THE LEGACY of the founder of a Thames-side canoe centre continues to live on, thanks to a team of staff and volunteers.
Wokingham Waterside Centre, at Thames Valley Park, is celebrating its 21st anniversary this month.
The facility opened in February 2001. It was the result of a decade of campaigning for improved access to the water for canoeists by Scout leader, John Cooper.
John died in 2013 after a short battle with cancer, but his ambition for residents to enjoy paddling along the Thames is still being fulfilled.
Assistant operations manager Connor Maroney says that people holidaying in the UK last summer led to an increase in visitors to the centre.
As a result, the centre has been able refurbish some areas and buy new kit. This included expanding its fleet of katakanus for people with additional needs to get out onto the water.
“A katakanu is basically two Canadian canoes linked together to improve stability so they won’t capsize,” Connor explains.
“They are used for organised social groups as well as individuals, and we’ve noticed an increase in confidence amongst regulars.
“One person has progressed to a sit-on-top kayak, which is fantastic.”
The centre, which is a not-for-profit organisation, bought the sit-on-tops in 2020 thanks to a £3,800 grant from Toyota’s Para Spirit project.
Get Berkshire Active funded free, women-only paddleboarding sessions with female instructors last year to encourage more women to try the sport.
Wokingham Waterside Centre’s ethos of progression and accessibility also extends to staff and volunteers. Several younger members of staff, including Connor, first attended the centre’s youth clubs before becoming volunteer and then paid activity instructors there.
Amie Warner, 16, is working on a level three City and Guilds team leader apprenticeship at the centre. She is the youngest member of staff.
“I’ve been paddling since I was a toddler,” she says. “I gained my instructor award when I was 14 and now I want to give other kids the same opportunities I had.
“Being outside is something I enjoy, and I wanted to do something a bit different after GCSEs.”
Connor agrees, saying that he is enjoying the chance to give something back to the centre, which has nurtured his love of kayaking since he was 12. He credits Kathryn Hill and James Guy, centre managers, for creating a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere.
“The family feel of the centre keeps people coming back,” he says.
“We’ve already got a lot of repeat bookings from schools who visited us for trips last year and we’re looking forward to another successful year.”
Wokingham Waterside Centre’s outdoor season runs from April to October. During winter months, it runs pool sessions. The centre is also home to Wokingham Canoe Club and University of Reading Canoe Club, which meet all year round.
For more information, visit: wokinghamwatersidecentre.com
