Despite the dock heritage, many people in Salford have probably never thought of the city's waterways as a means for relaxation and exercise. Nestled next to the white elephant Lowry shopping centre and looked down upon from high by the raft of unaffordable apartments, is the Helly Hansen Watersports Centre, the water based arm of Salford Community Leisure programme.
Sunday 16th April sees the Watersports Centre throwing its doors open between 11am and 5pm for its 2017 Open Day, where the curious can experience the fun and excitement of the sports offered, and meet the friendly team of instructors.
The Centre is home to a number of activities and clubs, including sailing, power boating, canoeing, kayaking, kayak polo, wakeboarding (imagine water skiing on tea tray...), open water swimming and, unexpectedly, a climbing wall.
During the Open Day, watersports taster sessions are only £4 and, speaking from experience, once tried you will be hooked.
As well as taster sessions there is a Wakeboard Competition where you can marvel at the acrobatics and stunts this sport has to offer. There will also be music, food and drink, face painting, a raffle and a fire engine to have a look at. For those with lots of energy there will also be an Easter Egg hunt. Like it says on the poster, 'Don't forget your towel'...
Helly Hansen Watersports Centre Open Day
Sunday 16th April 11am-5pm
15 The Quays M50 3SQ
Free entry/Watersports taster sessions £4
For further details phone 877 7252
Or see www.salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk/watersports-centre
Words by Gareth Lyons