sessions for community groups, paddling open days, and local events.
By the end of September, the launch pontoon will be upgraded with step-free access and adaptive paddling features, ensuring that even more people can enjoy the water. Paddle UK will continue to support the Hub.