The BCCC was formed in 1979 by boating enthusiasts in Fleet. From the start, we offered a wide variety of canoeing to people of all ages. Our first newsletter had articles organising training, racing, slalom, an introduction to sea kayaking, pool sessions at RAF Odiham and canoeing holidays on French rivers. We still offer these and much more.
In 2003 we moved our base to the Basingstoke Canal Centre, Mytchett to gain better facilities and boat storage. This has enabled us to improve our training resources and our ability to offer canoeing to all the family. The BCCC has received Canoe England’s Club Mark accreditation, which recognises the quality management and coaching provision for young people that we provide.
Several of our members have represented Great Britain in competitive events including Helen Reeves, the Athens 2004 Ladies Olympic slalom bronze medallist, who started her career with the BCCC and was for many years a member with the rest of her family. Currently, there are a significant number of very experienced racers in the club including Duncan Blyth (ex World Cup champion from 1989) and, more recently, Sam Rees-Clark (Marathon and Sprint) and her brother Mike Rees-Clark (Wild Water) who have recently represented GB.