Canoe slalom is one of the most spectacular watersports, demanding skill, stamina and courage. The aim is to run a rapid river course marked by "gates" fast, and without touching.
A "gate" is two poles, suspended over the water. Green and white gates are negotiated in a downstream direction, red and white gates upstream. The gates are placed so that you must make tricky cross-current moves and use the eddies and waves.
Four classes compete: Men's and Ladies' Kayak, Canadian Singles and Canadian Doubles.
This is a sport in which Britain excels. Richard Fox was 5 times World Champion; Lynn Simpson was Ladies World Champion; and Paul Ratcliffe has held the World Cup and took the silver medal at the Sydney Olympic Games.
If you touch a pole with anything - paddle, boat, buoyancy aid, helmet or yourself - a 2 second penalty is added to your time. If you miss a gate out, or go through in the wrong direction, the penalty is 50 seconds! The aim is fast and clean. Each competitor takes two runs, and the best run counts.
In Division 4, where you start, it won't be too hard - a rush of water from a weir, or moving water in a stream. When you get to Division 1 it will be big and tricky!
The gates are positioned to test your skill in using, and coping with, the water. This is perfect training for running big whitewater rivers.
What events are there
There are races for one-person kayaks and for one-person and two-person canoes - Men's K1, Women's K1, C1 and C2. A K1 is a one-seater kayak - you sit in it and use a paddle with blades at both ends. A C1, or Canadian, is a boat you kneel in, and use a one-bladed paddle. A C2 is for two paddlers, kneeling and with single-blade paddles.
Paddlers of all ages compete together - but there are usually special prizes for the best in each age group.
Can women and girls enter slalom?
There is a women's class for one-person kayaks. Girls can also race in the other classes, but they compete with the men on equal terms. Slalom paddlers are grouped so that they can race others of similar ability, on water that is appropriate to their skill.
What are "divisions"?
There are five divisions - Premier, and Divisions 1 to 4. Newcomers usually start in Division 4. When you do well, you get promoted. You build up your skill, and work your way up to bigger water and tougher competition.
How Do I Enter My First Race?
Just go along to any "Division 4" event, find "Control" and ask for an entry card. You will be welcome! If you like you can get your entry in before the event: if you've got one, send an entry card to the address in the Calendar - or just write. If you send two envelopes with a stamp and your address on, they will send you the start list before the competition and the results afterwards. You also need to send a cheque or postal order for the entry fee (seniors, £5.25 and £8.50 for a double event: juniors, £3.50 and £5.75 for a double. If in doubt, pay on the day.
You have to be a member BCU/SCA/WCA/CANI to race, but for a Div 4 race you can buy a one-day temporary membership. Once you win promotion to Div 3 you must join.
More Information?
Want to know more? – Just click to www.canoeslalom.co.uk or ask any of the following club members: -
Mike Jesson – Premier Men’s K1
Tania Page – Premier/ One C2
Janet Bendelow – Div 1 Women’s K1
Neale Hardwick – Div 2 Men’s K1
Louise Grice – Div 2/3 C2
Lawrence Fielding – Div 3 Men’s K1
Paul Langham – Div 3 Men’s K1
Robert Wilkinson – Div 4 Men’s K1