ll&IOMI NIVI AND ~IIVI
No.10 July 1984 Price SOp
NOTES FOR NOVICES•AUGSBURG '84• HOW TO RACE HARD FEEDBACK
Official magazine of the British Canoe PREEBIADES Union Slalom (ONIINII Committee PYJ,9JJ:.ib1 45-47 High Street, 2 FEEDBACK INFO a Addleston, Weybridge, 6 NOTES FOR NOVICES Surrey. KT15 1 JV 10 PUBLICITY The views expressed in this magazine are not 11 AUGSBURG necessarily those of the PRE WORLDS '84 BCU Slalom Committee 15 HI STORY OF SLALOM or of the Editor. PART 2 1959-1983 , I Reproduction of all or any part of the 18 LEARNING TO magazine may only be RACE HARD undertaken through 21 SIX FLAGS- written permission from THUNDER RIVER No~ Available~ -1 publishers MISSOURI U.S.A. CAMARO SURFWEAR from Austria 22 FEEDBACK LETTERS PLUS EUROSTYLE LIGHTWEIGHT 23 RESULTS CAGS and Editorial Address THE ULTIMATE RUN 154, Lichfield Road, by Bill Endicott • Stone, Staffs. ST15 SPY Telephone or write for details to Tel.(0785)817016 PETEANSTEL Richard Fox Youth Selection 154 Lichfield Road, Stone, Staffs. Gate 21 R Tully. Subscriptions and (0785) 817016 Advertising Photo by Tony Tickle Dave Morgan 8, High Park Drive, Bradford, 809 6HS Subscriptions at £4.00 for 6 issues post paid and club supplies available from this address. Special rates for overseas readers.
l,.ay-up Team: Dave and Stephanie Mawdsley.
Features Editor Joe Lyons
All copy for next issue to editor by Saturday, 1st September, 1984.
Front cover- Melvyn Janes taking the Zoom Flume at Augsburg. - Tony Tickle. FEEDBACK
etc. Computers only take a small current and it can take up to 4 seconds for an ordinary fuse to blow in the event of a fault - much longer than it takes to kill.
The Slalom Exec. insists that if using 1"'10 electrical equipment at Slaloms, Organisers must ensure that 'Paddles up' will be I on the air'· on 28/29/30 Aug. on BBC 1 at 6.40 p.m. 1. Correct cables and sockets are The Publicity Committee asks that all used. clubs nationwide take advantage of the programme to boost local publicity 2. Equipment must be protected by with a view to obtaining event sponsors residual current earth leakage ',y organising a 'have a go' day/session circuit breaker {:luring Sep-/Oct on as simple a basis as possible in a lake/swimming pool/river. 3. All users of mains equipment Further details will be circulated to all -must be aware that should an clubs by the end of July. electrical accident take place, they may be liable for Drug Testing - Paddlers are reminded that prosecution if the correct they must declare info. on personal protection has not been used. consumption of medication. A list of prohibited substances may be obtained Insecure Loads by Doctors from the Slalom Administrator. A Senior Instructor is due to appear in Holme Pierrepont - Pledges will be called court after a boat came off his roof in shortly. rack and struck a cyclist. He faces a fine, which can be as high as £300 Royal Deeside Slalom 3/4 Advertised in for having an insecure load. Slalom yearbook as Mar 31/ Apr 1 will now take place on 6/7 Oct. 1984. Given the more serious consideration that a boat flying off a roof rack or { Tryweryn Events - At the next AGM, the trailer could easily cause a fatal , I Exec. proposes an additional levy of Sop accident, it is vital that drivers for future events which do not have a thoroughly check the fastenings every guaranteed release, this runount to cover time. the cost of payment of overtime rates National Coach to the Welsh Water Authority. In the meantime, paddlers are invited to contribute Sop at such events - the APPLICATIONS ARE INVITED FOR THE alternative being cancellation or running FOLLOWING POSITION: the individual events only on Saturday and abandoning the Sunday programme. A NATIONAL COACH to develop the Coaching (At the last event, £78 was collected of Slalom Competitors towards the £100 needed to cover cost of overtime. The method by which the National Coach carries out a policy aimed at training Electrical Equipment As much more persons to coach slalom paddlers at all electrical equipment at mains voltages levels, will be left very much in his/ is being used at events with the her hands, although being responsible introduction of Computers, there are to the BCU Council through the extra risks. Cables are used in damp Director of Coaching and the National conditions or laid on hard ground or Coaching Committee in co-operation with stone where they can be walked upon the BCD Slalom Committee. 2 FEEDBACK
The successful candidate will be slalom, as,well as a keen competition employed part-time at a remuneration for the Regional Trophies. of £500 per annum against which expenses may be placed from the point of view Entries to: of income tax. Any further increments M.F. Callow, which may be earned as a result of the 11 Sycamore Close, appointment will in no way affect the Wellington, above arrange~ent. Telford, Shrops or enter _by 11 am on the day, Hugh Mantle, the previous National Coach Individuals £1, Teams £1.80. BCU is willing - if requested - to advise membership is not necessary. and assist the new appointee initially. Austrian Guide APPLICATIONS A reminder to those about to leave for European tours that Dave Roland No application forms are being issued. acting as a river adviser for river'. Letters of application, which should around Landeck until August 17. If you include a summary of relevant experience are in the area look him out for advice and qualifications, together with the and the latest information on river names and addresses of two persons to levels. whom reference may be made, should be sent to: A little further down the river Inn, The Chairman, BCU National Coaching at Haiming lurk the 'gruesome twosome' Committee, Flexel House, 45/47 High Street, Neil Baxter and Jes Taylor. If you have AddlestonB, Surrey, KT15 lJV, to reach. an afternoon to spare they would be him not later than 1 September 1984. pleased to take you for a guided tour of the river Inn in rubber rafts. An Slalom Organisers exhilirating experience to say the Clarification on certain aspects of least and far less exhausting than the completion of Slalom Summary sheets a kayak or canoe. follows: For further details contact: Levies are calculated on the number of Starters at the event. Feelfree Rafting Gasthaus Zurn Veterans - remember to include in Levies. rowen Magerback 1 Under 18 'refund' applies to number of A-64.25 Haiming Tirol Austria Starters Tel: 0526 661 or 6401 Essential to indicate Youth and Junior paddlers on Result sheet - (for B. & R. Provide Electrical Safety competitor and Administrator information). Protection at Canoeing Championships It's not really like an Income Tax Return! Safety is always a prime consideration at Susan E. Wharton any event organised by the British Slalom Administrator Schools Canoeing Association and the electrical equipment at this year's West Midlands Slalom British Schools Canoe Slalom Champion• West Midland Region Slalom Series ships will he fitted with PowerBreaker One Day Event 13A plugs. Manufactured in Britain by Sunday 23rd September B&R Electrical Products Ltd, the plugs Jackfield Rapid, R.Severn, Ironbridge protect against electrocution or The slalom is run on a handicap basis so serious injury in the event of an it is ideal for an introduction to electrical accident. FEEDBACK 3
Rapid Racing The Lowenbrau 500 Series got off to a flying start at Bala on 19 May 1984. The organisers were delighted with the entry - 89 competitors but also a little overwhelmed. For future races they intend to start the entry NOMAD procedure earlier in the day 10.00 or 11.00 depending on locations; have enough bibs for all without repeating, and have a faster and more CANOES comprehensive result service. The dates for the re.maining few races Ltd are as follows: UNIT 15 DEE SIDE INDUSTRIAL PARK 20 October 1984 River Washburn, CLWYD. Telephone (0244) 811393 Blubberhouses, North Yorkshire Division Band C/Open
17 November 1984 River Teifi, Llandyssul Dyfed GETTOUGH- Division Band C/Open
Try the new range of 8 December 1984 River Terne, Ludlow, NOMAD SLALOM Shropshire DESIGNS - PRO 84K Division Band C/Open 19 January 1985 River Dart, New Bridge, Introduced last season at Devon Llangollen and already Division Band C/Open chosen by many 9 March 1985 River Tay, Grantully, 1 • Premier Kayak Paddlers. Pertl).shire Division A and B/Open • For lighter paddlers we Success in Slalom have designed a new boat 3 one week courses offering coaching in slalom skills - training techniques based on the Pro 84K and event preparation. Pro84C July 30 - Auq 3rd The Ct Slalom boat of the Aug 13 Aug 17
future. Aug 27 Aug 31
Places still available. For further information contact:
Jim Dolan Roger Manwaring 28 High View 131 Beech Ave Simmondley Alfreton Glos sop Der bys Derbys. JK13 9LR Tel: 04574 65607 Tel: 0773 834523 4 FEEDBACK
Sponsorship J.C.F. Rule Changes Liz Sharman has been sponsored by The Executive invites club represen• HOFELS PURE FOODS because she·already tatives and interested competitors to an uses their garlic· to control her catarrh. Please note that by supporting HOFELS OPEN CONSULTATION MEETING Pure Foods you will be supporting our to consider the terms of voting advice to world champion. BCU delegates at the October 1984 ICF The executive is to consider in Congress. September a draft AGM Motion permitting advertising by sponsors On Saturday, 15 September, 1984 at 2.30 pm on equipment in use in competition at Derbyshire College of Higher Education, in the UK only but not Inter• Matlock. nationals Judging The current proposals of the ICF Slalom and Wildwater Committee may be summa~ed There have been some continued dis• as: qualifications arising from failure to judge at Premier/Division 1 Boat Design Restrictions - None events - this is where there has at present been either a refusal to judge or no notice given of inability 1.1 Minimum Weight to be present when required. Kl 9 Kg Cl 10 Kg C2 15 Kg
1.2 End Radius - minimum
2 cm horizontal 1 cm vertical Course 2.1 Length - 600 metres maximum start• finish lines - at present 800 metres The Challenger Buoyancy Aid through the gates. wins for comfort, freedom and style. 2.2 Gates - Maximum 25, Minimum 20; at least 6 must be upstream - at present Maximum 30, Minimum. 25. Hand-shaped N.B. No reverse gates in ICF proposals. Low-cut foam for arm holes• greater comfort Gates are designated downstream for greater or upstream. Reverse -manoeuvres freedom. to be included ideally.
BCU/BCMA83 2.3 Gate Marking - Downstream: green/ approved white; Upstream: red/white.
2.4 Team Gate - abolished but team must cross finish line within 15 seconds. 2.5 Pole Height - approximately ~, 15 cm (six inches) above water; at present minimum Write telephone or call: 18, Peregrine Drive, Darwen, Lanes. B83 OJL of 10 cm. Telephone 0254 71456 2.6 Gate Width - as now, no change. FEEDBACK 5
Negotiation no effect unless it becomes the next gate completed by 3.1 Direction is upstream or down• virtue of body crossing gate stream as indicated by pole line. colours and number panels. Any presentation acceptable. 3.3 The complete head and part of the boat at the least must 3.2 Negotiation of gate ends when pass between the poles. negotiation of next gate has begun or body crosses any Penalties subsequent gate line or finish is crossed. 4.1 Pole touch, one or both poles, 5 points. N.B. This with other (unchanged) rules means that the next 4.2 Body upside down (totally f gate after the one being under water) while crossing negotiated is "live", that gate line, 50 points - body crossing gate line of present rule specifies any subsequent gate leads to eskimo roll in gate line. 50 penalty on preceding gate(s) not completed, that a Team Sizes - Number of Runs - pole touch on a gate counts Practice Run - no change from even after clearing the gate present rules. line if the next gate has not been started, that a pole NOTE - These proposals relate to touch only on a subsequent International Competition - gate (not the next gate) has 1986 onwards.
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WOOTTON BASSETT
Visit our new shop and workshop where we have a large selection of CANOES, ACCESSORIES and G.R.P. MATERIALS.
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NOTES FOR NOVICES
So you have entered your first event on preferably some stronger plastics time and have now received the start material bags are useful and will last list. What happens now? Your for some time. preparation starts here, at home, several We must not forget night time for even days before the· event. I will assume on summer days the nights may become you have arranged the travelling within very cold and a thick pullover may be the family or with a club friend and needed during the night. It may well merely deal with what happens during rain during the_ weekend and a cag for the weekend to come, so that you can wearing about the site may be worth get the best possible enjoyment out of having. your weekend. WEEKEND BASE - If you are staying at EQUIPMENT - make sure that your canoe the event throughout the weekend you is in good order with the buoyancy will have a tent or caravan:as your firmly fixed and may be a sponge tied base. If you are travelling DAILY on a length of string to the seat and you will still need a base to leave wedged under the seat so as to bail out your dry clothing/food and a place to the last of the water. Are the end have some rest/relax. If you haven't loops/toggles sound? You need a 230mm a car as a base do make arrangements circle and 230mm square in white Fablon/ with friends/club members before the Contac.on the right front and rear event if you want to leave belongings left of the deck (these materials are somewhere. Don't just dump yourself available in small rolls in DIY/· on people as they may not have ro0m, Woolworths type shops). Affix your are already looking after 3 other event numbers using black 12mm/18mm waifs and strays. There is also the insulation tape, using computer style question of food to be cooked/shared digits large enough to be read from a or whatever. short distance. The circle bears your individual number and the square FOOD - If you are going along for is for your team number. the weekend then you will need to take some food with you, and orily you CLOTHING - in this we can include cag, know what you like to eat/drink helmet and buoyancy aid if you wish, especially if you are in a tense mo: but I am more concerned with what goes There is usually a limited range of on in closer contact with your body. refreshments on site, but most of the You may well capsize during the wurstburgers do live up to their practice or event, but even if you do name, are only available for part of not you will get wet whilst getting in/ the day (that means early morning being in/getting out of the canoe, and and late evening there is nothing), it is not wise to stand around in wet and for the whole family can come a clothing. Unfortunately many slaloms little expensive over the two days. are held on days when the weather is You will be able to go into the not ideal for drying and having to nearby village/town on the Friday/ put wet clothing back on i~ even less Saturday evenings for a chippy if you enjoyable than keeping it on. You need as many sets of canoeing clothing wish. as you can find: old tee shirts, However you will probably need some several pairs of swimwear/shorts/track• food/hot drinks and many people prepare suit trousers and plimsolls if you their own. Slalom stew is the usual haven't yet gone into wetsuit boots. with a hatch patch of t.Lnned food put -Even if you can dry some of the wet into one billy. Soup is often a clothing you need to keep it separate favourite, especially the thicker from your dry/clean clothes and so at tinned soups which can be a meal in least two dustbin liner bags or themselves. FEEDBACK 7
Don't forget that glass bottles and find a sequence hard sit to one side out Thermos flasks do not have a place of the way and watch others trying out in a tent, maybe a caravan. different approaches, and see how they use the current to their best advantage. EATING - Well its up tc you when you Do talk to others and ask someone's ~eel hungry, and don't be surprised advice, they can see you're a beginner to find that your eating times novice and will give you a little of change from normal because your their time. activity/energy levels ar~ a lot Don't practice for too long as you can different to being at home/work or over do it and get very tired and school. Do accept that you should muscles. will ache later in the day. not go in your canoe ,fo_r ;practice or Don't stay on the water once it staits -your timed runs with a ,full sto;nach. to get crowded as you will not be able Best to have had your food an hour or to do more than 2 or 3 gates as people more beforehand. queue up on the tiddly bit. You will not be able to put sequences together, wEEKEND PROGRAMME - Let's consider the you will be pushed out by the more 3 days and see how we can best use the confident paddlers/posers and you will time. get cold sitting and waiting. Do Lear in mihd that on the majority of 1. Friday - if you can, travel to the Div 4/N courses the tiddly water is not event on the Friday evening. Pitch necessarily the hard part of.the course your tent away from the main thorough• in terms of gate sequences. The tiddly fare so that you will not be disturbed bit will give a little excitement, by everyone coming past,especially probable capsize and a bit of hard in the early hours of the morning, but paddling, but do look at the rest of not so far as it makes carrying the the course where the organisers will have canoe difficult. If you can leave un• laid out a few tight sect~Qns. These packing and moving in for a while, it often occur around gates 3 - 7 and 'is worthwhile having a look at the again towards the end of the course at course, whilst it is still light, gates 14 - 17. Whilst everyone likes walking along the bank noting the break• to play on the tiddly bit, many are outs, eddies etc., and trying to see likely to pick up careless 5/lOs, even which might be the best way to turn a SO, on these sections. out of gates ready to approach the Having had your short, early morning nex t; gate. Do pay attention to the practice come off the water and park gate sequences. If possible find a your canoe and paddle out of the way more experienced paddler from the so that others can get on/off the Club to point out some of the tricks water. Then go and get changed into in the course, and perhaps he/she will dry clothing, may be the next change go on the water with you and take you of canoeing gear ready for when you round the course, before you attempt go on again. Now is the time to have any full practice. If there is time some food and a hot drink, and it is to get on the water and have a few very unlikely that you will find the practice runs do so, for this is one of refreshment tent open at 7 - 7.30 am. the few occasions during the weekend Go over to the cou~se and watch others that there will be so few paddlers. practising and see if you can learn 2. Saturday - Try and be up early anything, maybe talk it over with ie. 6 am and get straight onto the someone. Go on again for your water for 30 - 45 minutes practice, official practice at the time and see if you can tidy up on the allocated, although this run is not difficult bits you found last night. compulsory it does give you a chance There will be others around at this to do a complete run through the time, but if you are the first don't get course. If you have entered a team, on until some others come along, in case either scratch or a Club team, do you capsize and need help. If you try and have at least one practice 8 FEEDBACK
run together, taking care to work may have changed overnight, and there out your positions at the cross-overs is a couple of hours free practice and at the team gate. Remember not to before the timed runs start at either get too close to each other. Don't 8 or 9 am. So up at 6 am and go and get uptight, you won't win, it is have a look at the water, yes the another couple of practices with time poles are in the water due to over• and penalties assessed and will give night sag, but you can get in 30 - 45 you a good indication of your weak mins useful practice before too many parts of the course. people wake up'. Just a couple of complete runs to adjust to any changes in the water flow, and that is enough for now. Again do not go on the water unless others are there, and don't go on at all if its raging - there may have been overnight rain which changes the character of the event, and the organisers may have to make a few changes, but have regard to your own safety. You have had a short practice, so off and get changed. You may well wish to have a hot drink and go back to bed. By all means do so, but do get yourself ready in plenty of time for your run. YOUR RUN - It is your first event, or you haven't done many, so you may be a little worried. You are expected to be on the water a few minutes before your due start time and ready Administration starts sometime during beside the starter when he calls your Saturday, sometimes during the morning, number. However, the event might be but very often not until the afternoon, running a little early and whilst you the organisers will want to see your need not be ready until the time BCU card (or you might have to join allotted it would be nice to help the at the event) before you start your organiser keep the event running second individual timed run on the smoothly. More likely is that the Sunday. Let's get it over with as event will be running late, and so keep whilst everyone else is practising an eye open for the numbers lined up you can nip in quick. Better still at the start, and listen for loud• leave it to an adult to stand in the speaker announcements. There is no queue (unless you are joining BCU). point getting on too early, sitting Yollowing the afternoon team runs there to get cold and cramped. and Canadians there will usually be In the couple of minutes before you start f~ee vractice until dark. Don't get do a few warm up exercises with the on straight away. If you do wish to paddles across the shoulders, behind the practice wait until late~ when many neck, arms outstretched and turn one people will start to drift off for way and then the other to bring the paddle, food etc. and the water is clear. along the centre line of the boat. Put ' Better still, don't practice but rest your paddle across the cockpit and leave and relax and go off to the local them, put your arms out and reach forward village/town for your fish and chips. to touch your toes. There are several Early to bed is best for youngsters, so simple exercises that you will see don't be afraid to turn in at about people doing. Do warm up, without 8.30 - 9 pm. straining yourself, as sudden strenuous 3. Sunday - Now you know why you activity will damage muscles, especially went to bed early. The river conditions on a cold day. FEEDBACK 9
If you capsize, come out of your canoe Your number is called, the starter wants you. It is your first event, unsure, and get hold of your paddles and canoe but the organiser wants you to enjoy it if you can. Certainly grab the canoe and go to other events. You don't want put your arm over it for support and to be caught, you may be a little slow. float for a few seconds and calm your• Tell the starter - please give me extra self, then go to the end of your canoe time as it is my first event, I don't and take the.loop. If you can collect want to be caught. He will understand, your paddle get that into the hand with it has been done for many others. This the loop and swim to the side. The will save the organiser's time in the chances are that another canoeist will end by avoiding re-runs so he will give come to your aid and will expect you to you an extra 20 - 30 seconds. You're take hold of the end of his canoe so off, take it steady and think about the that he can pull you into the side. strokes and manoeuvres you are doing. Do not let go of your canoe and paddle Your aim is to complete the course unless someone who is helping you tells without a 50 penalty on your card. you to, as a second canoe. might be bon't worry about the speed, that will there to look after them. Get the boat come next year after the experience out and empty it. Go and get changed of several events. and dry and put an extra pullover on for a while. Have a hot drink and try If by chance you are caught up by the and work out what you did wrong, plenty next paddler the judge on that of people will tell you, but work it section is required to give short out from your own viewpoint and learn blasts on a whistle, but it often from the experience. tends to be a long, loud blast. If Always have a look at your scorecard, you hear it pull off to the side, what penalties did you get, at which out of the way of the next paddler gates. You should give these some and let him/her go through. Then thought and try to work out how they yo~ can carry on with your run, you occurred and see if you can learn from have lost a lot of time but it is your efforts. Even with your limited more important for you to get your experience/ability can you do it run in. differently next time? Well have a go. We have a little point here as you And, Dad, don't forget they are doing may have been pulled off or even it for fun and enjoyment, they have had touched by the next competitor. If a go, we can all do better, it looks 'so he will possibly be able to protest so easy - just try it! Whatever the and try and get a re-run. Hint - go beginners do they have done their best, and look at his scorecard when it is and with encouragement they will get displayed and see if he has collected better with a few more events. Most any 50 penalties for missing gates people do some 5 - 10 novice events higher up the course. If he has he before gaining promotion to Div 4, above has caught you unfairly and the person all let them enjoy it. entitled to the re-run is you, not him. So that is the runs over with and the Ask advice of a friend, you mignt event is coming to the finish. Every• get a re-run. If you do take it, thing now has to be carried back to the within your own time which of course car, please do leave your bit of the must fit in with the organiser's campsite tidy, take your rubbish with timetable, so have a word with the you or put it into the organisers starter when he is not too busy, see recepticle. when he can suggest you fit in again. If you can stay for the awards presen• Leave it for at least½ hour after tation, please do so, I am sure you your original run and try again. It would like other competitors to cheer is an extra practice and follow the you when you collect your first award. same procedure as before, warm up, ask the starter for extra time and take it DOUG CASTLE steady. Viking Newsletter 10 FEEDBACK
PUBLICITY
Some of us have been having problems who live at No 3 Moreton Avenue like with telecommunications. This has to sleep undisturbed between 21.30 nothing to do with Busby and even less hours and 09 hours (noon on Saturdays to do with Andrew and Mike Smith who and Sundays). both work for British Telecom. The problem boils down to what number one Those who live by night take heart. should ring and when. The following The system caters even for you. BCU is designed to be helpful: in their wisdom have installed a telephone answering service and all Sue Wharton The Slalom Administrator calls are dealt with promptly and is very industrious and has a day efficiently the following day. This which begins at 09 hours and ends at most useful of systems works betwee 21.30 hours. Her telephone number is 16.30 hours (or just as some lucky 0772 713 311. Having worked a twelve ones come in to tea) and goes on till and a half hour day Sue would 09.30 (which is just after breakfast). appreciate it if no one phoned her Any of you who have been having . after 21.30 hours. I am sure you will problems trying to reach members of all agree she deserves some time off. the administration remember to phone 0932 41341 during the evening or the Being a sleepy sort of person Jennifer night. Its an excellent system - Munro is only available when she is try it. awake or not walking the dog. If Jennifer Munro you do get a reply from 05827 3583 there is the remote chance that you -might be able to speak to the Slalom Secretary, Roger Fox if you would rather not speak to Jennifer. But again, please, remember that this number is for the hours of daylight only. Those
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AUGSBURG PRE WORLDS '84 The first thing to strike the British team as they arrived, tired, from Czechoslovakia was the lack of water in the river - a drought having reduced it to near dryness. This meant limits on the availability of the course for practice, and therefor croweded water when it was on! The other pre worlds team members arrived by bus as Wednesday and Thursday saw the whole team on the course for a hour each day. The course was available on Friday, but most of the British decided to give it a miss which was a good decision as half way through the session all the gates were swung off the course by the German course designer. Overnight rain had swelled the river as it was now running all the time - just when practice finished!
The initial course had some impossible The last thing on Friday was boat-measuring; moves on it, but after discussion it was changed, and most of the day was spent lengthening boats although there were still some difficult moves - full marks to Pyrahna for the Images were all and some difficult route descisions. Practice up to length and width, which couldn't be said for was hard work for the coaches, taking splits to any other boats. About the only notable event on find the quickest and best routes. Tricky moves Saturdays practice was Richard hitting the front included a forward down to a reverse (4 - 5) that of his boat on the wall below the Zoom Flume, was too tight to spin, needing either a reverse joining the elite ranks of those who have ferry, or a break out followed by ferrying out, knocked the bow of the Image. Lunch time saw reverse 17 below the zoom flume would prove to F.A.C. stitching the nose back on his boat and be a gate many would 50, as would reverse 20, tryng to get it dry for his runs in the afternoon by Moby Dick. 29R was also a tight - not the usual cool approach! forward/reverse move late in the course. Decisions revolved around gate 8 as an S, or a Frist British man down was Paul Mcconkey, break out, and gate 11 as a Merano or a break followed soon after by Jim Jayes. Both handled out, and also whether you had the confidence to the top section ok, but had 50's farther down the reverse ferry out to gate 5. course. Jims time was fairly good, though as a
Toni Prijon - West Germany Photo by Tony Tickle 12 FEEDBACK
Pete Bell Photo by Tony Tickle
clear second run would place him well. Next time was ok though, 221 .84, marginally down on was Melvin Jones, who took it slowly and Micheler, and there was hope for the 2nd run. carefully, and was rewarded with a clear run, in a steady time. It was nice to see his number on Second runs started and it was back to Paul the top of the leader board, where it stayed for Mcconkey. A fifty put him out of contention early - some time. After a gap came Jim Dolan, who on, as he was struggling a bit, eventually again went slow, steady and was one of the finishing 52nd. Jim Jayes flew down in a very handful of clear runs. It was all set for both of respectible time of 228 seconds, but a 50 them to go all out on second runs. pushed him from the top ten down to 44th. Melvin was next, with a clear run in the bag and Russ Smith, by virtue of his excellent 3rd place all to play for, but he to copped a 50, leaving his at Liptovsky Mikulas was due off almost at the first run to count and in 22nd place. The same end, but first though all eyes were on the story was told by Jim, whose first run score left recognised master of this course, the German him 33rd. All eyes again turned to Peter Peter Micheler. His command of the vagaries of Micheler, the current leader, with massed the water showed as he cruised down the German support. He was flying, up on the splits, course, apparently fast and clear, in a time of until he fell yet another victim to gate 17R. The 221 .42. The gauntlet was down and it was up to fast time, 213.8 showed what could be done. By the top two British paddlers to reply. Russ off 3rd this time most of the top paddlers were warming from last had a disastrous 50 and a slow time, up. Prijon, Deppe, Kremslehner, Sattler, 911 leaving the work to be done on his 2nd run. Back would be a danger, but most eyes were on Fox. to the start for Richard. The run seemed smooth First though came Russ Smith who stormed off and controlled, and no slower than Micheler, the start, but collected 160 penalties to push him until disaster struck at gate 17. Richard was well down the results, a disappointment after the sideways and the judge waved the 50 baton. The week before. Then a buzz ran through the crowd - FEEDBACK 13
Fox on the course, and fast, and clean. Through Very few C2's improved on second runs, leaving the bogey gate 17, and every inch a champion, Mahout and Benes of Czechoslovakia 1st in up on the splits as he came to gate 30, an 277.5. A 50 on their second run meant Pk and awkward break out where the surging could cost Wolfies 1st run was best, leaving them 11th you a lot of time. Richard two-stroked it and overall, 60 seconds behind. The Smith brothers stormed for the line. The bridge was swarming rectified their penalties but were slow on time, to with grinning British team members as the result finish 13th. Eric and Rob were faster, but a 50 went up - 211 .59 clear - officially 10 seconds pushed them to 14th, whilst Paul and Chris's ahead of Micheler, then in second place. A second run disintegrated, leaving them a protest by the Czech Lubos Hilgert againt a 5 disappointed 20th. which turned out to be a transmission error, lifted him from fourth to second, with 217 clear, Sunday - with the C1 ladies and team events, it but still some 6 seconds behind Richard. promised to be excltinq.with British paddlers well set in all classes. All five C1 's were to finish Meanwhile the C2's were on the course. First in the top 30, showing the increasing strength of -uns had been after the Kayak first runs and the British C1. First down, Dave Janes had an ere dominated by the Czechoslovaks. First awful 1st run, as did most of the others, the only down, though, and highest placed British crew British C1 not to get at least one 50 was Martyn were Keane and Wolkenstein. Jamieson and Hedges who was 5th after 1st runs. Surprise of Williams were next off, but Eric was in trouble the event though, was a German, Juergen with a shoulder injury, having hardly paddled Schnitzerling, lying 1st, ahead of the before the event. Yet another 50 pushed them Americans, Hearn and Lugbill. For everyone, out of the top 10. Next had come the Smiths who 2nd runs would be crucial. Dave Janes, after a had gathered a cricket score of penalties. Chris rerun, went well, with only 30 penalties to finish Arrowsmith and Paul Brain, top placed British 28th. Rob Black too, managed 23rd. Next down crew at Liptovsky were having trouble too, with a was Bob Doman, and he was going well. By the 50 and a slow time. finish he ahd just two 5's and a fast time of
Walling/ambridge Posing for the camera Photo by Tony Tickle 14 FEEDBACK
261.6, pushing him well up the leader board. dominated by the Czechs, although every team Bushy improved his time but two 50's meant his got a 50. The British team finished 5th. The C1 's 1st run stood leaving him 20th. Pete Bell looked had had a good set of results in the morning, but better on his second run, and had no 50's with 50's pushed them down to seventh, with the hsi total of 297.9 putting him 16th. By now second team paddling with Gordon Walling of C2 the Americans were on the course. First Davey fame coming 12th. The Americans after a Hearn, then Jon Lugbill. Both got 10 penalties, disatrous 1st run, cruised to victory with 45 but Lugbill, whilst not up to his full potential went seconds to spare. The ladies event showed our 10 seconds faster winning in 249.45. Bob strength in depth, internationally. With the B Darnen finished a very creditable 6th place. team 7th, and GB 1 finishing 1st, winning on both runs, some 37 seconds up on the French. Meanwhile the ladies event was in full swing. First runs had been interesting, with most of our girls well up the order, though Liz Sharman and Jane Roderick had 50's to push them down the JOE LYON results, but a pleasant sight on the leaderboard was our own Gail Allen, on top with 257.7 and 15 penalties. Second runs then, were at fever pitch. First British girl down was Sue Ward. A careful 1st run had got her only 20 penalties and 8th place, but a 50 on her second run ensured that she would slip down, to finish 14th. Karen Davies too had a run in the bag, and this was the one to count, as she too got 50's on her second run. An excellent placing for her, finishing 16th. Clare Pallett never really mastered the surging water and both runs were marred by many 50's.
Gail then, was next down, defending her lead still. But three 50's and a slow time meant she would have to bite her nails through the last competitors. Finally came Jane and Liz. Both of them had the same problem - a slow Czechoslovakian girl in front causing impedance. In Jane's case the rerun was certain, but had supposedly got a 50 before being impeded, and would thus not get a re-run. Then the result went up';_ no 50, - but no re-run either! A disappointing result for Liz, leaving her 7th overall. While Jane walked back up the course for her re-run, the new French revelation Marie• Francoise Grange was on the course. A breathtaking second run, with only 5 penalties and a time of 250 boosted her ahead of Gail into 1st place. It was all down to Jane, who, tired after her run, missed gate 14 and her first run was her best, leaving her 17th. Gail remained 2nd.
Just the team event to go. In the mens Kayaks the Poles led after first runs with an amazing clear run, but by the time GBI was off the Yugoslavs led with 257.79. Could they go faster? They were, but a stray 5 on gate 8 pushed them Big Jon Lugbill down to 3rd behind the Germans and Yugoslavs. Master of the art. The B team came 11th. C2 teams were Photo by Tony Tickle FEEDBACK 15
HISTORY OF SLALOM PART 21959-1983
PART I of the history of slalom traced Committee finally gave its approval the early development of the sport and to the use of fibre glass canoes the emergence of Paul Farrant as the in 1961, although a Rl class (rigid) first British competitor to train had been proposed by the I.C.F. in 1959. seriously. After Farrant came out of National The first time Rls were used in a World Service 'with the Royal Marines small Championships was in 1965 at Spittal in boats section, he moved to live with Austria. Oliver Cock and took a job with As the standard of competitors, and their Thames Conservancy. His intention expectations increased, more demanding was to win the Fl class at Geneva in sites for competition were needed. It was 1 959. Wr~ting of Farrant's victory during the 195Os that sites such as in Geneva, Horsman 1979 writes: Grandtully on the Tay in Scotland, and the Serpents Tail on the Welsh Dee, were "This was an incredible first used. These two sites are currently achievement, especially against used for top class British competition. those from behind the Iron The 196Os also saw the start of Canadian Curtain. More than that, we paddling in Great Britain which had, could now set our sights at the until this time, been considered as a top, whereas we had never hoped to be better than the top twenty novelty and not to be taken seriously. Many top European nations, however, or so." treated it as equal to the Kayak. This The change in attitude which is attitude of treating the Canadian Classes apparent, in Horsman's words, was as a novelty still plagues the sport important and carried forward into today with lack of depth of participation the 196Os. in the Cl and C2 competition. Unfortunately Paul Farrant was lost On the international scene, the British to the Slalom World as he died in a team were beginning to establish motor bike accident in the Easter themselves as a world class nation taking following his win at Geneva. The the bronze medal in the 1963 team event. current trophy for the men's Kl The first ladies team since 1957 was class at World Championships is entered for the 1965 World Championships dedicated to his memory. and 1967 saw the first Canadian entry The 196Os signified a new era in at an international with the Witter Slalom canoeing, the reason was Brothe·rs in the C2. The Witter Brothers the advent of the glass enforced along with ex Czechoslavakian team plastic canoes and Kayaks. This coach Karel Knapp, in Britain for the material produced boats which were late 196Os, did much to boost the early lighter, stronger and cheaper to development of the Canadian Classes. make. At first, these craft were The high point of the late 196Os as banned from competition but as far as international success is concerned their advantages became clear, was Dave Mitchell of Chester winning whether to permit their use in the Silver Medal at the 1967 World Slalom was discussed. Championships. Britain, now, was a The argument for their use in strong nation in international competition, Slalom was that they were cheap partly as a result of the establishment to make and would therefore open of the British Team Training Squad and up the sport to more people. The a more professional approach. argument against was that the Internationally the '1.96Os enq.ed on a rigid canoes could not be carried sour note with political problems on trains as could the folding interfering with the running of the 1969 canoes. The B.C.U. Slalom World Championships in France. 16 FEEDBACK
Endicott (1979) states: The 1975 World Championships were also significant for boat construction, ''The charge has been made that seeing the introduction of a material the French rigged things so they called Kevlar. This meant that could win." extremely light racing boats could He goes on to write that: be manufactured. This lightweight material, combined with much lower ''The biggest coup was getting the volumed boats, which had evolved East Germans to withdraw from the since the Olympic Games, meant race in a dispute over how the name that competitors were able to have of their country would appear in much more speed and control the program and results." over the course. The French are also reported to have The extra speed afforded by new boats, manipulated the river levels to their combined with the decreasing amount of advantage, all of which have led to penalty seconds awarded for touching a the 1969 World Championships being gate, meant that speed over the cou regarded as an unrepresentative became more important. Langford's competition. coaching policy encouraged speed above The beginning of the 197Os was to see all else. The result of this new a Slalom boom in popularity as a result policy, along with one individual's of its inclusion in the Munich Olympic incredible personal drive and commitment, Games. Writing of the effect of the meant that in 1977 in Spittal, Austria, inclusion of the Slalom in the Olympics, Britain again won the men's Kl event. Ken Langford (1979) states: Albert Kerr, a printer from Carlisle had "Money was available for boats, for taken three months unpaid leave in training camps, for coaching, for• order to train for the World Championships equipment etc. and the sport and surprised the Slalom World by bulged at the seams with people winning against the full time East intent on raising this sport to Europeans. Olympic standard in both organisation It was clear that Kerr's victory in and paddling." Austria inspired the slalom fraternity The results of the Olympic competition in Great Britain and led the way for were disappointing for the British Team, Great Britain becoming one of the and further disappointment followed world's few top Slalom nations. with the announcement that Slalom was A further innovation which occurred not to be included at the 1976 Olympics. at the 1977 World Championships was After the Olympic Slalom, many people who the C2 design used by the American Team. had postponed retirement in order to Up until this time the two paddlers compete at the Olympics, finally left had been seated at each end of the the sport. boat, but the Americans brought the seats into the centre of the boat to This exodus coincided with Britain's enable faster turning and the ability Slalomists lagging behind the top of 'dipping' the ends of the boats European nations again. under the gates, a skill, already This trend was reversed when the job adopted by the Kayaks. of British Team Coach was offered to Ken Langford who had been in the team The momentum created by Albert Kerr's himself from 1965. Langford made the win continued, and organisation was improved. Langford in 1979 proposed conclusion that the team was to be that: restricted to medal possibilities. This could be seen as the turning "The introduction of photo point. The policy seemed to work electric timing, section judges, and the team for 1975 consisted official practice times, and of only six competitors, with two pressure to run to time are Kls in the top ten and the only largely the responses to an almost Cl in 13th place. professional approach by today's FEEDBACK 17
top paddlers, many of whom are on with a restricted budget. The funding Sports Aid Grants and some of whom was split between the B.c.u., the are full time training.u sports council and the Welsh Water This 'professional' approach resulted in Authority. a very high standard of performance at Jonquiere for the 1979 World Champion• 1981 also saw the introduction of ships. In 1979 the British Team won the five second penalty for touching three medals, compared with five in a single pole, which up until this the preceding thirty years. time had been ten seconds. This The 1979 World Championships also saw change in the rules meant that the rise of the American Team, in speed over the course became even particular in the Cl class the Americans more important. had a clear sweep of the medals. The Bala World Championships proved This was the start of a new era in to be successful with three gold Canadian Paddling in which the Canadian meals for the British team, including ;1asses a~e coming ever closer to the Richard Fox, Britain's third individual times of the Kayaks. This new era world champion and a C2 team gold has been dominated by Jon Lugbill and medal, the first medal for the Davey Hearn who have been world Gold Canadian class in the history of and Silver Medalists respectively from British Slalom. 1979-1983. Their coach, Bill Endicott and other world class Cl and C2 crews all based in Washington D.C. have set The high level of organisation and performance displayed at Bala was a a new level in the Canadian class great achievement for the sport in which the rest of the world is still Britain. Progress continued with trying to reach. Richard Fox and Liz Sharman becoming In 1981 the World Championships were European and World Champions in 1982 held in Bala, North Wales. This was a and 1983 respectively. In 1983 at the chance to show the canoeing world that World Championships, Britain took six after forty years of development in medals, including 3 gold, the best Britain, the B.C.U. were capable of performance ever by a British team and running a world class event well, Britain able to claim to be top nation and of producing world champions. in the world in Kayak Slalom. The Bala competition represents a nile stone in British Slalom both MIKE DRUCE organisationally and in competition performance. The event represented a huge commitment of man power and time,
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i\Jl·:W for r hc 198-l- sc.iso n. .u ror hcr o,1tsta11di11g design from Showroom and <_;raha111 ,\lackcrctll. till' Workshops: ~,1':mh1'1 of ttH' West Mid!and Canoe Guild of Ma~t,'1 Cr al t smcn Centre, 112 New Hall ?/LeJm_Vt I M AGE Street, VVillenhall, West Midlands. available now from only 7(173 + v.a.t. Telephone: Willenhall 634567 18 FEEDBACK
LEARNING TO RACE HARD
Learning to race hard is in one sense really quite simple; you must practice And for me, working intensely towards it a lot -- more than your rivals do. an objective is even better than working Being able to race hard consists of at a moderate pace towards it: the 2 main elements: getting used to more you put into pursuing the goal, going really fast in practice sessions; the more you get out of it. \when people then daring to race exactly the way get really worked up about pursuing a you practice rather than backing way goal, they live life with an extra zest, off when something important is at which is great":'_\. But I have found in my stake. For me, competitive group careers in academe, politics, the training is the most efficient way to military or sports that\ffiost people achieve this. don't really understand this and as a consequence, never realize how inte~lY, It is both a physical and mental thing. someone can pursue something -- and It is physical in the sense that your consequently how much it is possible body has to be in phenominal paddling to get out of life.] shape so you can sustain a torrid Learning Where the Demon Lives pace over the race course. It is also So you've decided that for the time being physical in that you have to train canoe slalom is your project, your goal. your nervous system to react quicker Why not get intense about it? because things are happening faster to you than they are to other people. It In that case, it's "hammer down", as is mental in that you have to be able Fritz and Lecky Haller would say! To to develop great mental intensity yet, win at the top in modern slalom, you paradoxically, play down the have to be fast, really fast. You can importance of the race in your mind, only be so clean -- beyond a certain so as not to allow race day anxieties point you can't get any more advantage to disrupt your concentration. from being cleaner. But you can always get faster. So for me, and the Learning to race hard is a matter of people I have coached, speed is the getting very familiar with these most important thing. I think the phenomina so that on the day there are epigram by Lubos Hilgert, Senior, i no surprises. this regard is just classic: "It's Getting Psyched easier to make a fast boater clean than a clean boater fast." Before we look into the technicalities of racing hard, I think it's important To race fast, you have to discover to explore the motivation behind in practice sessions what that feels wanting to race hard -- as opposed to like -- you have to "learn where the just winning. It's really a basic demon lives", as they say in the attitude about life. It has to do with book "The Right Stuff." µe lives being the best you can be, of knowing out there in the region of lactic you did as well as you possibly could. acid, pain, swimming images and It is , in short, about great passion, maximum efforts. Where he lives, intensity, -- about people feeling fatigue threatens to ruin good very strongly about things. technique. So go visit him in your training sessions -- often. This I believe that what really makes life means recyclable whitewater gate worth living is that people have courses, timed, against competition. purposes, things they want to do, Samples: things they're psyched about. Those that do are generally happy people; * "5 on 5": 5 x (15-30-second those that do not are generally unhappy. courses with long rest). FEEDBACK 19
* 2-3 x (10 x 30-40-second that you miss out on courses with 10 seconds rest). opportunities to go river running. 3-4 minutes rest between sets. Learn to be very aggressive in whitewater: handsrolls, enders * 3 x (7 x 70-90-second and general playing are extremely courses with long rest). important.
* 8 x 120~second courses with * They have really good blade control. moderate paddle right back They can slice the blade fore and to start. aft very quickly, cutting within When you come calling, the demon milimeters of the gates and even generally answers your knock about changing the direction of the three quarters of the way through slice in mid-slice. Many slalom tne workoui:- He may be a bit rude moves re,quire a series of strokes to you at first, may make you hit blended together through some kind lot of gates and hurt a lot, so of feathering. If you can do the watch out: give yourself enough rest feathering, the rest will come between visits. But be persistent, quickly to you. Watch a top Cl for keep coming back, you'll learn to deal this. Richard Fox, Cathy Hearn and with him. Someday, you may even become the Haller brothers made a point of his friend. watching top Cls The Essence of Slalom * --T-h ey are fastest on the turning When you're out there, visiting with moves. Upst.reams and reverses is the demon, you ne~d to try to duplicate where they make up the most time, not in straight ahead paddling. the things you've seen the top boaters \ do when they go really fast. Maybe Only a.fter you have gotten ;eally you're fortunate enough to have a bunch good at the turning moves should of go.ad boaters with you on your visit. you seek to make up the most time If not then you have to .try to remember between the gates. what they looked like when you last saw them. Notice that the best boaters * They keep paddling forward more generally do the following: than the others. In training for speed, try to discover where you're '* They stay on "the track". The stopping paddling forward. Where gates on a slalom course are mere you stop or slow down ask why. way stations on an invisible track There might be a good reason for it, that runs down the river. There but.more than likely, these are the is only one track and the object places you can pick up speed. of the game is to go as fast as you can without falling off the * \ They are particularly fast on the track. Running a slalom course exits from gates. means more than running 30 gates clean, it's more like 90 gates * \ They avoid backstrokes and static because what goes on in between \strokes, replacing them with the gates is every bit as forward strokes. important as what goes on in them. They eliminate unnecessary strokes.
* They are really at home in white• * l They have quick acceleration. The water. If you are unsure of -':6est boateis-ar-e-fastoften because yourself in whitewater, it will they can accelerate the boat be difficult to concentrate on either through one or two strokes proper gate technique and race (in the case of a tight course) strategy. Make sure you don't or through a high stroke rate get so caught up in gate training (in the case of a wide-open 1.-.
20 FEEDBACK
'• -· ------,,------.:.
course) . ~In other words, . key you get at high speed the better your bursts of power are mor e= J chances of some day reaching the top. i~portant than even pacing. It takes a special type of person to * They get extensi~r:!__on _ tl2,_e2:_: strokes. race all-out, knowing that for a year Top boaters get tremendous or two he is likely to "bomb" on many extension on many of their strokes runs, but I think this is the fastest because they have the confidence path to ultimate success. to do it and can exert great ,.,t For the serious Slalom Competitor - 3 BLADE AREAS 4 SHAFT CHOICES A NEW C1 SLALOM BLADE USED BY THE BEST IN THE WORLD FEEDBACK 21 SIX FLAGS -THUNDER RIVER MISSOURI U.S.A. GRAND PRIX EVENT MAY 1984 Suddenly Jurg Gatz of Switzerland took the lead with' an impressive 1. 31. 99, four An artificial channel some 1,100 ft. seconds faster than his first run. in length with a fall of 14 ft. supplied by 2 pumps throwing out Next paddler, Russ Smith 1.31.83 took the 170,000 gallons of water per minute. lead from Gotz. Was this final surge by the final thrP.e paddlers going to stay The course has two pools where wave for Stephen URen of the U.S. Could he achines p~sh out 2 ft. waves which take the lead? 1.32.67 ... third place complicates things at times. for URen. A 20 gate course with some tricky In the ladies, Gabi Schmid went into first staggers, but nothing too hard. place in 1.47.18. Clare Palett, who after a disqualification on the first runs The course was 91 secs. for Kayaks made a finish time of 1.48.38 ... second (men), 98 secs. KlL 102 secs, C2 and place for Clare, who pushed Chaladek back 98 secs. for Cl. to 3rd, but she still had her final run to pull back the lead. Chaladek went for it, The event started on Friday at 10.00 but failed to catch the European girls. a.b. runs being about 4 minutes apart due to T.V. interviews and commercials. In the C2's the Calori brothers went faster and Moos/Werner took second. Gordon Walling This also allowed paddlers borrowing boats and Tony Ambridge, suffering from jet lag, to get to the start in time. loss of paddles at airport and paddling a boat with seats on the wrong sides, took After the first runs Chris. Doughty of 3rd place. Again the U.S. pairs were ·he U.S. led the KlM with the four top disqualified on their home water. acers within 1 sec. of each other. In Cl Gerald Mao's cleared all the gates In the ladies class Dona Chaladek led the in 1.41.14 to take 3rd. Jon Lugbill tried way, ahead of Gabi Schmid of West Germany. to get back on terms with Davy Hearn with an aggressive approach, but failed with In the C2 class Calori/Calori took the a 1.39.78. The final man on the course lead with both the American teams beinq was Hearn, knowing that he had already disqualified for missing a gate. won, but could he go faster? Hearn gave his all, but could not repeat his first Davy Hearn stormed down the course in an run. impressive 1.38.43. two seconds clear In all, the trip was an experience to of Jon Lugbill. Gerald Moos looked hot say the least, arid great ;fun was had but was disqualified thus leavinq every• by all. thing to the second runs. warm weather, Hambu.rge:rs, Coke, and great American hospitality. The second runs ... Doughty went slower and this seemed to RUSS SMITH set a trend as many after him also slowed down; until the last 3 paddlers. 22 FEEDBACK On Sunday for the team events we had the familiar pattern. More judges are required than for the individual events. Plenty of support from the previous days Section judges but a continual battle to keep judging llIIllll positions manned frequently below acceptable minimum standards and with most volunteers being overworked. Whilst the organisers were having Dear Feedback, all these difficulties on both Saturday and Sunday many groups of paddlers and I feel that the main reason prompting my others who could have helped at least recent decision to sever my links with as scribes were just standing and in canoeing after more than a decade of some cases lying around seemingly~\ gradually increasing involvement should be engaged in little more than idle c · more widely known than just to a handful or sunbathing. of my former club colleagues in the hope Whilst the social aspect of events is not that others will take the same very important it must be remeJ!lbered decision but that paddlers will start that slaloms are primarily sporting to realise that even the most dedicated events and cannot be satisfactorily can eventually become completely dis• organised without the cooper at.Lon of illusioned and put their sport, at all concerned. least in its present form, in jeopardy. Since so very little of this co• My decision was taken at the recent operation was around I had a thoroughly Tryweryn slalom which my club co• depressing weekend, relieved only a organised with Midland C.C. where one little by the success of my club's of my duties was to share judging paddlers. I decided that I had had organisation with a Midland C.C. enough. I shall now be able to colleague. Because the Div 1 event devote more of my time to other was non-ranking the requirement for pursuits, I might even be able to paddlers to assist as detailed in the visit slaloms and watch some canoeing. Slalom Year Book p.42 para 3.1 (f) was not applicable. We had to rely on As far as I see it lack of aas i.s t.ar.ce the goodwill of paddlers, their parents will end in the sport of canoe slalom and their friends. degenerating into a 'Grand Prix' type sport requiring fewer helpers With two notable exceptions (significantly and however well it might be received both the sons of parents who have been, by the media and public requiring and in one case still are, heavily less of the traditional slalom skills. involved in slalom organisation) there I and I'm sure many others believe was no response from Premier Div. that this would be regrettable. paddlers. For all practical purposes, as far as I am aware, there was no With the hope that a new spirit will response from Div 1 paddlers either emerge, that many more will examine despite repeated appeals over the P.A. their consciences and volunteer their System. I say "as far as I am aware" services before it is too late, and because finally, in desperation, to wishing the sport in its present relieve someone who had already done form every success more than a reasonable judging stint, I took over a judging position from I remain, around 1 pm and was there to the end Yours sincerely of the competition on Saturday without relief. GEORGE F. CLOUGH FEEDBACK 23 HIS CHOICE CAN BE YOUR CHOICE Paddle a premier image or a racer slalom kayak. Available in a wide variety of constructions from Diolene to Carbon Kevlar. All built to a very high standard and specification. Demonstration kayaks at most slaloms Send for details from: Fibreglass Limited STATION ROAD, WEST HALLAM ILKESTON, DERBYSHIRE The World Champion Paddling TEL: (0602)320155 A Premier Image at Grandtully 1984 Middle Mill Novice Slalom who helped to make this new slalom a success. 21st/22nd April, 1984 COLCHESTER CANOE CLUB t>nce the course was set up and the fabulous MIDDLE MILL NOVICE weather ordered there was very little else for us 21st/22nd April, 1984 to do. All the paddlers duly arrived equiped f<1 MEN NOVICE with sun glasses, anti sun burn cream, and hot 1 W. Gardiner Bristol Univ. 2 N. McLaren lsleworth cross buns and checked into Uncle Toms Cabin. 3 J. Hawling Solon Univ. Marvels upon marvels all went well. .... so well K1 LADIES in fact that the only mishap of the weekend was 1 T. Lawton Basildon 2 F. Bowen Colchester when the organiser fell fully clothed into the river 3 C. Morgon Ipswich whilst setting the course up ..... well it was so C1 hot and he had to rescue this duck ..... 1 A. Broadbent Soton Univ. 2 N. Martin ACU 3 A. Runnegar Basildon The Judges event was won by Graham Cornes C2 who was incognito for his winning run having no 1 Waterhouse/Page ACU 2 Toser/Scrivener MAD numbers on his boat. 3 Runnegar/Fraser Basildon NOVICE TEAMS The prize of the weekend was won by Steve - call 1 Luxton/Hawling/Broadbent me Grand-Priz - Bushnell who did extremely well JUDGES 1 G. Cornes Colchester to beat the other competitors in the field. All in all it was a pleasant weekend. I must thank all those competitors who entered and everyone 24 FEEDBACK CANDADIAN TEAM Linton Locks. Williams/Black/Doman Report and photo by Tony Tickle K1 MEN DIVISION ONE 1 D. Crosbee (J) Notis Kayak 2 P. Bowles Manchester York Canoe Club's C\ntQ11t Locks Slalom was a 3 M. Reynolds Chelmsford difficult Div. 2. It was a tight course as those that TEAM have visited Lmton before will know. The Haworth/Murray/Barton Windsor organisation and rescue services were the best K1 LADIES seen this year. The results service mastermined 1 A. Hall Chester 2 J. Fryers Adlington by Graham Helsby on his computer gave an up 3 K. Turner Man. Univ. to the minute print out of time, pen, total and TEAM position. Howard Storey did a fine piece of Fryers/Hall/Killip JUDGES publicity by getting Radio York to do a live 1 A. Raspin Tees broadcat from a C2, at the face of the weir. He also managed front page coverage on the same day, including ·photograph in the Yorkshire Evening Post Sports Paper. Linton Slalom was difficult. Every team got at least one fifty on each run, but don't be put off by that! It was great fun! TONY TICKLE YORK CANOE CLUB LINTON DIV. 2 26th/27th May, 1984 K1 MEN DIV.2 1. F. Shervey (Y) Telford 2 L. Halliday (Y) Calisle 3 R. Lindsay Birmingham •• K1 LADIES 1 A. Eyere 2 L. Tipper 3 K. Heeley Stafford & Stone C1 1 J. Hall 2 S. Agar 3 C. Marilee! Manchester C2 1 Ward/Green Colchester TEAM 1 Tick/Green/Massei Bolton/Bradford JUDGES 1 G.Carter Leeds WASHBURN ENGLISH OPEN SLALOM K1 MEN PREMIER 1 R. Fox Stafford & Stone 2 J. Jayes Shepperton 3 T. Leaver Rainbow TEAM Gladwin/Leaver/Brain K1 LADIES 1 S. Garriock Ribble 2 K. Davies (Y) 3 J. Wilson Forth TEAM Wilson/Garriock/Davies C1 1 P. Bell Central Paddlers 2 R. Damon Chalfont Park 3 D. Jones Luton C2 1 Arrowsmith/Brain Stratford 2 Smith/Smith Urchins 3 Wolkenstein/Keane Pacifists Disq. 4 Hargreaves/Kevane Leeds Alan Heaume at the Washburn. FEEDBACK CARDINGTON DIVISION 3 K1 MEN NOVICE Rachel Burt shed all her first run 50's to win the 19th/20th May, 1984 1 A. Bennett (Y) Mercia 2 C. Law Viking Ladies prize by a wide margin. Without his K1 MEN 3 P. Collins Tainton regular partner, who in fact organized the 1 D. Jones Viking 2 M. Gibbs (J) Viking K1 LADIES Judges, Russell Wheadon had a successful 3 C. Millins C Y.P./Bath 1 S. Pike BCCC 2 L. Burgess Loughbro' afternoon with his C1 and picked up a third place K1 LADIES 3 T. Berry Banbury 1 J. BEAGLE (Y) LutonNiking with Clare Russell in the C2. Martin Deacon and 2 S Manley (J) Maidstone C1 Alison Eyre of Windsor were always in 3 R. Fox (J) St. Albans 1 E. MacGregor Gloucester 2 D. Howarth Windsor contention but were pipped by Jimmy Jayes and C1 3 J. Bird Worcester 1 8. Geddes bus Kay Longrigg despite the latter being forced to 2 D. Patrick PerivaleC4 C2 take a trip home between launch and start of 3 R. Spanner WY.M. 1 Green/Greenway Swindon 2 Greenaway/Lennon SOAK their second run (money and BCU card in yonder C2 3 Kearsey/Crozier Gloucester houseboat.) 1 Tyndall/Hansel NSP/Tees NOVICE TEAM TEAM 1 Herritage/White/Scott 1 Greaves/Nerhams/Hamilton With the home enjoying themselves the number K1 MEN DIVISION 4 JUDGES 1 J. Goodey Tainton of independent judges was stretched to the limit 1 J. Jayes Shepperton 2 S. Bird Worcester and the efforts of the valiant few were much 3 S.Bennett Dudley appreciated. TRYWERYN DIVISION ONE K1 LADIES 1 D. Skinner Work Univ. 2nd/3rd June, 1984 2 N.Bevan Rugby Late Sunday afternoon a competitor popped into K1 MEN DIVISION ONE 3 J. Badger Control to say 'thank you' .... a nice touch. 1 J. Lyons Central Paddlers C1 2 J ''0nsell Tees 1 K. Woods Eyot 3 l ·rocks Chester 2 J. Crooks Loughbro Central Paddlers K1~ S 3 I. White SHEPPERTON NOVICE 1 J. Fryers Adlington C2 2 L. Badger Chalfont Park 1 Mitchell/Davies Glos.CC. 23rd/24th June, 1984 3 K. Turner Man. Univ. 2 Powell/Howells Hatfield Poly K1 MEN NOVICE DIV.4TEAMS 1 E. Chitty (Y) Shepperton 1 Bennett/Bennett/Powell Premier Open Events 2 C. Baughan (Y) Windsor K1 MEN TRYWERYN DIVISION 2 3 A.Orr(Y) Mallow 1 R. Fox Stafford & Stone 16th/17th June 1984 K1 LADIES 2 J. Dolan Manchester 1 R. Bort(Y) OKCC 3 M. Druce Stafford & Stone K1 MEN DIV.2 1 P Riley Manchester 2 R. Gostling (Y) St. Albans K1 LADIES 2. J. Barnes (Y) Viking 3 L. Briscoe Richmond 1 J. Roderick Stafford & Stone 3 M. Sanderson Surrey C1 2 L. Sharman Bury St. Edmunds 1 R. Wheadon Shepperton 3 I. Grant Ambleside K1 LADIES 1 J. Beagle Luton/Viking 2 K. Hardy Shepperton C1 2 A. Fletcher Stourvale 3 J. Carroll Marlin 1 R. Doman Chalfont Park 3 G. Johnson JW.C. C2 2 P. Bell Central Paddlers 1 Jayes/Lougrigg Shepperton 3 R. Black Swindon 2 Eyre/Deacon Windsor C2 3 Pallett/Wheadon Shepperton 1 Brain/Arrowsmith Stratford C1 1 R. King Sheff. Univ. TEAM 2 Wolkenstein/Keane Pacifists 1 Eyre & Dowling/Murray/Tames Windsor 3 Saunders/Terry Reigate 2 8. Tyndall Tees 3 G. Longman Willenhall JUDGES TEAM 1 8. Noble Shepperton 1 Morgan/Price/Davies C2 1 Parritt/Peters Avonolops JUDGES 2 · Cooper/Cocking Bristol 1 R.Wright 3 Fray/Ellis Leicester MIDLAND CANOE CLUB DORLEY ABBEY SLALOM TEAM 1 Lee/Davis/Davies 23rd/24th June, 1984 Gloucester Canoe Club K1 MEN NOVICE JUDGES 1 G. Bailey (Y) Hockey Port Qf ,ham Slalom 1984 1 8. Horton Hemel 2 M. Haughton Leeds CC Glo'l,e,ester Canoe Club ran Offenham Div. 4 and 3 M.Allen Loughbro' Novice this year. It was the first time venue used Shepperton Novice K1 LADIES 1 M. Love Nottingham Kayak and a complete success - covered by local Jimmy Jayes course was in position by Friday 2 P. Tyrer (Y) Telford press and picture in admag and results of local mid-afternoon, the sun was shining but 3 K. J. Nadal Nottingham Kayak canoeists. Locals turned out to spectate, the competitors there were none. Whilst two C1 1 R. Dean ACU Fish and Anchor pub whose campsite we used crosses were probably more testing than 2 A. Clough (J) right next to the river Avon was packed on experienced by most novices the few who 3 G. Hammond Rugby Saturday. practiced are probably in Div. 4 now. C2 1 Attenborough/Copestake Midland 2 Phillips/Eddy Man. Univ. River low - 3" below normal levels we had to Some overnight rain dampened down the pollen 3 Carpenter/Tyndall 3rd Can. Yak Club put scaffold planks on the ford to get a shute and the team gate was repositioned in slacker NOVICE TEAM through. water. A selfish minority, and a plugged boat 1 Bishop/Weston/Jenkins Midland K1 MEN DIVISION 4 brought in organised practice. 'More 1 T. Morgan (Y) The course consisted of 18 gates, 6 on flat water reminiscent of the marshalls at Monaco, safety 2 S. Hobday (Y) Midland and 6 on fast water with waves and 6 on medium boats effectively swept the course of swimmers 3 A. Pearson (J) Northampton K1 LADIES flow, enough to sort out the paddlers - most and no re-runs of the team event were 1 H. Tatem Cobra commented it was an interesting course, the necessary. Previous experience of similar 2 N. Bevan (Y) Rugby best novice most had been to. Gate 11 reverse conditions paid handsomely for the Windsor 3 M. Castle (J) Viking K.C. C1 between 2 waves caused most 50's, especially team with Albany a good second. 1 M. Twitchen 3R Can. Yak. Club for Novices. 2 I. Clough Camb Univ. S.P.O. Noble (Saturday Performer Only - 3 R. Osborne (Y) C2 The weather was good all weekend but it rained something about exams) was seen acting as 1 Rance/Harsman Northampton Exiles all day Monday after the event - typical I The starter before going on to win the Judges event. 2 Wright/Wilson Dudley 3 Leggett/Johnson water came up 9" First non P/I judge was Sean O'Regan. Bromley DIV.4TEAMS 1 Hobday/Vibart/Clough GLOUCESTER CANOE CLUB Worthy Mens K1 winners was Eric Chitty who JUDGES OFFEN HAM SLALOM 1984 put in two very good runs whilst 13 year old 1 J. Rennocks Chalfont Park National Mens Kayak Championships A Decade of PYRANI IA Success Marina Village, Preston Brook, Runcorn WA7 3DW Telephone 0928 716666