Paddlefest 2022 Wrap up

Paddlefest 2022 was the first event that we’ve run in the heart of Cardiff Bay since Covid put things on hold, apprehension of what the weekend would hold this year was an understatement! It’s safe to say that Paddlefest 2022 was our biggest and most fun event yet! 

In a unique opportunity, the stars aligned to make paddlefish 3 days long with different racing and fun each day. Starting on Saturday 30th April we hosted the White Water Extravaganza with beaming smiles all around it’s not one that will forget in a hurry! With a record number of entries to the infamous  Ducky Derby, epic rodeo skill, nail-biting boater cross and finishing the day with the crowd-pleasing freestyle competition, the staff and helpers made sure everyone slept well! Some incredible organisation by the CIWW team made this “my most fun day ever in the water” one paddler stated.

The Sunday held the GB SUP Race with the pinnacle race saw over 200 racers race from the bay, up the Afon Taff and back up the Ely before finishing outside CIWW, this was the best attended SUP race to date with great contests in both male and female races with the females coming down to a sprint finish with ex CIWW staff member Emily Evans coming in 2nd (Check this). 

The bank holiday Monday saw the GB Canoe Slalom team on the water racing against the clock down a tricky course to become crowned Cardiff Bay Champion. The Welsh squad that trains regularly here were out in force and everyone put down some stylish performances with local Etienne Chappell finishing in 2nd place, Will Coney in 1st (Check) and Megan Hamer Evans in 3rd (Check). 

Check out all the fun in the video below and come and join us for Paddlefest 2023 on the early May bank holiday.