English Open Canoe Symposium, Windermere, Oct 2026

English Open Canoe Symposium, Windermere, Oct 2026 by Sue L

What a weekend. Col and I excitedly registered on the Friday night and were slightly disappointed that the quiz had been cancelled (not really).  With our lunch tokens in hand, we checked the itinerary to make sure we were booked onto the workshops we’d asked for. Silverbirch’s shop was setting up, and we eagerly pounced, eyeing all the gorgeous wooden paddles; we, well, I, longingly caressed the We-no-nah on display and engaged in a lengthy conversation with Justin.

There were so many different workshops to choose from, but we needed to make it work for us, having only brought one canoe along. We chose a half-day session on the Saturday to allow us time to chat further with Silverbirch and take out their boats for test runs. We opted for the solo improver half-day session and were not disappointed. The team were quick to assess individuals’ paddling levels, and we set off accordingly.  I voiced ‘rock avoidance’, and so, in total agreement, our group focussed on hanging draws, bow rudders, and bow jams, along with edging and no-hand turns. 

Colin also learned lots in a canoe design and construction workshop. Windermere provided an amazing backdrop to an awesome day of learning while trying not to be distracted by the mountains and trees around us. Saturday night was really special. We were all invited to take part in a light-up paddle to honour the memory of Andy Oughton. I can’t express how moving that was and how honoured it felt to be part of the open canoe community. After dinner we nestled down with a beer to listen to 4 different talks. Essentially 4 different holidays involving an open canoe, going around (and through) Uist in the Outer Hebrides, sailing around Ireland, paddling the Great Glen, as well as trips to Canada and more. All different and all brilliant.

On Sunday, while others went further afield to canoe on rivers, we opted to stay on Windermere for our tandem coach session. We were guided by the brilliant Tom and Anna Sibbald, who took us through working as a team, and honing in on the pry and the pry with power, along with the bow and cross-bow rudders and draws. We journeyed further up Windermere, and again it was all I could do to make sure I was listening and not marvelling at the scenery around me. But then again, why are we on the water if not to take in the breathtaking land and the flying wildlife around?  Next year’s Open Canoe Symposium takes them to Scotland. Can it get any better?