At the beginning of 2024, Paddle UK and the Canal and River Trust came together to launch a shared project: developing a community paddling hub at Foxton Locks in Leicestershire.
The vision was simple but powerful—to create a space where local people could connect with the water, nature, and each other, improving both mental and physical wellbeing through paddlesports.
From this, Foxton Paddle Club was born and has quickly become a growing hub for the community, wellbeing and outdoor adventures.
To bring the project to life and get the club up and running, both organisations provided funding for paddling equipment, instructor qualifications and club affiliation. The Canal and River Trust also funded a secure on-site storage shed.
The club was built on community connection, with many of the founding volunteers already involved in paddlesports through the Canal and River Trust’s Waterways Wellbeing Programme.
For some, it began with a referral from a social prescriber; for others, it was the simple need for a “pick me up.” As one participant shared:
“Before taking part in the Waterways Wellbeing Programme, I felt like I needed a pick me up, something to drive me forwards and give me motivation in everyday life.”
From these beginnings, volunteers undertook safety and instructor training, growing into confident leaders and forming the club’s first committee. Some had never imagined themselves in these roles, but their journeys show how transformative the programme has been:
“Getting involved with the wellbeing sessions and then developing from a volunteer to an instructor have 100% positively changed my life for the better. The confidence I’ve gained has passed on through to other aspects of life, allowing me to get an amazing job and achieve things I didn’t think possible.”
As with any grassroots project, there have been a few bumps in the road. The team overcame a change in location and a reduction in the number of instructors, however, their collective passion and adaptability have kept the vision alive.
Today, with regular development sessions underway, the club is preparing for a vibrant summer season filled with weekly paddles, day trips, and family-friendly events.
With a firm foundation and plans for slow and sustainable growth, Foxton Paddle Club stands as a shining example of how paddlesport can bring people together, inspire leadership, and support wellbeing.
“I am really excited to spend more time at the Foxton Club and help it develop into a wellbeing space with a nice mixture of paddle and social community.”
Foxton Paddle Club is not just about paddling; it’s about creating space for people to thrive, both on and off the water.
If you’re interested in taking part, visit the Canal and River Trust website.