ANNUAL REPORT 2015 Annual Report 2015

Foreword 3 Discipline Reports 5 Great Britain Olympic and Paralympic Preparation 8 Membership 11 Coaching & Education 12 Development & Participation 15 Waterways & Environment 19 Facilities 21 Marketing & Communications 23 International Results 26 The Accounts 29 The Board of Directors 30 Thanks & Acknowledgements 32

2 President & Chairman’s Foreword

014/15 was a good year too in the development of paddlers to the sport; by the end for British . canoeing. More than 31,000 of 2015, a total of 701 people had Internationally, athletes people were introduced to attended the Foundation - 2representing Great Britain canoeing during the year through Ability module. from across the disciplines, the ‘Go Canoeing’ programme, won an impressive total of 99 some 2,000 candidates The 2015 Volunteer Recognition medals in World and European successfully completed their Awards were a major success Championships, including 9 World Level 1 coaching qualifications, with 180 guests attending the Championship winners (see pages 800 candidates completed at event which also commemorated 26 to 28). level 2 and 30 at Level 3. the 150th Anniversary of John MacGregor’s first journey in his In September 2015, we successfully ’s Capital Rob Roy Canoe. hosted the Investment Programme Federation (ICF) supported 11 exciting projects British Canoeing’s membership World Championships at Lee Valley, during the year with capital numbers declined slightly to which were enjoyed by more than grants totalling £428,000; each 32,092 and plans were put in 10,000 spectators and culminated development will have a positive place during the year to halt this in a Gold medal for David Florence, impact on canoeing in that area. decline and also to increase the and a bronze for Ryan Westley commercial revenue coming into in the C1 event. David’s success Great work continued also in British Canoeing. is worthy of special mention as improving access to waterways he became World Champion for and developing canoe trails, Financially, 2014/15 was a very a third time. Also, the GB Canoe with a particular focus on new challenging year for British Slalom team were awarded the canoe trails in the London and Canoeing, with a year end deficit trophy as the number one nation Yorkshire areas. of £260,339 reported. This overall. included exceptional costs, but Paddle-Ability continued to build the underlying trend has been There were successes to celebrate capacity to attract more disabled recognised and addressed.

3 The organisation has a reasonable level of reserves and has planned a break even budget in 2015/16.

On behalf of the board and the executive team, we would like to record our thanks to the many talented and committed volunteers who work within national, regional and club committees, and who are so crucial to the development of our sport.

We want to place on record our thanks to UK Sport and the Home Country Sports Councils for their significant and continued support of canoeing throughout the UK.

We are also pleased to record our thanks to the growing number of centres and commercial partners who are working with the governing bodies and clubs throughout the UK, and are making a valuable contribution to the development of our sport. Together we are definitely stronger.

2015 has been a good year. The Board and Executive Team within British Canoeing look forward to working with you all to make 2016 an even more successful year.

Albert Woods OBE Mohamed Elsarky President Chairman

4 Canoe Discipline Reports

ritish Canoeing Great Britain also hosted the continued to 2015 ICF Canoe Slalom World In 2015 the Marathon excel within the Championship at Lee Valley National Championships were Bcompetition disciplines during September 2015, where dominated by Norwich Canoe internationally; during 2015 David Florence was crowned Club who won both the senior Great Britain’s athletes gained World Champion and Great and the junior team prizes as 66 medals at World and Britain were ranked the World they hosted the event on their European Championships, Number One Nation. home waters at Whitlingham. including 17 individual or team, There were around 1,000 World or European titles. The following is a snap-shot of competitors, from paddlers information of key events and aged from eight to over 64, who Preparations within this highlights from some of our travelled from all parts of Great Olympic cycle continue various disciplines. Following Britain to take part in two days to strengthen with our on from this, we have also of racing as they gathered not Paracanoe team dominating provided further information only to compete for National both the World and European and detail from our Olympic titles, but also for the prize Championships; Jeanette disciplines of Canoe Slalom, of GB selection for the World Chippington and Emma Wiggs and Paracanoe. Championships in Hungary. secured titles at both of these This can be found on pages 8 Races varied in distance from events. to 10. 24K for the senior men to

5 3.5K for the Under 10s – all Canoe Slalom especially as these provide attracting huge crowds of 2015 has had some exceptional opportunities for the lower spectators. high points, such as Great divisions and new entrants into Britain hosting the World Canoe Slalom. Championships at Lee Valley. The Canoe Polo Committee Many members of the Slalom Investments such as the pumped run over 250 events annually community volunteered course at Pinkston and the including a National League their time, and in doing so, reconfiguration of Cardington compromising nine open contributed to the success of the are welcome developments, and divisions and three ladies event. Post event feedback has congratulations are extended divisions with 87 open teams and been extremely positive with to all those involved in bringing 22 ladies teams. There are four many competitors saying it was these developments to fruition. English regional leagues, a Welsh the best Worlds they had been league and a Scottish league to. This clearly demonstrates with 189 competing teams. In the capability that exists The various different formats addition, there are eight major within the Slalom community for regional and development weekend ‘international class’ in this country. It is also very racing have continued to tournaments held across the encouraging that race sites such capture people’s imaginations, UK. Competitive participation in as Symonds Yat are regularly and regional participation has Canoe Polo has increased by 27% back on the calendar alongside continued to increase. This is over the last four years. new sites such as Dulverton; great news and a tribute to

6 the dedication of the growing network of volunteers, race organisers and clubs that are pushing the sport forward.

In Summary 2015 has continued to see growth within the participation levels and competition disciplines, as people seek the opportunities to participate and get involved in the competition side of our activities. We are able to meet this demand, mainly due to the strength and commitment of our volunteer community (event organisers and officials) and our supporting clubs and regional teams.

7 Great Britain Olympic and Paralympic Preparation

Canoe Slalom here have been many At the European Championships, White Water Centre. The event success stories for the won gold in C1, was a huge success with over 350 Canoe Slalom Olympic sharing the podium with silver of the world’s best competing for TProgramme this past medallist , and Olympic qualification in front of year as we strive towards our a further four team medals were 9,000 spectators. David Florence vision to be the Number One achieved. won gold in C1 becoming a World Olympic Canoeing nation. These Champion for the third time in include impressive results, the Throughout the World Cup series, his career, and was joined on the World Championships at Lee a total of 13 medals were won, podium by bronze medallist, Ryan Valley and a successful Olympic and Adam Burgess claimed gold Westley. Medals were also won in Qualification and Selection for at the Junior and U23 World three team events. the 2016 Rio . Championships, becoming British Canoeing’s first U23 C1 World The successful results at this Our Podium and Podium Champion. competition meant that Britain Potential athletes have qualified the maximum number performed well this year with The Canoe Slalom Senior World of boats possible for the 2016 Rio strong results and an impressive Championships this year was Olympic Games. It is important to medal haul. hosted at our very own Lee Valley acknowledge the work of the

8 volunteers and those involved across the wider organisation that made this event such a great success.

Having qualified all of our boats at the World Championships, just five weeks later, the GB Slalom Team underwent Olympic selection. The purpose of selecting the Olympic team early is to optimise the time spent on the Rio course, which opened in November 2015, to make it as much like our home course as possible. We go into 2016 with a strong Olympic Team; David Florence (C1&C2), Richard Hounslow (C2), Fiona Pennie (K1) and (K1). World Championships in Across the World Cup series, Canoe Sprint Milan. Medals were won and 11 medals were won, including he year for Sprint these senior competitions three gold, two silver and six began with the opening served as great inspiration bronze medals. Whilst at the of a brand new High to the developing junior and Baku European Games, London Performance Centre U23 athletes that competed. 2012 K1 Olympic Champion, Ed T Noteably, Deborah Kerr took McKeever, won bronze in the K1 (HPC) at Eton Dorney and a focus on qualifying the home double bronze at the Junior 200m, while Lani Belcher took maximum number of Olympic & U23 World Championships, home the silver medal in the K1 quota places for the Rio 2016 when she placed third in both K1 5000m. Olympic Games. 200m and K1 500m. At the 2015 World The Canoe Sprint season began Midway through the season Championships in Milan, which with the April Regatta; the first we saw the departure of the was an Olympic qualifying event, of five regattas to take place Head Coach to the Canoe it was mixed fortunes for the at the National Water Sports Sprint programme. However, a Great Britain Team as medals in Centre in Nottingham. The performance focused review of Olympic events proved elusive, regatta featured our Olympic what was required to optimise but the athletes qualified more and Paralympic athletes, as well performance was quickly Olympic quota places by right as talent from a range of clubs undertaken to remain on than we did in London 2012. Liam across the UK. track for Milan. The European Heath and Jon Schofield placed Championships saw all attending 5th in the K2 200m, securing The international racing junior athletes placing in B Great Britain’s first Olympic season included the European finals; gaining experience of quota spot. The women’s K4 Championships, World international racing and taking crew, made up of Rebi Simon, Cup series, BAKU inaugural inspiration from watching the Jessica Walker, Rachel Cawthorn European Games, and the senior athletes compete. and Louisa Gurski placed 5th.

9 So far, British Canoeing has qualified up to eight athlete quota places for the Rio Games. Paracanoe he Paracanoe 2015 season began with a challenging few months following the TInternational Paralympic Committee’s announcement that only the six events would feature in the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, along with radical changes also being made to classification boundaries.

The Paracanoe team however, started strongly with the best ever medal haul at the European Championships. The para athletes won a total of six medals; four of which were gold (Anne Dickins, Paracanoe will make its debut Jeanette Chippington, Ian in the 2016 Paralympic Games Marsden and Robert Oliver), one and, after this year’s impressive silver (Emma Wiggs), and one performances, we are well on bronze (Martin Tweedie). track to meeting our 3 UK Sport medal target for Rio. At the World Championships in Milan, (an Olympic Qualifying We are very grateful to the event) a further seven medals partnerships of the National were won. Jeanette Chippington Watersports Centre, Sport won gold, claiming the title of KL1 England and UK Sport for funding World Champion for the fourth the new access ramp from the consecutive time. Emma Wiggs regatta lake to building level. Also, also retained her title as World the purpose built changing rooms Champion, winning gold in the for athletes with disabilities KL2. have been completed, making Nottingham’s Performance Centre The Paracanoe team took home a ever more accessible. further five silver medals, won by Nicola Paterson, Jonathan Young, Frances Bateman, Anne Dickins and Robert Oliver. Along with this tremendous medal haul, the Para athletes secured four out of the maximum six Paralympic quota places for the 2016 Paralympic Games.

10 Membership

s of September 2015, have worked hard to recruit a British Canoeing’s diverse range of high-profile membership stood at partners to offer members A32,092; a slight decline ongoing exclusive discounts and from January’s figure of 32,331. special offers. To help grow our membership, improve our membership In November, a new package of retention strategy and develop benefits was launched with offers better communication with from industry-leading brands members, a new Membership such as EDF Energy, IHG hotel Manager was recruited. group and Pure Gym. These new partnerships added to existing Throughout 2015, the ongoing agreements with partners project to develop and launch a including Cotswold Outdoors, sophisticated new membership Crewroom and AM Sports. database has continued. Internally, staff began using the new system in September and members can now access and edit the information held about them on the database.

This year also saw the start of the process to develop a more focused membership area on the new British Canoeing website, providing better and clearer content on all aspects of canoeing. We also launched our Club Finder tool on the website, ensuring that we let all of our members get sight of what activities are available in their area.

Membership benefits was highlighted as a key area to help build British Canoeing membership and show value to our existing and potential members. While the Waterways Licence and civil liability insurance remain the key benefits for many members, throughout 2015 we

11 Coaching & Education

015 was packed full of traditional environments, qualification. Home Nation and regional training and assessment Coach Updates, opportunities for Level 1, Level Additionally, we continue events, coaching award 2 and Level 3 Awards have to provide a wide range 2 continued to be offered by each courses and an exciting round of of supporting modules Home Nation ‘Paddlefest’ events of British Canoeing’s Home and Continuous Paddler and Coaching Conferences. Nations. Approximately 2,000 Development (CPD) activity candidates have successfully to support coaches and the Canoeing activity remained completed Level 1 Training and participants they work with. vibrant; from first touch activity Assessment, 800 candidates offered through centres and have been trained at Level 2, Coaching Developments clubs, and Go Canoeing and U and 400 have been assessed. During the year, research took Canoe programmes, right through place into the following areas: to the committed adventure and 30 candidates have completed paddler activity and participant competitive paddler. And similar Level 3 and it is particularly first touch activity, coaching to last year, we saw a continued encouraging again to see that activity, workforce audit, and growth in a number of emerging 9 of these are competition finally, strategy development discipline areas such as Sit on Top coaches formalising their modeling in relation to those and Stand Up Paddleboards. coaching role with a areas, which in 2016, will lead recognised qualification. We to the beginning of related Coach Education are particularly proud to have developments. Firstly, there will In support of the new people completed the piloting and full be the introduction of a club taking up our sport, and those UKCC endorsement of our new based supervisor style award many activists involved in our Level 4 Performance Coaching and then a review and refresh

12 of our Performance Awards Quality Mark Programme and, As a sport, our future approach to (Star Awards / Paddlepower moving forwards, through greater coach education can now benefit Awards). We will then look at collaboration and partnerships from the combination over more the development of formal both within Paddlesport and also recent times of both internal and leadership awards and pathway, with other ‘like- minded’ sports. external scrutiny, the opportunity which will be followed by a to appreciate and understand review and refresh of our These developments will be developments in coaching Certificate in Paddlesport focused around evolution knowledge and practice, and our Coaching Awards. rather than revolution; the greater appreciation of the need requirements identified will to support coaches as learners. In As this work starts to take shape, recognise the progress made this way British Canoeing should further insight from Sport over the last decade, in terms begin in 2016 to provide not only England’s extensive and ground of the success of both personal formal learning opportunities, breaking ‘Getting Active in the performance awards and but also informal opportunities Outdoors’ research (a piece of coaching qualifications. such as CPD. work in no small way inspired by British Canoeing) will add to our However, they will also reflect As an outcome development, understanding of the nuances and recognise that the growing delivery and support mechanisms of new and evolving market paddlesport community needs a should begin to better reflect the interests and demands. Already, wider range of support, both in nature of paddler engagement, we are responding to this by terms of outcome and delivery whether it be in the beginner, developing a wider reach for approach. leisure focused, sport focused, British Canoeing’s Activity competition / performance focused or elite focused areas of our sport.

During 2016, and as we progress into our next development plan period (2017-2020), we begin to focus on the supporting mechanisms required across the voluntary, competitive and industry sectors to achieve this.

In closing, it is important to remember that all we do and achieve is supported by a loyal and committed band of coaches and volunteers who give their time and experience, most often on a voluntary basis.

With this in mind, and as we reflect on the year past and consider the year ahead, we should take the opportunity to thank them for all their hard efforts, both in terms of the coaching work they

13 undertake, and for the time they invest in keeping themselves up to date with first aid commitments, Safeguarding requirements and Coach Update - all of which impinge on time, but are so relevant to their role and ability to operate to best practice standards. Our thanks to you all.

14 Development & Participation

e are now U Canoe Wired & recent survey by the AoCS midway Unleashed which confirms that the through our Both continue to reach out FE market is expanding WDevelopment to the fast paced and vibrant for Canoeing with 33% Plan for the 2013-17 cycle and youth market and embrace of respondents providing we continue to make progress the use of technology and canoeing, of which 34% have with all of our programmes social media channels. This a club link. A further 10% and initiatives. 2015 has year we have particularly are interested in offering been a year of building focussed on the transition Canoeing to their students, on the success of 2014, from U Canoe Wired to and this is being actively engaging with established key Unleashed, and from there followed up. delivery and sector partners into the clubs’ network. To as we scale up our delivery support this transition in We continue to talk to young and explore new markets. Further Education (FE), we people and develop our Across our wide range of have been piloting a ‘pool youth insight. This includes participation programmes to paddle’ concept via our commissioning independent and initiatives, the following links with the Association of research with young people key programmes support the College Sport (AoCS). to evaluate the programme. growth of canoeing based on We have also taken the customer insight. This work is highlighted by a opportunity to refresh, and

15 where appropriate, rewrite do not have the opportunity We have promoted a U Canoe resources to ensure to transition from school to number of themed tours that we keep pace with the community club. and activities, with the fluidity of the youth market. Halloween Tours proving 2015 has been a very to be the most successful. Successes to date: successful year for Go Overall, 8,500 people have - 260 delivery centres links Canoeing with just over enjoyed a Guided Tour with - 3,206 young people 31,000 people taking part our Go Canoeing providers have engaged in U Canoe in our activities. The most showing a threefold increase successful event of the since 2014. Wired activity year without a doubt was - 5,175 young people have National Go Canoeing Our newly developed engaged in Unleashed week, where the nation Go Canoeing Challenge activity. took to the water in a Routes are starting to prove whole range of paddlesport popular, in particular the School Club Links crafts to complete a grand Three Lakes Challenge. There are over 1,500 total of 42,821 miles. They have sparked the young people engaged in With 10,500 participants imagination of a whole 38 Satellite Clubs which taking part we received range of paddlers, from our are delivered via our some fantastic feedback youngest to complete in ‘Watersports School Hub’ on all the wonderful ways an inflatable kayak (aged project and our network people enjoyed the event, just five) to the oldest to of engaged and accredited alongside showing a 27% complete Loch Awe at age clubs. The Watersports growth in participation from 78 years young! Also, a team School Hubs project is 2014 to 2015. Thanks to the from Shropshire Paddlesport jointly supported by British interactive campaign theme, spent a week paddling and Canoeing and British and website encouraging walking to combine the Rowing, with leadership everyone to log their miles, Three Lakes with the Three from Youth Sport Trust. The the event has grown four Peaks Challenges. initiative strives to meet fold in the last three years. the aims of whole school There are a number of improvement, and drive Throughout the year we’ve developments already up pupil attainment and had a total of 128 providers underway for 2016 to build achievement. Through local offering Starter Sessions to on the success from this consultation between our 11,000 new participants, year including expanding Canoeing Development alongside 34 official Go the number of Challenge Officers and the County Canoeing Quality Marked Routes available, setting Sport Partnership network, providers offering a range of up some specific events we jointly identify Hub clubs activities including Starter along our Challenge Routes who have the capacity to Sessions, Guided Tours, and developing some new develop a Satellite club. The canoe hire and various seasonal events and fun target audience are those events. activities to complement the young people who currently ones that are proving to be

16 so popular. Paddle-Ability Module. companies. It is also a description more fitting Our Paddle-Ability Clubs, Centre and to the increasingly programme has continued Volunteers diverse way in which to be successful with a 24% Following research into clubs canoeing is provided by increase in the number of and volunteers in 2014, we hire companies, holiday disabled individual members have developed a suite of companies, specialist over the last 12 months. new measures to address providers etc. The Quality We have spent this year issues and improve services. Mark continues to be focusing on finding out more These have included better developed with improved about disabled people’s quality information, a new services to centres and perceptions of canoeing, clubs web page and better outdoor providers. both from those already response times to enquiries. taking part in our sport, We have also revised and Safeguarding and Equality and those who may have simplified the Club Mark We continue to work not been exposed to our process, event promotion hard to embed all our sport in the past. We are and endorsement service. policies and procedures now implementing some These, with other new for safeguarding children initiatives based on these initiatives, are set to be in canoeing. This includes findings. We have now launched in 2016. interviews at clubs and accredited 26 Paddle-Ability with participants to Top Clubs, and 33 Quality The annual Volunteer establish how well they Mark Providers with the Recognition Awards proved are embedded, and Paddle-Ability Top Centre more popular than ever where further support is Award. with 180 guests attending required. A total of 26 the awards dinner in cases were dealt with by Over the last year: November. This year the British Canoeing Case - 1,098 disabled people marked the celebration Management Group with participated at our clubs of the 150th Anniversary five new referrals for the - 11,542 disabled people of John MacGregor’s first period 01/09/2014 to participated at our Paddle- journey in his Rob Roy 31/08/2015. Ability Top Centres Canoe, and special awards for outstanding volunteer We continue to work Paddle-Ability themed contribution and challenge towards the Advanced training has continued commemorated this. Standard for Equality for to prove popular with 36 Sport with a submission attending the Paddle-Ability In 2015 the British Canoeing date of December Symposium in March. A total Activity Quality Mark was 2016. This year we have of 701 people have now launched, replacing the focused on improving our attended the Foundation traditional ‘Approved Centre’ monitoring and the quality Paddle-Ability module and scheme. This change will and robustness of data 171 people have attended achieve greater resonance that we collect. We have the Intermediate with the public and kite recently commenced a

17 new equality training plan for staff where departments receive regular training that is topical, engaging and relevant to their own work programmes to replace the previous generic three-year programme.

18 Waterways & Environment

ith vital the need for increased development of a support from access to and along our joint Memorandum of our volunteers waterways in a fair, shared Understanding and Canoeing Wand strong and sustainable way. Development Plan has meant working partnerships, the that canoeing is an increasing Waterways and Environment Establishing and retaining priority for the CRT. Team are continuing to effective partnerships work on opportunities to has taken up much of the Other new and established increase places to paddle department’s resources this relationships include working for all abilities. There is a year. We have, for example, with Yorkshire Water to genuine willingness by a a number of volunteers identify opportunities number of new partnership and fulltime staff working to increase recreational organisations to work with with others on the regional activity on their numerous British Canoeing to develop Canal and River Trust (CRT) reservoirs and landholdings. and promote our sport and Partnerships to promote Additionally, we continue provide access and facilities. the non powered boat user/ to work with The Broads However, there is still a sector, and on a national Authority to create challenge for the team and level, we communicate opportunities to improve we therefore continue to through the National access. work with some important Canoe Group. Constructive organisations to demonstrate engagement and the Finally, we have worked with

19 the Environment Agency to opportunities for paddlers provide access to the River to enjoy a diverse range of Brede (Royal Military Canal) at environments. Ryde, and on the River Ouse at Barcombe Mills. We continue to build on our environmental credentials Challenges do remain, such working with others to as access onto the Western promote the sustainable Rother in Sussex, and the use of our waterways and River Avon in Warwickshire. actively participate in their However, a huge success this protection and improvement. year has been the successful We have worked with our court case on the River Calder affiliated clubs/centres and at Brighouse where an ancient environmental organisations right of way was successfully to promote “World Rivers kept open following the Day” where a number of threat of closure due to a events took place to clean up supermarket development. our waterways and educate paddlers of how important it We have increased the is to look after our rural and number of Canoe Trails, with urban environments. the focus being on the London and Yorkshire area where a Finally, we are working with the number of new trails have home nations, demonstrating been delivered. We are also a that there is a need to share major partner with CRT in the resources and information development of the first Coast so the Access debate can be to Coast Canoe Trail between taken forward with one voice. Liverpool and Goole, and in Staffordshire, we are working with the Central Rivers Initiative to create trails in the Midlands.

Following the launch of our Sea Guidance booklet, “You, Your Canoe and The Marine Environment,” we are now working with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) on the development of Coastal Canoe Trails. These trails will give so many more

20 Facilities 015 was a busy year • Bath Canoe Club: £50k we have given both SE and for supporting and towards internal floors, their programme applicants funding new and heating and fittings advice on project delivery. 2refurbished facilities in their former ‘organ that enhance the experience factory’ on the banks of Informal Facilities for all paddlers, from the the Avon. Canoe Trails casual recreationalist to • COACH (Centre for The Cotswold Canal Trust Olympic, Paralympic and Outdoor Activity and and the Wey and Arun have World Champion medallists. Community Hub): £50k been awarded £10k each. towards a new clubhouse Both are canal restoration At a national level, in March facility in Taunton. trusts and we are helping we opened the new state- • Devizes Canoe Club: both of them with the of-the-art Tim Brabants’ £75k, to obtain, through building of 10 lowered Elite Training Centre at Eton ‘asset transfer’, and landings so that paddlers Dorney for our Olympic and then to refurbish a canal can launch and land with Paralympic squad, and a new side building from their landings at the correct disability ramp was installed council, and, to provide height above water level, at the National Watersports a new landing to the rather than the much higher Centre in Nottingham; home Kennet and Avon Canal. powered boat landings that to our Paracanoe team. • Newbury Canoe Club: they usually face. £15k to help them fund a Over the last year the British third party grant towards On the Medway at Yalding, Canoeing Capital Investment their replacement we have partnered with Programme (CIP) has grant clubhouse. our South East Regional supported 11 projects, • Poole Harbour Canoe Development Team and the with a further six under Club: £75k to help them Environment Agency (EA) consideration. Each of the replace their club house. to provide a paddler and projects has levered in a • Pershore Canoe EA staff toilet block close to minimum of 50% partnership Club: £50k towards a the British Canoeing land at funding. There were a wide clubhouse extension. Yalding Bridge. range of projects which are • SWIPE, Slough: £50k summarised below: to provide a shipping White Water Courses container-based facility We have awarded £100k Formal Facilities - Clubs alongside the Jubilee towards a weir bypass • Basingstoke and Dean River. channel located on the right Canoe Club: £50k to side of Pershore Weir. This help fit out their new We continue to have close is a three pool drop channel clubhouse located on the links with Sport England being built by the Avon banks of the Basingstoke (SE) and their lottery grant Canal Trust due for opening Canal. programmes of ‘Inspired’ and in 2016.

21 On the left side of Pershore Northumbrian Water’s Weir, we have funded, in co- drinking water abstraction operation with a hydro power facility. company, the widening of a ‘conjunctive’ larinier fish pass One issue we continue to so that paddlers can shoot fight is to be included in the the weir using the fish pass. planning and consenting process for informal facilities We are also working up two such as weir improvements, future weir bypass white fish passes, and hydro water courses; one is located schemes to maximise the alongside Howley Weir in opportunity for paddlers. Victoria Park, Warrington. Quite often, we are unaware A consortium of British of a project until it is already Canoeing, Warrington under construction, and Council, Peel Holdings and too late to reverse design the Environment Agency is decisions, sometimes working on the design of an resulting in safety issues for eight to ten pool drop white paddlers. water course and a Canoe Polo pitch.

The other white water course is at Linton-on-Ouse near York with a six pool drop course in partnership with a hydro power company. The project has already received local authority and EA consents. The future of both courses depends on funding.

Weirs At Riding Mill Weir on the River Tyne at Corbridge, we have worked with Northumbrian Water to provide steps and signage to enable paddlers to portage around the extremely dangerous weir at

22 Marketing & Communications

ith the launch to gain further momentum single, unified proposition to of our new in 2016 and maximise the our members, non-member website, the exposure of elite sport paddlers and potential Wimplementation provided by next summer’s sponsors and commercial of a new commercial Olympic Games to further partners. To aid this transition, strategy and the hosting grow our profile and we are developing a marketing of the ICF Canoe Slalom participation levels in all resources portal to ensure World Championships, areas of canoeing. all branded assets are easily 2015 was an extremely accessible to our disciplines exciting year for British Branding and Regional Development Canoeing. The Marketing and The ongoing process of Teams. Communications Team made rebranding the organisation great strides in streamlining has continued throughout The portal will host a range our communications 2015 and with some key of assets, from stationary and channels and exploring milestones having now event posters, to signage and new and innovative ways to been reached, the project is social media templates, many engage a range of audiences, nearing completion. Focus of which will be editable, with the aim of raising the has now shifted to rolling offering users the opportunity profile of the sport and out the rebrand to the to create bespoke resources. inspiring more people to go canoeing disciplines and our The portal will be launched canoeing. regional development teams. in early 2016 with a number Ensuring these elements of of key assets, with more The foundations we have put the organisation fully adopt resources being added in place this year will provide the new branding will allow throughout the year. us with a great opportunity us to present canoeing as a

23 Communication Channels In its place, we have already Over the five days of A phased launch of the new launched a digital replacement competition, more than 8,000 British Canoeing website began that is produced and distributed people attended the event with in June when a scaled down in house, representing a a total of 6,662 tickets sold. version of the final site went significant cost saving. live. Media outlets from around In April, a new role was created the world attended the event The website is based on a in the Communications Team to with more than 60 professional simple interface with a high focus on building and improving photographers and over 130 level of usability and combines our digital presence and journalists from print, TV, informative content with social media channels. A new radio and internet platforms, inspiring images. As a key touch approach based around two-way generating a global impact point for both existing and communication, quick responses for the World Championships. potential members, the new and a more informal tone of As well as streaming live ‘red website will help us meet our voice has helped create a sense button’ coverage across the strategic aim of helping and of community and boost user weekend of the competition, the inspiring people to go canoeing. engagement. BBC also produced a 75-minute highlights programme Moving forward, the website Events showcasing the excitement of will become the cornerstone Following on from the success the semi-finals and finals. of the British Canoeing of the 2014 Canoe Slalom World communications strategy and Cup, 2015 was another big year Other coverage included a two- one of the most powerful tools for British Canoeing as we hosted part Blue Peter film focusing available to promote the sport the ICF Canoe Slalom World on presenter Lindsey Russell’s of canoeing. Championships for the first time preparations to tackle the in 20 years. The event, which Olympic course during the Alongside the new website, took place at Lee Valley White World Championships, as well British Canoeing has also Water Centre from 16th-20th as features on BBC Breakfast, invested in a new database September, was a success both Look East and BBC London. that will combine membership on and off the water. Social media was used to great information with that gathered success in the build up to the from customers at touch points A comprehensive marketing event, as well as during the such as clubs, competitive and PR plan was initiated in competition to drive ticket events. participation early 2015 and utilised both sales, raise the profile of the programmes and our online online and offline channels to event and our athletes, and also presence. raise the profile of the event to engage with slalom fans and and drive ticket sales. The those unfamiliar with the sport. The ongoing streamlining of campaign targeted general A range of different content British Canoeing’s sports and Olympic sports was used to present the event, communication channels has fans, the local family market and our sport generally, in an included a greater focus on and the canoeing community. innovative and engaging way. digital communications and, as It focused on a number of key such, the decision was made messages, including the thrill Our annual flagship participation to cease production of Canoe and excitement of Canoe Slalom, event, “National Go Canoeing Focus magazine in a printed the event as a great family day Week,” followed its ongoing format. The final printed out and the fact that the Worlds trend of strong year-on-year edition of the magazine will be was a qualification race for the growth with the number of distributed in March 2016. Rio Olympics. participants increasing from

24 5,500 to 10,500. The increased stakeholders in the hosting participation resulted in a total of the 2015 ICF Canoe Slalom of 42,841 miles being paddled; World Championships and their a 26% increase on 2014’s figure. input was essential in ensuring the competition was a well- Commercial attended, successful event. In 2014, British Canoeing conducted a detailed commercial British Canoeing’s Olympic legacy review in order to establish an initiative, Go Canoeing, has integrated commercial strategy continued to enjoy the support to reduce the organisation’s of industry leading equipment reliance on public funding. manufacturers Palm, Perception In 2015, a new Commercial and Pyranha, as well as the Manager joined the team to National Trust, Canal and Rivers develop, plan and implement a Trust and fitness app provider commercial strategy with a view Endomondo. to increasing revenue streams both internally and externally. All our partners have made a significant commitment to A new range of British Canoeing canoeing and we are extremely merchandise was launched in grateful for their continued and conjunction with canoe and ongoing support. kayak equipment specialists ‘Hydra Sport’. The range includes fashion apparel, such as hoodies, polo shirts and hats, as well as sportswear, including base layers and soft shell jackets. Merchandise orders are produced and fulfilled by Hydra Sport and in 2016 there are plans to extend the range of products, including special limited edition runs to tie in with key events such as the Rio Olympics.

Partnership Working As well as building close relationships with our partners that provide member benefits, we have continued to work with a range of organisations to raise the profile of canoeing and to drive participation in the sport.

Lee Valley White Water Centre and the local authorities in the surrounding area were key

25 International Results During 2015, Great Britain’s athletes gained 108 medals at Major World and European International Competitions comprising of:32 Gold Medals, 34 Silver Medals and 42 Bronze Medals

World Champions

Canoe Slalom – ICF World Canoe Slalom – ICF Paracanoe – ICF World Championships – London, Under 23 & Junior World Championships – Milan, Great Britain – 16th-20th Championships – Foz Do Italy – 19th-21st August September 2015 Iguassu, Brazil – 22nd-26th 2015 April 2015 David Florence Emma Wiggs Gold Medal Adam Burgess Gold Medal Men’s C1 Gold Medal Women’s KL2 – 200m Men’s C1 (Under 23’s) Jeanette Chippington Gold Medal Women’s KL1 – 200m

Canoe Freestyle – ICF World Surf – World Championships Whitewater Rafting – World Championships – Ottawa, – Galicia, Spain – 29th June- Rafting Championships – Canada – 30th August-5th 5th July 2015 Sukabumi, Indonesia – September 2015 28th November-8th Jack Barker (England) December 2015 Hugo Anthony Gold Medal Gold Medal Open IC Men’s U19 R6 Team - Head Men’s K1 - Junior to Head Tamsin Green (England) Claire O’Hara Gold Medal Women’s R6 Team – Head Gold Medal Women HP to Head Women’s K1 – Squirt Tamsin Green (England) Gold Medal Women IC

26 European Champions

Canoe Slalom – ECA Canoe Slalom – ECA Under Canoe Marathon – ECA European Championships 23 & Junior European European Championships – – Markkleeberg, Germany – Championships – Krakow, Bohinj, Slovenia – 3rd-5th 29th-31st May 2015 Poland – 26th-30th August July 2015 2015 Kimberley Woods Magnus Gregory Gold Medal Eilidh Gibson, Mallory Gold Medal Women’s C1 Franklin, Jasmine Royle Men’s K1 – Junior Gold Medal Women’s C1 – U23 Team

Whitewater Rafting Paracanoe – ECA European – European Rafting Championships – Racice, Championships – Banja Czech Republic – 1st-3rd Luka, Bosnia Herzegovina – May 2015 19th-24th May 2015 Anne Dickins Women’s R6 – Overall Gold Medal Gold Medal Women’s KL3 – 200m

Women’s R6 – Head to Head Jeanette Chippington Gold Medal Gold Medal Women’s KL1 – 200m

Emma Wiggs Gold Medal Women’s KL2 – 200m

Ian Marsden Gold Medal Men’s KL1 – 200m

Robert Oliver Gold Medal Men’s KL3 – 200m

27 European Games Medallists

Canoe Sprint – European Games – Baku, Azerbaijan – 12th-28th June 2015

Lani Belcher Silver Medal Women’s K1 – 5,000m

Ed McKeever Bronze Medal Men’s K1 – 200m

Full details including individual medal winners are available at: http://bit.ly/bcmedallist

28 The Accounts For the year ended 31st October 2015, Company Number 1525484

2015 2014 Profit & Loss Account Income 10,849,656 9,992,710 Expenditure (11,125,891) (10,093,313) Operating Loss (276,235) (100,603) Interest receivable and similar income 26,813 37,723 Taxation on ordinary activities (10,917) (7,183) (Loss)/Profit on activities after interest and tax (260,339) (70,063) Profit Brought Forward 1,134,087 1,174,573 Transfers from/(to) another reserve 5,221 29,577 Retained Profit Carried Forward 878,969 1,134,087

Balance Sheet Fixed Assets 1,878,035 1,300,446 Current Assets 4,264,710 4,548,975 Current Liabilities (4,268,612) (4,388,872) Long-term Liabilities (877,923) (204,000) Net Assets 996,210 1,256,549

Profit and Loss Account 878,969 1,134,087 Other Reserves 117,241 122,462 Capital and Reserves 996,210 1,256,549

he overall loss for the Slalom World Championships. Copies of these can be obtained year of £260,339 reflects Operational priorities continue from British Canoeing, National the pressures felt by the to be, to provide attractive Watersports Centre, Adbolton Torganisation within the products and services in order Lane, Nottingham, NG12 2LU. year as Sport England and other to achieve sustainable financial grant funding increasingly needs viability for the organisation, to The full accounts were approved to be replaced by membership provide adequate resources for on 6th February 2016 and will or other commercial income the future development of the be filed with the Registrar of in a difficult market for sports sport. Companies. The auditor has sponsorship and competition issued unqualified reports on the from a range of sports and The accounts set out above are full annual financial statements events. a summary of the information and on the consistency of the taken from the full accounts. Directors’ Report with those It has been specifically impacted For further information, the financial statements. by costs relating to changes in full accounts, the auditor’s the organisation’s management report on these accounts and and by other nonrecurring events the Directors’ Report should be including hosting the ICF Canoe consulted.

29 The Board of Directors Mohamed Elsarky Mohamed Elsarky, British Canoeing’s Chairman, is the CEO of luxury chocolatier, ‘Godiva’. Mohamed’s corporate experience has been focused on commercial leadership.

Denise Barrett-Baxendale MBE Dr. Denise Barrett-Baxendale MBE is the Chief Executive Officer of Everton in the Community, the Club’s official charity, and the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Everton Football Club.

Alan Baker Alan Baker began canoeing in the early 60s, and the sport remains his main pastime. Alan holds an Honours degree in Design Technology and Educational Management, and has been involved in all disciplines of the sport throughout his teaching career.

David Belbin David Belbin has been canoeing since school. By profession, David is a Chartered Accountant and previously worked in the for PWC.

Stephen Craig Stephen is President and former Treasurer of the Canoe Association of Northern Ireland (CANI). He works freelance in the outdoor industry and trains groups for the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

30 David Gent David Gent, began canoeing at an early age, and has worked in a variety of different organisations, all connected with sport, from Further and Higher Education, Local Authorities, Private Sector, and Central Government.

Steve Linksted Steve started paddling in the mid 1980’s and became a coach in 1988; he remains an active coach today, coaching several times a week. Steve is currently the Chair of Stirling and Falkirk Canoe Club and a Director of the Scottish Canoe Association. For his day job, Steve is an Air Traffic Controller and also holds a private pilot’s licence.

Andy Maxted Andy spent over 35 years as a business development, marketing and public relations specialist with a range of public and private sector organisations. Andy has also raced in the disciplines of Slalom, Wild Water Racing and Marathon.

Paul Owen Paul was Chief Executive of British Canoeing. He resigned in June 2015.

Greg Smale Greg represented the GBR Canoe Polo Senior Team for ten years, coached the GBR Women’s Canoe Polo Team for four years and then the GBR Men’s team for a further four years.

31 Thanks & Acknowledgements

The success of British Canoeing could not have been achieved without the dedicated support of our established network of clubs, volunteers and coaches. Thank you to everyone who has contributed over the past year and made our wonderful sport what it is, for both new and experienced paddlers.

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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