Top UK Watersports Events This Month: April 2026
3 April 2026
Spring has arrived and the UK watersports season is kicking off properly. April brings 63 events across the country — from national championships to local regattas, wild water sprints to kite foiling. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or looking for your first event, there’s something on this month.
Here are the standout events to have on your radar.
English National Surfing Championships — Fistral Beach, 10 April
The biggest date in English competitive surfing. Fistral Beach in Newquay plays host to the national championships for the umpteenth year — and for good reason. Consistent Atlantic swells and a reliable beach break make it the best contest venue in the country.
Divisions run from Open Men and Women through to Junior, Longboard, and Bodyboard. Heats are 15-20 minutes, judged on wave selection, manoeuvres, and commitment. If you’re a Surfing England member, entry is typically around 30-50 per division. Even if you’re not competing, it’s worth the trip to watch.
Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race — 3 April
A genuine legend of British paddlesport. The Devizes to Westminster is 125 miles with 77 portages, running from the Kennet & Avon Canal all the way to Westminster Bridge. The senior doubles class does it non-stop — typically 15 to 20 hours straight through the night. It started in 1948 as a bet between two scouts and a Royal Marine. Now in its 78th year, it remains the longest non-stop canoe race in the world.
Junior and recreational classes run over four stages across the Easter weekend, making it accessible if you’re not quite ready for the full endurance test.
Welsh National Surfing Championships — Llantwit Major, 24 April
Wales has its own thriving surf scene and the national championships at Llantwit Major showcase it. Expect a competitive field across multiple divisions, with the added unpredictability of Welsh weather keeping things interesting.
BKSA Foiling Series Round 1 — Stithians Lake, 15 April
Kite foiling is one of the fastest-growing disciplines in UK watersports. The British Kitesports Association opens its foiling series at Stithians Lake in Cornwall — a freshwater inland venue that offers consistent conditions for racing.
Scottish Rowing Spring Regatta — 18 April
The Scottish rowing season gets underway with the Spring Regatta. A good early-season test for crews building towards the summer racing calendar.
University Boat Races — Thames, 4 April
The famous Oxford vs Cambridge Boat Race on the Thames from Putney to Mortlake. One of the most-watched rowing events in the world and a brilliant day out if you’re anywhere near London.
More April Highlights
- Aquatics GB Swimming Championships — London Aquatics Centre, 14 April
- Camber Sands Open Big Air — kitesurfing, 25 April
- Osprey Sprint Triathlon — Portland, 12 April
- Junior Inter-Regional Regatta (JIRR) — Holme Pierrepont, 25 April
What to Pack for Spring Events
April conditions in the UK are unpredictable — sunshine one hour, sideways rain the next. A waterproof dry bag is essential for keeping your phone, keys, and change of clothes safe whatever the weather throws at you. If you’re spectating bankside or waiting between heats, a dry robe makes a real difference when the wind picks up.
For paddlesport events, a 10-20L dry bag fits neatly in most boats. Open water swimmers should consider a swim float bag for visibility and bankside storage.
Browse the full UK watersports events calendar
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the biggest UK watersports events in April 2026?
The English National Surfing Championships at Fistral Beach and the Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race are the headline events. The University Boat Races on the Thames and the Aquatics GB Swimming Championships in London are also major draws.
How many watersports events are there in April 2026?
There are 63 watersports events across the UK in April 2026, covering kayaking, surfing, sailing, rowing, swimming, kitesurfing, triathlon, and more.
Is April a good month for UK watersports events?
April marks the start of the main season. Water temperatures are still cold (10-14C in most places), so wetsuits or drysuits are essential for water-based events. But the days are longer, the racing calendar is filling up, and early-season events tend to be less crowded.