Another Great days racing

A great mornings paddling at Southampton Canoe Club, racing on the River Itchen, enabling many of our paddlers to increase their experience of different kinds of water.

The entry level event was organised to enable plenty of opportunities to go down the course in different boats, whilst still providing the challenge of a race to more experienced paddlers.

Ladies’ K1

Ryo Lord 3rd and 2nd J14

Paddling only her second River Race and the first this year, she paddled the 500m course in a slalom boat in a time of 2 minutes and 12 seconds. She collects 1,632 points for both national ranking and Wavehopper leagues.

Currently ranked 21st in the UK and 6th J14. 5th and 3rd in the Wavehopper respectively.

Carmel Lord 5th place

Racing in her third Wild Water Race, Carmel came 5th over all in a time of 2:40, earning 1,299 points.

She is now ranked 25th in the UK and 8th (third Senior) in Wavehopper.

Men’s K1

Grant Underwood – 4th place

Grant was joint 4th place with a time of 1:19, giving him 1,646 points, bringing his season tally to 5,074.

Grant is currently ranked 18th in the UK for Wild Water Racing.

Rick Moore – 10th and 1st V55

Making an rear outing in River Racing, our slalom coach came 10th over all and first Master over 55.

His time was 1:25 and he is now ranked 72nd in the UK with 1,528 points from just one race. He is 6th V55.

Peter Skinner – 15th

New to River Racing, Peter has joined our staff as a coach. The Reading paddler came 15th, which wins him his first 1,430 points, his time was 1:30.

He is ranked 79th in Men’s K1 WWR.

Neal Underwood – 16th and 2nd V60

With a time of 1:33, he came 16th overall and second veteran over 60.

1,370 points being added to his season total ranking him 20th in the Country and 2nd V60, with a total of 4,895 points.

Ivijah Campbell-Bryan – 17th and 2nd J14

13 year-old Ivijah is closing the gap on those above him, with a time of 1:34 putting him in 17th place (2nd J14) and giving him another 1,351 points to his season total.

He now sits 23rd in the national rankings and top under 14! He has 4,279 points so far this season.

Malcolm Blowers – 22nd

Another recent recruit to our teaching staff is Meridian paddler Malcolm Blowers, who will primarily be based at our new Thamesmead location.

Malcolm’s time was 2:01 and gave him 22nd place ( 2nd V55)and 820 points ranking points from his first race of the year, he is currently ranked 88th and 31st in Wavehopper Challenge.

Nicolas Bozic – 25th and 4th Under 18

Racing in a slalom boat, Nicolas came 25th overall and 4th J18 with a time of 2:22 earning 407 points, brining his season total to 1,696 putting him in 60th place in the national rankings and 12th in Wavehopper rankings.

Canoe Doubles

Grant Underwood & Neal Underwood – 3rd

Racing together for the first time this Year, Neal and Grant came third in a time of 1:59. with 1,786 points they are currently ranked 19th in the UK.

Ivijah Campbell-Bryan & Isaac Whitlock – 4th and 1st Under 14 crew

Ivijah teamed up with fellow J14 from Wiltshire Youth Canoe Club, the came 4th over all and first under 14 crew, well done guys. This was the first time they had ever paddled together and the 1,644 points ranks them 22nd in the Country and top J14 crew.

Their time was 2:11

Grant Underwood & Peter Skinner – 5th

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Bit of an oops moment during their run, but well done guys for getting back in and finishing the race. Wild Water Racing rules permit you to get back in and finish the race if you capsize, so never give up!

Their time of 5:18 (you must have been really shifting when paddling or incredibly quick at getting back in) earns them a point and giving them a ranking position of 24th.

Many thanks to Southampton Canoe Club for hosting the event and letting us use their pictures. It was a great event and ideal for gaining experience in Wild Water Racing for people new to the discipline.

If you would like to know more, to get involved, why not get in touch by calling/texting 07951 770241 or emailing canoeing@thesharks.org.uk.

Before we go, just time for the caption competition:

All joking aside, it was great to see Danny and Richard turn up to watch, both are stalwarts of the sport since the 1960s and are still actively involved, although mobility is restricting their opportunities in later life. Richard has recently had additional health issues and we wish him a full recovery and look forward to seeing you both in a boat soon.

Published Monday 17th March