Winners announced for 2021 Photo Competition

At last, we have a winner! Over 130 photos were entered into our photo contest last Autumn, covering many different types of paddling in a diverse range of locations across Wales. We then asked for your help to choose the best photo from 12 photo finalists - and voting closed on 7 February. Over 500 votes came in, and we're really pleased to announce the winners and runners-up below.

In third place, we have this spectacular shot of a kayaker on Llyn Padarn by Jethro Kiernan, with the Snowdon massif reflected in the water behind.

Llyn Padarn is a glacially formed lake with a stunning mountain backdrop and lies next to Llanberis in North Wales. Access to the water is easy, with sheltered bays if other locations are too windy.

If you're thinking about paddling on the Padarn, view the Parc Padarn Country Park guidelines and visitor information here.

In second place, we have this wonderfully atmospheric shot of a sea kayaker at Porth Clais by Ewen Arkison.

Porth Clais is a sheltered harbour on the south-western tip of the St David's peninsula in Pembrokeshire. It's owned by the National Trust who have a car park on the site. Find out more about the history of Porth Clais and kayaking around the peninsula on the National Trust website.

Huge congratulations to Rob Graham whose photo of Llyn Tegid was a clear winner and took 27% of the vote. As a thank you from Canoe Wales, Rob will be receiving a year's free Canoe Wales membership, 5 Palm drybags plus a Palm universal mat. We hope you enjoy those Rob!

Rob had this to say about the winning shot: "I took up paddleboarding about two years ago for something to do on days when there wasn’t enough wind to go sailing, Since taking it up, however, the sailing has taken a back seat, so much so that our choice of holiday locations even depend on how good the paddleboarding is at that location. My partner took up paddle boarding about a year ago and enjoys it just as much as myself."

If you're looking to paddle on the beautiful Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake), why not a look at our Llyn Tegid Paddling Trail. Our Paddling Trails showcase some of the best flat water and easy grade paddling trips that Wales has to offer - including an 8-mile circular trip on Llyn Tegid.

Thanks once again to everyone who contributed their photos and votes to the 2021 Photo Contest. We're always looking for new paddling photos to share with our members and followers - so if you've got a great shot of paddling in Wales, do send it to us on Facebook or Instagram, or email it to our Membership & Communications Officer Jen Rigby on jen.rigby@canoewales.com