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Celebrating 25 Years of Canoe & Kayak Store - A Quarter Century of Paddlesports

Celebrating 25 Years of Canoe & Kayak Store - A Quarter Century of Paddlesports

Richard Bennett |

This year we are delighted to be celebrating 25 years of Canoe & Kayak Store. From our humble beginnings to serving paddlesport enthusiasts across the nation through our shop and online store, it’s a huge privilege to have spent a quarter of a century at the heart of the UK paddlesports scene! No doubt this is an important milestone for us, but it’s also a perfect opportunity to reflect on the incredible journey the world of canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding has taken over the last 25 years.

Join us as we dip our paddles into the past and explore some of the key trends and exciting innovations that have shaped the world of water sports that we know and love today. Let’s reminisce about the evolution of paddlesports, from the rise of inflatable technology, to the explosion of stand-up paddleboarding, and the growing movement towards protecting our waterways.

The paddlesports landscape 25 years ago

Stepping back in time to the start of the new millennium, you would find a paddlesport scene that, while vibrant, looked very different to today’s bustling waters. Rigid kayaks and canoes, made from polyethylene or fibreglass, were unquestionably the most popular vessels for paddle-based water sports. Technology was much more rudimentary, with designs focused on durability and performance for specific disciplines such as touring, whitewater, or racing. Material science behind creating light and more versatile watercraft was also in its relative infancy.

In the year 2000, participation leaned towards a more dedicated, niche crowd, with established clubs and traditional enthusiasts forming the core of the paddling community, compared with the much more accessible, diverse paddling scene of today. The retail landscape for equipment was also very different, often requiring specialist knowledge, and visits to dedicated brick-and-mortar stores, rather than looking to the internet for advice and products.

Inflatables introducing new paddlers to the sport

One of the biggest changes to the world of paddlesport over the last quarter of a century has been the arrival and refinement of inflatable technology. Gone are the days when inflatable kayaks and canoes were merely considered glorified pool toys; modern designs, and innovations like drop-stitch construction has significantly enhanced their stability, making them a great entry point into paddlesport.

While there have been impressive strides in inflatable technology, inflatable kayaks and canoes still have a long way to go before they can match the speed, stability and refined handling of their rigid hardshell counterparts. However, the growing popularity of inflatables lies in their accessibility. They offer an incredibly “easy in” to the world of kayaking and canoeing.

The unparalleled portability of inflatables and compact storage when deflated eliminate many of the logistical challenges associated with hardshell boats, such as the need for extensive storage space, roof racks, and heavy lifting. This makes them an ideal choice for people just entering the world of paddling, casual paddlers, or those with limited space.

Inflatable kayaks, canoes and paddleboards have made the dream of gliding across waters much more of a reality for a far wider audience than in the past, growing interest in paddle-based sports exponentially. By making it easier for people to get started, there is much higher potential for paddlesport lovers to graduate to the higher performance capabilities of rigid boats as their skills and passion for the sport grow.

The UK’s fastest growing watersport

One of the defining stories of UK paddlesports over the last 25 years has been the meteoric rise of stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). Whilst the roots of paddleboarding go much further back, SUP truly began to gain traction in the UK in the late 2000s and early 2010s, snowballing into what is now recognised as the UK’s fastest growing watersport.

There are many reasons why the appeal of stand-up paddleboarding is so widespread:

  • It’s easy to learn, so accessible to almost anyone
  • Its versatility allows for tranquil flat water cruising, to catching coastal waves, competitive racing, or even on-board yoga practices

The versatility of paddleboarding, along with the full-body workout it provides, has drawn interest from a wide range of people, setting the stage for the diverse SUP activities we see today. On any given weekend, you’ll see the sheer number of stand-up paddleboarders enjoying themselves at beaches, lakes, and even canals across the United Kingdom, solidifying its status as a true phenomenon!

The shift towards recreational paddling

Beyond dedicated circles of traditional watersport enthusiasts, the last 25 years has seen the appeal of paddlesports broadening considerably, shifting towards more recreational paddling, as opposed to competitive paddlesport. More and more people are being drawn to the water for leisure, to improve their fitness, to socialise, and to connect with nature.

The surge in participation numbers has certainly been influenced by the power of social media, where stunning visuals and shared experiences help to raise awareness, and inspire newcomers. In recognition of this growing popularity of recreational paddling, manufacturers have responded by designing a wider array of user-friendly, affordable and stable craft, so more beginners and recreational paddlers can get onto the water.

The popularity of paddling has also influenced the tourism and leisure industries a lot. For example, we have seen a rise in paddle touring, with families and individuals booking multi-day paddling adventures on rivers, canals, and coastlines. Activities such as paddle fishing and white-water SUP have also seen a rise in popularity and accessibility.

Growing awareness of waterway health

Alongside the growth in participation of paddle-based watersports, there has also been an increase in awareness regarding the health of our UK waterways, including rivers, canals and coastlines. Paddlers, more than most people, directly experience the impact of environmental neglect and pollution on the beauty and safe usability of waterways.

Crucially, this consciousness has seen an increase in positive action, with organisations such as Paddle UK playing a key role in promoting responsible paddling practices, engaging in conservation efforts, and advocating for cleaner waters. Many local, community-led clean-up campaigns have also been established around the country, demonstrating a collective commitment amongst paddling enthusiasts to protect and preserve our natural environment for current and future generations, along with wildlife, to enjoy.

Reflecting on 25 years of Canoe & Kayak Store

As we look back on the last 25 years of Canoe & Kayak Store, it’s amazing to reflect on the incredible evolution of paddlesports we’ve witnessed in this time. From the early days of traditional water crafts, to the inflatable revolution and rise in popularity of SUP, we’ve always worked hard to adapt to and evolve with the changes, always aiming to provide the best gear and advice.

Needless to say, none of this would have been possible without the support of the paddling community, and for that, we offer our deepest gratitude! Looking ahead to the future, we are certainly excited to see what the next chapters of paddlesport hold for us, as innovations continue, and commitment to our waterways grows.

We are proud to be your trusted partner on the water. Come visit us in-store, or browse our website to explore the latest paddling innovations.

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