Kayak Competitions in the U.K.

Most of the kayak competitions in the United Kingdom are surf competitions held in various places, usually in the summer months. Competitions are generally open to all interested persons and skill levels. For younger people, a slightly safer indoor competition is available in a wave pool. Among all the available U.K. contests, competition is fierce, but still friendly.

  1. Indoor Surf Kayak Competition

    • Send your young kayak enthusiast out to compete in Northumberland Sport's Indoor Surf Kayak Competition. Organized by the British Canoe Union, the annual competition is for youths only and takes place in an indoor wave pool. The competition is friendly and allows young people to compete in kayaking in a safe environment.

    Freestyle

    • Several freestyle kayaking competitions exist in the U.K., like Boulters Freestyle, the Hurley Classic, GB Freestyle and HPP Freestyle in Nottingham. Getting into these competitions requires a serious effort and professional level competitor status as many of the competitors from these competitions go on to compete for the British and World Cups of kayaking.

    CANI Surf Kayak Competitions

    • Join members of the Canoe Association of Northern Ireland (CANI) for several league kayak competitions open to all skill levels and disciplines. Membership in CANI needs to be purchased in order to compete, for insurance reasons. As of June, 2010, membership costs 15 pounds ($22). Training is offered for free on Sundays after the competition to help you improve your skills and be ready for the next competition.