Hunters Day began in memory of Gary Hunter, whose family experienced first-hand the care, compassion and support that hospices provide at the most difficult of times. Out of that experience came a straightforward idea. If you are already planning to paddle that weekend, take a moment to dedicate your paddle to hospice care and add a pin to the Hunters Day participation map, helping to show the scale of support across the country.

There is no fundraising target, no organised event requirement and no set way to take part. Whether you are paddling a sea kayak along the Welsh coast, exploring a local river by canoe, joining a club session, dragon boating, stand up paddleboarding or simply enjoying time on the water with friends, every paddle counts. It is about participation, visibility and shared purpose rather than structure or expectation.

The aim is to create a visible and collective show of support from the paddlesport community, while also encouraging more people to spend time on the water and experience the wellbeing benefits that come with it. Hunters Day is open to clubs, groups, organisations and existing paddling communities across the UK, making it easy for anyone involved in paddlesport to be part of something bigger.

Since launching, the initiative has already received support from paddlers, clubs, retailers, manufacturers, magazines and paddlesport organisations across the UK. That growing support reflects just how strongly the paddling community values connection, care and looking out for one another.

If your club, group or paddling community is planning to be on the water on 4 and 5 July, we would love you to join us and be part of Hunters Day.

Find out more
Facebook: Hunters Day Facebook page
Participation Map: Hunters Day map

How to take part

Paddle with your club, group or existing paddling community on 4 and 5 July 2026.
Paddle safely and responsibly.
Add a pin to the Hunters Day map.
Share your paddle and help spread the message.

Together on the water 💙