The Big Paddle is all about getting on the water and having fun, whether for the first time or as a seasoned participant there is something for all. The Big Five Tour is the focal point of the event, taking in a unique five-mile loop of river and canal starting and finishing at the Quay. A series of guided trips and masterclasses will be available to accompany the tour and the event culminates in some exciting contests including the Cardboard Canoe Race.
Off the water the event village at the Piazza hosts displays and activities dedicated to all things paddling and is a great place to meet and learn about the sport.
Bring your own canoe or kayak if you’ve got one. If not, there are also a limited number of boats available for use. These will be alocated on a first-come-first-served basis. Please book in advance with AS Watersports or Saddles and Paddles (1 min walk from the Piazza) also provide canoe hire.
See the FAQ page which will (hopefully!) answer any questions you have about the event.
Programme:
The Big Five Tour (self guided)
From the Piazza, the Big Five Tour heads down the River Exe, with the outbound section taking in some great river scenery and two fun weir shoots (which can run or portaged) to play at. An easy portage at the halfway mark, using the canoe ramp at Countess Wear, puts paddlers onto the Ship Canal for the steady paddle back to the canal basin and Piazza finish point.
Starting anytime from 10.00am, the time it takes is up to you, as there are many spots to stop and enjoy the day, including several pubs. The River Exe is tidal after the weirs on this stretch, so the latest departure from the Piazza will be 12.00pm to allow paddlers time to get to Countess Wear on the outgoing tide.
Guided Tours
Guided Tours. Not sure of the route but don’t want to resort to the map? Then why not join one of our free guided tours.
An experienced guide will lead you round the Big Five paddle, making sure you don’t get lost along the way!
10.00am Nature Tour
10.15am History Tour
10.30am Guided Tour
10.45am Nature Tour
11.00am History Tour
11.15am Guided Tour
Nature Tours
Although just outside the city, the Exe Big Paddle route offers some wonderful opportunities for sightings, including Otters, kingfishers a wide variety of ducks, wading birds, dippers, wagtails and more! Accompanied by a local expert groups of ten will head out to see what can be found.
Guided nature tours will run in two sessions. The first starts at 10.00am and the second at 10.45am. Places will be on a first come first served basis. Please register online. Booking will also be available on the day if spaces are still available. Participants will need to provide their own equipment.
Local History Tours
Like the natural habitat, the Big Paddle Route is historic and local experts will be on hand to guide groups of up to ten along the route highlighting points of interest and the stories and facts that go with them.
Guided history tours will run in two sessions. 10.15am and 11.00am. Places will be on a first come first served basis. Please register online. Booking will also be available on the day if spaces are still available. Participants will need to provide their own equipment.
Booking onto tours
Please indicate if you’d like to join one of our guided tours when you buy your tickets.
Cardboard Canoe Race
The grand finale of the Exe Big Paddle will be the Cardboard canoe race. The race will take place in the Quay outside the Piazza at 3:30 pm, but all participants must arrive for registration and craft inspection at 3:00 pm. Entrants into the race should be 16 or over, and helmets and PFDs must be worn. Staff will be on hand with materials should you wish to ‘build’ on the day. There are prizes for best boat design, best-dressed boat (including paddlers), and of course race winners! The Cardboard Canoe Race will be governed by a ‘gentleman’s agreement’.
Come and try it
Whether its for the first time, or just to do something a little
easier, we are hosting ever popular ‘Come and try it’ sessions
throughout the day.
Our team of instructors from Globe 360 are experts at getting you on
and off the water in a fun, safe and relaxed environment. Over the
years they have been responsible for thousands of paddlers first ‘have-
a-go’ experience and can proudly boast that many have become hooked
afterwards.
Sessions will be hosted on the canal side and will run from 9.30am to
3pm on a rolling basis, with water time between 10 and 20 minutes.
It’s not limited to one session either.
You don’t need to bring anything, apart from a smile; although there
is a possibility you could get a little damp, so a change of clothes
may be worthwhile. Non-swimmers are fine.
You will need to fill out a registration form and under 18′s will need
a parent or guardian present to sign for them. Minimum age is 5.
So what are you waiting for – get on and have a go!
The Big Map
The route is very simple and will be signposted on the day. However, you may want to print the river tour map to help familiarise yourself with the journeys.
