Rob van Bommel: “The World Paddle Awards is a community effort and achievement”

Writer: Alyce Burnett - Rob van Bommel had a dream, and that dream was to create an international event that celebrated the most remarkable men and women from the world of (competitive) paddlesports, along with their extraordinary achievements. His tireless commitment to achieving this goal has resulted in the formation of something truely remarkable. In it’s second year, the World Paddle Awards are now regarded as the ‘Oscars of Paddlesports,’ and have become the most recognisable awards in this sport.

With 7 categories, plus the Academy Award, 56 nominees and over 490 total entries in 2015, the awards celebrate the diversity of paddlesports and honour the many people from all over the world that contribute to it, something that Rob is very proud of.

“I am proud of what we have achieved with a group of people. This year I had a lot of support from many people and I really considered it as a community effort and achievement,” he said.

“I am proud of what we can achieve together as a community and that is definitely what we have shown tonight.”

Staged in Barcelona, the 2016 awards were very different to the first ceremony in 2015, where there were 500 guests, but both were equally as successful. With an intimate and exclusive crowd in attendance the guests enjoyed a relaxed evening where they were able to share their passion for this sport.

“Augsburg was more formal which in a way is very good because people have won something really important so to a certain extent they want it to be formal, they want the red carpet and they want that formal acknowledgement. This year was more intimate and more exclusive so we could for example tell a joke here and there,” Rob said.

“Both are equally valuable and equally beautiful. It’s just a different way of doing the same thing.”

The immediate success the World Paddle Awards has experienced is a testament to Rob’s unwavering passion and commitment to paddlesports and this organisation. The worldwide support it has received is something Rob could have only imagined initially and as the awards continue to grow he is more excited than ever about the future.

“We have a venue for 2017 and we are already talking about 2018 and 2019. I couldn't have hoped for better. We are planning for 2, 3 and 4 years ahead. I never would have expected it would be this successful.”

With planning already in place for the 2017 ceremony and as the awards gain more international exposure and support, Rob and his team are dedicated to ensuring it is a huge ongoing and long term success.