TABLE OF CONTENTS

British is the National Governing Body for the sport of Canoeing. Based at Holme Pierrepont in Nottingham, British Canoeing works across all levels and disciplines of the sport, from providing support and encouragement to people who Annual Report 2014 want to get onto the water for the first time, to our hugely successful Olympic Foreword 4 disciplines, Slalom and . The Board of Directors 6 Membership 11 Canoeing is one of the fastest growing Great Britain Canoeing Teams 12 watersports across the nation* and there Great Britain Team 14 have never been more opportunities to get Great Britain Canoe Sprint Team 16 out in a boat. British Canoeing is at the Great Britain Para-Canoe Team 18 heart of this growth, whether it be for fun Coaching & Education 20 and leisure, or for competition. Development & Participation 22 Waterways, Campaigning We work hard to represent all of our & Facilities 25 members’ interests and we provide a Marketing & Communications 30 membership service that is complemented Results 34 by a range of benefits, all of which are Summarised Accounts 35 useful to our 77,000 plus members. Thanks & Acknowledgements 36

If you are not yet a member, a great way to start in the sport is to find a club or use our Go Canoeing activities posted on the website. British Canoeing offers membership benefits and access to a range of leisure or competitive activity.

* The Watersports Participation Survey 2013

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FOREWORD

President & Chief Executive’s Foreword

“I have immense pride in “British Canoeing is now British Canoeing; from undoubtedly one of the its humble beginnings to world’s leading canoeing the hugely successful nations, demonstrating National Governing huge success in all aspects Body that it is today.” of our business.”

Albert Woods OBE, Paul Owen, Chief Executive President

s 2014 comes to an proud. British Canoeing has of competition, one of our end, it is timely to come a long way from its key areas of business over A reflect on our humble beginnings to the last year was to review achievements of the last 12 where it is now, as one of our governance structure, months. the country’s most and create a new Board of Undoubtedly, 2014 successful sports. Directors, combining was a significant year in 2014 was also an representative members British Canoeing’s history. extremely successful year in from England and the Home We changed the name of the world of competition. Nations with independent our organisation from the Across our disciplines, our Directors. This was ‘British Canoe Union,’ to athletes gained 124 medals approved at the Annual ‘British Canoeing,’ thus at World and European General Meeting in March, reflecting the modern International Competitions, and in June, we welcomed National Governing Body comprising of 46 gold, 45 two new members to the that we are today. Also at silver and 33 bronze, and in Board; Mr Mohamed Image by AE Photos the beginning of the year, the process giving British Elsarky and Dr Denise position of Chairman of previous years, our of all generations to get into and as part of our plans to Canoeing various European Barrett-Baxendale MBE. British Canoeing and has membership has continued a boat. This is testament to continue to improve, and and World Champions along Mohamed and Denise bring already chaired a number of to increase. I believe that the wonderful people modernise, we moved our the way. We are extremely a wealth of business and Board meetings successfully this is truly reflective of the involved in our sport, and to offices back to our original proud of our athletes and commercial experience with and Denise has been wonderful nature and our funding partners, UK home at Holme Pierrepont their achievements; more them, which will enhance appointed to the position of diverseness, of our sport. Sport and Sport England, to in Nottingham. The sport of information can be found the already robust and well Vice Chair. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx We take immense pleasure whom we remain extremely Canoeing is now serviced by on them in the relevant functioning British Canoeing Finally, I am pleased in seeing British Canoeing grateful. a state of the art office of sections within this report. Board of Directors. to announce also that, as in continue to inspire people which we are extremely Away from the world Mohamed has taken up the

3 4 BOARD OF DIRECTORS The Board of Directors

ur Board of Directors have met and one new independent Director, who regularly since the last Annual bring with them many new skills and O Report. During the year we expertise to the already well-established appointed a new independent Chairman British Canoeing Board of Directors.

Mohamed Elsarky Alan Baker Dr Denise Barrett-Baxendale David Belbin MBE

Mary Doyle David Gent Andy Maxted Paul Owen Greg Smale

We fully recognise the national Black and Minority been focused on importance of having a Ethnic profile as shown in commercial leadership and Board that is well balanced the 2011 Census. We are he has worked for the and diverse and we under- fully committed to all private equity organisation stand that to achieve this in aspects of equality. ‘Lion Capital,’ as well as an effective way requires major food organisations time and an approach that Mohamed Elsarky such as ‘Kellogg’ and is not tokenistic. We are Mohamed Elsarky, British ‘United Biscuits.’ now close to meeting the Canoeing’s Chairman, is As Chief Executive of expectation that our Board President and CEO of luxury Kellogg in Australia, comprises of 25% women chocolatier, ‘Godiva,’ where Mohamed worked with key by 2017 (we are currently at he has helped to create sporting sponsors, including 20%) and our current sustainable growth within Surf Life Saving and Rugby Board’s make-up is almost the company. Mohamed’s League Australia. Image by Jenny Spencer reflective of the high-level corporate experience has

5 6 Alan Baker Since her appointment, the British Empire for her Ireland (CANI) for 22 years Andy Maxted xxxxxxxxxxx past member of UK Sport’s Alan Baker’s interest in the official charity of services to the Merseyside and has been on the Andy Maxted is a Ethics and Anti-Doping canoeing began in the Everton Football Club has community. Executive Council for 15 marketing professional as Committee, Director of the early 60’s and this has received a plethora of years. She is presently well as a canoe and Sports Aid Foundation, been his main pastime and local, national and David Belbin CANI Secretary as well as paddler, coach, coach edu- Director of the sport ever since. He holds international awards in David Belbin has been leading Safeguarding cator and all round - Commonwealth Games an Honours degree in recognition of the life- canoeing since being Officer. Mary was also a sport enthusiast. With an Council for England, and is Design Technology and changing work it introduced to the sport school teacher for 35 Honours degree in Graphic the current Chair of the Educational Management undertakes on a daily through a school canoe years. Design and the Chartered Sport & Recreation and is an Associate of the basis. club. He initially competed Institute of Marketing’s Alliance Water Recreation College of Preceptors. Denise was made in Canoe Slalom and David Gent xxxxxxxxxxxxx post-graduate Diploma in Division. He is also a Throughout his Chief Operating Officer of increasingly in Wild Water David Gent first began Marketing, Andy has spent member of the National teaching career, Alan was Everton Football Club in Racing, where he canoeing at an early age, over 35 years working in a Olympic Committee and a involved in all disciplines October 2011 and competed in C2 at several and then became involved variety of marketing, Director of the Royal of the sport, including the promoted to Deputy Chief World Championships with the administration of development and public Albert Docks designing and making of Executive in June 2013. between 1993 and 2006. the sport whilst at relations roles, recently as T r u s t . xxxxxxxxxxxxxx various types of . Her club position sees her He now more university. Since leaving Marketing Director for a Paul is a qualified Over many years he has working to improve the marathon races and is also university in the mid large trade association. accountant with Industrial run innumerable coaching match-day experience for a keen runner and cyclist. 1980's, he has worked in Out of the office, and Sports Accounting courses and events for supporters, and raising By profession, many organisations, all Andy brings experience of experience, and is also a local schools, outdoor standards within the club. David is a Chartered connected with sport, canoeing and , qualified banker. pursuits centres and local In early 2014, Dr Accountant working in the from Further and Higher having raced in Slalom, education authorities. Barrett-Baxendale was for PwC and Education, Local Wild Water Racing and Greg Smale Alan has a wealth of awarded a Fellowship from works principally with Authorities, Private Sector, Marathon. Greg started knowledge of the sport Liverpool Hope University privately owned and and Central Government. and Slalom as a boy scout and its development; he Business School and she is private equity backed David is currently Paul Owen xxxxxxxxxxxxx at the age of 14 with St. has competed in Slalom, a patron for St Vincent’s companies across a broad Director of Participation Paul Owen first started Alban's Canoe Club; his Polo, White Water Racing School for the Blind. In range of businesses. and Strategic Partnerships recreational canoeing aged highest UK ranking in and Marathon. Away from both 2013 and 2014 she at the Rugby Football 6 but chose to pursue a slalom was 32. He went on canoeing, Alan is a keen received the ‘CEO Special Mary Doyle League (RFL). He also sits competitive career in to represent the GBR walker, cyclist and enjoys Achievement Award’ at Mary has been canoeing on a number of boards sailing and athletics. Canoe Polo Senior Team travelling. the Downtown Liverpool in for over 20 years, and related to sport outside of Paul became Chief for ten years, winning Business Awards. coming from Northern canoeing which include Executive of British around 25 International Denise Barrett-Baxendale, MBE Denise’s leading Ireland, she has access to Sports Aid (Yorkshire and Canoeing in 1992, making tournaments, a silver Dr. Denise Barrett- role in changing thousands all types of ; white Humber), West Yorkshire him the youngest ever medal at the ‘93 European Baxendale MBE, is the of lives for the better water rivers in winter, sea Sport and Coachwise. Chief Executive of an Championships, and a Chief Executive Officer of across Merseyside was paddling in the summer as David is also a Trustee of Olympic sport. He is a bronze at the ‘94 World Everton in the Community, recognised in the Queen’s well as some surf and, her the Yorkshire Cricket recognised International Championships. the football club’s official Birthday Honours list, first love, open canoeing. Foundation and the RFL Canoe Federation (ICF) Between 1995 and charity, and the Deputy published in June 2014, Mary has been a Facilities Trust. Official, and advises and 2002, Greg coached the Chief Executive Officer of when she was awarded a member of the Canoe leads a number of projects GBR Women's Canoe Polo Everton Football Club. Member of the Order of Association of Northern on the ICF’s behalf. He is a team for four years and

7 8 MEMBERSHIP then the GBR Men's team for four years, reaching eight consecutive European and World Championship finals, many of Membership which achieved gold medals. In 2003 Greg became a member of ur membership has grown over the their information and ensure that they are the Federation (ICF) last few years and is currently kept up to date will any new benefits or Canoe Polo Committee, and has also O sitting at nearly 77,000 members. messages that are relevant to them. given coaching support to Chinese Taipei, Key to growing our membership in We will also be introducing a Club Malaysia, Canada and New Zealand. the New Year will be the introduction of a Management tool which will help clubs to Between 2006 and 2014, Greg was Membership Manager who will review and manage their memberships, with an offer of Chair of the ICF Canoe Polo Committee implement a retention strategy, improved using our membership database. The vision and member of the ICF Board of member communications and will lead an is that that our new Event Management Directors. During this time, he led the insight led review of our membership to system will assist in generating new development of the rules, secured a spon- ensure that we are providing them with memberships while giving event organisers sor from outside the sport, and funding everything they need from British Canoeing. and canoeists access to a low cost online for referees at World Championships. The British Canoeing membership comes tool to manage and take part in canoeing discipline continued in the multi-sport with peace of mind, and liability insurance events. International World Games Association has remained core to our members’ needs. Overall, we are very much looking and will be in the World Beach Games in With the introduction of our new website forward to the New Year with exciting 2017. and database in spring, we are looking at changes coming to benefit our members and Greg has been awarded the BCU improved ways that members can access affiliated clubs and centres. Award of Merit for his coaching of the British Canoeing national teams. He is also a graduate of the UK Sport International Leadership Programme.

Image by AE Photos

9 10 GREAT BRITAIN CANOEING TEAMS Canoe Slalom xxxxxxxxxxxx Leighton Buzzard, who were for 45 seconds during which The British team made first, second and third re- competitors perform as Great Britain history for the second day spectively in the Lightning many moves as possible. in succession during the team competition. Canoeing Teams 2014 ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup in Lee Valley. On Canoe Polo The various different uring 2014, British Canoeing continued to excel within competition disciplines the Saturday, the home Nationally, there are 12 formats for regional and internationally. Included in the overall medal haul were 20 individual or team, team became the first leagues running all over the development racing have World or European Champions. country to win gold medals country. Overall there are continued to capture D in all three team up to 120 teams entered in Our performance preparations within this Olympic cycle continue to strengthen with people’s imaginations, and our Para-canoe team dominating World and European Championships. Strong medal events. Then on the Open, Ladies and Youth regional participation has performances were also achieved in both Canoe Slalom and Canoe Sprint. Sunday, they produced a Leagues. Additionally, there continued to increase. This To follow, is some snap-shot information of key events, and highlights from all of our clean sweep by winning a are four Regional Leagues is great news and a tribute various disciplines. Following on from this, we have also provided further information and further two in the men’s C2 running alongside the to the dedication of the detail from our Olympic disciplines of Canoe Slalom, Canoe Sprint and Paracanoe. and women’s K1 team National Leagues. In total growing network of race This can be found on pages 14 to 19. events. there are 15 Regional organisers and clubs in At the conclusion of Leagues hosting 120 teams. England and Scotland that three days competition at are pushing forward. Many the London Olympics venue, congratulations to Duddon supported by UK Sport and Freestyle kayaking is a fun, Club, who were again Sport England, GB finished fast and dynamic discipline overall club winners, and to top of the table with seven of the sport of kayaking. runners-up, Wiltshire Youth gold and one silver medal. Freestyle paddlers use and Oakwood for their white water waves and contributions to the sport. holes to perform surf and Richmond Canoe Club’s gymnastic manoeuvres and In Summary. xxxxxxxxxxxxxx Lizzie Broughton finished tricks. The sport uses short 2014 has seen a continued 2014 at the top of the ICF designed to surf and growth in the participation Canoe Marathon Rankings, spin across the water levels and growth of the after winning silver at the surface, and release up into competition disciplines, as World Championships and the air. In competitions, more people seek the her win at the Waterlands Freestyle kayakers gain opportunity to participate Marathon (part of the ICF points for every different and get involved in the Classic Series) in April. rotation they perform such competitive side of our Congratulations also as vertical (cartwheels), activities. We are able to go to the winners of the horizontal (spins), barrel meet this demand, mainly National Championships rolls (airscrews) and due to the strength of our Team Trophy, Norwich somersaults (loops), with volunteer community Canoe Club, and runners up, bonus points awarded if (event organisers and Nottingham and Richmond. they can get their boat out officials) and our supporting Also congratulations to of the water and up into the clubs and regional teams. Norwich, Banbury and air. Competition runs last

11 12 GREAT BRITAIN CANOE SLALOM TEAM

tion into the senior ranks. British Canoeing would like to acknowledge The Podium Potential programme the ongoing work of both paid and Great Britain has continued to show improvement with volunteer coaches in all of the Home successful results at the Junior and U23 Nations for the work they do in supporting Canoe Slalom World and European Championships from athletes across the pathway. athletes across all Home Nations. Mallory Looking forward to 2015, we have Franklin retained her European crown in the World Championships at the Lee Valley C1W, whilst newly formed C2 crew, Ryan White Water Centre, which is an Olympic Westley and Zachary Franklin, won silver. qualification event, and a huge opportunity At the World Championships in Australia, both Beth Latham and Tom Quinn achieved to showcase all aspects of canoeing. excellent bronze medals to lay foundations for successful seasons on the circuit.

Image by AE Photos

he Canoe Slalom junior rankings. The Home event such a success. Olympic programme Nation programmes are The results in senior level T moved into the Lee also in great shape with performances have been Valley High Performance new athletes now qualifying strong across the season Centre (HPC) in November for our Podium Potential with medals won in every 2013 which is undoubtedly programme. category at senior and U23 now rated as the best HPC Competition high- levels. We have also seen in the world for Slalom. lights over the last year some of the younger It’s great to see two include the Lee Valley athletes stepping up into exceptional HPCs taking World Cup, particularly senior finals and challenging shape at Holme Pierrepont Mallory Franklin’s gold for medal positions. The and Lee Valley, to foster the medal in C1, David real highlight of the World development of our many Florence’s gold medal in C1, Championships was Fiona talented athletes. Both and winning the five (of the Pennie’s K1 silver medal, HPCs have developed five available) gold medals Mallory Franklin’s C1 silver, excellent Talent ID (TID) in the team events. It is and it was also encouraging programmes, and are also important to to see Tom Quinn, Jasmine growing the talent acknowledge the work of Royle, Beth Latham and programme with athletes the volunteers and the Matthew Lister and Rhys Images by AE Photos starting to emerge out of contribution from the wider Davies making the finals of them at the top end of the organisation in making this their events, as they transi-

13 14 GREAT BRITAIN CANOE SPRINT TEAM

In January 2015, the brand new High followed up fourth at the Euros with fourth Performance Centre (HPC) at Eton Dorney at the Worlds; a fraction off the podium. Great Britain will open its doors to our elite Rio squad At Junior and U23 level, there were athletes and will assist in further improving five A finals at the World Championships, Canoe Sprint the standard of the daily training environ- including another silver medal from Rebi ment for them. This facility will complete a Simon in the K1 500m at Junior level. Rebi he Canoe Sprint programme has made big world class set up for sprint athletes based also progressed further to a very credible strides in further developing a performance at the Bisham/Dorney HPC. fifth at the Senior Worlds a month later in T culture which has been supported through The domestic regatta season in 2014 the K1 1000m. UK Sport athlete insight data. Focus has been on can be summarised in two words – The focus for the senior team in creating a performance environment and reducing ‘weather,’ and ‘weed!’ The April, May and 2015 will be on the inaugural BAKU distractions from athletes’ performance. June, regattas were hampered by poor European Games, but primarily upon the weather, and in July and September, weed World Championships in Milan, at which, was a big factor in racing. Thanks go to the first round Olympic qualification will take loyal and dedicated volunteers who make place. At a development level, British the regattas work in all weathers. Canoeing continues to develop its Olympic The International season saw a very Development Programme identity to strong start at senior level with ten medals support the next group of athletes towards won by British athletes at the World Cup 2020 and beyond. Series. At the European Championships in British Canoeing acknowledges the Brandenburg, Olympic Champion, Ed ongoing work of both paid and volunteer McKeever returned from restricted training coaches in all of the Home Nations for the to take silver in the K1 200m, backed up by work they do in supporting athletes across further solid A final results. At the Senior the pathway and encouraging everyone to World Championships, Ed was once again look at ways that we all can develop Canoe on the podium with a new British participation in Men’s and Women’s events. record, and and Jon Schofield

Images by Balint Vekassy Image by Balint Vekassy

15 16 GREAT BRITAIN PARACANOE TEAM Great Britain Paracanoe

he 2014 season for lighted even further at the Paralympic Games, it is Paracanoe was a World Championships. The anticipated that there will T highly successful International Canoe be significant additional one once again for the Federation (ICF) have now countries that enter the athletes involved. addressed this with a study competitive racing, so Significant work has to enable full clarity from continuing to strive for been undertaken within the IPC for Rio medal daily marginal gains is of the British Canoeing staff events. paramount importance. In team to keep the team Later in the season, November 2014, it was also ahead of the opposition, by the World Championships passed at the ICF Congress ensuring that all aspects of saw Great Britain defend that at World Champion- athlete performance are successfully its position at ship events, Paracanoe studied in detail to find the the top of the medal table nations will be able to field performance gains. Parallel but it was very clear that as up to two entries per with day to day training, we progress through the category, giving the sport continued talent ID has Paralympic cycle, significantly better been undertaken to ensure competition is becoming opportunity for the that Great Britain is best much tougher, and margins Paracanoe athletes to placed to target medals in much tighter. The athletes benchmark, given the Rio. delivered an outstanding limited number of The European team performance with International competition Championships saw the nine medals across the 12 opportunities. Paracanoe athletes winning events, including six gold, Furthermore, with nine medals including six and Jeanette Chippington the programme centralised Gold, and Jeannette and Emma Wiggs both at Holme Pierrepont in Chippington adding to her achieving double World Nottingham, it is great previous hauls with titles. Also. it was great to news that with the help of another double gold. The hold the inaugural both UK Sport and Sport Europeans at Brandenburg Para-canoe National England, there will be a highlighted the steps Champs in September as significant investment in a needed to be taken by the sport continues to de- new access ramp from lake Paracanoe to satisfy the velop. level to the building, and International Paralympic In 2015 with the purpose built changing Committee (IPC) of the World Championships also rooms for athletes with a appropriate classification being the first round of disability. Development criteria, and this was high- qualification for the Rio work should be completed Images by Balint Vekassy & Ute Freise

17 18 COACHING & EDUCATION

and participant first touch factors including internal Paddlesport community activity, as well as coaching and external scrutiny, the needs a wider range of Coaching & Education activity in relation to those opportunity to appreciate support to reflect the areas. In particular, and understand develop- nature of paddler research focused on ments in coaching engagement, whether it be development practices and knowledge and practice in the beginner, leisure opportunities, including (since the introduction of focused, sport focused, delivery and support the UKCC), as well as a competition/ performance mechanisms for coaches in greater clarity with regards focused or elite focused the field. to ‘workforce’ needs across areas of our sport. At the centre of Performance Awards and Continued interest, these investigations has Leadership and Coaching and increasing levels of been the Paddler Award pathways, has led activity at clubs and centres, Development Model (PDM) CSG to identify a range of has resulted in an increase and the Coach Development recommendations for Brit- in all manner of novice, Model (CDM) work. These ish Canoeing to concen- intermediate and advanced have identified the wide trate on over the remaining courses and activity. All of range of paddler activity period of the current 2013- this is supported by a loyal and the sport specific needs 2017 Development Plan and and committed band of required to support to take Paddlesport forward coaches who give up their paddlers and coaches, as into the next decade. time and experience, most well as the development of CSG will finalise the often on a voluntary basis.

Image by AE Photos Paddlesport across the ‘in principal’ detail of this broad range of market review work along with a ith enthusiasts canoeing environment is Level One Training and segments that define the project plan and delivery and first touch popular and it is Assessment. 600 candidates sport as a whole. time line in February 2015, W level paddlers encouraging to see a range have been assessed at Level These ‘segments’ and will at the same time, making the most of the of new emerging discipline Two and 20 have completed have now provided the appoint a Project Officer to wide array of opportunities areas grow, such as Sit On the new Level Three award. focus for CSG to review manage and deliver the key available to them to take to Tops, Stand Up Paddle- It is particularly encouraging current practice and the elements of the associated the water, Paddlesport is as boards, and . that many of these are role requirements against work programme. vibrant as it ever has been. competition coaches the researched outcomes ‘Evolution’ rather From beginners’ Coach Education formalising their coaching and have allowed CSG to than ‘revolution’ - The activity offered through In support of the above, role with a recognised consider the effectiveness requirements identified will centres and clubs, as well as training and assessment British Canoeing of both the Performance recognise the progress our ‘Go Canoeing’ and opportunities for Level One, qualification. Awards and the Coaching made over the last decade, ‘UCanoe’ programmes, to Level Two and Level Three qualifications against the in terms of the success of opportunities for the Awards have continued to Coaching Developments resulting recommendations both Personal Performance committed adventure and be offered by each of British Over the last 18 months, the and appropriate awards and Coaching competitive paddler, canoe- Canoeing’s Home Nations. British Canoeing Coaching developments to both sets qualifications. However, ing activity continues to 2000 candidates have Strategy group (CSG) has of awards moving forward. they also reflect and grow. The traditional successfully completed researched paddler activity A combination of recognise that the growing

19 20 DEVELOPMENT & PARTICIPATION

U Canoe Wired & 17 schools, with a reach to interest, and improved data Development Unleashed reaches out to an additional 34 that link to collection processes. the fast paced and vibrant a club or centre, and over youth market and embraces 1,200 youths are now Through our Paddlesport & Participation the use of technology and involved. The initiative Challenge programme, three key challenge routes e’ve now completed 18 months of our development social media channels. strives to meet the aims of have been developed and plan for the 2013-17 cycle and are making good Through U Canoe sport development, and to launched for Lake Bala, Lake progress with all of our programmes and initiatives. Wired, we have been able drive pupil attainment and W to reach new audiences, achievement. Windermere and Loch Awe, 2014 has been a year of engaging with key delivery and sector with strong support from partners to help us scale up our delivery and reach new markets. including the further the and the The following key programmes support the growth of canoeing education sector, where, Go Canoeing activities sub- Scottish Canoe Association. with products that are insight led to meet consumer needs. linking with the Sport stantially increased in 2014, England Funded College resulting in a total of 16,587 These can be completed by Sport Makers, we have also participants engaging participants based on their provided “Wired Activator” directly in activities. The own ability and aspirations training to young people to number and geographical as an ultimate challenge of help deliver this offer. We spread of activities being all 3 lakes completed, or currently have links to 120 advertised through the starting just with one lake. delivery centres with 40 programme has increased, We have also been additional in the pipeline with 83 trails now available developing some different and a total of 2,445 young online, 107 Starter session event concepts. A Canoe people have engaged in U locations, and 33 Guided Triathlon was piloted at Canoe activity. We are Tour locations on offer. Manvers in Yorkshire with proud that the Association the swim part replaced by of College Sport Survey National Go Canoeing canoeing, and a Classic voted British Canoeing as Week 2014 was the most Master Marathon Race the best National Governing successful to date. The series has been introduced. Body for support to the newly developed theme further education sector. ‘Every Mile Counts’ which Our Paddle-Ability.xxxxxxx We were also recently set out a national target to programme aims to voted most outstanding collectively paddle the full increase the number of National Governing Body by distance around the UK’s people with a disability Youth Sport Trust School Coastline, was popular and participating in canoeing by Games Organisers. received fantastic feedback. 15% by 2017, and we are Additionally, we The interactive website therefore delighted that have been able to make which was specifically membership has grown better links with schools developed for the event, beyond projected targets through Watersport School helped to create a much for this year. Hubs which is a joint larger level of engagement, Our focus this year initiative run with British encouraged more regular has been to develop a Rowing and Youth Sport participation for this week, capacity both with the Trust. It currently involves created increased media workforce and through our

21 22 WATERWAYS, CAMPAIGNING & FACILITIES

providers. As a result, we now have 16 Paddle-Ability “Top Clubs” or Centres, and a total of 410 coaches and helpers have Waterways, undertaken Paddle-Ability Foundation Level training. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Campaigning & Facilities

Clubs and Volunteers xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx For our Club Accreditation schemes, a more ritish Canoeing how great it is to be in both joined millions of people in streamlined system of assessment has been works towards two the natural environment more than 60 countries to put in place which has resulted in a far B main aims of the watching our native wildlife, participate in World Rivers more effective level of Development Officer organisation; to boost as well as learning about Day. World Rivers Day is a support for the clubs. To date we have 145 participation and to win our industrial, historical celebration of the world's clubs and centres who have all achieved more international medals. urban landscapes. waterways. It highlights the “Clubmark”; this represents 36% of all the These aims require We want paddlers to many values of rivers and British Canoeing affiliated clubs. more people to paddle be aware of threats to our strives to increase public Image by AE Photos Once again, we were pleased to be which is why we campaign natural environment. These awareness and encourages able to celebrate the amazing contribution on issues that will create can be in the form of the the improved management of our volunteers at the Annual Volunteer more opportunities for all spread of harmful invasive of rivers around the world. and Athlete Recognition Awards Dinner, kinds of canoeing, from plant and animal species British Canoeing actively held in Nottingham in October. elite to grassroots. which often have a contributed to the day by Our Waterways and detrimental impact on our promoting the event and Equality and Safeguarding xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Environment Team have native species. We are assisting with events such We are currently working toward the worked with other partners working with environmental as litter picks and we Advanced Standard for Equality in Sport. At to highlight the benefits of organisations such as the informed both new and the beginning of the year, we introduced a canoeing and promote the Rivers Trust and the experienced paddlers of British Canoeing Transgender, Transsexual need for more access on Environment Agency (EA) what they may see in their Policy and Guidance, together with our waterways. Many on an educational local waterways through competition guidelines. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx organisations embrace our programme to ensure our our tour operators. We continue to work hard to embed aims and have actively coaching teams, members, Access to and along water- all of our policies and procedures for helped British Canoeing on and all canoeists are aware ways remains challenging. safeguarding children in canoeing, utilising a number of canoe trails of any potential threats to The Angling Trust and some the Child Protection in Sport Unit’s and infrastructure improve- our wildlife. We are in the land-owning interests have Safeguarding Framework. A total of 25 ments around the country. process of training been especially vociferous cases were referred to the BCU Case An example of this is the volunteers to present an with regard to the legal Management Group for the period Canal and Rivers Trust (CRT) informative presentation on opinion of access. Sport 01/09/2013 to 31/08/2014, of which, seven where we work closely with environmental awareness England funded an were offences committed within canoeing. them on a variety of to inform paddlers of how opportunity for British projects from a National important it is to protect Canoeing and the Angling Canoeing Development our native species and their Trust to discuss the benefits Plan, to local nature and habitats. of both sports working wildlife tours, to promote This year we have together through

23 24 mediation. However, very canoeing have once again schemes for this year are little progress was made, been discussed within located at our two “Olympic but communication Parliament at an All Party 2012” venues: Lee Valley continues through our Parliamentary Group White Water Centre and respective legal (APPG). There is now a good . representatives and at local recognition amongst many level, through clubs and MPs and Lords that Lee Valley members. canoeing brings huge Now open, the new British Furthermore, the benefit to the individual, Canoeing building located team have negotiated new community and indeed the at the centre of the Lee arrangements for the use of country. The CRT has Valley site has set up the a number of waterways recognised the value of Lee Valley complex as the including the canal at canoeing on their water- best centre in the world for Loxwood which is managed ways and surrounding performance. The centre by Wey and Arun Canal. In communities. There were supports activity addition, the inclusion of 927,000 canoeing related throughout the whole of Stand Up Paddleboards for visits last year to the CRT, the athlete pathway from British Canoeing members and now, along with the club through to elite, and is as part of their membership additional work that we supporting and contributing benefits has been extended have been doing, the CRT to all aspects of British to the Cam Conservators not only recognise Canoeing’s objectives at (River Cam), the River Wey canoeing, but is promoting both the performance and and the EA and CRT water- it in the work they do. participation levels. ways. The agreement was In early 2014, The already in place with the Facilities Lee Valley Paddlesports Broads Authority and the Our Whole Sport Plan Club officially launched. It is Basingstoke Canal. Further Capital Funding from Sport based at the centre, and progress is to be made in England continues to be the already has over 100 2015 on more waterways. most important and well members from all different Finally, we have thought out funding stream disciplines. Additionally, continued to develop that we have for capital our Canoe Sprint Futures information on some of the projects and community programme is operating best places to paddle for all clubs. Spending in support from the centre and is abilities. Over 100 canoe of our Canoe England already impacting upon trails can be found on the Capital Grants [CECG] canoeing disciplines beyond British Canoeing website Programme this year has White Water. Last summer and many more are to be been almost £2m. Financial our “Rapid Talent” added throughout 2015. delivery can be challenging, programme conducted its Working with some key but completed schemes second intake from local partners these trails will be continue to deliver huge schools, and finally, our promoted widely. increases in Participation. “Podium Potential” Image by Eddie Palmer The many benefits of Our two flagship programme transitioned

25 26 staff and athletes to the This will be the Vale have had grants to a result of a collaboration continue, to work with developments. However, venue. culmination of 18 months of improve or replace their between Bedford City seven canoe clubs to the BC Facilities Policy aims Dorney Lake partnership working with club houses. Midland is a Council, the Environment upgrade their club houses. to bring white water Building works for the new Sport England, and is seen trial of modular Agency, (EA) local canoe We are negotiating courses to local sites, at High Performance Centre at as a model of good practice, components with a greater clubs and our Eastern with partners to install affordable prices, and with Dorney are now almost and setting a new standard than normal Sport England Region Development Team. access landings and signage this in mind, we have complete, and within Canoe with regard to modular input. at strategic points on eight pushed our thinking along, Sprint, the excitement and buildings and their Canoe Trails navigations, plus, we are and have designed an anticipation is growing. application in the High Sites We have also grant aided about to commence intermediate sized course, This new venue will Performance environment. Duck Mill Sluices in the several canoe trail building and trialling in and a micro course. really enhance the ability of centre of a public park in improvements. In partner- partnership with the EA, a During the year, the Programme to provide a Community Clubs Bedford have received flood ship with the EA, our South Hydro provider, and the Glasgow, along with the truly World Class Daily This year, we have been lights, and Cardington East Region and a local Canal and Rivers Trust, an help of the Scottish Training Environment (DTE) able to award grants to six White Water course has building college, we are innovative design of Government and Scottish provision, to support the clubs: Basingstoke and received an “in channel” building a much-needed ”pool-drop” white water Canals, (part of CRT) built, “On water” training of the Deane, Coquet, Midland, upgrade to improve its toilet block next to a canoe course and fish pass and opened, at Pinkston athletes. Leighton Buzzard, and Axe white water features. This is site on the at Linton-on-Ouse at York. Quay in North Central River Medway Canoe Trail We further continue Glasgow, a unique multi- at Yalding Bridge. to support clubs with advice sport and multi-purpose Also in conjunction as they apply for the Sport site consisting of an with the EA, at Boulters England “Inspired” and enclosed flat water dock Weir on the Thames, we “Improvement” funds, and feeding two pumped white have installed kickers under our links with the EA and water courses, all for less the main sluice gates to the CRT get ever closer than £2m. throw water up to provide together. The site at Pinkston white water play waves and In the last few years, encouraged ‘Multisport,’ in minimise river bed and weir British Canoeing has been that several disciplines of scour. at the forefront of white canoeing have come At Pershore Weir, in water course design. We together including Slalom, partnership with the Avon have wrestled world design White Water, Sprint and Navigation Trust and a leadership back from the Polo, plus Open Water Hydro provider, we have French and Australians. The Swimming, and Triathlon. It widened a fish pass “Rapid Block” system of “in also has multi-uses, in that installation into a channel” obstacles are now the Royal National Lifeboat “conjunctive” fish and exported worldwide. British Institution (RNLI) and Fire canoe pass. This is to designs and innovations for and Rescue services use the demonstrate that a fish large Olympic size courses facilities, and helped fund pass can also act as a canoe are miles ahead of any the facility, for education pass without harm coming other country. However, it and training purposes. Above Left: to fish, canoes or canoeists. is not every country, or Lee Valley White Water Centre The future is bright. region of a country that can Above Right: Bottom Left: In 2014/15 we are, and will afford these £20m+ large Pershore Weir Pinkston Quay, Glasgow

27 28 MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS Commercial Review to grow our membership performance, strength, In response to British base and maximise our pride, heritage and British Canoeing’s desire to reduce commercial success. success and the various reliance on public funding By moving all the lines within the flag and to push towards its goal differing elements of the illustrate the different types of becoming a mainstream organisation under the of water, representing the sport in the UK, a detailed newly created brand and by various types of canoeing in commercial review was adopting a new, customer- Britain; including flat,

undertaken to establish an centric approach, we have moderate and challenging. integrated commercial the ability to move into a The British Canoeing Marketing strategy. The commercial real position of strength in logo, like the brand as a review focused on how the the lead up to the 2016 Rio whole, is modern, relevant & Communications organisation could generate Olympic Games. and reflects an organisation more revenue from its asset that is paddler focused. The ritish Canoeing continues to build momentum base, as well as improving Brandingxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx logo, representing all areas through our marketing and communications. British Canoeing’s The first step towards the of the organisation, will This is an exciting time for our organisation as we B sponsorship proposition. streamlining of the help us build upon and raise roll out our new brand and continue our anticipated The project fully organisation was to the profile of British journey towards the launch of our new website early investigated our current amalgamate The British Canoeing, in line with the next year. Our online channels are growing and we are organisational structure and Canoe Union, Canoe organisation’s strategic exploring new and innovative ways to engage audience, available assets and took an England and GB Canoeing objectives. raise our profile and inspire more people to go canoeing. in-depth look at the into one overarching brand sponsorship market, whilst – “British Canoeing.” In line Website xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx analysing external and with the organisation’s key As part of the commercial internal commercial values. objectives of increasing review process, it became A key finding from participation in the sport clear that British Canoeing’s the commercial review was and continued success at an web presence also needed the need to streamline and elite level, we incorporated to be simplified. With a simplify the structure of the our mission statements of, number of separate web- organisation in order to “Helping and Inspiring sites focusing on different better meet the needs of People to go Canoeing,” and aspects of the organisation, British Canoeing members, also, “Challenging Best,” it was difficult for users to informal non-member which summarise our understand the structure of paddlers and new values and give our the organisation and, with participants into the sport. customers a clear indication so many different paddling With a number of of our organisational goals. disciplines, even the sport well-established, successful A strong, bold new itself. programmes and a high- logo with contemporary As a key touch point profile calendar of events, typography and a water- and one of the most there is a huge opportunity themed flag has been powerful tools available to for British Canoeing to developed and is a visual promote the sport to both target the 1.2m informal representation of our new potential members and Image by AE Photos paddlers in the UK in order brand. The flag signifies partners, it was essential to

29 30 develop an engaging new Slalom World Cup, which Civil Liability Insurance Canoeing hosted the ICF 2014 Canoe Slalom website based on a simple was the first major worth up to £10 Million World Cup in June which was viewed as a interface and with a high international event to be remain frequent reasons for remarkable success. level of usability. held at Lee Valley White joining. “Go Canoeing,” a British Canoeing The new website, Water Centre since London In addition, we Olympic Legacy Initiative, work with which is to be launched in 2012, attracted a record continue to recruit and partners such as the National Trust & Be the new year, will have a number of spectators to a work with high-profile Inspired, to raise the profile of canoeing modern, dynamic feel and UK canoeing event, outside partners such as Cotswold and target non competitive paddlers. Go will combine informative of the 2012 Olympics. Outdoor and AM Sport to Canoeing partners including Endomondo, content with inspiring Our annual flagship offer members ongoing, Palm, Perception, Pyranha, Canoe Kayak images. The look and feel of participation event, exclusive discounts and and On the Water also work in partnership the website will sit as a “National Go Canoeing offers. Furthermore, in line to raise the profile of canoeing. Currently, cornerstone of the new Week,” was also the most with members’ feedback Endomondo are developing campaigns to British Canoeing brand and successful to date, with and as British Canoeing raise fitness awareness surrounding canoe- will be replicated across all more than 5,500 people continues to evolve in a ing and to become a part of this ever of our collateral. and 109 clubs taking part digital age, Canoe Focus growing sport. Alongside the new throughout the ten days. magazine is now published Throughout the year, our partners website, British Canoeing The event’s ‘Every Mile quarterly (previously bi- have enabled us to make the most of this has invested in a new data- Counts’ theme encouraged monthly) and the British exciting year for canoeing. With their base that will combine participants to register the Canoeing E-Newsletter now support, it is easy for anyone inspired by membership information miles they paddled during goes out monthly canoeing to get involved. All our partners with that gathered from the week on the Go (previously bi-monthly). have made a significant commitment to customers at touch points Canoeing Week website Both channels continue to canoeing & we are extremely grateful for such as clubs, competitive and the total mileage regis- support and promote their continued and ongoing support. events, participation tered was more than 34,000 British Canoeing’s social programmes and our online m i l e s . XXXXXXXXXXXX media platforms. presence. The new data- British Canoeing’s base will allow us to map high-profile calendar of Sponsorship xxxxxxxxxxxxx customer interactions with events continues into 2015 Throughout the year, British British Canoeing and target with the Lee Valley White Canoeing continued to our messaging to specific Water Centre hosting the successfully work in groups and demographics. ICF Canoe Slalom World partnership with our New rebranded Championships. sponsors, including AM British Canoeing social Sport, Crewroom & media channels have also Membership Benefits xxxxx Cotswold Outdoor, with been created to replace Key to British Canoeing’s whom we have continued those for GB Canoeing, growing membership to raise more awareness of

Canoe England and specific remains the continued and drive participation into participation programmes. development of our canoeing. xxxxxxxxxx membership benefits. Together with the Events xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Notably, the Waterways Lee Valley White Water The International Canoe Licence to paddle 4,500km Centre and the local

Federation (ICF) Canoe of British Waterways and authorities, British Images by AE Photos

31 32 RESULTS SUMMARISED ACCOUNTS For the year ended 31st October 2014, Company Number 1525484 This year 46 gold; 45 silver & 33 bronze medals were won Profit & Loss Account 2014 2013 Results by British Canoeing athletes & teams.* Income £9,992,710 £9,477,695 Expenditure (£10,093,313) (£9,527,207) Operating Loss (£100,603) (£49,512) WORLD CHAMPIONS Interest receivable and similar income £37,723 £75,183 Canoe Sprint Paracanoe Canoe Slalom Taxation on ordinary activities (£7,183) (£14,847) ICF World Championships ICF World Championships ICF Junior / U23 (Loss)/Profit on activities after interest & tax (£70,063) £10,823 Moscow, Russia Moscow, Russia World Championships th th Profit brought forward £1,174,573 £1,166,983 6-10 August 2014 6-10 August 2014 Penrith, Australia rd th Transfers from/ (to) another reserve £29,577 (£3,233) Louisa Sawers, Emma Wiggs, 23 —27 April 2014 Retained Profit Carried Forward £1,134,087 £1,174,573 Women’s K1 5,000m Women’s V1 TA; Mallory Franklin,

Emma Wiggs, Bethan Latham & Balance Sheet Women’s K1 TA; Kimberley Woods, Fixed Assets £1,300,446 £962,269 Jeanette Chippington, Women’s K1 U23 Team Current Assets £4,548,975 £3,999,828 Women’s K1 A; Jeanette Chippington, Current Liabilities (£4,388,872) (£3,420,485)

Women’s V1 A; Long-term Liabilities (£204,000) (£215,000)

Andrea Green, Net Assets 1,256,549 £1,326,612

Women’s V1 LTA; Profit and Loss Account £1,134,087 £1,174,573

Anne Dickins, Other Reserves £122,462 £152,039 Women’s K1 LTA Capital and Reserves £1,256,549 £1,326,612

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS ECA Euro’ Championships Canoe Slalom Whitewater Rafting The operating loss for the year of Rothwell legacy was made within the year Bradenburg, Germany ECA Euro’ Championships IRF Euro’ Championships £70,063 reflects a break even basis as and is included in the loss. th 11-13 July 2014 Vienna, Austria Bratislava, Slovakia budgeted for the year with continued The accounts set out above are a th st th 29 May—1 June 2014 17-20 July 2014 growth in membership income, specific summary of the information taken from Emma Wiggs, Women’s V1 TA; Mallory Franklin, GBR 1, World Class performance related funding the full accounts, for further information, Ian Marsden, Eilidh Gibson & Women’s R4 Sprint and controlled investment in costs, offset the full accounts, the auditor’s report on Men’s K1 A; Jasmine Royle, by a £30,000 donation funded from specific these accounts and the Directors report Martin Tweedy, Women’s C1 Team Canoe Slalom reserves and a timing impact from the should be consulted. Copies of these can Men’s V1 LTA; ECA Junior / U23 relocation of the British Canoeing head be obtained from British Canoeing, Jeanette Chippington, Canoe Freestyle European Championships office to the National Watersports Centre. National Watersports Centre, Adbolton Women’s K1 A; ECA Euro’ Championships Skopje, Macedonia An incentive to move will be recognised Lane, Nottingham, NG12 2LU. rd th Jeanette Chippington, Bratislava, Slovakia 3 -6 July 2014 st th st over several years whilst move costs were The full accounts were approved on 31 Women’s V1 A; 28 -31 August 2014 Mallory Franklin, Andrea Green, all incurred in the year. The relocation January 2015 and will be filed with the Alex Edwards, Women’s C1 U23; Women’s V1 LTA; brings continuing benefits from being at a Men’s Squirt Mallory Franklin, registrar of Companies. The auditor has Anne Dickins, canoeing location with improved facilities Eilidh Gibson & issued unqualified reports on the full Women’s K1 LTA; for meetings and events. In accordance Jasmine Royle, annual financial statements and on the Women’s C1 U23 Team with the agreed purposes for these funds a £30,000 (2013: £18,922) donation to the consistency of the Directors report with Canoe Foundation from the Maurice those financial statements. *Full details including individual medal winners are available at http://bit.ly/1Bpmr4R

33 34 THANKS AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS For the year ended 31st October 2014, Company Number 1525484 Profit & Loss Account 2014 2013 Income £9,992,710 £9,477,695 Expenditure (£10,093,313) (£9,527,207) Operating Loss (£100,603) (£49,512) Interest receivable and similar income £37,723 £75,183 Taxation on ordinary activities (£7,183) (£14,847) (Loss)/Profit on activities after interest & tax (£70,063) £10,823 Profit brought forward £1,174,573 £1,166,983 Transfers from/ (to) another reserve £29,577 (£3,233) Retained Profit Carried Forward £1,134,087 £1,174,573

Balance Sheet he success of British Canoeing could Fixed Assets £1,300,446 £962,269 not have been achieved without the Current Assets £4,548,975 £3,999,828 T dedicated support of our established Current Liabilities (£4,388,872) (£3,420,485) network of clubs, volunteers and Long-term Liabilities (£204,000) (£215,000) coaches. Thank you to everyone who has Net Assets 1,256,549 £1,326,612 contributed over the past year and made Profit and Loss Account £1,134,087 £1,174,573 our wonderful sport what it is, for both Other Reserves £122,462 £152,039 new and experienced paddlers. Capital and Reserves £1,256,549 £1,326,612 Throughout the year, our staff continued to provide a professional service to our members; for that, the British Canoeing Board wishes to express its sincere thanks to each and everyone involved, for their continued outstanding support and loyalty.

Finally, British Canoeing records its thanks to the many outside bodies, in particular, UK Sport and Sport England, Sports Coach UK, Skills Active, Youth Sports Trust and Lee Valley Park Authority who have all continued to provide us with invaluable support.

Thank you

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