Uxbridge Gazette – November 2nd 2016 – THE Sharks, who train in Harefield, have ended the season with another promotion as James Read goes up to Men’s National Division Two in Canoe Slalom in kayak singles.

Read achieved second place in Division Three at a race at Shepperton on Saturday, which secured him enough points to be promoted. The following day, he raced in the higher division and came 11th.

Amelia Combes was also in action in Division Two for the Sharks competing on both days in Ladies K1 and Ladies Cl. She showed amazing consistency, coming fifth in each event on both days. This was Combes’ first race in Division Two for canoe singles after her own recent promotion, and her performances through the year will ensure the 14-year-old will be starting the 2017 season in Division Two for both kayak and canoe singles.

Also paddling on both days in Division Three Men’s K1 was Khaleel Zainddin, also just 14 years old, and he came ninth on both days. Zainddin has gradually risen up the division and will start the year as one of the higher ranked paddlers. Joel Gunnery raced on Sunday in Men’s Division 3 K1 and the 13-year-old, from West Drayton, came sixth. Both he and Zainddin should be pushing for early promotion to Division Two in 2017.

Club coach Neal Underwood said: “It is always great to get a promotion, and we seem to be getting quite a few this year. The club has great ambition and a great set of paddlers, but we can always do with more.” Anyone interested in joining should visit www.thesharks.org.uk, email canoeing@thesharks.org.uk or call 07951 770 241. No experience or equipment is needed.