Big Avon Paddle 2026

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Get involved in The Big Avon Paddle

The Big Avon Paddle is a fun, inclusive fundraising event on the River Avon, bringing people together for a great day on the water while raising money in support of Keynsham Mencap and Variety, the Children’s Charity.

Open to all ages and abilities, the event gives participants the choice of different paddle routes and the freedom to take part at their own pace, whether by canoe, kayak or paddleboard. (All can be hired).

Hosted in partnership with CK Sup & Paddle at The Boathouse in Bath, the day is all about challenge, enjoyment and community spirit, with every paddle helping to create opportunities that reduce isolation and improve lives.

Buy Tickets

Sponsor the event

When: Saturday 12th September 2026, 8.30am – 6pm

Where: The Boathouse, Newbridge, Bath

Why take part

The Big Avon Paddle is about more than just a day on the river – it’s a chance to do something memorable together while changing lives for local people with learning disabilities and autism.

For individuals, friends and families

Whether you’re new to paddleboarding or already love being on the water, this is a relaxed, friendly event where you can paddle at your own pace and enjoy the stunning River Avon.

Choose a route that suits you, soak up the atmosphere at The Boathouse and make a day of it with music, food and family fun on the riverbank.

Every pound you raise helps turn isolation into friendship, funding regular clubs, trips and activities where our members can build confidence, independence and real connections.

For businesses and teams

The Big Avon Paddle is a ready‑made team‑building day with purpose: get colleagues out of the office, working together, having fun and doing something that genuinely matters in your local community.

Your sponsorship helps keep our clubs and projects running, providing vital opportunities for children and adults who would otherwise miss out – and shows your staff, customers and suppliers what your business stands for.

Benefits for your business

Positive local brand exposure before, during and after the event.
Association with two trusted charities making a visible difference in the community.
Engaging team-building opportunity for your staff.
Great content for your CSR reporting and social media.

Who you are supporting when you get involved

Keynsham Mencap run 11 social and special interest clubs for all ages of children and adults with learning disabilities and autism.

Supporting the Big Avon Paddle means we can continue to run our clubs and expand our offering. Just this year we have added a toddler group and a children’s sports club.

We are grateful to CK Paddle & SUP for choosing to support our small, self-funded charity and have a great day with Daz.

Daz Sims BEM is a proud ambassador of Variety, the Children’s Charity and Variety’s split of the Big Avon Paddle will go towards a Sunshine Coach minibus helping disabled and disadvantaged children.

This will help them experience days out, trips to events and will be much appreciated.

Variety are proud to be in partnership with Keynsham Mencap in this year’s Big Avon Paddle.

Your donations will help so many people with these two great charities.

Take part – tickets and fundraising

Saturday 12 September, The Boathouse, Bath. Enjoy a beautiful paddle along the Avon plus live music, family fun and activities on the riverbank.

Standard ticket – £20

Includes entry to The Big Avon Paddle for one adult.

Add an event T-shirt for £12.50 when you buy your ticket.

Family ticket – £50

Includes entry to The Big Avon Paddle for a family of 3, 4 or 5 people (2 x adults maximum).

Add an event T-shirt for £12.50 when you buy your ticket.

Fundraise or donate instead

Aim to raise at least £100 in sponsorship, or choose to pay £50 in lieu of fundraising.

We’ll send you simple links and instructions to set up your fundraising page.

Paddle boards and equipment

Add information here about paddle board hire and safety – for example, details from the event page about CK Sup & Paddle, what’s included, and what to bring.

Buy tickets and find out more

Enquire about sponsorship

Sponsor a paddler

Volunteer or donate prizes

Sponsor The Big Avon Paddle

We’re inviting local businesses to partner with us as event sponsors. Your support will help raise vital funds for Keynsham Mencap and Variety while giving your business positive exposure to local families, paddlers and supporters.

Brand visibility at The Boathouse in the weeks leading up to the event.
Promotion across social media channels including Keynsham Mencap, Daz’s Rock 4 Charity, CK Sup & Paddle and The Boathouse.
Logo on event flyers and, for Gold sponsors, on event T-shirts.
Thank-you mentions during the event and in our newsletters.

Normal sponsorship package

From £200

Your banner (up to 3m x 1m) at The Boathouse for 2 weeks before the event.
Social media mentions from Keynsham Mencap, Daz’s Rock 4 Charity, CK Sup & Paddle and The Boathouse.
Your logo on our event flyer.
Thank-you mention from Daz on the day.

Gold sponsorship package

From £500

All benefits of the Normal package.
Larger logo on the event flyer.
Mention in our newsletters including “The Shout” the Fire Fighters Charity magazine
Your logo on the event T-shirts.

We’re also happy to discuss bespoke sponsorship opportunities for larger partnerships.

Your logo on the event T-shirt

Gold sponsors will feature on the official event T-shirts worn by paddlers and volunteers on the day.

Sponsor a paddler

If you’d like to support a friend, colleague or family member taking part, you can sponsor their paddle. Ask them for the link to their fundraising page, or contact us and we’ll help you find someone to support.

Ask your paddler for the link to their fundraising page and donate online.
If you don’t have a specific paddler in mind, email us and we’ll match you with someone to support.
Businesses can sponsor a staff team and even match-fund their total.

Get help sponsoring a paddler