JUNE PADDLER SPOTLIGHT
Words by Aisha Garwood
# SHEPADDLES AMBASSADOR SUPPORTS ANNUAL WOMEN ’ S REGATTA IN BIRMINGHAM
19
For our June Paddler Spotlight , we had the pleasure of catching up with 22 / 23 # ShePaddles Ambassador , Aisha Garwood , about the annual Women ’ s Regatta in Birmingham . In May , 17 teams took to the city ’ s canal in an action packed bell boating regatta .
I was delighted to support this year ’ s Women ’ s Regatta held at Star City in Birmingham . The event , now in its second year , took place along the stretch of canal at Nechells and saw dozens of women and girls try their hand at bell boat racing . Many Birmingham residents were unaware that the Grand Union Canal ran behind Star City , but with 17 teams competing and around 200 attendees , the success of the event certainly brought attention to this hidden gem .
The teams participating in the regatta were divided into different categories , including mixed youth teams ranging from ages 7 to 15 , as well as women ’ s adult teams . Most teams represented community organisations such as Oscar Birmingham , who support those with Sickle Cell Anaemia & Thalassaemia ; and Legacy West Midlands whose work celebrates and supports the diverse collective cultural heritage within the city .
Team MadSat , a rafting team who joined us from Herefordshire , won first place on the day . It was great to have a team from out of town and we hope more teams will join us from around the city and further afield in the future as this is set to be an annual event .
“ It was a fantastic event , held in true community spirit .” - Nick , Team MadSat
The event was made possible through a collaboration between the Canal & River Trust and Star City . Aliur Rahmaan and Andy Train established the event in 2022 with the aim of encouraging women ’ s participation on the water , providing them with an opportunity to race and promoting community cohesion alongside the many benefits being on the water brings .
“ This event just highlights how great it is when communities come together with a shared passion . I have not felt so happy or exhilarated in some time !” - Karen Rees , Team MadSat
“ The Women ’ s regatta was a fun filled day celebrating the strength of women from across Birmingham . The day embraced women of all shapes and sizes and broke down the stereo-typical views of ‘ women can ’ t ’ or ‘ women shouldn ’ t ’. I had such an amazing day and everyone was a winner ! It takes a lot of stamina and commitment to participate , so a huge shout out to the ladies for testing their endurance and to the organisers who made this day possible for everyone !” - Ayesha , Team Peaky Blinders
The event would not have been possible without the support of local sponsors as well as the many volunteers who ensured the smooth and safe running of the races on the day . In addition to the Women ’ s Regatta , work is well underway across the city encouraging more people onto the water through community paddling hubs along the canal in Nechells , Winson Green , Perry Barr , Aston and Ladywood and South Birmingham Paddle Club being established in Selly Oak .
All sites will be offering come and try sessions this summer for either kayaking , bell boating or both . For more details on these events , you can get in touch with me on Instagram at @ aisha _ paddle _ community or take a look at upcoming events here .
Canoe Focus Early Summer 2023