WORDS: DEWI PENNELL PHOTOS: CHELMARSH SUP CLUB
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CHELMARSH
INCLUSIVE PADDLE DAY:
Breaking barriers on the water
WORDS: DEWI PENNELL PHOTOS: CHELMARSH SUP CLUB
IN DECEMBER 2024, A FELLOW CLUB MEMBER REACHED OUT WITH AN EXCITING OPPORTUNITY – PADDLE UK’ S STRONGER TOGETHER FUND WAS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS, AND CHELMARSH SAILING CLUB HAD THE CHANCE TO BID FOR FUNDING. THERE WAS JUST ONE CATCH: THE DEADLINE WAS ONLY A WEEK AWAY! IT IS A CHALLENGE, NO DOUBT, BUT ONE WORTH PURSUING.
The Stronger Together Fund is designed to support initiatives that make paddling more accessible, whether through staff training, improved facilities, or fostering opportunities for underrepresented communities. With the sport’ s popularity soaring, Paddle UK is keen to ensure that everyone has a safe, high-quality, and enjoyable paddling experience regardless of ability.
Keen to engage the club’ s membership, I asked if anyone had ideas for our bid. Soon, a local charity, Bethphage, contacted me, suggesting an inclusive Stand-Up Paddleboarding( SUP) project. Their facility overlooks the reservoir, and many of the people they support have expressed interest in trying SUP— until now, the opportunity hadn’ t existed.
Bethphage, founded in 1994, provides specialist support for adults( 18 +) with learning disabilities, autism, and mental health needs across Shropshire and the West Midlands. Their approach is person-centred, helping individuals engage in meaningful activities, develop essential life skills, and connect with their community. One of their latest developments, Blossom Barns, offers farm-based experiences focusing on horticulture, animal care, and practical skills. Their ethos of inclusivity and empowerment perfectly aligned with my vision for the club.
Making SUP more accessible was also a deeply personal mission. My wife had long watched my daughter and me enjoying time on the water, but arthritis and mobility challenges prevented her from joining us. As a SUP coach, I felt a responsibility to help— but lacked the confidence to ensure her comfort and safety on the board. A conversation with inclusive paddling expert Will Behenna sparked ideas months earlier, but I hadn’ t acted on them. With a potential grant, a passionate club member’ s suggestion, and my personal motivation, everything seemed to align.