CANOE WALES AWARDS

The Canoe Wales Awards recognise the tremendous dedication and commitment of our members and those who support them.

This year's award categories are:

• Inspiring Paddler of the Year
• Special Recognition Community Award
• Volunteer of the Year - Alan Baker Award
• Competition Paddler of the Year
• Club of the Year
  
• Club Champion of the Year
• Provider of the Year

Assessment process

After the nomination period closes, the Canoe Wales Awards judging panel will assess the nominations. The panel will make their decision only on the information provided in the nomination form. Applicants must not make the assumption that the panel or Canoe Wales will know the applicant or have knowledge that will be used as part of the assessment process. It is not necessary to submit multiple applications for each nominee - the total number of nominations received will not be a factor in the judges' decision.

The judges will use the criteria listed below for each award to select three finalists for each award, with the highest scoring nominee selected as the award winner. However, please note that to be successful a nominee does not necessarily need to have evidence of all of the criteria - these have simply been provided as a guideline to assist you in preparing your nomination.

The winners will be announced on our website and social media channels in February 2024.

Timeline

• Nominations open - 8 December 2023
• Nominations deadline - midnight on 21st January 2024
• Finalists announced - week commencing 5 February 2024
• Announcement of winners - week commencing 19 February 2024

Award criteria

Inspiring Paddler of the Year

A Welsh paddler who inspires other paddlers and encourages paddlesports on the whole. An athlete or explorer who stands out with their paddling achievements, showing progression, personal preparation or sportsmanship to contribute to the sport.

Criteria (any of the following):

• Achieved progression through preparation, effort or results
  
• Demonstrated sportsmanship to other paddlers
  
• Achieved a first descent or explored a paddling destination in a new w

Special Recognition Community Award

The rock-solid person behind the scenes who is always there supporting other paddlers. This award is open to anyone who goes above and beyond helping the paddling community.

Criteria (any of the following):

• Organises river clean-ups
  
• Helping or organising key paddling events, such as logistics, fundraising, judging, etc
  
• Running or helping Peer Groups (unregistered groups)
  
• Individuals that have helped in rescues and incidents on the water
• Access Champions

Volunteer of the Year - Alan Baker Award

The leader of the future who has already made a mark on their club or community through their volunteering.

Criteria (any of the following):

• Making the introduction to paddlesports fun and attractive
• Helping or organising key parts of an event or club activities (such as logistics, fundraising, admin, communications, judging, etc)
• Supporting paddlers as a community outside the activity of paddling
• Creating a positive impact (for example personal development, health or educational achievement) 

Competition Paddler of the Year
The Welsh athlete who stands out with their paddling achievements, showing progression, personal preparation or sportsmanship to contribute to the sport.

Criteria (any of the following):

• Achieved progression through preparation, effort or results
  
• Demonstrated sportsmanship to other paddlers
  
• Commitment to the sport and training

Club of the Year

Awarded to the top paddling club in Wales - recognising exemplary achievement in promoting the growth of paddlesport and supporting the development of paddlers at all levels from all communities.

Criteria (three or more of the following):

• A club that embraces and supports the development of a wide range of paddlesport disciplines
  
• Evidence of the development of skill progression and enjoyment within paddlesport
  
• Evidence of planning and maximising opportunities to broaden the skills and experience of club paddlers
  
• Evidence of a unique programme that has made a significant impact within the club
  
• Evidence of joint initiatives with other clubs that benefit its members
  
• Evidence of how the club safeguards their athlete(s)
  
• Evidence of growth in membership within the club

Club Champion of the Year

Awarded to a member of a club for their contribution of helping with club activities.

Criteria (any of the following):

• Helps with aspects of running a club, can include organising pool sessions, group trips, admin and comms etc
• Has taken time to gain qualifications to help lead and coach other paddlers in the club
• Regularly helps with kitting out members , including use of club kayaks (and towing trailers), paddles and PFD's
• #ShePaddles Ambassadors
• Boat fixers
• Rolling champions
• Coaches

Provider of the Year

Awarded to a paddlesports provider in Wales. This can be a self employed coach, or a centre operating in Wales.

Criteria (Any of the following):

• As a self employed coach delivering coaching on confidence, rolling, safety, skills, etc to paddlers
• A registered centre that goes above and beyond in paddlesports
• Provides a way for people to access the river where access may be challenging either to the person or the place
• Provides specialist kit for paddlers and/or their carers