You may think of this as a bit of an open letter. You may also think of this as me going off on a slight rant. Either way I’d like to preface it by say that I think that the BBC is a brilliant organisation who make some great television however what they are incapable of doing (and other channels also fall culprit) is paddle sport.

The BBC will often feature canoeing or kayaking in a few programs thought the year usually sending one of the nations beloved presenters on a sedate bimble down the back waters of the Thames looking at reeds, frogs, bridges and if we are lucky they might just get attacked by a swan. This would all be perfectly well and good were it not mortifying to see canoeing shown to the nation by someone attempting to use their paddle as an ore, while constantly referring to rowing their craft, the name of which they will invariable confuse.

In contrast skiing, another niche sport, gets its own series with an infamous theme tune. Ski Sunday, now in its 37th season, covers completion, adventure, platelets, gear from around the world even with its own weather slot just in case you fancied an impromptu trip to Val d’Isere. But most importantly it is presenters are remarkable sports persons in their own right with a deep knowledge and passion for their chosen discipline and snow sports in general (plus they rarely confuse snow boards and skis). This is what really shines through for Ski Sunday an what makes it an enjoyable program to watch. Far better than country file.

Canoeing in the UK definitely suffers from a small P.R. problem. For most people their experience of paddling is floating around a lake or canal in their granddads old boat that remarkably pre-dates not only the perception dancer but probably the invention of fibreglass. While there is nothing wrong with this, few people are aware that canoeing can be so much more than this. Canoeing doesn’t hold a large share in the popular conciousness in the same way that other sports do an therefore people have little understanding of it or any of the disciplines. Consequently any moment where canoeing can be shown to a wider audience is and opportunity to showcase just how awesome canoeing is and attract more people to the sport.

Now am I asking for the BBC to devote an entire program to canoeing once a week? YES. Am I suggesting that I would be the perfect person for this? Also, YES. Am I asking that when the BBC rarely features paddle sports they find a talented and enthusiastic paddler to present the program? Well it would be nice. Just hunt down the Graham Bell of boating and most importantly make sure Griff Rhys Jones puts his top hand on the t-grip of the paddle when he’s out canoeing.

On a more serious note though while I am very grateful for the occasionally coverage of slalom competitions it would be nice to see some other disciplines get some coverage, maybe a creek race, some freestyle or, dare I say it, a polo match. Even just a brief mention in the news when our athletes perform well would be a significant boost, reminding someone somewhere that they would be better off in a boat.

[Side note: Should anyone want to hire Nick Boreham to mess around in kayaks for some sort of TV show you can contact him via facebook, @StenchRiver on twitter, smoke signals or messenger pigeon]

Scribbled by Nick Boreham, kindly edited & corrected by Matt Brook.

Quite possibly the greatest BBC coverage of kayaking.