Paddlefest 2024

CIWW Paddlefest is back for 2024, 5th May, despite rain falling on the past 2 Paddlefest events in 2022 and 2023 we have got the order in early, and this year is set to be a scorcher! But if the rain returns to the May bank holiday it won’t phase us. We have an all-singing (Literally!) plan in store, including live music from the official Live Lounge, local food from the Farmers Pantry and coffee from Coffie Pass. Oh, we almost forgot to mention the paddling... oops... the day plan doesn’t need to go much further than knowing the Ducky Derby is returning for 2024 along with all the favourite paddling competitions throughout the day. This year's Paddlefest will also contain the first ever Welsh Championships Kayak Cross (an event that will make its Olympic debut in Paris this year!) alongside the GB SUP and GB Canoe Slalom races.  

Are you coming to spectate for the day? We’ve made sessions for you to book during the day! You can book our Indoor Wave, Air Trail and SUP Tasters on the day if it all gets too much and you want to get involved. The white water will be flowing all weekend, but there’s so much more to get involved with than just that! 
Check out below for the 2023 highlight reel!

All Day Food and Drink

Freshly ground artisan coffee will start your day off from the second the doors open, food stalls will be serving breakfast, lunch and dinner all day long. There will be a Bar Open to those not paddling or after you’ve finished. Our balcony offers a bird's eye view of the white water course or bring a picnic + blanket and grab your space on the grass to watch the action all day. 

All Day DJ and LIVE MUSIC 

The background tunes to spur on the action will be provided by the CIWW house DJ with Live Music sets from the Official Cardiff Live Lounge setting the atmosphere all day long. 

Trade stands and demo boats 

We've teamed up with some of white water's leading brands including Dagger, Pyranha and Waka to bring you stacks of great kayaks to demo that will be available all day. Along with a whole host of other trade stands that will have teams of industry professionals to offer advice and fitting info, as well as answer any questions you have - so come on down, browse the stalls and start the conversation. 

Park and Play Kayaking 

We've put on the Paddlefest special releasing all levels of white water throughout the day, starting with 4 and 6 cumecs for the morning sessions moving onto 8 cumecs for the afternoon session. All the way through to Kayak Cross on 10 cumecs. 

Park and Play special 

Along with discounted park and play, we also have exclusive KAYAKING ONLY sessions where it will be RAFT FREE for sections of the day, including a RAFT FREE MORNING! (See poster for exact times!) 

First time paddling but never been? 

We have opportunities to get involved from White Water Rafting, Indoor Wave and SUP Taster lessons. Don’t fancy getting wet? Why not challenge yourself to take on our Air Trail that takes you zip-lining right above all the paddlers below! The activities can be pre booked via our website or bookable on the day, but when the spots are full, the spots are full, sorry! 

Competitions & Races 

Kayak Cross - Ducky Derby - Freestyle  

We will have sign-ups for all races and competitions on the day open from 11am for races and competitions for all abilities, after the success from last year we will be running freestyle and ducky derby competitions on both 6 Cumecs and 8 cumec level for beginners and intermediate as well as 8/10 for the advanced leagues too! Not sure what each competition involves? Head to the sign-ups stand by the DJ booth and we’ll tell you everything you need to know! These can be just as great being a spectator as competing! 

GB SUP RACE 

The 2024 National Stand Up Paddleboard Distance Race Season is back. This epic race event has 2 races, the 10KM Elite race and the 6km Challenge (4 Hour time cap) there is something for everyone. So if you enjoy SUPing and want to try out racing this is the perfect opportunity. 

To enter head over to gbsup.co.uk  

Monday 6th May - Premier and Beginner Canoe Slalom 

Come and watch some of the best kayakers in the UK and the Welsh performance team battle it out to come Cardiff Bay Slalom Champion 2024. Fancy giving canoe slalom a go for the first time? Seren Dwr Slalom canoe club are running a beginners canoe slalom race on the lake with full training and kit available with race entry. For the beginner race, go to the signup tent on Monday morning. 

Parking 

The international sports village will be a buzz of excitement over the bank holiday weekend. We have opened up extra car parks for the occasion and we will transform the ‘Drop of Zone’ to a boat park for the day. Free parking is available in a large car park next to the CIWW or opposite Ice Arena Wales. As well as additional parking can be found behind the ice rink and swimming pool. 

So, why not make a weekend of it? 

Only 25 minutes away from the surf, grab your kids and your kit and make a bank holiday weekend of it! With plenty of places to stay near Cardiff, get yourself a base to explore the coast while you find yourself in beautiful South Wales!