Visit Cayman Islands has announced a new partnership with British Canoeing, the governing body for paddlesports in the UK. The purpose of the partnership is to inspire people to pursue paddling for “health, enjoyment, friendship and achievement while creating and promoting opportunities for exploration, adventure and challenge”, a statement said.
It will raise awareness of the benefits of paddlesports, both in the UK and the Cayman Islands, while encouraging enthusiasts to consider the British Overseas Territory for their next paddlesports adventure.
Known for its pristine turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, the Cayman Islands is an ideal destination for all paddlesports, especially kayaking and paddleboarding. Average year-round temperatures of 28°C make it the perfect place to escape the British winter for relaxing winter sunshine. And the destination is served by up to four direct British Airways flights a week from London Heathrow to Grand Cayman.
Paddlesport numbers at an all-time high
Paddling continues to be on an upward trajectory in popularity across the UK, with participants doubling in the past two years to reach a record 5.6m, including 2.2m stand up paddleboarders (SUP). The broad and inclusive reach of this sporting activity complements the appeal of the Cayman Islands as a unique holiday destination.
Watersports are already established on all three islands – Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac – and this partnership will cement the connection between paddlesports and the Cayman Islands in the minds of UK travellers.
Reactions to the partnership
Adrian White, regional manager UK at the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism: “Both the Cayman Islands and British Canoeing are dedicated to promoting an active life, while protecting our seas and our environment and emphasising the importance of safety procedures to health and wellbeing. Through this partnership, our two organisations will develop our respective sustainability practices and environmental care through shared knowledge and best practice. We are delighted to be able to showcase our beautiful islands and the diversity of experiences on offer across nature, sport, culinary delights, music and culture with the paddlesports community and work together to benefit both our organisations.”
David Joy, CEO at British Canoeing: “It is exciting to be able to work with a like-minded organisation to promote the benefits of our popular sporting activities to a wider community both at home and in the Cayman Islands. It is clear that the environment on the three islands is perfect for our sports and we hope that raising awareness of the ideal conditions on island while highlighting paddlesports as an excellent outdoor activity will widen the reach and popularity of all forms of paddlesports still further. We are delighted to be working with a partner organisation who shares our values of active living, sustainability, inclusivity and safety for all involved.”
See more at visitcaymanislands.com and britishcanoeing.org.uk