Paddle UK are conducting research into canoe slalom and kayak cross competition participation.
The project is in collaboration with the British Canoe Slalom Committee and the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS).
Over the last decade there has been a decline in numbers participating and supporting canoe slalom in the UK.
We want to better understand participant engagement to identify what might be contributing to drop out.
We also want to know what is supporting retention, alongside developing a competition pathway for kayak cross.
There will be a number of phases to this research: a mix of surveys, interviews and focus groups throughout the year.
We want to hear from as many people as possible.
You could be an active competitor at any age or level, a parent, a volunteer or have been involved in any other way with the sport past or present.
This will help inform a vision leading into 2025 and beyond.
The outcome of the research is to develop a collective action plan and recommendation, informed by the community, to help us all collectively shape the future of canoe slalom and kayak cross in the UK.
To complete the survey, which will remain open until 13 May, click here.
In-person focus groups will be taking place at the following races:
Pinkston Division 2/3 16 March 2024
Holme Pierrepont Prem/Junior/U23 selection 13th – 14 April 2024.
Please look out for details ahead of the events so that you can join a discussion with the TASS researcher supporting this work.