Our Junior Paddlesport Hub launched in style with an exciting first session on the River Bann, where favourable water levels provided the perfect opportunity for young paddlers to experience moving water and develop their whitewater skills.

Despite challenging weather conditions, with plenty of rain and wind throughout the day, the group showed great enthusiasm, resilience and determination. For many, this was their first experience of paddling on moving water, making the session an important milestone in their paddling journey. Throughout the day, participants worked on a range of key river skills, including reading the water, understanding river features, making eddies and running small rapids. As confidence grew, so too did the paddlers' ability to apply these new skills, with some fantastic progress evident across the group.

One of the highlights of the day was seeing young paddlers step outside their comfort zones, embrace new challenges and develop a greater understanding of the river environment. The improvement in confidence and river awareness from the start of the session to the finish was remarkable.

A huge well done to all the young paddlers who took part. Their positive attitude, willingness to learn and support for one another made the day a great success. We would also like to thank the coaches, leaders and volunteers whose time, expertise and encouragement helped make the session possible.

The first Junior Paddlesport Hub session has set a fantastic foundation for the programme, and we are already looking forward to seeing the young paddlers continue to develop their skills, confidence and enjoyment of the sport in the sessions ahead.

An excellent first day, plenty of learning, and a very promising start to the Junior Paddlesport Hub programme!