Queer Outdoors Club (QOC) is an inclusive LGBTQ+ space run by members of the community. It provides a safe space to try outdoor activities, learn new skills, make friends, and have fun. Paddling with Pride is a free event hosted in collaboration between QOC and Paddle UK.

Paddling with Pride will give people the opportunity to come and try a variety of paddling activities, find out more about how you can get on the water near you and see what other opportunities are available for LGBTQ+ people in Leicestershire.

Whether you’ve paddled before or are completely new to the water, people of all identities are invited to join us for paddling fun! We will have lots of different types of boats on offer, for individuals, pairs and groups.

We want this to be a really colourful and joyous event – flags and facepaint are heavily encouraged!

You will need to complete a consent form before getting on the water, which you can do in-person on the day. Please note, this event is open to anyone aged 16+.

HOW TO GET THERE

The event will be held at Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre (LOPC), a charity based right next to the River Soar, close to Leicester’s city center. If you have any questions regarding travel or need any advice on how to get there, please get in touch with Georgie the event coordinator.

Getting to the event by car

LOPC is located just off the A6, 3 miles north of the city centre. It is easily accessible from the M1, M69, and A46.

There are brown road signs in the local area which read ‘Outdoor Pursuits Centre’ and show an icon of a person hiking which can help direct you to the site.

There is plenty of free parking available at the centre, which is suitable for cars and minibuses.

Getting to the event by public transport

LOPC has several bus stops within walking distance. The main bus routes from Leicester or Loughborough are the 127 or Skylink. Some bus routes stop on the A607/Melton Road, which is a 20-30 minute walk up Loughborough road to reach the centre.

Leicester Railway Station has direct links to lots of major cities, from there you can get a bus, taxi or Uber over to LOPC.

Getting to the event by bicycle or on foot

There is a car-free pedestrian and cycle path that follows the River Soar, which you can use to access the centre from both the North and the South.

There is a covered bike shelter at the entrance to the main reception building, we recommend you bring your own bike lock.

WHAT TO WEAR AND WHAT TO BRING

We welcome anything pride-themed, whether it’s clothes, flags or facepaint!

All activities will be taking place outdoors, so please ensure you are prepared for all types of weather.

Clothing

We recommend you wear something you don’t mind getting wet, such as lightweight leggings or trousers, shorts, or other sports kit. For shoes, we suggest wearing trainers or footwear designed for watersports.

You should avoid heavy clothing such as jeans or thick jogging bottoms, and shoes which can easily fall off such as wellies and flip flops.

Craft (e.g – canoe, kayak, paddleboard, bellboat)

All craft and equipment will be provided on the day, including buoyancy aids. For your own safety, you will not be permitted to use any craft without the appropriate buoyancy aids.

We recommend leaving any personal items which are not water-resistant (such as phones, car keys or watches) on dry land, or place them in a waterproof pouch while you’re out on the water. You will have the opportunity to leave any valuables in the main office if preferred.

Please do not bring your own craft unless you have discussed this with us beforehand.

Dogs

We welcome well-behaved and friendly dogs. All dogs must be kept on leads while on the site.

Before bringing your dog, please consider whether they will be able to happily ride with you on the water. We recommend the use of doggy life-jackets.

We cannot accept any responsibility for the safety of dogs on the water.

ACCESSIBILITY

Parking

The car park surface is uneven gravel. The most accessible place to park is in the spaces next to the reception building entrance (where there is a concrete path), or the spaces at the back of the carpark next to the grass.

Venue access

All buildings on the site have step free access, and all inside spaces being used on the day are wheelchair accessible.

There are seats available around the site, both inside and outside. Including wooden picnic benches and soft-covered chairs.

Toilets and Changing Facilities

We are proud to be part of the national Changing Places scheme with our very own Changing Places toilet and shower room.

The ‘Changing Places’ section of our website has more information on the specific accessibility features we have available, as well as a virtual tour of the facility.

We also have an accessible toilet inside the main building, as well as eight separate toilet cubicles and two open changing areas. Showers with privacy curtains are available in the changing areas.

Craft

You can read about some of the adaptations we are able to offer on the ‘Inclusive Paddling’ section of our website.

Please contact Georgie, the event coordinator, via the email address at the top of this page, if you need a craft with specific accessibility adaptations that aren’t mentioned in the above link.

River access

There are fully accessible launch points onto the River Soar from LOPC. These include:

• concrete paths up to the river’s edge
• step free access from the carpark to the river
• hoists at both launches
• ramped access into the water if you would rather get into a craft on dry land

Please get in touch if you have any questions or want to see any photos of the river access points.

FOOD AND REFRESHMENTS

We will be offering free soft drinks, hot drinks, and snacks. You are also welcome to bring lunch and enjoy a picnic onsite, there are wooden benches around the area as well as indoor seating at tables.

There is a:

• Lidl within 5-minute walking distance of the centre, along Loughborough Road.
• McDonalds within 5-minute walking distance, on Abbey Lane.
• Gregg’s within 15-minute walking distance, also on Abbey Lane.

NO TOLERANCE EVENT

This event is being conducted in the spirit of inclusion, community and allyship. Discrimination, harassment or bullying of any kind will not be tolerated. If we receive reports of discriminatory behaviour or language you will be asked to leave the event, and Paddle UK will take necessary action.

PHOTOGRAPHY PERMISSION

Photography and filming will be taking place throughout the event. If you do not wish to be photographed during your time at the event, please contact the event organisers.

CANCELLATIONS

This event is free to attend, and cancellations are not required if you are unable to attend.

The cancellation policy for this event is the responsibility of the organiser. Please use the contacts for this to request details.

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Please note that by entering this event you may find yourself being photographed or filmed. By booking onto this event you are consenting to this taking place. If you have any concerns we recommend you contact the relevant event organiser before you book using the contact details supplied.