Britain’s Oldest Water Sports Enthusiast, 90, Still Kayaks 15 Miles a Week
At 90 years old, Robin Powell continues to defy age and expectations with his passion for kayaking. Britain’s oldest water sports enthusiast, Powell has been paddling along the River Severn three times a week for nearly 80 years. Despite his age, Powell, a retired crafts teacher, maintains a rigorous routine, covering about 15 miles weekly.
Powell’s lifelong love for water sports began in 1944 when his father gifted him a canoe for his 10th birthday. Since then, he has explored nearly every waterway in England and Wales, amassing a remarkable 70,000 miles in his kayaking career. His dedication has not only kept him fit but also made him a beloved figure in the Worcester Canoe Club, which he founded in the 1970s.
The club, with over 50 members, celebrated Powell’s milestone with a surprise birthday party on August 29th, presenting him with a custom ‘90+’ life vest. Powell, who still shares his expertise with younger kayakers, expressed his gratitude, saying, “I am touched. They say I am inspirational, but I enjoy kayaking, and I hope everyone else does.”
Powell’s impact extends beyond the local club; his teaching has inspired many, including Claudia Chester, the club’s membership secretary. Chester recalls Powell’s early days with the club and praises his commitment to sharing his passion. “He was a founding member and has always been here,” she said. “His attitude is that if you want to learn kayaking, he will help you out.”
Among his proudest achievements is saving a surfer’s life during a Severn Bore wave incident, an act of heroism that exemplifies the close-knit nature of the water sports community.
Powell continues to enjoy the sport he loves, embodying the spirit of dedication and enthusiasm that has characterized his remarkable 90 years.
