Wales The Jewel in the Crown for Canoeing ?

The WCA Welsh Canoeing Association – company ltd by guarantee Sports Council for Wales recognised NGB for Canoeing in Wales Federal Links with the British Canoe Union Home Nations C.A.N.I, CE, SCA

The WCA Coaching and Coaching Development Participation and Club Development Performance and Excellence Development of the Paddle Sport Disciplines Management of Canolfan Tryweryn

Canolfan Tryweryn The National White Water Centre, Bala Environment Agency Wales owned site Unique resource in the UK Dam released river – providing 250 days of high class white water per year. Used for competition, recreational paddling and as the largest rafting operation in Europe. Approx 70,000 Visitors per annum

Canoeing Not just something we all did once upon a time in our youth… Sport and a recreation with many disciplines Tourism Activity Educational Tool Form of Employment Environmentally friendly activity Sport that offers something for everyone

Something for Everyone

Something for Everyone

Something for Everyone

Something for Everyone

Something for everyone

Canoeing in Wales Over 60 clubs in Wales 2 Million People canoeing each year (UK) Estimate 20,000 people canoeing in Wales each weekend Climbing Higher – canoeing can meet the social, health and sporting goal of this initiative Medals for Wales / GB Olympic and World stage Employment / Tourism

Is Wales the Jewel in the Crown?

Barriers to access Legal Framework in relation to access to water: Dated: Law from the time of William 1st and Charlemagne – water sport a modern invention Current Interpretation Unless you are paddling on a Navigation, or tidal section of water: Need the permission of the land owner to get to the water, and Permission form the riparian / sporting rights owners to use the water This permission is all too often withheld! There is no obligation on riparian owners to provide access to water for recreation. Riparian Owners / tenants often seek impose exclusive use

Access to Water Wales has over 300 rivers that are canoeable Access is available to small sections of 13 of these rivers In England and Wales : Less than 4% of the linear river resource in England and Wales has any public access or rights of navigation Or: Only 1,000 miles out of 40,000 Miles is available for use

Problem Exclusive to England and Wales In most other countries the public has rights to access water for sport and recreation. Iraq?? Scotland (Law is different) Traditional right to roam extended to water Scottish Land Reform Bill – Enshrined these rights + Gave responsibilities to those using the land / code of conduct under this legislation

Massive problem for canoeing in England and Wales Canoeing has realised this Problem for WTB, Tourism Problem for Government / UK Sport Problem for the public Problem for rowers Swimmers Gorge Walkers; and River Surfers / any new water sport….

What can be done Legislative Change C.R.O.W Act 2000 Did not include water / access to water. Rivers Access Campaign – BCU Initiative to seek changes to allow access for all forms of non-powered craft

Rivers Access Campaign Lead to 2 studies by DEFRA Confirmed that access to water is a problem With access 96% of waters restricted Listed a number of ways to address the problem Range Access Agreements Full legislation

DEFRA / EA Access Projects In England Only 4 Possible agreements to 4 rivers over 2 years BCU happy to see these initiatives as a start: Agreements will not do the job for water sport. 7816 rivers to tackle …… 50 years of effort and negotiation= 4% resolved via access agreements! Funding limited… Government agency undertaking the work May not give what need now / future (Some agreements are for only a few days of the year( Little surprise BCU considers legislation to be the only appropriate way to address the problem.

All party group on Waterways Consider the missed opportunities for Sport & Recreation, Health / fitness Tourism Employment Widen the remit of the group to look at all forms of water. Investigate the legal position and push for changes in Wales / progress towards greater access to water. Legal position is unacceptable / antiquated Conflict will arise if this problem is not dealt with centrally.

Cardiff Bay WCA Remit to address Access Produce Facilities for year round canoeing Cardiff Bay: Partnership with C.H.A Secured access to the Bay and sections of the Taff and Ely. Secured the employment of a full time development officer Secured the development of a paddle sport centre to develop both canoeing and rowing in Cardiff & water sport participation

Cardiff Bay White Water Centre

Cardiff Bay White Water Centre