Get out on the water.
Whether you're drawn to the calm of early-morning kayaking, the thrill of catching your first wave, or the freedom of sailing along the coast, there's a discipline out there with your name on it. OutdoorXpo brings the UK's best watersports brands, clubs, instructors and travel specialists together, so you can discover, try and plan everything in a single day out.
Olympic Marathon SwimmerAlice Dearing
Alice Georgina Nana Dearing is an Olympic marathon swimmer and global diversity advocate. In 2021 she became the first Black woman to swim for Great Britain at an Olympic Games, a milestone moment for diversity in UK swimming.
Her commitment to ensuring swimming is for all led her to co-found the Black Swimming Association, a charity promoting water safety and inclusion for Black and Asian communities.
Her work has earned global recognition, including The Sunday Times Changemaker of the Year in 2022 and No. 3 on the BBC Woman's Hour Power List in 2023. Catch Alice live on the Inspiration Stage across the show.
- Known for
- First Black woman to swim for GB at the Olympics (2021)
- Founded
- Black Swimming Association, promoting water safety and inclusion
- Recognition
- Sunday Times Changemaker of the Year (2022), BBC Woman's Hour Power List No. 3 (2023)
Ready for OutdoorXpo 2027?
Secure your place at the NEC, 20–21 March 2027.
Get hands-on with watersports
StageInspiration Stage
Celebrity speakers and adventurers tell their stories. Your chance to be inspired and motivated.
ExperienceExperience Kayaking
An exciting and unique opportunity to try the sport in a dynamic, bustling environment. Paddle in the designated water area, test your skills, attend workshops and engage with a community of like-minded adventurers.
ExperienceOpen Water Swimming
A thrilling and immersive experience for swimmers of all levels. Dive into the refreshing water in a dedicated area, with expert coaches on hand to offer tips, techniques and safety advice.
ExperiencePaddle Boarding
Trying paddle boarding for the first time, or sharing the love for the sport? Taking place on Pendigo Lake outside the NEC, this feature area is not to be missed.
Watersports exhibitors
Every wave, covered
The Watersports section of the OutdoorXpo is your one-stop destination for everything aquatic, from the first-timer taking a paddleboard lesson to the seasoned open-water swimmer planning their next adventure.
Dive into the world of watersports with a packed programme of talks, workshops and live Q&As featuring athletes, adventurers and industry experts from across the water community. From paddleboarding and kayaking to open water swimming, discover inspiring stories, expert advice and the latest innovations in watersports gear, apparel and equipment.
Supported by
The biggest community meet-up of the year
Celebrating the enjoyment of the outdoors, all under one roof, 20–21 March 2027 at NEC Birmingham.