The Big Paddle, Exeter: 2 days to go!

Hi all,

Two days to go until the Big Paddle event in Exeter on Sunday! The weather’s looking amazing, the river tours are filling up and we’re loading the van with cardboard for the cardboard canoe race!

So if you’re around in the South West of the UK this weekend and fancy a paddle, why not come along and join us on Sunday? Here are some images from last year’s Big Paddle at Symonds Yat to tempt you.

More information and last minute tickets: www.thebigpaddle.com

WHAT’S ON?

Guided Tours

Guided Tours. Not sure of the route but don’t want to resort to the map? Then why not join one of our free guided tours.
An experienced guide will lead you round the Big Five paddle, making sure you don’t get lost along the way!

10.00am Nature Tour

10.15am History Tour

10.30am Guided Tour

10.45am Nature Tour

11.00am History Tour

11.15am Guided Tour

Nature Tours

Although just outside the city, the Exe Big Paddle route offers some wonderful opportunities for sightings, including Otters, kingfishers a wide variety of ducks, wading birds, dippers, wagtails and more! Accompanied by a local expert groups of ten will head out to see what can be found.

Guided nature tours will  run in two sessions. The first starts at 10.00am and the second at 10.45am. Places will be on a first come first served basis. Please register online. Booking will also be available on the day if spaces are still available. Participants will need to provide their own equipment.

Local History Tours

Like the natural habitat, the Big Paddle Route is historic and local experts will be on hand to guide groups of up to ten along the route highlighting points of interest and the stories and facts that go with them.

Guided history tours will run in two sessions. 10.15am and 11.00am. Places will be on a first come first served basis. Please register online. Booking will also be available on the day if spaces are still available. Participants will need to provide their own equipment.

Booking onto tours

Please indicate if you’d like to join one of our guided tours when you buy your tickets.

Cardboard Canoe Race

The grand finale of the Exe Big Paddle will be the Cardboard canoe race. The race will take place in the Quay outside the Piazza at 3:30 pm, but all participants must arrive for registration and craft inspection at 3:00 pm. Entrants into the race should be 16 or over, and helmets and PFDs must be worn. Staff will be on hand with materials should you wish to ‘build’ on the day. There are prizes for best boat design, best-dressed boat (including paddlers), and of course race winners! The Cardboard Canoe Race will be governed by a ‘gentleman’s agreement’.

Come and try it

Whether its for the first time, or just to do something a little
easier, we are hosting ever popular ‘Come and try it’ sessions
throughout the day.

Our team of instructors from Globe 360 are experts at getting you on
and off the water in a fun, safe and relaxed environment. Over the
years they have been responsible for thousands of paddlers first ‘have-
a-go’ experience and can proudly boast that many have become hooked
afterwards.

Sessions will be hosted on the canal side and will run from 9.30am to
3pm on a rolling basis, with water time between 10 and 20 minutes.
It’s not limited to one session either.

You don’t need to bring anything, apart from a smile; although there
is a possibility you could get a little damp, so a change of clothes
may be worthwhile. Non-swimmers are fine.

You will need to fill out a registration form and under 18′s will need
a parent or guardian present to sign for them.  Minimum age is 5.

So what are you waiting for – get on and have a go!