Come and have fun paddling on the river and raising money for Keynsham Mencap.
Event Overview
Join us for The Big Avon Paddle to help support the social lives of people with learning disabilities within our community!
We are thrilled to be the chosen charity for this year’s Big Avon Paddle, hosted by CK Sup & Paddle on Saturday 13th September 2025. It will take place at The Boathouse, Newbridge Road, Bath, BA1 3NB. Timings on the day are as follows:
08.30 AM – On-site sign-in opens.
09.00 AM – Official welcome and safety briefing.
10.00 AM – Mass launch.
06.00 PM – Off the water.
Event Details
The day promises to deliver lots of fun, challenges and adventures for everyone. All abilities and ages are welcome. Canoes, Kayaks, paddle boards and more. There’s a shorter 1.5-mile loop or a longer 4.5-mile loop, both heading downstream towards Saltford and back to The Boathouse.
It’s up to you which route you choose, how many loops you do, the pace you do them at or even if you mix up the routes, it’s your challenge & your choice!
Equipment & Buoyancy Aids
You can bring your own canoe, paddleboard, Kayak, or absolutely anything safe, floaty, and paddleable. If you don’t have your own craft, contact CK S & P. They have various crafts available to hire for a small fee for the day,but make sure you book early, as there’s limited availability!
Buoyancy aids/life jackets are MANDATORY for all persons taking part in this event. If you don’t have your own, then don’t hesitate to get in touch with CK Sup & P to discuss hiring one for the event.
Prices
Standard entry: £20
Family Entry: £50 (family of 3, 4, or 5 people – max 2 adults)
T-shirt: There is an optional add-on for a Big Avon Paddle T-shirt. Funds will also go to supporting K&DMS.
What is included with my ticket?
Each entry fee includes a finisher’s medal and a light lunch, courtesy of The Boathouse.
FAQs
Who can take part?
The event is open to everyone! There is no minimum (or maximum) age limit. Children are welcome to take part but are the responsibility of a parent or appropriate adult at all times. People with reduced mobility, who do not already have their own craft, may want to consider hiring a Katakanu from CK Sup & Paddle, (limited availability). We have taken many people out on the river with CK Sup & Paddle, who have varying degrees of physical disability. If you are unsure, contact CK Sup & Paddle at info@channelkayaks.co.uk.
Do I need to bring my own Paddleboard/craft?
Yes, if you have your own. If not, please contact CK S & P in the first instance as they have a limited number of different types of craft available to hire for the day. (Restrictions apply).
Do I need to wear a life jacket?
Yes. Life jackets/buoyancy aids/PFDs are mandatory for this event. Anyone not wearing one will be refused entry to the water for their own safety. If you do not have one, then contact CK Sup & Paddle in the first instance as they have a limited number to hire for the day.
I’ve never paddled before; can I still take part?
Absolutely. As long as you are wearing a buoyancy aid, safety marshals will be patrolling the river throughout the event and CK S & P staff will be on hand to assist and to give advice. In addition, volunteers from K & D.M.S will be situated at the start, and turnaround points of the route.
The event runs from 8:30 am to 6 pm, do I have to stay all day?
Not at all. We’d obviously love you to stay for the full day, but the amount of paddling you do and how long you stay is entirely up to you. Signing in opens at 08:30am with launching beginning at 10am after an official welcome and safety briefing. Once you have finished on the water, you are welcome to sit back, relax and make the most of the hospitality and entertainment while you’re with us.
Do I have to collect sponsorship?
We are asking everyone to aim to raise £50 in sponsorship for the event. These vital funds will help us to deliver activities and events that improve the lives of people with learning disabilities.
The easiest way to do this is on-line. There is a link on the Keynsham Mencap website that takes you to our LocalGiving page.
Is there an entry fee?
There is a small fee of just £20 to enter, or just £50 for a family of 3,4 or 5 (max 2 adults). Included in your entry fee is a finishers medal and a free light lunch, courtesy of The Boathouse, Bath.
Can I get a refund?
In the event that you are not able to attend, or if you change your mind, we unfortunately are not able to offer refunds for The Big Avon Paddle.
In the event that the weather conditions are not ideal, The Big Avon Paddle will still go ahead and we encourage you to dress accordingly.
This event is a huge fundraiser for us and as a self funded charity every penny really makes a difference. Please be assured your donations will be put to good use, improving the lives of local children and adults with learning disabilities.