'Santa Splash on the Leeds & Liverpool
UP TO 100 canoeists will be taking to the Leeds & Liverpool Canal in early December, in Canal & River Trust's Santa Splash.
Dressed as Santa's, with suits provided by the Trust, the Santa Splash will start off en masse from Eldonian Village at Liverpool on Saturday 2nd December, with a two miles trip to Bootle, as part of the Trust's encouragement of canoes on its canals.
Canoe, kayak or paddleboard
Up to 100 canoeists are expected to take part in the event that starts at 10.30am with participants to be ready by 10am, with canoe, kayak or paddleboard. Parking is available at Burlington Street, Liverpool L3 6LG.
Prizes for the best dressed person and best-dressed canoe, kayak or paddleboard will be on offer. Hot food and drink will be available at the finish for all ‘Santas’ to refuel.
All abilities
All abilities and ages are welcome. Children will need to be accompanied by an adult. A range of non-powered vessels are encouraged, from paddleboards to kayaks and canoes. Desmond Family Canoe Trail team has places available on their canoes for complete beginners, anyone without their own canoe and a limited number of supporters.
It is essential that anyone wishing to take part gets in touch in advance to guarantee availability. Participants are encouraged to bring family and friends along to cheer them on and take pictures.
Biggest ever
Greg Brookes, Desmond Family Canoe Trail Programme Manager with the Canal & River Trust explained:
“We’re hoping to create our biggest ever Santa Splash with a huge flotilla of up to 100 Santas. We hope people will want to come down to the canal and cheer on the paddlers.
“This isn’t a race, but a unique way to experience the Leeds & Liverpool Canal and have fun getting into the festive spirit. It’s a family-friendly event along two miles of the waterway. Young people aged 16-25 years old are helping us to develop the 162-miles along the Desmond Family Canoe Trail, and we’d especially love to hear from anyone in this age-group who wants to get involved, have a paddle and see what it’s all about.”
Reserve your place or for further details contact Beth Cropper, Project Leader, Desmond Family Canoe Trail: