These annual Recognition Awards are a celebration of paddlesport and the inspiring people at its heart. This year, we are doing things differently and returning to an in-person awards ceremony for the first time in years.

The ten awards categories, including new categories for 2025, recognise the dedication and achievements of volunteers, coaches and athletes within our vibrant community. 

The finalists in all categories will be celebrated on Friday 30 January 2026 with an in-person buffet dinner, prize giving and ceilidh at Stirling Court Hotel. Prizes will be awarded to one winner in each category.

We are also honoured to be welcoming Paralympic silver medallist Hope Gordon to the event, who will give a talk prior to the prize giving.

This is not a traditional black tie awards ceremony - dress in whatever you're comfortable in!

Timings for the event are as follows (subject to change):

18:00 Doors open, drinks reception

18:30 Buffet served

19:30 Hope Gordon talk

19:45 Prize giving

20:15 Ceilidh

23:00 End of event

Tickets for the Recognition Awards celebration can be purchased in advance through JustGo. Tickets are available with or without the dinner (£30/£10), and all tickets will include a welcome drink. Please note bookings will close at 13:00 on Friday 23 January.

We look forward to celebrating the inspiring people of paddlesport together!