Silverbirch Canoes

21/08/2026

🚣 And just like that… our first Wonky Boat is off to its new home!

After being collected from The Boathouse by our first winners, Girlguiding and Scouts in Herefordshire, it was time to carry it out, get it strapped onto the van and send it on its way. Girlguiding Scouts Hereford and Worcester The Scouts

Our Wonky Boats Initiative gives safe, structurally sound and fully usable canoes and kayaks with cosmetic imperfections a second chance.

Instead of good boats going to waste because they aren’t quite suitable for normal retail sale, we want to place them with canoe and kayak clubs, Scout and Guide groups, youth organisations, charities and community projects that can use them to help more people experience paddlesports.

This canoe will soon be getting young people out on the water in Herefordshire, including around the River Wye — exactly the kind of second life we hoped our Wonky Boats would have.

Could your club or organisation put one to good use?

Find out more about the Wonky Boats Initiative and how to apply by following the link in the comments or our bio.

We also support paddlesports clubs, organisations and professional users through our Professional User Programme, including discounted pricing on canoes, kayaks and paddlesports equipment for eligible customers.

21/08/2026

🚣 Our first Wonky Boat has officially left The Boathouse!

We were delighted to welcome Suzanne and Neil from Girlguiding and Scouts in Herefordshire to collect the first canoe donated through our Wonky Boats Initiative which was a Silverbirch Broadland 15. Girlguiding The Scouts Scouts Hereford and Worcester

The initiative was created to give safe, structurally sound and fully usable boats with cosmetic imperfections a second chance. Rather than seeing perfectly good canoes and kayaks go to waste simply because they aren’t quite suitable for normal retail sale, we want to put them into the hands of clubs, youth groups, charities, community organisations and other groups that can use them to get more people on the water.

Suzanne and Neil told us a little more about how their new canoe will be used with young people in Herefordshire, with its first proper outing planned once the new term begins in September. With access to the River Wye, we’re looking forward to seeing where it ends up!

We were also very pleased to hear that Suzanne is looking at funding opportunities for the Guides and Scouts to purchase more Silverbirch Canoes equipment, describing Silverbirch as “such a flexible brand”.

As Steve mentions in the video, we also operate a Professional User Programme, offering support and discounted pricing to eligible paddlesports clubs, organisations and professional users. Where charitable and community projects are concerned, we’re always happy to have a conversation and see what we may be able to do.

If you run a canoe or kayak club, Scout or Guide group, youth organisation, charity, community project or other paddlesports group and think a Wonky Boat could make a difference, you can find out more and apply by following the link in the comments.

A huge thank you to Suzanne and Neil for coming to see us — we hope the canoe gives many years of adventures to young paddlers in Herefordshire.

And no, Steve wasn’t allowed to keep the dog. 🐶

19/08/2026

Our third Wonky Boats winner is… 👀🛶

This application showed exactly why we created the Wonky Boats Initiative.

Paddling can be much more than simply getting out on the water. It can help build confidence, independence, connection and a sense of achievement — particularly when the right people are there to make the experience welcoming and accessible.

Our third winner is already creating meaningful community paddling opportunities, including sessions supporting autistic children, young people and their families.

The feedback from families really stood out to us: young people arriving nervous, stepping outside their comfort zones, becoming more confident on the water… and eventually not wanting to get out of the boat.

They also support a local canoe club, provide free paddling taster sessions at community events, work alongside local charities and have a clear plan for safely storing, checking and looking after their equipment.

So, who is Wonky Boats Winner #3?

🏆 Friends of Maidenhead Waterways

Through Maidenhead Canoe Club and their wider community work, Friends of Maidenhead Waterways are helping more people experience canoeing and paddlesport on the restored Maidenhead waterways in a safe, supportive and welcoming environment.

A Wonky Boat will help them introduce even more people to paddling and continue using the water to create calm, confidence and connection.

That is exactly what the Wonky Boats Initiative is about: giving structurally sound boats with cosmetic imperfections a second chance instead of letting good equipment go to waste — and putting those boats into the hands of organisations that can create genuine community benefit.

Congratulations to Friends of Maidenhead Waterways, our third Wonky Boats winner! We are so happy that your Silverbirch Canoes Broadland 16 will get more people on the water 🛶💙 Maidenhead Waterways

28/07/2026

Our second Wonky Boats winner is Paddle Scotland! Paddle Scotland

This award is about reach. A boat placed with Paddle Scotland has the potential to support clubs, delivery partners, young ambassadors, disability-focused programmes and wider access work across Scotland.

That is what made the application stand out. This is not just one boat for one group. It is one boat that can help more people, more organisations and more communities experience paddling.

Paddle Scotland summed it up perfectly: more people paddling more often.
Congratulations to Paddle Scotland.



Ray Goodwin

24/07/2026

Our first Wonky Boats winner is Girlguiding Herefordshire - a brilliant example of what this initiative is all about! Here we have Ray Goodwin and Steve giving an insight into why we have chosen Girlguiding Herefordshire and the Silverbirch Canoes Broadland 15 Tandem we are donating.

Their application stood out because they already have the leadership, experience and practical setup to get young people on the water. What they need now is more boats.

With access to rivers including the Severn, Wye and Avon, their aim is to give young people safe, affordable and exciting paddling experiences - from first tasters and games through to day trips, multi-day expeditions and award journeys.

This is exactly where a Wonky Boat can make a difference: not sitting unused, not being recycled too early, but helping more young people discover what paddling can do.

Congratulations to Girlguiding Herefordshire! We hope you enjoy your Silverbirch Broadland 15.

To learn more about the Wonky Boats Initiative and how you can enter for the next round, visit www.norfolkwatersports.co.uk/wonky-boats-initiative
Also check out our Wonky Blogs for further insight into what made Girlguiding Herefordshire a very worthy winner! Girlguiding Girlguiding Midlands Scouts Hereford and Worcester

23/07/2026

What is a Canoe Symposium? 🛶✨

​Whether you’re a seasoned paddler who practically lives on the water or someone who just bought their first paddle, you might have heard the term Canoe Symposium thrown around. But what actually happens at one, and why should you go?

​Let’s break down everything you need to know about these annual events.

​🛶 The Ultimate Gathering for Canoe Paddlers
​At its heart, a Canoe Symposium is an educational and social festival dedicated entirely to open canoeing. It brings together paddlers of all skill levels, top-tier coaches, equipment manufacturers, and outdoor enthusiasts for a weekend (or day) packed with learning, sharing, and community.

​🌟 What Can You Expect at a Symposium?

​1. Expert Coaching & Skill Workshops 🎓
​From perfecting your J-stroke or tackling a local whitewater river to learning open-water navigation or moving water rescues, you have the chance to book onto structured workshops tailored to every ability level delivered by the UK's best Canoe Coaches

​2. Gear Demos & Try-Before-You-Buy 🛠️
​Ever wanted to test out different canoe designs, custom wood paddles, or the latest safety kit? Manufacturers and artisans often bring their gear for participants to test right on the water.

​3. Inspirational Talks & Evening Socials 🏕️
​When the sun sets and the paddles are packed away, the fun continues! Expect good food and drink, guest speakers sharing epic expedition stories, slide shows, and plenty of chance to network with fellow paddlers.

​4. A Welcoming, Inclusive Community 🤝
​These events are renowned for their encouraging, friendly atmosphere where everyone qlearns from each other.

​🎯 Who Should Attend?
​- Beginners: Gain confidence, learn safe techniques, and try different equipment early on.
- ​Intermediate Paddlers: Refine stroke efficiency, learn advanced maneuvers, and build rescue skills.
​- Trippers & Explorers: Discover new routes, gear setups, and tips for long-distance journeys

When/Where?
30th October - 1st November 2026
YMCA Lakeside (Cumbria).

​💭 Over to You!
​Drop your questions or requests in the comments below! 👇💬
​

23/07/2026

23/07/2026

Ray Goodwin has chosen the first Wonky Boats winners! Ray Goodwin

The applications were judged on need, impact, care, community value and heart - and the selected organisations show just how much difference a usable boat can make when it gets to the right people.

We will be revealing the winners one by one over the next few days.

See our Wonky Boats Initiative page to learn more at www.norfolkwatersports.co.uk

14/04/2026

The Silverbirch Broadland 15 & 16 are heading to Thetford — and you can paddle both!

The Boathouse is running their first 2026 Demo Weekend at Two Mile Bottom Campsite on the River Little Ouse, 24–26 April — and because they're based just 15 miles away, they're taking their full fleet. That includes both the Silverbirch Broadland 15 and 16.

We design and build the Broadland range in the UK, and The Boathouse are the team who distribute, stock and support them on the water — so if you've ever wanted to ask the people who really know these boats some questions, this is the place to do it.

The Broadland Series is built on the classic Prospector design, updated with modern geometry to improve stability, load-carrying, and confidence across a wide range of conditions. Both available to try. No time limit. No sales pressure.

📍 River Little Ouse, Two Mile Bottom Campsite
📅 24–26 April 2026 | 10AM–4PM daily
✅ Free entry
🔧 Free repair workshop also running

Thinking about the Broadland — or just curious? This is the best way to find out if it's the right boat for you.

Register via The Boathouse event page: www.norfolkwatersports.co.uk/demo-day-series-2026

13/04/2026

Our Firefly 14 is heading to Thetford— come and paddle it 🌿

The team at The Boathouse are taking a full demo fleet to their Thetford Demo Weekend from 24–26 April — and the Firefly 14 will be on the water all weekend!

The Firefly 14 is our most versatile canoe: 14'3" long, starting from 25.5kg, and equally at home solo or with a partner. It paddles beautifully on open flatwater and handles moving water with confidence.

The Boathouse demo days are genuinely unhurried. You get time to paddle, swap boats, and work out what actually suits you — rather than a rushed five-minute spin.

✔ Free to attend
✔ Try it on real river conditions
✔ Firefly 14 available solo or tandem configuration
✔ Ask our team anything — no pressure to buy on the day

📍 Two Mile Bottom Campsite, River Little Ouse
📅 Fri 24 – Sun 26 April 2026 | 10am–4pm daily
🔗 Register free via The Boathouse — https://www.norfolkwatersports.co.uk/demo-day-series-2026