Paddlefest 2023 Wrap Up

The Cardiff International White Water (CIWW) Paddlefest is one of the biggest white water festivals in the UK, drawing water sports enthusiasts from all over the country to celebrate their love of adventure, athleticism and adrenaline. This two-day event offers a range of activities and competitions that cater to paddlers of all levels and disciplines, from the thrilling white water races to the more relaxed river trips and stand-up paddleboarding sessions. The festival is a vibrant celebration of community and inclusivity, with a welcoming atmosphere and a strong emphasis on safety and joy. 

Paddlefest is a must-attend event for any paddling enthusiast. With a unique facility that can vary the amount of water through the white water course from 4-6-8 and 10 cumecs, this is a truly remarkable venue. The event is a two-day affair, packed with a range of competitions, demonstrations, and activities that cater to paddlers of all levels and disciplines. From kayaking to stand-up paddleboarding, the festival features a range of exhilarating events that showcase the best of the UK's white water scene. Whether you're an experienced pro or a newbie looking to test your skills, there's something for everyone at CIWW Paddlefest.

One of the unique aspects of CIWW Paddlefest is its focus on community and inclusivity. The festival is open to paddlers of all levels and ages, and the atmosphere is welcoming and friendly. There is a strong sense of camaraderie among the participants, with paddlers sharing tips, stories, and laughs throughout the weekend. The festival also puts a strong emphasis on safety, with experienced staff on hand to provide guidance and support to paddlers of all levels.

Kicking off the Paddlefest was the GB SUP race, a 12km long race from Cardiff Bay to the Principality Stadium on the River Taff. This race drew an impressive field of 150 competitors, from all over the UK, all eager to test their skills on the challenging course. The race was a test of endurance and strategy, with competitors having to deal with windy, rainy and choppy conditions as they raced towards the finish line outside CIWW. The event was a thrilling spectacle, the brave spectators who also took on the wind and rain watched from the banks of the river Taff in the rain as the competitors battled it out for top honours.

The centrepiece of the festival is undoubtedly the white water competitions, which draw some of the UK's top paddlers to compete in a range of categories. From the fast-paced Ducky Derby to the expressive events such as the Downriver Freestyle, these competitions are a thrilling display of skill and athleticism, with paddlers battling it out for top honours and bragging rights. The Ducky Derby always captures the energy and vibe that Paddlefest offers with the utter rediculousness of the rubber dinghy rapids, it’s all about racing for pride and passion with utter carnage unfolding behind the champions, this years honours went to Sadie and Helen Sterry from Llandysul Paddlers and they’ll be back undoubtedly next year to try and defend their title! 

Whilst all health and safety and limits for what was possible on a small pour over were being broken. A highlight from the downriver freestyle was young Jules inspiring the next generation with a Tomahawk workshop, one of the most impressive types of seal launch, with some great success from the next generation, as well as plenty of head flops to please the crowd. Local legends Oli Cooper and Libby took the men's and womens wins respectively. Spectators could watch from the banks of the centre's whitewater course, whilst indulging in fresh oven-cooked pizza’s and freshly ground coffee. 

But the festival is not just about competition – it's also an opportunity for paddlers to network and hone their skills, learn from others and try out new equipment. Paddlefest is also a chance for paddlers to try out the latest gear from top brands in the paddlesport industry, with exhibitors including Dagger kayaks, Pyranha kayaks and a whole heap more from Radical Rider, showcasing their latest products and offering demos and test paddles.

After lunch saw the weather brightening and the buzz of freestyle return to the corner hole. Whilst dodging rafts and each other at times in the party wave jam, Junior World Championship Silver medalist showed his form, putting on an inspirational performance for his home crowd taking the win along with Beibhin Butler from Ireland taking the win in the women's category. 

The best however was kept till last with one of the event's highlights, the Kayak Cross, which was the first Kayak Cross race to happen in Wales. The event featured full-time trial and head-to-head races with four people battling the course through multiple rounds until we got our champion. And what a champion she was! Kimberly Woods, the Kayak Cross World Champion 2022, took the win in both the men's and women's races, demonstrating her skill and precision on the water. Efan Welton from Llandysul Paddlers also took the junior win, showing the talent and potential of the next generation of paddlers.

On day two of the festival, the GB Canoe Slalom race took centre stage, with 120 competitors, including Olympians Kimberly Woods and Mallory Franklin, competing in a range of categories. Local Etienne Chappell won the K1M category, thrilling the crowd with his impressive performance. The Canoe Slalom event was a technical and challenging race, with competitors navigating through gates and obstacles while trying to maintain their speed and control. It was a great showcase of the skill and athleticism of the UK's top paddlers and a testament to the growing popularity of white water sports in the country.

Whilst the local canoe club Seren Dwr ran the GB Prem Slalom they also ran a whole day of come and try it sessions and a beginners Division 4 slalom with a record turnout on the bank holiday Monday. 

Overall, the CIWW Paddlefest was a fantastic event that showcased the skill and passion of paddlers from around the world. With a unique venue, a range of competitions and events, and a sense of community, it was an experience not to be missed and helped inspire the current and next generation of paddlesport into the community.

So, mark your calendars with the 5th May 2024 and get ready to join the fun at the next CIWW Paddlefest.