Vejle Kajak Klub with the Floating Kayak Club wins the 2016 Industry Professional Award.
VEJLE KAJAK KLUB - THE FLOATING KAYAK CLUB - Winner of the 2016 'Industry Professional' of the year award.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/vejlekajakklub
Website: www.vejlekajakklub.dk
The Industry Professional Award, recognises the outstanding work done commercially and in the paddlesports industry. With their ground breaking design, the 2016 Golden Paddle was awarded to the Vejle Kajak Klub in Denmark for their floating kayak club. In front of a packed audience, John Broe Rasmussen accepted the award on behalf of FORCE4 Architects, the club and its members.
"I particularly want to thank Vejle Kayak Club's longstanding Building Committee to keep the focus on the desire to build us a new clubhouse. Next, I thank Vejle Kommune (Vejle municipality) for their financial support. Without this support it would not have been possible. I address a special thanks to Director of Culture John Hansen for his ceaseless work to get it all to succeed. Last but not least, I would naturally send my sincere thanks to architect Andreas Lauesen and the architect firm Force4 for their great ideas and work."
John Broe Rasmussen (right, President Vejle Kayak Klub) accepts the award from Ole Torp.
In Denmark it is very popular to build homes on the waterfront, and by using this method the club ensured they had unrestricted access to the Vejle Fjord, but the construction wasn't easy.
"Design took probably about half a year, but the special construction meant that it was difficult to find contractors who dared to take the construction task, and the design had to be modified several times because of the high construction cost. In fact, we started the process early in year 2010 and moved in in May 2015."
"The clubhouse is compact with a very modern maritime look and the unique proximity to the water makes it very special to stay in the club. You feel in a way that the kayak trip has already started the moment you move out on the gangway. We have our very own little "Harbor" for launching the kayaks and it all invites to "hang out" and talk with the other members."
Now that it's completed, the innovative club allows the entire community to enjoy the clubhouse which in turn has seen a progressive rise in membership.
"There is access for all and there are almost constantly a lot of guests who enjoy a walk ‘on’ the clubhouse. Many people come and enjoy the view while eating their packed lunches. A lot of people are interested in joining the club."
"We are just over 300 members in the club and our plan is to grow quietly keeping up with the trends in the kayak sport and in general have an active and attractive range of activities at the club."
The World Paddle Awards congratulates the Vejle Kajak Klub on their Golden Paddle award.
Read Vejle Kajak Klub' profile here