Liverpool Canoe Club Paddlefest 2026 with Summit to Sea and Nick Cunliffe

2026 04 26 LCC Paddlefest

Last Sunday saw the return of Paddlefest at Liverpool Canoe Club, and it delivered exactly what it set out to do—get as many people on the water as possible, trying new crafts, building skills, and enjoying a brilliant club atmosphere.

With support from Summit to Sea and coaching from Nick Cunliffe, the day had a real buzz from the moment the barrier opened at 9:30. Nick also had copies of his new guidebook for sale on the day, but if you missed this opportunity, you can order a copy from https://www.paddlenorthwales.co.uk/guidebook

Sea kayak demo session with a full fleet available to try, thanks to Summit to Sea

A Packed Programme

Summit to Sea
Summit to Sea

There was something for everyone throughout the day. From the outset, members were spoilt for choice:

  • Sea kayak demo sessions ran morning and afternoon, with a full fleet available to try thanks to Summit to Sea. Many took the opportunity to chat with Pete Barrs and explore different boats and kit. Some even made a purchase on the day!
  • Open canoe sessions with Martin and Nikki Aldridge introduced paddlers to new techniques and got plenty of people progressing their skills.
  • Stand-up paddleboarding sessions led by Adya Misra were consistently busy, with lots of first-timers giving it a go.
  • The “try-any-boat” session on the beach was a huge hit—members challenged themselves to paddle as many different craft as possible.
  • Junior Club sessions, led by Rich and Amy, brought great energy and enthusiasm to the water.
Marcus tries a high kneel position in a flatwater C1

Competition and Fun

The competitive spirit was alive and well:

  • The canoe polo shooting competition proved popular, with plenty of sharp shooting on display.
  • The fun race around the docks brought a mix of craft and plenty of laughs.
  • The rolling competition drew a crowd, with paddlers showing off (or attempting!) their skills.
Rolling the Jackson Duo as part of the rolling competition

Community Feel

Off the water, the bring-and-buy sale kept people browsing between sessions, and the steady flow of paddlers, families, and visitors created a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere.

A key part of Paddlefest is introducing new people to the club, and it was great to see members bringing along friends and family to experience paddling for the first time—exactly what the event is all about.

A key part of Paddlefest is introducing new people to the club, and it was great to see members bringing along friends and family to experience paddling for the first time—exactly what the event is all about.

A Big Thank You

Events like this don’t happen without a lot of effort behind the scenes. Huge thanks go to all the volunteers who made the day run smoothly—from coaching and safety cover to beach marshals, parking, and event organisation.

Looking Ahead

Paddlefest 2026 showed just how much the club has to offer. Whether you were trying a sea kayak for the first time, improving your canoe skills, or just enjoying a paddle with friends, the day was a reminder to get involved, try something new, and make the most of being on the water.

If you missed it this time, make sure it’s in your diary for next year.