Three new champions!
Nine paddlers took to the challenge of the 5th race in the Barrow Wild Water Racing series, which was also the East Midlands Championship. The weather was on the cool side, but the competition was hot and The Sharks excelled!
One of the biggest River Races held in the UK with 80 starters on a cold February morning
Abdullah Sayed: Under 8 Eastern Region Champion
Abdullah raced the 3k course in 26 minutes 29.47 seconds making him the fastest under 8 in the race, he came 41st over all. As he did the race in a slalom boat he also collects 754 points in both ranking lists. He is currently ranked 57th in Wild Water Racing and the top under 8 in the UK. It was also his best ever time on the Barrow, shaving three minutes of his January time. Great racing Abdullah!
Abdurrahman Syed: Under 10 Eastern Region Champion
Abdurrahman completed the course in 25:23.10 to become the Easter Region Under 10 Wild Water racing Champion. He was 37th over all and collects 856 points for both Wavehopper and National Ranking points. Another personal best beating his previous time by 1.5 minutes. Ranked 48th and top Under 10 in the UK, fantastic race Abdurrahman.
Ivijah Campbell-Bryan: Under 14 Eastern Region Champion
Ivijah‘s time was 18:34.22, he is now the Eastern Region Under 14 Wild Water Champion, he collected 1,485 points for his 28th place finish, he is now ranked 27th in the UK and top Under 14. Brilliant performance Ivijah.
Grant Underwood: Second Senior and 19th overall.
Grant‘s time was 16:19.17 and was the first Shark back. He collected 1,685 points and is currently ranked 19th in the UK.
Neal Underwood: 6th Over 60 and 22nd overall
A time of 17:13.10 earned him 1,610 points, ranking him 21st and second V60
Ian Marsh: 2nd Senior and 33rd overall
Paddling a slalom boat, Ian‘s time of 20:27.39 was a personal best, and earns 1,311 points for both Wavehopper and National Ranking lists, he is now ranked 29th in the UK.
Saalih Syed: Third U12 and 38th overall
A time of 25:30.49 was a personal best time, earning 844 points, ranks him 45th and 3rd under 12.
Maximillian Arbuzov: 7th under 12, 45th overall
Earning points in both Wavehopper and National 268 ranking points with a time of 32:44.89, he is currently ranked 62 and 5th under12.
The Sharks were the fourth best club team at the Eastern Region Wild Water Championships, well done folks and a big thank you to our supporters at the event. The Sharks will be at Barrow on Saturday 1st March for the final race of the series. Interested in joining our team? Give us a call/text on 07951 770241 or email:canoeing@thesharks.org.uk; no experience of kit required.
Many thanks to Soar Valley Canoe Club for organising the races.
Published 26th March 2025.