Major Ambassador Championship Round Up Winners - 2019 Read more on page 18 Read more on page 14

Clear Access Clear Waters - A Round up of 2019 Read more on page 6

Photo Credit: Rachel Darby-Dowman Winter 2019 In partnership with Contents 3

Welcome Go Paddling!

Welcome 4 Ambassador Round Up 18 We’ve been where you’re going News

We believe the outdoors is something to be shared. News 5 We take every opportunity to discover new adventures and bring you expert advice born from experience to help you love every moment spent outside. This is our outdoors and it’s yours too. Let’s go somewhere, together. Ambassador Round Up p18

Laura-Lee Johnston Store Manager, Belfast Boucher Mourne Mountains, Northern Ireland Coaching and Leadership

Squads announced for 2020 season p5 Coaching Digital Library 20

Access and Environment

Clear Access Clear Waters 6 - A Round up of 2019

The Great River Derwent Clear Up 8

Coaching Digital Library p20

Adventure

Wabakimi - Canada Canoe Trip 22

Clear Access Clear Waters A Roundup of 2019 p8

Paddlesport

Slalom Inspires huge success once again 10

15% discount Canoe Focus Autumn 2019 for British Canoeing members Performance Wabakimi - Canada Canoe Trip p22 Full T&Cs apply. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer or discount. Selected lines are exempt. Partnership discount is only valid for customers signed up to our free Explore More benefits scheme. Only valid upon production of your Major Championship Winners - 2019 14 British Canoeing identification in-store or use of code AF-BCAN-M1 online. Upcoming Events Offer expires 31.12.20. Performance Round Up 16 What’s On? 23

Stores nationwide cotswoldoutdoor.com Let’s go somewhere 4 Welcome NEWS 5 Receive regular updates plus exclusive discounts for our partner products with a British Canoeing membership. Stronger Together was aptly chosen as the title Bringing young women together and breaking down for the current strategic plan of British Canoeing. any barriers to enter into our sport has been driven www.britishcanoeing.org.uk/membership/join-us-online-here It sought to symbolise how the sport could work by through her national award winning www.britishcanoeing.org.uk/news collectively, to become more than the sum of its initiative ‘Slalom Inspires’. Eilidh’s elite career Discover paddling in the city parts. It emphasises, at a time when there is division paused due to injury in 2019, but she nonetheless and factions in so many parts of contemporary life channelled her energy into positive outputs for our Normally the word paddling or canoeing that we are stronger, more impactful and more sport. And speaking of inspirational young women conjures up images of weeping willow effective when we seek out that which we have – the story of 15 year old Liliy Cousins’ 200 mile trees, thick green banks and kingfishers in common rather than the minutiae that may paddle in Canada cannot fail to impress. Allied to flirting overhead. But cities and urban divide us. Our strength as a sport and a recreation the community of female ambassadors, 2019 has Clear Access, environments have a lot to offer paddlers is rooted in its diversity – of forms, backgrounds, been a breakthrough year in reaching out to bring Clear Waters Podcast looking for a different kind of adventure. motivations, inclinations and even opinions. But more women into the sport and enabling them to Head to our website to find out more. our singular strength is in being a community that enjoy the benefits of being a regular paddler. British Canoeing has launched works together to ensure that paddling is promoted a brand new podcast, Clear and valued, that opportunities are extended and On the competitive front it has been another Access, Clear Waters – The that the environment in which paddlers pursue successful year with a whole series of World and Paddler’s Podcast hosted by British Canoeing their passion is protected, enlarged and cherished. European championship titles and some outstanding Olympic champion Etienne Stott MBE. During the series, appoints VOW as official individual and team performances. Our young athletes Stott explores the reasons why we get on the water and meets nutrition partner We choose to stress this as we have enjoyed a have been recognised nationally with Dan Atkins some of our inspiring paddle community, including our female year in which the essence of Stronger Together has and Ottilie Robinson-Shaw nominated for national ambassadors and Steve Backshall. British Canoeing has appointed VOW been so evident and so rewarding. The activities awards. For our Olympic and Paralympic disciplines Nutrition as their official nutrition partner. covered in this issue demonstrate so strongly the 2019 has been an anxious qualification year and we VOW Nutrition will supply products journey we are on to be ‘Stronger Together’. are now looking forward to the excitement of 2020 to senior athletes on the paracanoe, with a focus on Tokyo, when our sport will enjoy a New Coach Developer slalom and sprint high performance The transition of our members and supporters into little more time than usual in the media spotlight. sport programmes. The partnership a pro-active movement has brought thousands eLearning and will focus on optimising senior team together practically and emotionally behind the Our coaching community has come together too. A Mentoring eLearning performance in the build up to the ‘Clear Access, Clear Water’ agenda. The round up sell out coaching conference in November showcased Tokyo 2020 Games and complement here, only scratches the surface of a successful year much of the energy and togetherness that is now As part of the Coaching ongoing nutritional support, based of progress where we have taken the positive front emerging and this, together with the huge take up Department’s commitment on the British Canoeing ‘balanced foot. We are not shy in demanding greater access in elearning modules, has demonstrated a thirst for to support the learning diet, food first’ approach. and rights on our waterways; but we do it politely, knowledge from coaches which is inspiring. Day in and development of Coach driven by evidence and always positively. We are day out, the coaching community is on our front line Developers and Mentors, we’re delighted at the actions and growth of our champions. and deserve our continued support and appreciation. excited to unveil two new Our campaigns have been well received – not least eLearning resources to aid because of the pro-activity of so many groups 2020 will undoubtedly be another busy and coaches and leaders. Head to page 21 in supporting our words with positive action exciting year for everyone connected with British to find out more orclick here. demonstrating that paddlers care for their rivers Canoeing, as we work together to inspire a passion and the environment in general. The Derwent for paddling and to strengthen our community. www.britishcanoeing.org.uk

clean ups this year have been transformational in Canoe Focus Winter 2019 improving the river, restoring health at short notice Happy paddling. after the floods, and leveraging British Canoeing into Squads announced debates that we had struggled to enter before. for 2020 season Professor John Coyne CBE David Joy British Canoeing has selected its athletes for the UK Sport Lottery Funded World Class Programme (WCP) in Canoe Sprint, and Paracanoe as we Chair CEO build towards Tokyo 2020 and beyond. British Canoeing British Canoeing 6 7 British Canoeing has worked with the Wildlife Trusts Clear Access, Clear Waters at a number of performance events including the National Sprint Regattas, Canoe Polo and White Water A Round up of 2019 to promote the issue of INNS. Physically running Check, Clean, Dry stations and encouraging paddlers to clean 2019 was an exciting year in the Places to Paddle Team following the launch of our Clear equipment before leaving their place of paddling. Access, Clear Waters Charter. In the charter, British Canoeing committed to: “More people more active, more often – that’s not much to ask for is it?” Emma Wiggs MBE Inspiring more people to be The best way to get more people enjoying our sport Championing active outdoors is to inspire them with amazing places to paddle. the case for fair – reconnecting 2019 has seen the launch of even more trails and the shared sustainable them with the publication of threenew waterproof maps. open access on Preserving, environment Back in October, we launched PaddlePoints providing all waterways protecting and Here’s a reminder of our 2019 paddler generated information on places to park, enhancing Clear Access Clear Waters in launch, land, eat and play, inspiring more people to get the health of outside and enjoy the water. Community Champions. our rivers

From clean-ups and lobbying to campaigning and Bayley Siddall: Sheffield Hallam spreading the word, our community of brilliant paddlers University Canoe Club are doing lots of great things behind the scenes Access and environmental issues were a high priority for members and with that in mind, to champion the cause of fair, shared, sustainable Andy Gee: Whoosh Explore Canoe Club British Canoeing has worked hard to deliver on our pledges by; open access. To celebrate this, we also launched our Clear Access, Clear Water Community Champions Wim Brunsting: Cambridge Canoe Club Award, championing the achievements of those > Meeting with the Environment Ministers and “People care for the things volunteers who are truly inspiring and carrying the Steve Waters: Colchester Canoe Club Shadow Environment Minister, Junior Ministers and they love, but they only love the #ClearAccessClearWaters message far and wide. Addi Man: 2018 British Canoeing Shadow Ministers for the Environment, plus at least things they know” Cal Major five MPs from Conservative, Labour and Liberal So what’s next? Woman Paddling Ambassador Democrats plus peers from the Liberal Democrats. What has been key over the last 12 months is the This campaign doesn’t work without you. We’ve been Lobbied Government Ministers, MPs from all parties work you, our paddlers have done to care for the Woody Snapper: Club working really hard on the Clear Access, Clear Waters and met with peers to explain the importance of fair, environment, inspiring more people to tackle the Campaign – but we need your help to make our voice shared access being addressed now. plastic in our rivers. heard. As we move into the New Year what better time > In February, John Grogan MP laid down an Early to make a pledge to support the campaign? Here are The successful partnership with Surfers Against Sewage Day Motion calling for greater access to inland three ways you can help make fair shared sustainable has helped to inspire well over 150 river cleans and waterways. This attracted 21 signatures from all open access a reality: paddlers have been busy playing their part in cleaning parties, which fell a long way short of a previous their local waterways all year. This invaluable work Visit our new Clear Access, Clear Waters Keep up to date with the latest attempt in 2011. However, a number of MPs and developments by signing up reduces the amount of plastic pollution and junk website, due to launch in January and Ministers did respond stating their unwillingness to to support our Clear Access journeying out to our oceans causing untold damage sign our petition to support fair shared Clear Waters Campaign. www.britishcanoeing.org.uk sign any EDM’s as a matter of principle.

and staying in our environment forever. sustainable open access on water. Canoe Focus Winter 2019 clearaccessclearwaters > Met with Defra officers both on access and Invasive British Canoeing also published a new Paddle Clean up Write to your MP. Ask them to raise this matter .org.uk Non Native Species control providing evidence on an with the Secretary of state – they work for expert panel at an audit committee enquiry. (That’s toolkit in the summer, continuing to raise our profile and supporting the wider CACW campaign. you! Over two-million people paddle each a big deal!) year – just think of the impact we can have if collectively we made our voices heard? > More than 25 written questions have been answered We’ve also been working with a number of partners by the Secretary of State for Defra and DCMS. Each including the Canal and River Trust and Rivers Trusts on Undertake a river clean, shout about it one submitted via a supportive MP. a local and national scale to tackle Invasive Non Native and invite your local MP, councillors and Species (or INNS). These can cling to your paddling kit media – use this opportunity to show and spread across waterways, clogging up waterways them why fair, shared, sustainable, open and damaging wildlife. access on water is vital for our rivers! 8 The Great

October saw the launch of Surfers Against Sewage’s Autumn Beach Clean with paddlers around the country taking to the water to rid their canals and rivers of rubbish.

Paddle Peak, a community group of paddlesport Paddle Peak’s future goals include inspiring businesses, clubs and professionals in local businesses, especially fast food outlets to Derbyshire banded together to tackle a go plastic free, eliminating plastic bags being twenty-mile stretch of the River Derwent. thrown into the Derwent during the Boxing Day Raft Race and providing more rubbish bins and The clean up effort took a full five days to complete recycling in key areas along the riverside. and saw everything from TVs and wheelie bins to bikes, road cones and wet wipes being pulled from the river. Over the course of the operation, volunteers shifted five truck loads of rubbish from the river totalling several tons of waste.

Speaking about the event, river clean organiser and Paddle Peak founder Pete Astles said:

“At the top of the valley we were pulling out agricultural plastic waste stuck in the trees. As we meandered into the towns, we were pulling out bigger items that had clearly just been thrown in. Downstream of Matlock Bath there’s To find out more always a load of drinks and food about Paddle Peak’s waste that’s been discarded over the work and vision for fence or blown in off the pavement.” the Derwent Valley checkout their website www.paddlepeak.org www.britishcanoeing.org.uk 10 Slalom inspires a huge success once again

After a shoulder injury shattered her Tokyo 2020 dreams, Eilidh Gibson created Slalom Inspires. Set up in 2018, the initiative provided Eilidh with a way to channel her passion for the sport into something positive. Eilidh now aims to inspire girls in slalom to nurture their talents and fall in love with the discipline.

The first event held in November 2018 saw more than 60 girls attending, with many returning in 2019 for three regional events held in Scotland, England and Wales and a second national event held at Lee Valley.

Dame Katherine Grainger attended the opening of the 2019 Slalom Inspires national event which IT’S ABOUT THE WATER consisted of coaching sessions, workshops Building some of the best kayaking equipment on the market doesn’t and a team-building hot dog session. happen overnight, and building a company that cares about paddlers, the river community and the environment takes time, too. With nearly 50 years Speaking about the event Eilidh said: of experience, NRS is dedicated to providing inspiration, expertise and the equipment that’s needed to empower adventures on the water.

“I am really passionate about women and As a 100% employee-owned company, NRS was founded with a vision to support both paddlers and the places we paddle and is girls in sport. I know how much sport has committed to the stewardship of clean, healthy waters. changed and shaped my life and I want Based in Idaho, USA, NRS has rooted their foundation in The Whitewater other girls to have the same opportunity. State by doing what matters: spending time on the water with co-workers and friends and looking to help the sport grow at every opportunity. “Slalom Inspires comes from my love of the The future depends on the protection and preservation of wild rivers and lands. sport, how much the sport has changed my NRS has made it a priority to focus on conservation, to support organizations life and the opportunities it has given me fi ghting for rivers, and to use their networks to spread the messages far and wide. which I wouldn’t have had beforehand. Part of their mission is to build the best possible equipment, so paddlers can focus on the water, the strokes, the adventure and not worry about what they’re “I see nationwide how many girls drop out of wearing. Their legacy of providing premium-quality equipment informs every new NRS product design through a philosophy called Ultimate Utility. Ultimate paddling, especially in their teenage years and how Utility is about more than building rugged gear that gets the job done. It’s we have a one third female to two-third male split in about purpose-driven, user-focused solutions that are clever, not complicated, our sport of Canoe Slalom and that makes me really and focuses on comfort and convenience to improve experiences. »The future depends sad. I want to do something positive about it and for more girls to experience the amazing sport we have. on the protection

www.britishcanoeing.org.uk “For me it’s all about the love for canoeing and if the and preservation girls want to be Olympic athletes then great, we’ll support them. But if they just want to do it for the of wild rivers love of canoeing then great we’ll support them to do and lands.« exactly that too, to stay in the sport and have fun.” For more information about Slalom Eilidh has since won UK Sport’s award for Inspires head to Social Impact. Click here for the full story. slalominspires.com

www.nrseurope.com Image credit: Kim Jones Protest organised by the Balkan River Defence. facebook.com/nrseurope instagram.com/nrsweb In partnership with

Expert advice

01 Base layer

Worn next to the skin and designed to regulate your body temperature by retaining heat and wicking away moisture, different base layers are suitable for different uses. Merino wool is versatile and antimicrobial with great insulating and wicking properties, whereas synthetic base layers are quick-drying and better for high-intensity activities.

It’s all about 02 Mid-layer Sometimes called the insulation layer, the base the mid-layer provides warmth but should be simultaneously breathable and able to retain heat. Avoid cotton which retains moisture and An expert’s guide to layering choose a fleece for quick-drying, breathable comfort or an insulated jacket for a great warmth-to-weight ratio. Make sure to select the right level of warmth for your activity level and conditions.

Nothing sets you up for winter adventures 03 Outer layer like a good layering system. Getting it right is the key to all-day comfort and performance, but just as every adventure is different, so is every layering In bad weather, a shell over your insulating system. The formula and types of layers you’ll need depend on the type of activity layer will protect you from the elements. and conditions, as well as your own performance. Understanding how each layer A good outer layer will protect you against works independently and as part of a system will help you to build an effective wind and rain, whilst also allowing the moisture layering system for your adventures. We’ve tried and tested it all to help and heat from your body to escape so you don’t you find what’s right for you. overheat. Depending on weather conditions, choose from a waterproof hard shell, wind-resistant soft shell or insulated jacket.

15% discount for members of British Canoeing

Full T&Cs apply. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer or discount. Selected lines are exempt. Maximum 10% discount on bikes. Exclusively for Explore More cardholders. Only valid upon production of your British Canoeing membership identification in-store or use of code online. Offer expires 31.12.20.

You can also use your discount with: Trusted by our partners since 1974 Stores nationwide | cotswoldoutdoor.com Let’s go somewhere

OCC5467_BritishCanoeing Ad.indd 1 13/11/2019 12:43 OCC5467_BritishCanoeing Ad.indd 2 13/11/2019 12:43 14 15 ICF World Cup Final ECA European Championships 2019 Prague, Czech Republic Decize, France Major Championship Winners 6th - 8th September 2019 25th - 28th July 2019 Silver Women’s C1 Bronze Tim Dowden Men’s Junior K1 World Champions ICF World Cup 2 Bronze Lizzie Broughton Women’s K1 - short Duisburg, Germany Olympic Test Event 31st May - 2nd June 2019 Liam Heath MBE Sprint Men’s K1 – 200m Tokyo, Japan ICF World Cup th th Emma Wiggs MBE Paracanoe Women’s VL2 – 200m Gold Liam Heath Men’s K1 – 200m 25 - 27 October Baerum, Norway st nd Charlotte Henshaw Paracanoe Women’s KL2 – 200m Gold Women’s C1 31 May - 2 June 2019 Charlotte Henshaw Paracanoe Women’s VL3 – 200m Gold Jane Swarbreck Women’s Senior K1 Short Mallory Franklin, Kimberley Canoe Slalom Bronze Lizzie Polgreen Women’s Senior K1 Short Slalom Women’s K1 – Team Woods and Paracanoe Bronze Jane Swarbreck Women’s Senior K1 ICF World Championships La Seu D’Urgell, Spain ICF World Championships European Champions 25th - 29th September 2019 Szeged, Hungary Canoe Polo 21st - 25th August 2019 Kimberley Woods, Mallory Gold Women’s K1 – Team Mallory Franklin Slalom Women’s C1 Franklin, Fiona Pennie Gold Charlotte Henshaw Women’s KL2 – 200m ECA European Championships Kimberley Woods, Mallory Gold Charlotte Henshaw Women’s VL3 – 200m Coimbra, Portugal Slalom Women’s C1 – Team Franklin, and Sophie Ogilvie Gold Emma Wiggs Women’s VL2 – 200m 28th August - 1st September 2019 Emma Wiggs Paracanoe Women’s VL2 – 200m ECA European Championships Pau, France Silver Emma Wiggs Women’s KL2 – 200m Gold Women’s Senior Charlotte Henshaw Paracanoe Women’s KL2 – 200m th nd 30 May - 2 June 2019 Silver Laura Sugar Women’s KL3 – 200m Silver Women’s U21 Senior Women’s Canoe Polo – Team Bronze Stuart Wood Men’s VL3 – 200m Gold Mallory Franklin Women’s C1 Silver Men’s Senior Bronze Kimberley Woods Women’s C1 Kimberley Woods, Mallory Paralympic Test Event World Champions – Junior Gold Women’s C1 – Team Franklin, and Sophie Ogilvie Tokyo, Japan ECA Cup 1 Mechelen, Belgium Silver Mallory Franklin Women’s K1 12th - 15th September 2019 Ottilie Robinson-Shaw Freestyle Junior Women’s K1 28th - 30th June 2019 Gold Charlotte Henshaw Women’s KL2 – 200m Daniel Atkins Sprint Junior Men’s K1 – 200m Gold Women’s Senior Gold Laura Sugar Women’s KL3 – 200m Etienne Chappell Extreme Slalom Junior Men ICF Junior & Under 23 World Championships Bronze Women’s U21 Krakow, Poland Gold Jeanette Chippington Women’s VL2 – 200m Etienne Chappell, Jonny Dickson Slalom Junior Men’s K1 – Team 16th - 21st July 2019 Silver Emma Wiggs Women’s KL2 – 200m & Ben Haylett Etienne Chappell, Jonny Bronze Emma Wiggs Women’s VL2 – 200m Gold Junior Men’s K1 – Team Canoe Freestyle Dickson and Ben Haylett Bronze Stuart Wood Men’s VL3 – 200m Junior Men’s Extreme European Champions – Junior Gold Etienne Chappell Slalom ICF World Championships ECA European Championships Bethan Forrow, Ellis Miller, Women’s K1 Junior – Sort, Spain Bronze Poznan, Poland Sprint Junior Men’s K1 – 200m Lois Leaver Team 29th June - 6th July 2019 Daniel Atkins 23rd - 25th May 2019 Junior Kurts Adams-Rozentals, Gold Ottilie Robinson-Shaw Women’s K1 Junior Gold Emma Wiggs Women’s VL2 – 200m Bronze Alfie Boote and James Men’s C1 Junior – Team Silver Alex Edwards Men’s Senior Squirt Kettle Gold Charlotte Henshaw Women’s KL2 – 200m Bronze Sam Wilson Men’s Senior Squirt Silver Emma Wiggs Women’s KL2 – 200m Canoe Sprint Bronze Ottilie Robinson-Shaw Women’s Senior Squirt Silver Stuart Wood Men’s VL3 – 200m ECA Junior and Under 23 European Championships Silver Jeanette Chippington Women’s VL2 – 200m ICF World Championships Liptovsky Mikulas, Slovakia th th Bronze Jeanette Chippington Women’s KL1 – 200m Szeged, Hungary 4 - 7 July 2019 Whitewater Rafting st th Bronze Robert Oliver Men’s KL3 – 200m 21 - 25 August 2019 Bronze Bethan Forrow Junior Women’s C1 Bronze Ian Marsden Men’s KL1 – 200m Gold Liam Heath Men’s K1 – 200m Bronze Etienne Chappell Junior Men’s K1 IRF World Championships Bronze Laura Sugar Women’s KL3 – 200m Bronze Lizzie Broughton Women’s K1 – 1000m Australia 15th - 19th May 2019 ICF World Cup 1 ICF World Cup 1 Lee Valley, UK Silver Women’s U23 - Slalom ICF Junior & Under 23 World Championships Poznan, Poland 14th - 16th June 2019 Pitesti, Romania 21st - 22nd May 2019 1st - 4th August 2019

www.britishcanoeing.org.uk Gold Mallory Franklin Women’s K1 Gold Charlotte Henshaw Women’s KL2 – 200m IRF European Championships

Gold Daniel Atkins Junior Men’s K1 – 200m Gold Mallory Franklin Women’s C1 Luka, Bosnia & Herzegovina Canoe Focus Winter 2019 Gold Emma Wiggs Women’s VL2 – 200m Gold Joe Clarke Men’s K1 2nd - 7th July 2019 Silver Emma Wiggs Women’s KL2 – 200m Gold Etienne Chappell Extreme Slalom Men K1 ECA Junior & Under 23 European Championships Silver Laura Sugar Women’s KL3 – 200m Silver Masters head to head Silver Adam Burgess Men’s C1 Racice, Czech Republic Silver Robert Oliver Men’s KL3 – 200m th th Silver Kimberley Woods Women’s C1 11 - 14 July 2019 Bronze Jeanette Chippington Women’s KL1 – 200m Bronze Ryan Westley Men’s C1 Gold Daniel Atkins Junior Men’s K1 – 200m Ocean Racing Silver Philip Miles Junior Men’s K1 – 1000m ICF World Cup 4 Canoe Marathon ICF World Championships Markkleeberg, Germany St Pierre Quiberon, France ICF World Cup 1 1st September 2019 9th - 15th September 2019 Poznan, Poland World Championships Silver Jonathan White Surf Ski Men Paracanoe 23rd - 26th May 2019 Gold Etienne Chappell Extreme Slalom Men’s K1 Shaoxing, China 17th - 20th October 2019 Gold Liam Heath Men’s K1 – 200m Bronze Lizzie Broughton Women’s K1 – Long course 16 Performance

RoundEight athletes represented up Great Britain at the 2019 ICF Canoe Marathon World Championships in Shaoxing, China.

Richmond’s Lizzie Broughton won a fantastic bronze medal in the women’s K1 event, over 19 seconds ahead of the next competitor to make the podium once again.

K1. The athlete from Rugby finished fourth Slalom: Mallory Franklin won the in the final with a touch on gate 24. women’s C1 gold medal at the test event of the newly opened Kasai Canoe Bradley Forbes-Cryans claimed a seventh place Slalom Centre in Tokyo ahead of the finish in the men’s kayak final after a clean run 2020 Olympic Games next year. of 96.04. The Scot went slightly quicker in the semi-finals but couldn’t quite challenge the top Mallory showed her trademark speed and precision three in a tightly contested final that left just 2.5 once again on the Japanese course to top the podium. seconds separating the top seven athletes. For events, activities and adventure ideas visit gopaddlingweek.info Despite coming sixth in the semi-finals including Touches cost Adam Burgess a spot in C1 men’s two touches on gates seven and eight, Mallory final after he finished 14th. Two early penalties regained her composure for the C1W final later on gates three and five meant the Stafford and that day and put down a storming clean run of Stone paddler was two seconds away from a 110.95 to finish over five seconds ahead of Nuria top ten place needed to qualify for the final. Vilarrubla of Spain and claim the gold medal.

Elsewhere, Kimberley Woods was extremely close to a medal herself in the women’s

Don’t forget you can see the Great Britain

Speaking on the competition and her time Olympic slalom team on the Tokyo waters so far, Mallory said: compete at the European Championships the May! “I am really happy to come away Great Britain’s slalom paddlers will be competing with the win at the Olympic test on home soil at the European Canoe Slalom www.britishcanoeing.org.uk event. The racing was tough, the Championships presented by Jaffa on 15 -17 course that was set was very May 2020 at Lee Valley White Water Centre. technical and it was a real puzzle to work out. But I am happy to have put a run together in the final, and Tickets are to come away with a win is a good on sale now Full booking details boost going into winter training.” and ticket options are available here britishcanoeingevents .org.uk 18 19

Our British Canoeing Women’s Paddling Ambassadors have done so many amazing things this year! Here they tell us about their highlights of 2019 and Vicki Birch Paddling highlight of 2019 their aspirations for the year ahead… Being part of the freestyle demo on the BBC An autistic son left Vicki and her family adventure show live at Pinkston. It was such a socially isolated, but paddling changed that thing which stands out was my first experience of fantastic event and great to bring a lot of different the middle Llugwy, only a few weeks ago. Although completely. Vicki now campaigns to encourage disciplines together to showcase our sport! slightly nervous, I was excited to try paddling new female paddlers to the sport. There aren’t many disciplines Lizzie hasn’t in a new playground and had an exhilarating turned her hand to. From competing in time in my beautiful home of North Wales. Paddling highlight of 2019 Donna Navarro slalom at the 2012 Olympics to sea kayaking expeditions and tackling freestyle. Participating in a coast to coast relay with groups of Donna turned to yoga to rebuild the strength Jo Moseley young people aged 16-25 to launch the Desmond in her back after an injury. SUP yoga is now a Paddling highlight of 2019 Family Canoe Trail. Groups paddled from Liverpool huge part of Donna’s life and she continues As well as being a keen paddleboarder, Jo also and Goole, meeting in the middle for a youth led 2019 was the first year I’ve not competed to share the benefits with others. bodyboards, swims and cycles. This year she SUPed community festival. I paddled, walked and cycled internationally since 2002. Instead, I’ve paddled 162 miles from Liverpool to Goole raising funds for from Wigan to Burnley. In 2020 I’ll be setting up two for myself and for fun, going where I want, when Paddling highlight of 2019 The Wave Project and 2 Minute Beach Clean. community canoe clubs in Wigan. One for the whole I want. I’ve tried new disciplines, paddled new community age 6+ and one for women and girls only. 2019 didn’t quite turn out as hoped. A family rivers, improved my freestyle, explored amazing bereavement meant lots of weekends spent travelling Paddling highlight of 2019 coastlines in a sea kayak and just enjoyed myself. to be with family. Time on the water has been Having paddled over 160 miles alone, from Shona Brownlee a wonderful means of escape in a difficult time; Ruby Isserlis Liverpool to Goole, completing the final stretch strengthening my physical and emotional wellbeing. alongside a fellow #ShePaddles Ambassador as This year Shona had her right leg amputated I’ve also overcome a fear of white water, by practising people cheered and banged tins was incredible! below the knee and underwent intensive Aged just 16 Ruby is our youngest ambassador. She alongside other #ShePaddles Ambassadors. I was so grateful and humbled by everyone’s physical rehabilitation. Now she is working is part of the GB Canoe Polo Development Academy kindness and chuffed to have achieved my goal. towards her Paddlesport Leader Award. and is aiming for the GB squad in the coming years. Emma Kitchen Paddling highlight of 2019 Paddling highlight of 2019 Kate Waite Having been through a tough few years personally, 2019 has been a year of post-amputation firsts; first My highlight this year has been playing in my Emma returned to paddling; a sport she had loved in Kate discovered paddlesport in her 40’s and time back on moving water, first time back in an first tournament for the GB Polo Development her teenage years. In doing so, she found the perfect her first experience of paddling saw her open boat, first post-surgery qualification plus the Squad in Belgium. A truly amazing experience therapy to help her heal. Emma’s paddling adventures navigating around icebergs in Antarctica! discovery that I can still do it! Going into 2020 I’m with so many awesome people! are regularly accompanied by her three year old son. An going to try different disciplines, including slalom active member of her club, all of Emma’s adventures, Paddling highlight of 2019 and SUP; they’ll test how effective my waterproof achievements and mishaps are done with a huge smile. prosthetic is! Having started my Coach Award prior Bex Pope Despite working long hours this year I’ve squeezed to surgery, I’d also love to complete this too. in a few paddling highlights, including my first Paddling highlight of 2019 Bex Pope describes herself as a ‘girly girl with all the moving water experience. Although I was shaking I’ve always worried what others think. Will people hobbies’. Her desire to show others that there is no such with nerves, an exceptional club coach built my Amiee Caitlin Williams laugh? Will I look like the fat girl who can’t paddle? thing as perfect makes her a great coach and leader. confidence up and I ended the day with a huge This year I took charge of my emotions and fears and smile on my face. A recent stressful week was A 12 week personal development course with went on a white water confidence booster with Chris

www.britishcanoeing.org.uk Paddling highlight of 2019 also remedied with a solo, sunny river paddle and the Princes Trust in 2012 sparked a love of the Brain and Lowri Davis. They put me at ease, gently

2019 has been a great paddling year for me. One provided me with solitude as day turned to dusk. outdoors which has continued into her adult life. nudging me out of my comfort zone and leading me Canoe Focus Winter 2019 to gain my Canoe Personal Performance Award! Lizzie Bex Kate Shona Donna

Emma Ruby Jo Vicki Amiee 20 21 Learning and Development NEW Coach Developer eLearning and Mentoring eLearning

We’re also pleased to announce not one but two new eLearning resources designed to support the learning of Coach Developers and Mentors. Applicable to both experienced and British Canoeing is dedicated to supporting the learning and new individuals in the role, the materials provide new skills and approaches to consider. We development of our instructors, coaches, leaders and guides. would encourage anyone involved in leadership to have a look at these resources..

Over the past year, we have worked closely with On completion of the self-analysis tool, coaches Coach Developer eLearning our Technical Groups to create a range of resources can download their results to share with peers to provide further development opportunities and mentors for further guidance and support. This resource explores the relationship between the for coaches and leaders of paddlesports. coach and developer and includes building professional Our new Digital Library, (www.britishcanoeingawarding relationships, profiling, growth mindsets, difficult This includes a new self analysis tool, .org.uk/digital-library/) will further your conversations and lots more. digital library, Coach Developer eLearning understanding with a fantastic range of resources. and Mentor eLearning resource. From academic papers, videos and podcasts to The eLearning will take around 30 minutes to complete. eLearning and much more, new material is continually The self-analysis tool (www.britishcanoeingawarding. being added so there will always be something org.uk/coach-self-analysis/) gauges your current relevant to increase your knowledge base. levels of understanding, skill and knowledge Mentoring eLearning in each discipline with the self-analysis tool. To access the Self-Analysis tool for your own This eLearning tool explores the holistic view of mentor Providing a personal overview of coaches’ current development or to browse the range of resources in relationships, including responsibilities, tools and practise and a breakdown of competencies in the Digital Library, visit the British Canoeing Awarding strategies to develop your mentoring skills. each area, the analysis offers pointers to support Body website. - www.britishcanoeingawarding.org.uk/ continual learning and development for coaches. To access the Coach Developer or Mentor eLearning head to; www.britishcanoeingawarding.org.uk/ mentors-and-coach-developers/ www.britishcanoeing.org.uk

Canoe Focus Winter 2019 22 23

A little past halfway along our journey we detoured to follow an extension north, since we’d pushed hard in the first week and were ahead of ourselves. This Canada is renowned for its expansive lakes and wide open stretches of involved a rest day and a trip to simply explore without our packs. Incredibly we were lucky enough to spot a wilderness. Situated in Ontario with over 2,000 kilometres of lake and strong elegant moose with silken coat and an exquisite river canoe routes to explore, Wabakimi Provincial Park is the world’s rack of antlers. largest wilderness canoe reserve - even bigger than Yellowstone! Too soon though, it was day 14 and we were paddling to our pick up point. I couldn’t help the tinged sadness that filled me. I always find endings beautifully Here, Lily Cousins, aged just 15, recounts her Canada has such a simple bittersweet, I was proud of our achievement and experience of paddling 200 miles of this stunning trail finishing the trip, but leaving such a wonderful place with her family earlier this year. beauty about it. The mass of was truly heart-wrenching. The creatures we saw trees are so diverse and yet were incredible and Wabakimi, with its vast forest and “The joy of wilderness canoeing is something I’ve stunning lakes will always hold a very special place in grown up with and cherish. Leaving civilisation behind somehow, interwoven with my heart. is such a cleansing experience and living the way our lakes and rivers, envelope the predecessors did is, to me, exceptionally gratifying, as if mass of land. one is reviving the ancient ways. The feeling of total wilderness and lack of human Mile 54.1 on the Armstrong section of the Montreal influence took a short time to consume me, it quickly to Vancouver railway line was to be the starting point felt as if I’d been there for days. We paddled as a unit, of our 14-day-trip through the wilderness of Northern my dad steering carefully whilst mum and I powered Ontario. With only my parents and little sister for our craft (my little sister Nellie was better known company, our journey would see us relying on just our on this trip as “the booster”: too young to paddle backpacks and a single canoe for survival. constantly, the second her paddle hit the water, the boat accelerated). I marvelled at absolutely everything What’s On? Wabakimi is a huge national park, and is one of the I saw, from the enormous evergreens to the fragile world’s largest boreal forest reserves. Yet at our guest pitcher plants. house on the edge of the park, our hosts, Burt and British Canoeing Sprint Regatta 1 Brenda, estimate that only 500 or so paddlers journey MAR MAR After an exhausting but amazing first day we reached AGM, Stronger Clubs Holme Pierrepont through it each year. Indeed, during our 14 day trip we our campsite. Not used to such rigorous exercise 14 28 th th didn’t spot a single other canoe on the water. (canoeing is a lot more tiring than one would imagine!), Conference & National Sat 28 - Sun 29 I was eager to relax in our new tent. Positioned right Recognition Awards March 2020 next to the river, our pitch instilled a warm, calming Eastwood Hall, feeling in me. Nottingham th The next few days were rich with long paddles, Sat 14 March 2020 interspersed with short rapids, fishing and wildlife Rafting Selection & sightings. The rapids varied in difficulty. Some we ran, MAR www.britishcanoeing.org.uk National Championships

others we gave a wide berth and portaged! Wabakimi 28 Canoe Focus Winter 2019 Park has no markers for portages or campsites meaning Slalom Selection The National White Water scouting out rest stops is very much guesswork. MAR Weekend 1 Centre - Canolfan Dŵr 21 Gwyn Genedlaethol This entire national park, has managed to maintain its Holme Pierrepont th th wildness. Human impact has been minimal – the only st nd Sat 28 - Sun 29 Sat 21 - Sun 22 March 2020 signs of human life coming from small footpaths and March 2020 occasional hints of campsites. It feels as though there is a spirit of Wabikimi itself, protecting it. Available At O cial Fruit Partner For

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