Bridgend Canoe Club invited Huw Irranca-Davies, Member of the Senedd for Ogmore and Sarah Murphy, Member of the Senedd for Bridgend and Porthcawl to take part in one of their training sessions – and even to put their Canoe skills to the test!

Huw and Sarah learned about the many different activities which are offered for all ages and abilities at Bridgend Canoe club including recreational paddling as well as canoe-polo and competitive canoeing too. Their regular session takes place once a week indoors at Halo Pencoed and two or three times a week outdoors (depending on the weather) at Barry Community Water Activity Centre.

In 2021 Bridgend Canoe Club entered national Canoe polo competitions finishing an outstanding 4th place in the Open Cup competition, while Bridgend Dolphins achieved both 4th in the Open Bowl competition and 2nd in the Youth Division.

Speaking after the visit Huw Irranca-Davies MS said “My thanks to members of the Canoe Club and the staff of Halo and for welcoming Sarah and I to a session. It was great getting in the water with them. As someone who regularly canoes for fun, I am aware of the wide benefits to be had from this sport and leisure activity. We are so lucky to have these sessions available locally, and I would urge anyone interested to give it a try with this friendly club. 

 Sarah Murphy MS, commented:  “It was a pleasure to visit the wonderful, family orientated club and see them in action. The benefits of exercise cannot be understated and anyone who would like to join the club, regardless of experiences, will be welcomed with open arms.”

For anyone interested in getting active and taking up canoeing see the links below

Bridgend Canoe Club: https://www.bridgendcanoeclub.org/about-us

Maesteg Canoe Club:  https://maestegcanoeclub.org

Also, if you would like to see what is on offer at Halo Pencoed please go to https://haloleisure.org.uk/centres/bridgend/pencoed-swimming-pool.