THE HISTORY

Founding and Early Years

Sheffield Canoe Club was officially founded on 15th June 1966 by Rodney Baker and Percy Lynsky, both members of the Canoeing and Camping Club. From its inception, the club attracted passionate paddlers, including Darrel Lynsky, who later paddled the Grand Canyon in Colorado, USA, showcasing the adventurous spirit that would define the club.

The club quickly established a strong community presence, with regular pool sessions starting at Heeley Baths, later moving through various venues before eventually ending up at Hillsborough Leisure Centre. These sessions were not only for skill development but also served as social hubs where members planned trips and events.

 Notable Members and Achievements

Several members have made significant contributions and achievements:

• Mark Steel, Phill Hickson, and Jim Laughton have each been with the club for over 40 years.
• Ian Holmes has been instrumental to the club's current position, securing the Oughtibridge river site in the 90's. 
• Frank Staniland participated in the first-ever expedition to paddle the Annapurna rivers in Nepal in 1980, a feat documented on YouTube.
• Keith Maslen completed a Channel crossing in a slalom boat in 1975.
• Hugh Pashley, a long-standing member and former chairman, was a prominent sea paddler, having explored Scottish islands and Greenland. He also organized many competitive events using a BBC computer powered by car batteries.
• Mike Smith competed in the World Championships for Wild Water racing in 1984.
• Andrew Crowhurst, alongside Phil Dean, won the Wildwater Racing National Title with a perfect score in 2024.

Trips and Expeditions

The club has organized numerous trips, both local and international:

• Local rivers like the Wharfe, Dee, Swale, Derwent, and those in the Lake District.
• International trips across Europe were regularly organised by members, the most recent being in Greece.
• The club also organised surfing and sea kayaking trips, ceilidhs, discos, and coach trips to canoeing exhibitions, and its membership peaked at over 300 members.

 Legacy and Culture

Sheffield Canoe Club has maintained a strong culture of inclusivity, adventure, and camaraderie. Its history is rich with stories of exploration, competition, and community spirit. The club continues to thrive, adapting to modern times while honouring its adventurous roots. The Club continues to be a place for friendship and community, and promotes Kayaking and canoeing, and has passed many milestones in its history with its 60th anniversary in 2026.

The club today would not be where it is now without the endless support of its club members and committee members past and present whose contribution has been greatly appreciated over the years. They have worked hard behind the scenes to keep this club the way it is now. Support from any club member is always welcome and anyone is welcome to join in with the help of running the club no matter how much help they wish to offer.