Each August Bank Holiday weekend, for several years now, local charity Paddle Peak have run ‘Come and Try Kayaking’ sessions free to local youngsters keen to get on the water, as part of the Cromford Mills Adventure Weekend. The Cromford canal offers a brilliant and safe space to try kayaking for the first time, and the weekend being staffed by such well experienced and qualified paddlers is a unique opportunity.
This year was no different, and around 275 children took part in the sessions over three days and had the opportunity to meet Team GB Olympic athletes. Fresh from the Paris 2024 Games, silver medallist, Adam Burgess and 2 x bronze medallist, Kimberly Woods were on hand to talk about their experiences, show off medals and sign posters.
Alongside the ‘Come and Try Kayaking’ sessions, Paddle Peak also organised and ran a family orientated kayaking competition called the Peak Challenge. Around 60 paddlers aged between 6 and 60 took to the River Derwent in Cromford, for this inaugural multi-discipline event. Results from individual Canoe Slalom, Downriver and Kayak Cross events would decide an overall Peak Challenge champion.
Paddle Peak is a local charity and club that cleans and cares for the River Derwent, and takes local youngsters kayaking. For more information checkout their Facebook Page and website: www.paddlepeak.org
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