Constitution of the British Kayak Fishing Association (BKFA)

1. Name

The name of the association shall be British Kayak Fishing Association, hereafter referred to as BKFA.

2. Status

BKFA is an unincorporated association formed by individuals who have come together for a common purpose. BKFA is non‑commercial and free to join.

3. Purpose and Objectives

The purpose of BKFA is to represent and support kayak anglers in the United Kingdom.

The objectives of BKFA are to:

Bring together a large and unified membership of kayak anglers.

Improve access to waters for kayak fishing through collective representation.

Present a professional, responsible and insured membership to fisheries and venue owners.

Promote safe and responsible kayak fishing practices.

Work cooperatively with venues while respecting their independence and rules.

Support the long‑term development of kayak fishing in the UK.

4. What BKFA Is

A representative association of kayak anglers.

A collective voice for access discussions.

A body that promotes safety, insurance compliance and responsible behaviour.

5. Membership

5.1 Eligibility

Membership is open to any individual who kayak fishes and agrees to abide by this constitution.

5.2 Cost

Membership of BKFA is free to join.

5.3 Membership Requirements

All members must:

Hold valid British Canoeing / Paddle UK membership or equivalent public‑liability insurance covering kayaking.

Use approved, purpose‑built fishing kayaks.

Wear a personal flotation device (PFD) at all times while on the water.

Comply fully with all venue rules and local regulations.

Conduct themselves in a manner that does not bring BKFA into disrepute or jeopardise access for others.

5.4 Membership Conduct

Failure to meet the above requirements, or behaviour deemed to damage BKFA’s objectives or reputation, may result in removal from BKFA‑supported activities or membership.

6. Management and Representation

6.1 Officers

BKFA shall appoint officers to manage its affairs. As a minimum, these shall include:

Chair / Coordinator

Secretary / Administrator

These roles may be held by the same individual in the early stages of the association.

6.2 Authority

Officers are authorised to:

Represent BKFA in discussions with venues and stakeholders.

Maintain membership records.

Ensure compliance with this constitution.

Officers must act in the best interests of BKFA and its members at all times.

7. Decision Making

Decisions relating to the operation of BKFA shall be made by the officers. Where appropriate, member consultation may be undertaken.

8. Finance

BKFA is non‑profit. If funds are introduced in the future, they shall be used solely to further the objectives of the association.

No member or officer shall receive personal financial gain from BKFA.

9. Liability

BKFA does not provide insurance cover to members.

Members remain personally responsible for their own safety, conduct and compliance with venue rules.

BKFA accepts no liability for the actions of individual members.

10. Data Protection

BKFA shall collect and store only the minimum personal data necessary to administer membership and represent collective numbers.

Personal data shall not be shared without consent and shall be handled in accordance with applicable data protection legislation.

11. Amendments

This constitution may be amended by the officers of BKFA where necessary to support the objectives of the association.

12. Dissolution

In the event that BKFA is dissolved, any remaining assets shall be distributed in a manner consistent with the objectives of the association, and not for personal gain.

Adopted on: 27 December 2025
Founding Members:
Richard Archer
Dane Wood
Tiberiu Nica
David Jacobs
Ian Pickering