Britain’s waterways, lakes and oceans are some of its most prized possessions. They deserve to be looked after and maintained to allow people of all ages to enjoy them to their fullest extent.

Blue spaces afford the opportunity to engage with nature, get out into the open air, and feel really good doing so. Getting out into blue spaces can also have a huge positive effect on our mental health.

Unfortunately, the effects of humans can have a negative impact on blue spaces. Pollution, littering and a lack of care all disrupt the natural environment, leaving remnants of human activity and causing unwanted problems.

In order to help tackle such issues, British Canoeing and Clear Access Clear Waters has organised The Big Paddle Cleanup! This is an event we are supporting here at Gill, and it will take place from 4^th-12^th June 2022.

The latest Gill blog takes a look at how you can get involved in this great cause, and a few items that may help you do so.

What is The Big Paddle Cleanup?

 Two people kayaking on the open water

The Big Paddle Cleanup is an initiative to encourage paddlers to get out on the water and contribute to the removal of a planned 1,000 sacks of litter from Britain’s waterways.

This campaign works to support fair, shared and sustainable open access on water for all.

The Big Paddle Cleanup week ties in with World Environment Day and World Ocean Day, both of which support positive treatment of blue spaces and aims to ensure the natural world is protected and available for all to enjoy.

Why get involved?

 A picture of litter on the side of a river

If you share our passion for the outdoors and in particular blue spaces, then The Big Paddle Cleanup presents the perfect opportunity to contribute to protecting them.

There is a chance to help minimise pollution and improve the health of the waterways by removing the litter and debris that can accumulate.

Cleaning up the waterways is great for the water itself, and helps contribute to a positive atmosphere and environment around Britain’s water.

What’s more, removing pollutants can help protect wildlife, including birds, fish and other animals that use the waterways that we love.

How to get involved in The Big Paddle Cleanup

 A person in a canoe

As well as having the chance to support a great cause, The Big Paddle Cleanup is also a great excuse for you to get out on the water yourself and do what you love, while also contributing to protecting the waterways.

Why not get a group together and organise your own Paddle Cleanup? The more people that help, the better! It doesn’t require any particularly fancy equipment – some bags, gloves and hand sanitisers can set you on your way to a great effort.

Be sure to get a set time and date to meet up for your clean up. In fact, you can sign up to get your own paddle clean up toolkit to help you organise things.

And consider informing your local MP of what you are doing – this could get the cause some additional exposure!

More details on how to organise a paddle clean up can be found here.

Don’t forget to shout about what you have done once your cleanup is complete! You can use the hashtag #BigPaddleCleanUp for social media posts, and don’t forget to tag British Canoeing and Clear Access Clear Waters in any posts related to your Cleanup.

Treat yourself to some new kit

The Langland Technical Hoodie

As well as backing The Big Paddle Clean Up here at Gill, we also want to make it easy for anybody who is taking part to be comfortable while contributing to this great cause.

We have a selection of items that are perfect for spring paddling, including our Langland Technical Hoodie. With XPEL® plant-based stain repellent technology and thermal protection, the Langland Technical Hoodie is a highly breathable garment with 4-way stretch capabilities. Water simply rolls off the fabric, making this hoodie a great option for most watersport activities, including paddling.

For more options on what to wear for spring paddling, take a look at this blog 

Protect the waterways and support the Big Paddle Clean Up!

We hope you are feeling inspired to get involved with the Big Paddle Clean Up this year and do something great for Britain’s waterways.