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PADDLER SPOTLIGHT
ANDY TRAIN HELPS BIRMINGHAM COMMUNITIES GET ON THE WATER
For our August paddler spotlight , we caught up with three Birmingham-based paddlers who embarked on their paddling journey with the support and guidance of Andy Train . Shahida , Mohammed and Ian are eager to shine a light on the positive impact that Andy has had within the Birmingham paddling hubs to make paddling accessible to their local community . www . britishcanoeing . org . uk
Supported by the Stronger Together Fund , Andy ’ s role as Hub Coordinator has played a pivotal role in building confidence on the water and giving local communities the opportunity to explore the city ’ s vast canal network .
Working in partnership with the Canal & River Trust and Street Games ’ Bring it on Brum programme , the hubs have been provided with equipment , access support and storage facilities . There are now 7 hubs active across the city , offering access to paddlesports to local communities .
> Perry Barr : Aspire and Succeed > Castle Vale : Community Environmental Trust > Winson Green : Newbigin > Port Loop : Saheli Hub > Star City : Nowka Bais > Small Heath : Green Lane Masjid > Selly Oak : South Birmingham Paddle Club ( Ninja Warriors )
Shahida , Mohammed , and Ian share their experiences of learning to paddle with Andy , along with the positive impact it has had on themselves , their families , and their local community .
Words by Shahida Raza
I started my paddling journey with Andy in May 2022 , it was my first time ever paddling . I ’ d never been in a canoe before I started with Andy . I initially started at Ackers Centre in Sparkbrook then I moved to the Port Loop hub . I would really like to commend Andy Train , he has been amazing , he works effortlessly to support all in his session , especially those who feel scared of water and find it difficult getting in and out . From the moment he arrives he is on the go to meet everyone ’ s needs . He explains everything with great patience and care , he has time for everyone and he amazingly remembers everyone ’ s names no matter how difficult they are .
Kayaking has been a lifeline for me since last May , it ’ s helped me with my mental health while I went through a difficult time of my life . It gave me the space to be me . I have always put others first , never thought of my own time and pleasure and this was the first time I did something I enjoyed and felt at peace with . I loved the chance to just paddle and watch nature on the water .
I loved paddling in the centre of Birmingham through the Port Loop during Christmas , the early bustle of shoppers walking along the canal , the Santa race , everyone waving as you went past .
I have always been drawn to water and this gave me a chance to be on the water and to exercise at the same time . In the beginning I was so nervous and shaky but I got so much more confident through the reassurance from Andy , he looks after us all and we have an amazing time on the water . I have made some great friends and have recently started training to help others have a go on the water . I have helped at Great Barr hub and also with my scout group with Wolverhampton Canoe Club .