Volume 7 Numbers 4/5 December 1991 £1.50 Magazine ii SLALOM Magazine Farewell, Trevor
n Saturday 14th. This excerpt from the press release Trevor had guided the BCU through September the Director of the gives no indication of the great the difficult times of the move from O British Canoe Union, Addlestone to Nottingham Trevor Bailey, drowned ··1 and then to the new HQ whilst training in a K2 on where they are now based. the Regatta Course at Although he came to the Holme Pierrepont, :" ~:· ~ _._ . . . . _; sfp?rth with little knowk ledg~ :"i·_.. : ..•: 1 o It e was soon to now It Nottingham, for a race in ':".:'•~• _.,.:. ." S:=~-~:-- ..: -·-~:,a .. -_..,. •. ·"~:' J France. ~~~-""!""__.:~~~~;i as well as any, including ~~:.:.__ trying all the disciplines and He and his partner were his depth of involvement in two-thirds of the way down it inspired all those who the 2000 metre regatta worked with him . course when, due to small waves created by an He didn ·t stay as a novice estimated force three paddler for long either and wind, the boat started to had completed the 127 mile swamp. They were too late in tragedy that unfolded this day. The Devizes to Westminster race, heading for the bank and the kayak loss of a father to two boys, Nigel something few slalomists would capsized 50 metres from shore. and Simon, and to his wife, Margaret, contemplate. is a depth of grief only understood by They both started swimming for the those who have had a similar loss We cannot understand why he was bank when the director got into and our hearts go out to them. taken from us but we must difficulties. His friend. a competent remember his great contribution and coach, attempted life saving but was The loss to the BCU and canoeing in build on it for that is what he would unable to maintain his hold and general is incalculable and only time have wished. Trevor Bailey, 44, drowned. will show how it effects the sport. The Editor
Copy Copy for the magazine, in order of preference, may be submitted in any of the following formats On 3.5 inch floppy discs, saved as text or ASCII, although many IBM and most Mac word-processor texts can be read. As typed text. This can often be read straight into the magazine. But it also puts you at the mercy of the computer - most recent typos have arrived this way, although we are working on tt! . Hand written copy. This rs better than not sending anything! Mmd you it puts you at the mercy of the vagarities of our typing, which can be worse than that of the computer. How you send it is not as important as your continuing to send it.so please continue to share your thoughts and ideas with us and the readership. Results and Event Reports We are always glad to get these and we do receive many results, but fewer reports. So if you go at event and like It or otherwise lets us what happening out there! Advertising This should be sent to Sue Wharton. Please allow plenty of time if you wish us to do the artwork. Even a quarter page takes some time to set out. 1/4 Page Event advertising Send copy to the editor, £10 cheque (payable to the Slalom Committee) to Sue Wharton.
Photographs Black and white or colour. Preferably 5x7 or larger. Please always write your name, the paddler and the event on a label on the back of each photo. We try to return unused photos, but usually keep them for several months in case we can use them. Ones unsuitable for reproduction will be returned with a brief explanation if an SAE is enclosed. If you need a photograph returning after publication contact the editor.
Photographs for sale P~otographs that have been published may be purchased direct from the photographer. The cost of a full sized print (which will ~su~lly be between 8x8 and 8x10) at a cost of £8.00 including postage or £7 .50 delivered to an event. This cost is very reasonable considering the inve~tment of time, equipment and materials involved. Sometimes our better known photographers have enlargements of chance shots with them at events; a reasonable charge for them is £5. Please encourage them with the odd purchase! SLALOM Magazine 1 CONTENTS st1ilum Special ~~~~~~l~'.m>~ ~ Features EDITOR: G.D.NEVIN I I World Cup Final 7 TYPESEmNG: Slalom Magazine Inc (Hastings) The official magazine of the B .C .U Slalom Executive, I Adbolton Lane, Holme Pierrepont, I .. Come-Back 9 Nottingham, NG12 2LU Dlsclalme" The views expressed ;n this rnaqazine are not necessarily those of the Editor nor of the Slalom Executive. I Junior Pre-Worlds 11 SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions may be obtained at £7.50 for 1 year, The One Who Didn't.. post paid (Cheques 'BCU Slalom Committee') from :- 12 Slalom Magazine, Hertwood Hill Farm, 117 Preston Road, Chorley,Lancs PR6 7AX I I Gareth Marriott 14 Special Rates for overseas readers. ADVERTISING U 16 Training Camp 17 Rates for the next issue are available from I I Sue Wharton Tele: 0257-262051 Under 17 Team 18 COPY Please send contributions to the Editor at Slalom Magazine, Hertwood Hill Farm, 117 Preston Road, Canadian Paddling 20 Chorley, Lanes PR6 7AX Copy date for the next issue is :- 15 January 1992 I I GB Junior Tour 24 But pleaH send earlier if possible!
COVER:- Gareth Marriott I I Regular Photo: Tony 1ickle of The Tickle Group I Features @ All copy, photographs and artwork in Slalom Magazine is the 1 I Editorial 2 copyright of. the authors/contributors and/or Slalom Magazine and may not be used elsewhere without written permission. I I Current Affairs 3 Letters 23 Next Issue: 7 I I Event Results 28 2 SLALOM Magazine
~ :>' .
Perhaps the AGM needs to think very Thanks For Better or for Worse? carefully about it's leadership, rather than s Editor of Slalom Magazine for the red herrings which are very likely to the last three years I have done e've had a good year on the appear and are equally likely to be of no Amy best to produce a International front with three real consequence. The Slalom Committee professional and interesting magazine W Champions in their class• is you, the clubs, and 1f you don't like and I would like to thank all those who Shaun Pearce, Gareth Marriott and what they do then elect someone else. have contributed to its content and Richard Fox - not to mention the many However, don't throughout the baby with production during that time. Junior successes, but that has only the bath water. Make sure that whoever been achieved by a great deal of you chose to elect will do the the job fully In some ways I have succeeded and volunteer work by a large number of and effectively throughout their elected recently my goal of colour has been people. This continuing success period. achieved, thanks to advertistng depends on the support which Canoe sponsors. I have managed to keep the Slalom receives and here the Perhaps also, YOU and your club should financial support of the Executive foundations are under increasing strain think what you can do to help the sport, without them exerting editorial control from the load it is being asked to carry. whether a paddler, ex-paddler, or bank and to be fair to the Chairman, Roger Annan, he has never attempted to supporter- stand up at the AGM and offer The number of people that are available influence the content of the magazine, your help. and willing to give up time to help run although I know that at times he has the sport is too few {and seems to be been furious with some comments. getting fewer) and there are only two people with paid Jobs amongst the Don't Blow Llangollen Interestingly my position as Editor Is many volunteers, with no money to one of the few positions with potential employ more. e are generally welcome influence that Is un-elected I but have guests at Llangotlen for always tried to reflect general opinion We are an amateur sport run by WLlangollen week, however with integrity. amateurs and unfortunately in an there Is a minority of locals that would amateur way. This is not to decry the rather we weren't there. Their cause can However, despite this, I have failed years of hard work that have been put only be helped by mconsiderate paddlers overall. Although not my direct in by many of our Executive but we running around half and sometimes responsibility I have been unable to now live In a different world and have a totally, naked, leaving boats on the stimulate others to provide proper different sport from that of 10 or even 5 pavement while watching the next financial control, seek advertising or years ago. To go forward into a new paddlers down the course from the increase circulation. The result has been and not necessary better world is going bridge, parking in the very few in-town unacceptable personal stress and the to need new ideas and new parking places and generally taking inability to perform the job to the enthusiasms. advantage of the town's hospitality which standard I feel necessary. while giving little m return. Our image needs polishing and it needs Thus 1t is with considerable sadness professional help-true professional help that I must step down from my position Please try to show consideration for our from people who know how to raise unless the required help is forthcoming hosts and suggest to those less money, present our top paddlers before the next issue. properly, and motivate and organise the considerate than you that they could lose us one of our best sites. Garry D Nevin, Editor rest of us. Llangollen Canoe Festival Week 19-27 October 1991
19/20-October 26/27 October British Open The Cawston Vale Fruit Juice Championships International Canoe Slalom Incorporating Incorporating The Champagne Nicolas The Brecon Mineral Water Feuillate British Open Sprint International Slalom Sprint Cs/;): r 0 ~ ~ coQ) Q) !:::!. :::, CD
Richard (Page 3 Killer) Comer Tryweryn Premier Photo: Chris Worrall 4 SLALOM Magazine Current Affairs
Slalom Magazine Lactate Seminar
Those of you who read the magazine A canoe slalom specific cover to cover , including the front cover, coaching seminar is to may have noticed the curious message, be run at the national 'Double Issue· on the front cover. That is Coaching Centre in the not strictly true, in fact it is not true at all Munrow Sports Centre as the double issue will. hopefully, be within Birmingham the next, pre-Exhibition, issue and those University, on Saturday A BCU APPROVED COURSE ADJACENT TO THE of you who look forward to a good read November 2nd 1991; SLALOM COURSE AT HOLME PIERREPONT over the Christmas hols are going to be between 1 0am and disappointed this year. We are victims of 4pm. our own improvements as it now takes 18,000 words to fill an issue and believe Cost of this undoubtedly • SLALOM SCHOOL & me that is a lot of writing by too few worthwhile seminar is people, especially between now and £10, (£5 students) in SLALOM CLINIC Christmas. The reason this issue is advance to John marked as a double issue is to keep the Gregory, 40 Ellesmere numbering straight for the next issue, Drive, Sanderstead, volume 8 number 1, which will come out Surrey, CR2 9EJ. • COMPLETE TRAINING in time for the Exhibition. See Advertisement PACKAGES & elsewhere-ED INDIVIDUAL TUITION Regional Pool Slalom Dates Helmet Regulations The following helmets RUN & COACHED by Region Date Pool • have met the requirements of testing York & Humber 30 Nov Grimsby or Leading Slalom procedures carried out Scarborough (?) by the DKV, BSI of Wales 7 Dec Afon Lido Coaches Birmingham University Aberavon and may be used in UK Eastern Region 14 Dec Luton slalom competitions. Northern Region 28 Dec Dolphin COURSES FOR Centre Darlrngton • Helmets not included on West Midlands 11 Jan Halesowen this list may not be North West 11 or 18 Jan PADDLERS FROM Woolsten, Warrington used. A sample may, however, be submitted NOVICE TO DIV 1 For further details contact your Regional for assessment and, if Representitive as per Yearbook except successful, will be included. Send SAE to for: ALSO the BCU office for full North West C. Bolton details of the testing 0925-823897 procedure and cost. • CAFETERIA FREE CAR PARK Ace/Palm AP2000 Cooper East Midlands R. Robinson • FREE· SHOWERS & CHANGING ROOMS 0636- 706486 Perception Romer (full range) • FACILffiES FOR MEETINGS Rosebank Wild Water (full AND ORGANISED COURSES Slalom Organisers Pack range) Ace (full range) may Send S.A.E. for details or phone:• Could all regional Slalom Reps please continue to be used CURRENT TRENDS arrange for someone to pick up their during 1991 due to the ADBOLTON LANE, WESTBRIDGEFORD Organiser's Pack from the Slalom AGM, significant numbers in NOITINGHAM HG2 SAS which is on the 23rd November 1991. use, pending further review of the level of Telephone: 0602-818844 protection provided. SLALOM Magazine 5 Job Search Free Time? Long Winter Evenings? Don't despair-we have lots ofj obs to help fill your time and help our sport! We need YOU, and lots of you, urgently!
Technically Minded? Looking for a Challenge?
The following positions need to Typist required. Preferably to Bib Issuers & be filled shortly: have a word processor with 3.5 The Maintenance Officer for inch disc drive. Access to fax Ranking List Timing and machine an advantage but not Communication Equipment essential. Willing to work with Compilers to maintain TUITI and other kind, considerate, disorganised equipment. Several of these officers are Editor with short deadlines and Equipment hiring Officer shorter temper. retiring after giving excellent service to the sport for some Members to [oln the Electronic limmg Team Assistant Editor. To help with years. We urgently need to production of international replace them as listed below: -full training given magazine, with possible Div 1 KlM Bibs Please Contact responsibility for some issues. Divs 2/3 KIL Bibs Previous printing/DTP Chris Ebrey Divs P/1/2/3/C2 Bibs background useful. Sense of 0978-352397 humour essential, ability to read The following ranking compilers and write an advantage. are also required for the new season: Distributors, Co-ordinators Div 1 Ranking officer Like to Organise? etc., etc. also required. Div 4 Canadian ranking Please contact the Editor, officer Exhibition Slalom Stand Slalom Magazine, Organiser More details from 0424-714110 Mike Carter Responsible for that or Sue Wharton 0234-215441 imposing display at the Tele:0257-262051 Canoe Exhibition that puts Fax:0257-231180 the others to shame!
Other Skills? Assistant Organisers' Conference Administrator ANY offers of help of any kind please To help at next years conference with a view to running it it 1993. contact Sue Wbanon! 0257-262051 Please contact Sue Wharton to have a chat about these or any other position. 6 SLALOM Magazine
A Rare Opportunity from Delapre Blades For seven years now our slalom blades have been used in World Class competition; for longer than this we have pursued a relentless policy of improvement in design, efficiency and specification, based on information feed-back from paddlers, proven engineering principles and the use of the highest quality of materials available. Coupled with a policy of keeping selling prices as low as possible (we rarely advertise and have never had to pay paddlers to use our blades) this has led in 1991 to a world-wide demand which we have been unable to meet, partly due to ill-health and partly to Bob's years - a great many more than most people realise. 1992 will undoubtedly bring even greater demands. We have therefore decided to offer the business for sale as a "going concern". The offer includes;- The entire contents of our specially set up workshop - approximately 80 moulds and masters, tools and machinery, ancillary equipment and standby generator. Stocks of materials - much of it expensive fabrics. The 'Goodwill' of the business together with detailed expertise & practical assistance if required. Exclusive Patent and design copyrights. Follow-up design and development if required. We invite anyone interested in acquiring this unique business to apply to the address below - LETTERS ONLY PLEASE- no telephone enquiries. Delapre blades, The Workshop, Back Lancaster Road, Carnforth, Lanes. LAS 9LD
MAIL ORDER EDDYLINESD ~ SERVICE Tel: 0978 861444 Open 10 am till late. 7 days a week SLALOM Magazine 7 Final Leg of the World Cup Series
he team flew into a wet Chicago C1 Results and World Cup Positions with Hurricane Billy just around the 1st Gareth Marriott 179.71 Tcorner, which made us feel at home 2nd Jon Lugbill 180.54 MK1 thinking we were heading for Wales! 3rd Jed Prentice 183.07 1st Ian Wiley 181.98 121h Bill Horsman 247.13+55 2nd Richard Fox 182.97 With hire cars sorted out, we drove to the 3rd Melvyn Jones 183.81 4th 41 points first of our races in Minden, Ontario (Gull From Canada we made the trek to 4th Shaun Pease 183.12 9th 27 points River - Canada) just under 708 miles Wausau Wisconsin USA for the climax of 11th Richard Fox 188.83 1st 75 points away. The site looked good but with the World Cup series 'The Final Race'. under half race level running it resembled water was at race level for training from K1L the Tryweryn, although at least we had the time we arrived, this time holding no 1st Maria Jeruslami 211.65 plenty of sunshine now. surprises. 2nd S. Hilgertova 212.81 3rd Sylvie Lepeltier 214.47 Officials hoped to have a full release for From a hot and sunny Canada weather 5th Lynn Simpson 219.26 the next day but alas this was not to be became even hotter, luckily plenty of iced 7th 32 point the case until the course was posted, with. water a provided by the organisers in the 121h Maria Francis 229.21 one last session before official practice true fashion of our generous American 11 th 24 point was to commence. Spirits were high and hosts. The race, as a change from the 15th Joan Jayes 245.185 training was good now, even if a little previous weekend, being open with few 23rd 3 points bumpy. crunch moves, proving to be a fast race and good for the many spectators lining C1 When the water was released at race the banks and the television cameras. tst Jon Lugbill 193.78 level the river changed completely to 2nd Gareth Marriott 281.525 provide what was a truly fine slalom site Racing as back to the normal format of 1st 78 points with some very demanding water (even Men's and C2's the first day, with 3rd Jed Prentice 282.35 1 without the gates in place ). second runs getting exiting toward the 12th Bill Horsman 237.21 end with Shaun placing on the leader 17th 9 points This was not going to be an easy slalom. board only to be pushed off by a whisker First off were the Ladies and C2's,and a by Mel who ended up third, with Shaun stagger to breakout sequence, 2/3/4 was fourth. However, the day was with Mike Smith proving to be a problem, with paddlers Richard who took the MK1 first place in missing either gate 3 or 4. Further down, the World Cup series. gate 11, a forward down to the left following a roller coaster ride down a Sunday had a worrying start as Maria had Lactate Physiology chute, provided more surprises for the pulled a muscle in her shoulder during paddlers. training on Thursday and Bill had an ear for infection and it seemed doubtful whether Sunday it was the turn of the Men and either would be able to compete, Maria Canoe Slalom Cl's and even after a day of studying the managed 2 steady runs displaying good previous days runs mastery of the course Cross Bow strokes to protect her injured Speakers was still an elusive goal as shown by the shoulder and Bill put in a spirited number of 50's displayed on the results Dr. Craig Sharp performance overcoming great pain. Lynn board. All our team put in very creditable Jimmy Jayes performances with the race going to stored through on her second run to fifth Gareth with a fine win and Richard place with a single penalty costing her a Steve Raven coming in third. medal. Gareth gave spectacular display of acrobatics on the second to last run of SATURDAY November 2nd 1991 MK1 the day and promptly moved into the lead 1st Richard Weiss 167.25 only to have it snatched away by rival Jon 2nd Ian Wiley 168.90 Lugbill on the last run of the day, but even at the 3rd Richard Fox 169.12 this could not wipe the smile off his face a 18th Melvyn Jones 174.61+5 he took first place overall in the World National Coachin9 Centre 24th Shaun Pearce 225.26+50 Cup series, showing the ever increasing Birmingham Umversity depth of his ability. K1L 1st Sylvie Lepeltier 191.80 We finally had to tear ourselves away £10 (£5 Students) to 2nd Stepanka Nilgertova 197.7 from the land of muffins and the never John Gregory 3rd Cathy Heam 287 .34 empty coffee cup to catch the waiting 40 Ellesmere Drive 7th Maria Francis 215.4 plane. I would like to extend my thanks to Sanderstead, the paddlers for once again doing us 14th Joan Jayes 286.38+ 1 o Surry CR2 9EJ 15th Lynn Simpson 301.53+ 100 proud. 8 SLALOM Magazine
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Mitchell and Cooper BALA MILL PREM Photo: Chris Worrall SLALOM Magazine 9 Making a Come-back Clive Clarke
never thought that at the ripe old age are full of snow melt. When that has the Summer with my German friends of 44, pushing 45, I would be back in gone the Summer flow from the Karaj from the Tehran Kayak Club paddling I div. 2, but after a 1990 season dam gives enough water for many miles white water rivers in Europe. After the sprinkled with reasonable success and a of beautiful grade 11 to 111 paddling in 1989 trip to Yugoslavia on the Koritniza fair bit of luck, I've made ,t. The last time temperatures over 100°F ! When I first and the Soca the temptation was too I competed m Div. 2 was 1975. That was arrived there, I was really missing great and I decide to take the plunge a memorable year. Nicky Wain was Kl M canoeing, but just by chance I met a and try competition again. By this time national champion and a young teenager group of German school teachers who the house was almost finished and I had named Richard Fox was rocketing up loved W.W. river running and had a bit more time, so my famdy (two through the Divisions. I paddled against shipped out some big Prijon fibre glass daughters now) had to put up with a the nsing super star at a slalom in Linton. kayaks. I couldn't believe my luck. After a change of emphasis from bricklaying to It was a lovely course down the salmon lot of excited chat and a few swimming paddling. ladder and the weather that July was pool sessions I was paddling down glorious. I managed a reasonable time on wonderful rivers like the Karaj, the Haraz Paddlers over 35 are really spoilt for my second run and only hit one gate for a and the Lashgarak, all grades II to Ill and choice when 1t comes to competition. 10 (old rules!). Richard was 13 seconds we were the only ones there! There is straight veteran. Divisional faster but hit two gates for a 20. He was veteran or regular Divisional status as a fourth and I fmished sixth out of 101 and In 1978 the revolution turned Iran upside senior. I considered applying to the we both got up to Div. 1. I never paddled down and m early 1979 I returned home slalom committee for re-ranking but then at a Div. 1 event, however, since shortly to England with four years experience, a thought that after a 14 year layoff I afterwards I packed my bags and took a new wife, no Job and no home. I soon needed to find my own level, so I job in Iran. realised that my pre-Iran bachelor routine started from the bottom in novice. It felt of paddling two nights a week and at a bit strange filling out my BCU Not much paddling there, you are weekends was out of the question. In application form and even more peculiar probably thinking, but you are wrong. The fact, I bought a crumbling old house and completing a slalom entry card, the mountain chain behind Tehran goes up to became a 0.1.Y. fanatic. My canoeing format of which was unchanged from 16000 ft and in the Spring the local rivers activities were restricted to one week 1n 1975. My plan was quite simple. I For slalom information including craft from Perception - Reflex, Nomad, Pyranha and Arrowcraft together with accessories from Wild-Water, Freeblades, Propulsion, MI, Diamond, Bushsport etc. Please contact Melvyn Jones Information on all other requirements, Personal and Contract, including Ace, Prijon, Pyranha, Perception, MI, Coleman, Arrowcraft (new Aquabat) and accessories from Chang, Tornado, Helly-Hansen, Javlin, Lendal, Schlegal, Kober, New Wave etc. Please contact Tim Houghtpn •
Telephone: 0902 634567
West Mlcl•ids Canoe Centre. ·.· 112 NeM'lal Sbeet. Wlenhal, Wea.MklwtsWV1-~01_LQ 10 SLALOM Magazine
wanted to get to Div. 2 in 2 years. I trouble settling in again. The rules had all bow rudder if by gate 10 you are gasping decided that I would have to get to Div. 3 changed, no reverse gates, no outside for breath and your arms feel like lead. in the first year then spend a season in touches, no 1 Os and 20s, the people (When you are 44 and fairly fit this Div. 3 with enough points to go up at the were numbered and not the boats. The doesn't happen until gate 15!) To reach a end of the year. All this would have to be boats were really strange looking as well reasonable state of fitness, when you can achieved with minimal disruption to my and so uncomfortable. And of course only practice in your boat once a week family, my job and other interests that everyone looked so young! and your Job doesn't involve physical compete for my time and money. This activity, requires another time-juggling led to the careful selection of four events Well, when I had overcome all these act. I swim in my lunch break, run in the each season. These were events where I negatives I realised that it was still very morning before breakfast and exercise knew the water and there was normally a exciting and canoeists are just as friendly with Lizzie Webb at 6.50 on TV AM. smaller number of competitors (excluding as before. If anything, the new bib Trying to fit these in twice a week really HPP which I had heard about and was d system encourages a friendlier boosts the strength and definitely helps esperate to try). This increased my atmosphere since you have a regular the b reathing. chances and when I was stuck for time I contact with paddlers whose start could just travel a short distance and numbers are close to yours. I am pleased My objective now 1s to stay in Div. 2 for a compete in the inDividual event on to say that for once my plans worked out year or two more and enjoy the water Sunday. well from winning my first novice that this level of cornoeuuon brings. Also competition at Shepperton to three super there is that secret pleasure in beating I started with a borrowed boat since, events rn Div. 3 at Old Windsor, paddlers who are a half or even a third of despite the plan, I wasn't really certain Shepperton and HPP. your age. that I would want to continue, and also prices had gone up four or five times The biggest bonus for me in returning to Clive Clarke since the good old days of '75. There had competition is being fit again. It is not been so many changes 1n 14 years I had much good being able to do a perfect SLALOM Magazine 11 Junior Pre-Worlds, Sjoa, Norway 1991
had really looked forward to this In the C1 class, a determined Joet had determined to make amends for their particular trip and was not to be two superb runs, showing outstanding individual disappointments. They came I disappointed. The crossing from skills to win the silver medal. The first for good on the day to take the silver medal. Newcastle to Bergen, 23 hours, passed the British team and a great incentive for Well done Sally, Treena and Corrie. The quite well. The journey from Bergen to the K1 Men. British K1 Men's team recorded a brilliant Sjoa, 350 miles, was magniftcent with run to take the gold medal by 4 seconds snow-capped mountains, fjords, Saturday was the Men's turn. Paul Ebrey from the Germans with the two Paul's waterfalls, glaciers and beautiful views all and Mike Jesson really set the pace with and James working superbly together. It round. The weather was exceptional, hot brilliant first runs. James had 10 penalties really was fantastic to watch. and clear. remaining so for 10 days. with Leo and Paul Ratcliffe having 50's. This was nail-biting stuff! James was the The prize giving for the British was a Sjoa is in the Winter Olympic valley of first British paddler down with a memorable occasion followed by many Gudbrandsdalen. The campsite, 10 tremendous 2nd run, fast and clean. to photographs and the traditional minutes from the Slalom Centre Is take the lead. Next came Paul Ratcliffe. "throwing m"" for the winners and a situated on the banks of the fast flowing looking cool and calculating, putting in an special "ducking" for a very proud team River Otta, very big and bouncy. I could' impressive performance. good enough to manager. Brian Fuller. not wait to paddle it myself. The slalom move into 1st place Then a long watt site, on the River Sjoa, was really until the last paddler had gone down - A jubilant team spent their final evening something. The Norwegians had was his time going to hold? Yes. 1st in Sjoa at the camp site. en1oyIng some obviously put a lot of thought,. time and place confirmed for Paul Ratcliffe, the terrific surfing on the river and tucking in money into developing a superb Slalom gold medal and the Junior Pre-Worlds to a hearty barbecue, prepared by the Arena and are to be congratulated. It was Title. Paul Ebrey and Mike Jesson's first parents. Everyone had a great time - a very impressive; the water, the setting, runs proved to be their best giving them fitting end to a successful tour. the facilities. everything. 7th and 12th places and Leo, playing a captain's part, called on all his skill and I thoroughly enjoyed the trip and felt that The team arrived on Tuesday morning experience to put in a good run to finish we were made very welcome by the looking happy, relaxed and in high spirits. 9th overall. A gold, a silver and all the Norwegians everywhere. The event was having done very well in Sweden. The British Kl men in the top 12-truly well organised down to the last detail inaugural ceremony was a very pleasant splendid results. and I would strongly recommend It to occasion starting with the parade, the anyone thinking of going next year. British Team led by a proud Leo Hoare, The squad were really buzzing for the followed by a few official short speeches team races on the Sunday, with the girls Mark Ratcliffe and the course then being officially opened by the competing paddlers.
The British team looked quite good during training and non-stop practice runs on a fast open course, although to be honest, so did some of the Germans, Yugo's and Czech's. By now, a warm friendly atmosphere had become established amongst the various nations with much kit swapping taking place.
All too soon it was Friday and race day for the Ladies and C1 's. Sally and Treena tried really hard but were disappointed with their runs on the day. I thought that both were quite capable of finishing in the top ten. However, Corrie put in a good performance to finish in 9th place. Paul Ebery, Paul Ratrdiffe, james Croft The Winning team Photo: mark ratdife 12 SLALOM Magazine The One Who Didn't Get Away
n September 1991 I experienced the greatest horror that the in a Supermarket ? Right inside ? It was vast, miles and miles of devil can visit on a marooned husband and father - a horror shelves and full of women. Efficient, organised types who know I which chilled my soul and must, must stand as a warning to the difference between grammes and ounces, who can spot the other mere males who, despite their best endeavours, may find best price at 50 paces and count the beans in a tin before themselves in the same pitiless state. cooking them. Fearsome women, and a few men as well, mostly convertible I suspect - and me, the only normal male in It all started in mid-August, when son left for Czechoslovakia the place. with the Under 17 squad and wife left for the same destination. We parted with sweet farewells, my fond promises to walk the Could I get served ! The place had gone completely d-i-y and patio, mow the dogs, re-lay the caravan and service the lawn their buyer must be out of his tree. AU I wanted - or rather all I ringing in my ears; good intentions paving the way to the small could focus on m my panicked state) was frozen peas; there ads section of the local paper. Then last minute messages and were big bags of big peas, big bags of little peas, little bags of reminders and off they went. (What was that about the milk?) big peas, little bags of little peas. all from different producers, all different prices. How could I possibly make up my mind what to And suddenly the freedom ! Up at 6 am, walk the dogs (once buy 1f they can't decide what to sell ? more too late to cancel the milk - 6 am! - does the milkman never sleep ?) then breakfast, off to work, 7 pm back home Chaos and confusion all round. I cut my losses and made for the again. washing, (drink some milk), walk the dogs, (more milk), checkout (another misnomer, more of a picket line • 20 minutes ironing, tidying, (mitk anyone ?), mow the lawns, (more bloody to pay for £13.62 - a months food last time I went shopping) and milk - there's only so much you can force down an Obliging but with a, "Thank you madam, I doubt that I will have a Good Day, suspicious moggy), re-lay the patio,· come 2 am my time's my but if I ever do it will not be wrthm 100 miles of these own to do what I want • viz fall over and start again at 6 am the incarcerating walls" I gratefully escaped. next morning. Ray Croft And so this idyllic existence carried on · for days and days and days - and oh Joy' a Bank Holiday · even more chance :c•··, to get even more jobs done this weekend ! Colleagues at work began to notice my tired. pale, exhausted state - no longer the enthusiastic ferret. couldn't face a rabbit hole 1f it offered free tickets - still at Britain's least I'm eating well...... Eating well • that was the start of the problem- You see, friendliest the fridge was left well stocked, the pantry shelves stacked high with tins and boxes. I ate well, very well, although towards the end of the second week my culinary mail order experiments had to get rather inventive. Strange that whilst everything mixes well in the stomach, on the plate, before eyes, is another matter, So 6 course meals, lots of company little bits • that was the answer. Alas, all too soon I was down to a yogurt (low fat) beans (barbecued, tinned), 2 oranges and something m the freezer wrapped in tinfoil We can supply you which didn't move about a lot and looked happier, and safer, undisturbed. with the right Then the sudden panic. the day before they were about to return, food for them! 1200 gruelling miles across Europe, not to mention the A 1 to Nottingham and back home 11 canoeing product pm • no food ! What do I do ? Throw some raisins in the dog's meal, claim its muesli ? Wash the jelly off the at the right price chunky cat meat and make a stew with the barbecued SQ beans and the yogurt ? The cat would tell • sure of it. Use the tortoise as a meat pie? Hardly got the energy left to catch it- What about the goldfish • could the vicar do the 3 loaves trick ? What was that thing in the freezer ? I was utterly lost and in my dark soul searing despair I resolved to go shopping - yes, shopping! To a supermarket. It was awful. Fri~nds, fellow husbands and fathers, I ~g M you, I urge you, 1f ever the thought flits across your mind, · · such a simple, innocent-seeming solution - resist it I implore YOU, resist it _With every OUnCe Of your Strength. !t~ I ~ -· -· • • - -w•vn ._U~ & hi lel\u:MS
Alex Pope Tryweryn Div. 1 Photo: GDN TECHNOLOGY FOR RACING ~ .c ·-
14 SLALOM Magazine SLALOM Magazine 15 Gareth Marriott
GARETH MARRIOTT - Where did he 1989 saw the progression slow up just a spring from 7 little as you might expect but 6th place in the Savage Worlds (again with a 5) y first real contact with Gareth should have set the alarm bells ringing was at the first ever Junior just down the road in Washington DC. If M World Championships in Spittal, that didn't then Gareth's bronze in the Austria in 1986. I arrived Just before the World Cup Final in Tacen Yugoslavia race, hot-foot from the Senior Pre-Worlds certainly did. at Bourg St. Maurice - many of the Team were new to me and my job was really to 1990 saw further success with his first help out with the backside coaching and Senior title - winning the Pre-Worlds in survev the current Junior World scene ... Tacen (again with a 5 but with a time that if clear would have won the MK1 class The GB Cl team had 3 boats - Gareth, Mike Wharton and Ben Geddis. the next day ) By this time the only direction the Americans were looking The first thing that strikes you about was in front of them .... Another feature of Gareth is his innate self-confidence. 1t 1990 was that consistency at elite level• hits you head-on and leaves you in no ' often regarded as Gareth's weak point - doubt whatsoever that he knows what was starting to come with him placing an he wants and believes he can do it - overall 4th in the World Cup Series. usually without too much help from anyone else! Even at Sputal - his first 1 991 you have read about elsewhere in major International race in C1 remember - this magazine. As reigning Pre-Olympic it was the same - he thought he was and World Cup Champion, Gareth is the going to win. established World No. 1 and will start favourite for the Olympic title in 1992. No My first impressions seeing him race at doubt his experience of 'winning from Spittal were " Where on earth has this the front' in the Junror Worlds back in guy come from and who coaches 1988 wili be needed to the full...... him .... !" In fact the question; "Is he a Brit.?" might also have been on my mind. What are the secrets of his success? It seemed to me that a clone from the Easy to identify but hard to explain. Americans had somehow infiltrated our Massive natural talent without doubt - system. His basic Cl style was so covering all the essentials - speed, reminiscent of Lugbill and Hearn it technique, watermanship, exceptional seemed incredible that not only had he flexibility · other paddlers have a similar not spent any time over there - he hadn't range of movement but they don't have had any real Cl coaching of any kind. He the confidence or 'bottle' to use 1t was still raw and inconsistent - properly. Next time you're watching him admittedly - but everything he displayed paddle - just compare the amount of that weekend mdicated to me that he was going places and probably fast...... turning momentum he puts on his boat Gareth Marriott Tryweryn Prem Photo: Chris Worrall during a cross-bow. Just see how "His blade gets to places other blades cannot In the race itself he came top GB Cl at to Holme Pierrepont - was gaining the about these ·wonder boys' rn C1 who with a 5 second penalty that cost him 6 1988 saw Gareth winning the Junior reach!" - without the help of any well 11th position (top ranked U16 at the benefit of 2 white water sessions a day places!!! Gold in the Junior Pre-Worlds Worlds (on the now demolrshed River were beating the kayaks - we didn't really .{ known lager ..... time) - but to my mind the potential was on it. believe 1t - typical American Bull S. - and that year established as the clear World Valira course at Seu) from the front. Its there for anyone who had eyes to see in any case the US Kayaks were not Junior No.1 and hot favourite for the never tougher than when EVERYONE but Above all he has an rnner confidence and and who knew their X-bow from a pry This factor along with his undoubted much good anyway ..... Well we soon World Title in 1988 ... everyone has told you and expects you to away . self-belief that he can and will be the natural talent for C1 really boosted his changed our minds when we first saw win a major race. He 'survived' the best on the day. progress over the next winter. He Lugbill, Hearn, Robinson and Co ..... ! experience and I think gained a lot from it became without doubt the undisputed /ls Nottingham developed as a centre of which will stand him in good stead. After Spittal Gareth returned home to It would be fair to say that all this makes 'King of the Course' at Nottingham - 1987 saw Gareth start to emulate them - Excellence - more top kayaks started to Mansfield (1 O miles north of Nottingham) coaching him a pretty hot job - but who especially (being a lefty) with its getting close to and sometimes beating base there 1n the winter 87/88 - again to find that a very generous Sports prevalence of left-hand moves. He also stepped up the Senior ladder the heck cares when he's getting the good kayaks in training and races. When irnprovmq Gareth's training environment. Council was just about to open an results ... this starts to happen you know that time• It's true to say that he has never trained another rung - placing 7th in the Europa Artificial Slalom course slap bang on his 1987 saw Gareth really beginning to Cup rankings which included an wise its very much on world class pace. regularly with other Cl's - only top doorstep!! He was one of the first to run impressive 5th place at the Final in make his mark in the Senior ranks (still With a silver at one of the '87 selection kayaks - the demands on his speed have it - almost certainly along with Richard only 16/17 years old) It brought back Nottingham. The Americans were just trials - Gareth made the World always been there and are probably a Alan Edge - GB Olympic: Coac:h Fox one of the first to train regularly on it memories to me of 1977 when news beginning to look over their Championship Team - and at Bourg major factor in his development as an and soon - with his parents moving down began to filter through from the USA shoulders . placed a brilliant 11th (still aged 16) this elite Cl ...• a,
C/) ')> 5 s: s: Q) •...... -· ~ ~·. . :- .. ;;.,,.-:~ : .. ~ . i! :;· '··v: -. ~r • _,,,, ,. -',,.. ,.._ Richard Fox World Cup Wir,nc,r 1991 Photo: Chri• Worrall! ..•. SLALOM Magazine 17 GB U16 Nottingham Training Camp lue skies, hot sun, no wind. for which JJ had organised them all difficult courses "that have been used at Nottingham at its best. The under timed and judged runs, both individual Premier level. 16 camp began its training week B and team. Although for many it was quite This was the first time that the paddlers meeting in the Holme Pierrepont a traumatic experience having to race were able to compare themselves with campsite for a rendezvous with J1m after only one practice run lie. no team the top paddlers in the country and Jayes and a well organised week plan. runs first day), the majority coped despite the fatigue of the previous Monday morning was used as a time to relatively well, with even one or two weeks training, which was not exactly get tuned in to the strange swirling exceptional results. Overall the week ideal preparation so close to the event, waters of the course whilst coaches note provided some profitable sessions and there were some excellent performances the range of abilities. the weekend concluded the seven day against stiff opposition. camp with an opportunity to watch. study To begin the serious stuff the afternoon and race against some of the country's Men's K.1. consisted of a short fitness test. Each best paddlers. Daniel Corner 20th paddler trying to keep in time with the Chris Chapman 31st recorded bleeps on a flat two gate figure Although the camp could have never Neil Buckley 34th of eight course whilst having their heart worked without the hard work and Simon Barber 46th rates monitored. After the full eleven enthusiasm of each paddler. I have to Tim Morrison 53rd take this opportunity to congratulate Jim •... paddlers I don't know about Jim, but I Robin Johnson 61 st was hearing the damned bleeps for the on an excellently organised camp and I Martin Parker 64th rest of the day!. Some interesting heart feel much of the success of our Juniors Steven Flower 65th rate graphs cane from this test and were this summer can be attributed to his Chris Carter 72nd to be compared with a re-run of the sane efforts. Mike Bennett 78th teat on Thursday. Andy (Kidder) Raspin Ladies K.I. The following three days consisted of JJ adds some detatls of the Bala Mill Anita Bennett 13th some good quality technique sessions on Prem event:- Diane Woods 16th an exclusively booked course plus a small After the training we travelled over to A highlight of the weekend was the taste of real hard work for the group. Bala Mill for the Premier event. A new ladies K I. team event, when Anita and Obviously the week won't make them experience for many of the paddlers was Dianne were joined by their usual Div 1 instant champions but a wide variation of only having one practice run, as they team member to post a result which example sessions were posed to them usually raced in Div 1 .The course was would have won the ladies Premier team for work in the future. fairly open for the first 8 gates and the event. Unfortunately they were not Friday was used as a rest and travel day progressed in technical difficulty as it eltgible for the pnze! for the squad to prepare for their went on over the Mill Fall with a very participation in the Bala Mill premier race tight sequence. and was one of the more JJ Andy (Kidder) Aaspin 18 SLALOM Magazine Under 17 Team - Czechoslovakia 1991 Results e met at Holme Pierrepont on the paddlers went to the coaches for Vehruay Day 1 TrolaD•y 1 21 August. When I arrived most feedback which was really helpful. The K1M of the tea were already sitting day was' a bit hectic as there wasn't K1M W 2. James Croft 1, James Croft around talking. I was really looking much tie between runs but afterwards 3. Leo Hoare 4, Stuart Bowman forward to the trip and was excited, we were able to relax a bit for the team 4. Stuart Bowman because for me. and others, it was my event. 5. Paul Ebrey first time abroad with the team. 5. Chris Wetzig 8. Chris Wetzig On Sunday once again it was up early to 6. Paul Ebrey 9. Leo Hoare The mini-buses arrived and we tied the paddle a different course, as the event 8. Richard Barber 20. Richard Barber boats on and loaded the trailer. The was a double. Everyone coped well and 11. Simon Orange 29. Simon Orange weather was nice and spirits were up as enjoyed it. Then during the week we we began the 36 hour journey to Prague. trained mostly at Troia. another bigger K1l K1L We had a 6 hour ferry journey from and more technical course, returmng to 6. Claire Fox 2. Rachel Doherty Felixstowe to Zeebrugge and as it was a Veltrusy once on Thursday for a relaxing 8. Rachel Doherty 8. Corrie Johnstone good night crossing we mostly slept. session before the weekend's 9. Lisa Rae 10. Lisa Rae competitions. Training during the week 10. Corrie Johnstone 14. Claire Fox On the iournev I was In one of the team was really good. Mostly the girls trained 12. Alison Muir 17. Alison Muir midis and it was quite comfortable as all together with Lara Tipper, the boys with the seats folded flat, so we were able to Steve Bushnell and the Cl's and C2's with C1 Cl lie down and o to sleep. There were two Andy Rance and Rob Moss. Everyone 7. Hywel Uoyd 11. Hywel Uoyd midis which carried 7 people each and worked hard and we all got a lot out of 12. William Edwards 15. William Edwards the other 1 2 team members were the sessions. unlucky enough to travel in a school bus - C2 C2 sitting upright all the time! On Tuesday we ventured into Prague to 8. Forbes/McIntosh 7. Forbes/McIntosh find most things extremely cheap-ice 10. Burt/Elsworth 12. Burt/Elsworth We arrived at Prague University, where cream 4p! The town was nice, and pretty 1 1 . Roden/Roden 13. Roden/Roden we were saying; at about 3 am, after big as everyone found out when they having paid a quick visit to Macdonalds tried to get back to the minibuses! Teams as we were all starving. Richard Pope, K1M GB "B' Troj• D•y2 our assistant team manager, found out The last weekend's competition at Troja 2nd K1M which floor we were on - the 13th! We proved to be a much more difficult course K1M GB 'A' 2. Leo Hoare unloaded and were allocated our rooms than the first weekend because that was 4th 5. Stuart Bowman in pairs. We soon crashed for the few a Junior International whilst this one was KlL GB 3rd 7. Chris Wetzig precious hours of sleep available before a full Senior International. K1C2 GB 8. James Croft our first paddling session. 2nd 11. Paul Ebrey After the practice runs the coaches were K1C1 GB 21. Simon Orange In the morning we went down to the first definitely in demand as quite a few of us 5th 46. Richard Barber slalom site we were to compete on at had problems - but everyone got 7. Chris Wetz19 Veltrusy. It was an artificial course and themselves sorted out for their individual Vehruay Day 2 the eddies were mainly built from tyres runs and performed well. Saturday night - K1M K1l in the river. It wasn't big water but it was and our last meal in Prague - then back to 1. Paul Ebrey 8. Claire Fox quite technical. The British had booked the University to pack and get an early 2. James Croft 13. Rachel Doherty an hour on the course and we used this night before competing at Troia and then 4. Leo Hoare 15. Corrie Johnstone just to get used to the water - a course travelling the 36 hours back to 8. Stuart Bowman 19. Lisa Rae plan was available but we hadn't really Nottingham. 11. Chris Wetzig 22. Alison Muir had time to work out where all the gates 15. Simon Orange were to be yet. We had our second On Sunday at one point there were fears C1 session at 4 pm which was optional - I that the C2's second runs were in K1l 17. Hywe1 Uovd decided 1 would get more from studying jeopardy because there was some worry 8. Lisa Rae 19. William Edwards the water and trying to work out the about missing our ferry. But fortunately 10. Claire Fox course from the plans we had rather than everyone got their two runs in with 11. Corrie Johnstone C2 actually paddling. pleasing results and we then we were 12. Alison Muir 6. Forbes/McIntosh off. It was a long journey ahead - but this 10. Burt/Elsworth That evening we went to a restaurant for time no major paddling to look forward to C1 13. Roden/Roden a meal. The food in Czecho was a bit at the other end. I Was sad to go as I had 11. Hywel Lloyd greasy and most nights the team would really enjoyed the trip - and learned a lot have preferred Corrie and Richard's from it. C2 vegetarian meals. But we managed! 7. Burt/Elsworth Saturday it was up early and down for 10. Forbes/Mcintosh practice runs. The coaches sat at Claire Fox 11. Roden/Roden sections along the bank and after runs September 1991 SLALOM Magazine 19 The new name in quality neoprene spraydecks RAS DEX has been established to offer YOU a top quality spraydeck at an affordable price RAS DEX SPRA YDECKS are being used by some members of the GB Slalom Team Improved fe a tu res include: Re-shaped deck section to help reduce cockpit rim wear giving longer life Modified body tube for extra comfort and mobility, thus increasing performance Prices start from £32 For more information on the RAS DEX SPRA YDECK telephone Robert Soothill (0422) 341856 NOW! 20 SLALOM Magazine Canadian Paddling - Tim Deykin from out in front or out to side Developing muscle i) increase of quantity of constituents within each muscle cell. Deltoid - Lifts arm Forward imbalance in Canadian ii) increase in blood circulation to muscle sideways and backwards • paddling tissue. Biceps - Bends elbow Forearms muscle groups-Gripping Tim Deykin GB Team Physio Therefore asymmetry of training will bring about asymmetry of development. My Tim was asked to reply to Mrs M 81gg's personal opinion regarding developing letter in the last issue of Slalom muscle imbalance specifically is that 1f Magazine regarding developing muscle you develop a greater muscle mass on imbalance, particularly in C2 paddling. For one side then that Is of no detriment as those who did not see her letter she long as the other side is of normal asked about five main points:- TRAPEZIUS development and able to cope with 1) Do C7/C2 paddlers develop muscle normal daily functions. However. if you imbalance? have overdeveloped one side and the 2a) Will learning to paddle on both sides other side Is weaker than normal then DELTOID help to redress this and there Is likely to be some long-term 2b) w11/ it mean learning to paddle from problem. Therefore under development scratch? compared to normal is of greater 3) Which muscle groups are involved? importance than over-development. LATISSIMUS DORSI 4) What is the long term effect? 5) What exercises can be done to 2a) prevent problems? Will learning to paddle on the C1 Tim's answers are below other side when training in a help to restore a balanced development? 1) Developing muscle imbalance BACK his might be an idea to try and even asically 1f you are predominantly left things up for a recreational paddler The main muscle groups of the top arm or right handed you will almost Tbut Is not an adequate solution for are those involved m the planting of the B certainly have developed some an aspiring elite paddler. Principles of paddle and these will be:- degree of muscle imbalance. This Is training apply here once again, so if you irrespective of whether you paddle C1, are thinking of paddling a C1 to help to Pectoralis Major -Pulls arm to side C2 or another regular activity altogether. develop musculature for a C2, then Triceps - Maintains a straight training must be specific; Ie if you paddle elbow as a right hander in a C2 and you Latissimus Do~i-Pulls upper arm to supplement your training with training in side a Cl then it must also be on the nght. The combination of effort, intensity and 2b) If you decide to paddle a C1 to range of movement that each muscle complement, as opposed to assist, in produces will vary from individual to DELTOID your C2 training then you would not have individual and will ultimately have a direct to start from scratch. There would be a bearing on style and technique of that PECTORALIS considerable transfer of skill and mdrviduel. MAJOR technique from dominant to non• BICEPS dominant side. 4) The Long Term Effect of Muscle j• I. Imbalance NB It is not unknown for a Cl paddler to FOREARM change sides during a sequence of gates. here is no major problem as long as MUSCLE GROUP the non-dominant side is still strong 3) Muscle Groups Involved Tenough to maintain normal posture and movement when out of the boat. FRONT he muscle groups of the bottom Different muscle fibre types are involved arm (which is usually the dominant in producing strength/movement as Tstronqer side in a C1 paddler, but opposed to maintaining posture, so Principles of training are such that if you not necessarily so for someone in a C2) muscles will be developed mainly for train specific muscle groups you will •ii a~e particularly those of the shoulder strength, but perhaps for posture too I increase that groups capacity to do work; girdle and arm, as listed below:- whilst canoeing. the type of work depending on whether you are training for power, strength, or Muscle Action One important consideration is that the endurance. Consequently this may lead _Latissimus Oorsi-Pulls upper arm to front man in a C2 is similar in sor.ne to an increase in muscle mass (termed side from out in front or out to side. respects to the C1 paddler in that ~he 'hypertrophy') due to two factors. Pectora/ls Major -Pulls arm to side front man is a bilateral paddler, being 1n 8 H SLALOM Magazine 21 position to do cross bows, more than 2 hours whilst the back man tends per day. to be unilateral. Consequently the front So it 1s significantly man's spine and more important paravertebral muscles will what you do with operate more equally to your spme the rest both sides whereas those DECO..-L~ COMPLM of the time when of the back man are more you are not in your likely to develop a greater DISC J I. ) boat, 1e. DO NOT r SLOUCH, sit and range of rotation on his stand up straight. paddling side. The back •• £ man also tends to DECOMPRESSION GRADIENT AND constantly lean sideways to DIRECTION OF DISTORSION OF DISC 51 Exercises for prevention of his paddling side, muscle imbalance maintaining asymmetry of DISC DISTORSION WHEN BENDING posture and adverse OR LEANING eneral weight stresses on his spine. This training 1s the is where the possible long term effects lumbar discs distort. compressing on the G m o s t might act, particularly on the inter• right side and bulging on the left. The obvious. A light weights programme for vertebral disc of the spine. Each disc acts longer or harder you lean, the bigger the the muscle groups concerned and I as a compressible washer in between bulge and it will take an equal and would suggest using free weights as the bony vertebra'! of the spinal column. opposite force to reduce the bulge. Once opposed to rnulucvrn or work station Sustained pressures or forces cause the out of the boat and resuming normal equipment. There 1s less likelihood of the disc to distort or derange; ie. as in leaning posture the available forces are not dominant arm being able to do a greater always enough to reduce the distortion share of the work than the weaker, non• and it remains bulging and eventually this dominant arm, using free weights. may result in Needless to say weights should be 1) compression of a nerve and associated handled with respect and youngsters in pain. particular should have qualified ii) loss of range of movement and instruction. function or iii) a postural imbalance in the spine called a scoliosis (an S-shaped curve of the spine when looked at from behind). Incidentally, the concept of the disc bulging as a result of sustained asymmetrical forces also apphes to the kayak paddler, where in fact the low back is continually flexed (bent forwards) TIUSAR!!AOF THESPINE causing the disc to be squashed at the ATTEMPTS TO LORDOSIS { CORRECTFOR front and remaining bulging at the rear. THE BULGE BY Towards the rear of the spine is where all LEANING OVER > TO THE LEFT ..•. the nerves are situated and this can lead to problems of low back pain. A reduction of fluid in the discs of an older person makes back problems potentially more likely than in youngsters. In this respect the canadian paddler is in a good position, because the lower back maintains a normal curve (called the lordosis; ie a slight hollow in the low back LORDOSIS when looking from the side). but do not let this problem of maintaining a good to one side or leaning forward for posture in your boat get out of sustained periods. So, if the back man proportion; remember that even an elite leans to the right when paddling, then paddler is probably not in his/her boat REAR VIEW OF SCOLIOSIS 22 SLALOM Magazine First HPP Double running from the top to just above the ow water levels this summer have standard. They were inevitably tight and bottom stopper while a Division 4/5 was caused problems at all levels of the technical with the low water level taking place round the 'Chicken runs' and sport. Some events have been allowing time for spins and back-offs as L on to the Bottom Bridge would allow cancelled while others have merely run required. another 250 competitors to make use of on flattish water. One recent event Running a single division event on two the Holme Pierrepont site. It would also faced with water problems was the separate courses Is certainly a one off allow the paddlers on the 4/5 to see far Division 3 run by Banbury Canoe Club solution to a tricky problem and more higher ranked paddlers than they on the 14th/15th of September. The something that should be kept for similar are able to in a Judges event. National Water Sports Centre would low water situations. However, it is allow a release of 7m3/s (1/4 release) for certainly possible to put up two courses Certainly this time the short notice meant only five hours each day. This would, on Holme Pierrepont. The idea of running a lot of work for the Judges and I thank had a solution not been found, have two events simultaneously bears them all for their perseverance. meant limiting the number of paddlers thinking about. For example, a Division 3 Andrew Dancer (competitors and Judges) to 150. To do this would have meant turning away competitors In a division that has already had two events cancelled this year.There would also have been no free practice. Not a lot of people know that the organising club of Nottingham events makes no money from campmg, car• parking or refreshments and also has to pay out a large amount for hire of the course. Limiting the entry also would have meant the Club making a loss.The solution which the Club settled upon was to split the event between two courses. One running from first pool to the bottom of the Corkscrew Pool, the other going from the Muncher to the Bottom Bridge. The paddlers being by class with Cl, C2, K1 L and Judges on the top course, K1 M and Veterans on the bottom course. The courses were designed to be of equal HPP Division 3 Photo: L Buzzard CANOE KAYAK 0 Garstang (0995) 600201 Unit 6, Creamery Industrial Estate Kenlis Road, Bamacre, Garstang, Preston PR3 1 GD 'Try t~ ~fk;c 1Bra1:rcefumur11,i SLALOM Magazine 23 Letters Reply to letter in Slalom position and fittings. Canadian paddling of eligible competitors. I agree with this Magazine should be fun not purgatory. last point because his two requirements The Canadian paddler in the UK who is are contradictory and I as Team Manager - Canadian Paddling concerned about muscular imbalance wish to have the best Team available due to intense training is a phenomenon with no exclusions even on the basis of Dear Editor, not often encountered. I hope these other selections (even GB selections) comments assist in removing the Further to the letter in your last edition of problems experienced by serious My reasons are these : Slalom Magazine relating to the potential Canadian paddlers wherever or whoever 1. The SCA, WCA, CANI may not exclude for physical problems arising from they may be. GB Squad paddlers, therefore we should Canadian paddhng, I would like to provide not adopt a policy which has a built in you with my comments. Yours sincerely, bias against us. We might regret it someday. As a kayak paddler who transferred to Alistair.M.Munro 2. There may be in the future the Canadian paddling for a period of 70 years commonwealth Games or not permitted I also had these concerns. After but English. Welsh, Scottish and Irish consultation with several ENGLAND TEAM SELECTION Teams are. physiotherapists we agreed that the a) Our selection Policy should be ready primary area of concern was the lower Dear Editor, for this. body area with particular emphasis being bl We would be given no option by the placed on the knee and groin areas. In response to Don Raspin's letter BCU to take the best team possible During the years of competition this also regarding the England Team Selection I anyway. proved to be the real problem areas. would like to clarify a few points. 3. The purpose of the England Team is to put up the strongest opposition to Muscular development m the upper body The England Team selection procedure Wales/Scotland/Ireland and anyone else does develop in different muscle groups has been ratified by the English Regions who challenges us. at different rates dependant on the style Management Committee because it is 4. We are not here to be a "second of the paddler, but mobility/flexibility under that committee that the England best" GB squad, paddling for England exercises and a general training Slalom Canoe Team (ESCTI operates. should not be considered a "consolation programme can balance out this prize". srtuanon. It is a common practise for The (ESCTI has only been in existence committed Canadian paddlers to continue since October 1989 and the registration The England Team will go from strength a limited amount of kayak paddling to procedure for those seeking to be to strength but It will seek every assist in providing this balance. Peter considered for a place in the Team has Englishman's support in backing England. Keane and Mark Delaney, C1 paddlers of been stated m both Slalom Year Books note in recent years, were both issued since that date as well as being Ian Janes International Polo players who on display on the ESCT stand at the last Team Manager maintained balance by kayak paddling. Canoe Exhibition. We will also be at the England Slalom Canoe Team After cessation of intense training any 1992 Canoe Exhibition taking muscular imbalance developed reduces registrations for selection for the 1992 to an insignificant level. England Team. The regIstrat1on procedure is therefore available for all to see and not just, as Is claimed, for those For Sale The increased mobility available to the Canadian paddler from the raised seating who have been made aware of it. position can give rise to groin strains due Brand New to overstretching while the fixing of the With regard to the Selection of a Team Epoxy Diolin knees can place stress on the joint for of the early Pan-Celtic Cup at Grandtully which it was not designed. If the each Easter, the difficulty arises in that Canadian paddler does not fit out their any team selected in the previous year Reflex boat correctly then the knee can become may have paddlers who at the turn of numbed, due to temperature or reduced the year go over a particular age Never Paddled circulation, and damage can occur grouping. It would be equally unfair not without the pain which would normally to select them for the previous year as it highlight a potential problem. would be to deprive them the £250 opportunity to take part in the Grandtully The fitting out of a Canadian boat is one International. Contact Stuart on of the most important aspects of preparation for the participant in this In Mr Raspin's letter he calls for the discipline of our sport. If you are not Team not to be selected from GB 0455-552894 comfortable then you should consider paddlers but also seeks that the spending some time on your seating selection should be from a full spectrum 24 SLALOM Magazine GB Junior Tour - Pre-Worlds and Nordic Cup G.B. JUNIOR TOUR - The nine Junior paddlers plus five staff sounding location on the outskirts of the (manager, coaches/drivers etc.) travelled village and, after resisting Len's attempts NORDIC CUP PRE-WORLD from Nottingham to Harwich in a school to break into a private house (at mini-bus on hire from Canons High midnight? - imagine the headlines!), we CHAMPIONSHIPS SWEDEN - School and a Montego estate kindly at last found a likely-looking hostelry and, NORWAY - JULY 1991 loaned by Rover Cars. At Harwich we sure enough, two empty dormitories on embarked on the Princess of Scandinavia the first floor. We'll take it, we thought, Feast or famine. We had so many reports for the 24-hours crossing to Gothenburg. and sort things out in the morning. on this trip (and enough letters We had been unable to obtain couchettes Fortunately we were in the right place congratulating Brian Fuller and his crew on the outward journey so had to 'suffer' and enjoyed our first hearty Swedish to fill the magazine) that it must have cabins - a very relaxing way to travel - breakfast a few hours later. been the best ever. The compromise we with good food and entertainment on came to was to publish one paddler's board. We disembarked the following Friday was free practice on an mterestmg report in full (page 9) and combine the afternoon and were soon on our way on tight and technical course. It was located best of the rest, which is below-ED an eight hour drive to our hostel which on a stretch of the river Just below the was In Alvkarleby - or was it? Vattenfall hydroelectric station where smooth ferry cro ssmq.The sun massive civil engIneenng works were in progress to control the river and just shone every day. Good water. Despite having a 'faxed' map we had a bit below the dam there were some truly A Efficiently organised events. The of difficulty locating the actual house we Team worked well together and brought were supposed to be staying m as 1t was stupendous waves.But the slalom course back some medals, what more can one approaching midnight before we were was just around the corner on a relatively quiet stretch although still on good water ask for? However you might like some anywhere near it. more details, so here goes- with some interesting technical moves, including upstream gate 13 where it was The tour started with a Junior We got to know the village of Alvkarleby necessary to nearly climb a rock to get to International at Alvkarleby in Sweden, quite well over the next half-an-hour or so it and a subsequent cross and possible north of Stockholm - the first leg of the as we searched m vain for familiar signs. spm to 14 which caught out all but the Nordic Cup. Eventually we homed in on the right most wary. Paul Ratdiffe The Wanning Run Photo: Mark Ratdiffe SLALOM Magazine 25 In the individual event on Saturday, for and boats to the site in time being Office. toilets covered area, VIP suite (of the Vattenfall Cup, our ladies - Sally completely taken In by Len's 'elastic course) and boat stands for each team, it Masters (8th), Treena Warman (11th) and band' solution to what was really a only left the weather to be Corrie Johnstone (13th) started well and perfectly serviceable bus! It was shortly organised.That too was superb with the were followed by Joel Scott in Cl who after this that Brian received his latest sun scorching us every day and with only was personally a little disappointed with nick-name. Or was it because he told the a light shower of rain on the very last his 5th place. team to carve up the delicious-looking evening. sponge cake at the hostel - only to find In the men's event Paul Ratcliffe started out that it was the afternoon tea cake of The water was big and lumpy with a his tour as he meant to go on - by the people with whom we were sharing? medtum-sized drop about a third of the winning but in doing so was pressed They looked awfully upset until Brian's way down the course.It was very much a hard by James Croft only just over one wife, Peggy, dashed upstairs to produce river-race course with a limited number second behind in second place. Leo one of our team fruit cakes which they of eddies (but enough for sufficient Hoare in 4th place was robbed of a well• accepted m exchange . smiles all round upstream gates) akin to Tully or the Dee deserved bronze medal by a 'blind judge' again! with good water.The most successful failing to award an obvious 'fire' to were those who could paddle big water another paddler - such Is life and foreign The hostel was, we think, used as a and keep their boats strictly on track. In Judging! It really makes one appreciate religious retreat and the folk we were retrospect, the selection event on Tully in our own standard, back home. Paul sharing with came from a church flood the previous April had been a good Ebrey was 16th with three touches but community from another part of Sweden test! with a time capable of giving him a 6th Surprisingly our boisterous lot got on place - promising! Meanwhile Mike with them very well (after we had Our arrival, late on Monday, meant that Jesson was having a minor disaster with covered up some of the T-shirt designs!) we had only two days limited training on 60 penalties leaving him in 51 st place, and they were all very interested in our the water before the course was closed activities and delighted at our results. but again, with a respectable top 20 run on Wednesday evening and we might time. have benefited from a little more time on At the first main meal half the team this fairly unfamiliar type of water - easy devoured the entire meal and there was It had been a good overall start for the with the benefit of hindsight, but a minor consternation in the kitchen while British Junior team against strong pointer for the future - and next year's international competition from twelve they dashed off to cook us some more - Junior World Championships on the nations including Czechs, Germans, they were obviously not used to sports same site. Scandinavians, Russians, Swiss, persons with ravenous appetites. But Australians. New Zealanders, Belgians they took up the challenge and roundly Our accommodation in an old youth and the Irish. defeated us at all subsequent meals. In hostel buildmq near the race site was fact, we took enough lunch with us to basic but adequate with the 1uniors soon On Sunday there was a Slalom Sprint last nearly the first two days in Norway making It look well lived in! The cost of event - instead of the preferred T earn when we eventually left. food was frightening - about twice the event - but It did provide an opportunity price of U.K. with pizzas at £13 a time! for another start line practice on a new One day later after a twelve-hour drive Peggy was soon busy In the hostel course. Sally, Treena and Corrie were through breath-taking scenery we arrived kitchen, working off a pair of two-ring 9th, 14th and 23rd respectively although in Norway for the Junior Pre-World electric stoves, cooking up pre-race Corne was given an ou_trageous 50 - once Championships which also formed the nourishing meals of again we had to explain about second leg of the Nordic Cup and were Chicken Supreme, Spaghetti Boloqnaise international judging! Joel won his Cl truly amazed by the facilities provided by and an interesting-looking Lasagna - event which made him feel a bit happier the Norwegians at the slalom site at Sjoa. difficult without an oven! and in the men's event this time James won, pushing Paul Ratcliffe into third It seemed that no expense had been The opening ceremony was a colourful place with Leo 4th. However, Mike's spared to provide arguably the best affair with all the nations flags and local final run was a good one - so we all left slalom facility in the world (?!I ~ An costumes. Brian's language was quite Sweden with high hopes - and with Paul access road, car park and reception area colourful too when he discovered ·a few Ratcliffe the over a II winner of the had been carved out of the riverside minutes before the parade that our Union Vattenfall Cup. forest and a timber walkway had been Flag had been fastened to its pole upside 'attached' to the side of the sheer rock -down! He soon had it 'adjusted' with the Off the water the team had started to face emerging from the river. Permanent aid of Mike's sun glasses strap and away 'gel' and were in high spirits - .due in no wires ran for the entire length of the went Leo,m and his escort, proudly small part to the Chief Coach Len Smith course providing unlimited gate carrying the flag - and wearing matching and his 'wind-ups'. On the way to official positions.Superb judges, start, finish and socks! Meanwhile on the water, Joel led Practice the lead bus 'broke down', commentator huts (more like miniature the cavalcade of national paddlers - juddering to a halt on the side of the log cabins) were located at strategic officially the first paddler down this road.The team manager, Brian Fuller, points and, with a permanent Course newly-opened facility! greatly concerned about getting paddlers 26 SLALOM Magazine The competition had been quite strong medal was well-deserved and properly out of sight at the end of the first runs. to in Sweden, but was increased in Norway rounded off his Junior career. put together a faultless second run to by the addrtron of the Yugos, Italians, earn himself a 9th place. Paul Ebrey did Poles. Dutch and Estonians making a In the men's event on the following day not improve on his second run, but that total 17-nation competition. The only Paul Ebrey and Mike Hesson pointed the great first run of his which did so much to obvious absentees being the French, way with good first runs which left them raise the rest of the men clinched him a Americans and Canadians. in 2nd and 6th place at the half-way 7th slot. Mike Jesson put 1n two good stage. The other three did not have good runs, the first one of which eventually A well-designed course suited our first runs. but thanks to Paul E and Mike gained him 12th place overall. All five paddlers during Thursday's official they now knew it was on'. Paul Ratcliffe men in the top 12 - and well-deserved - a practice and the team was in good form had arrived from Sweden as favourite credit to their coaches Steve Bushnell and well-prepared for the 'main event'. and, with the eyes of the world on him, and Pat Stebbmqs , (Pat had been had looked good m practice, but although nervously following their fortunes on the However, the ladies were disappointed his first run time was the fastest by over end of a telephone every evening (back with their individual runs on Friday 2 seconds, uncharacteristic penalties had home). although Corrie .Johnstones 9th place left h,m way down the field. Could he augers well for another crack next year. clean it up for his second (and lastl) run? On Saturday night there was a barbecue Sally Masters (22nd) and Treena Warman He went carefully and clean and pulled it which was enjovec but in a controlled (33rd) were clearly capable of better off - a worthy champion and a well• fashion knowing that there was still results and proved it two days later in the deserved gold medal winner. Mind you, important racing to be done on the team event. The ladies improved day by he was almost too careful because following day. Brian came back from the day on the big water and in retrospect James Croft also cleaned up his act from T earn Leaders reception bearing a nicely• would have probably benefited from one around 21st at the end of the first runs shaped piece of wooden plank - had he or two days extra practice. and went over 4 seconds faster to claim really been presented with it? the silver medal slot only .05 second Joel Scott, our lone Cl had two good behind Paul! runs but was unlucky to be up against an Sunday dawned bright and clear, again, obviously on-form Simon Hoeevar from and with our men considered a good bet. Leo, our 'nearly man' from Sweden also Yugoslavia who was some 5 seconds But the Germans also had seven men 1n pulled himself together after a disastrous clear of the rest of the field. Joel's silver the top 16 of the individual event so were 'flip' on his first run, which had left him a force to be reckoned with. Any three of Leo Hoare Our 'Nearly man' Photo: Mark Ratdiffe SLALOM Magazine 27 The Team the five GB men would have been good saying how much they had enjoyed the On the way back, on the ferry, the team enough for the 'A' team, but, as 1s event. the scenery, the organisation and was able to get up onto the bridge to traditional, the best three from the that they were looking forward (some of meet the captain and to pass on our thanks to Scandinavian Seaways (DFDS) individual event were chosen. 'Ratty', them) to returning next year - and they who had given us some assistance with 'Peebry' and James acquitted meant it! the cost of the crossing. They were also themselves splendidly to go 9 seconds 'presented' as part of the cabaret during into the lead after the first runs with a The parents who had followed us to 'Scandinavian Hour' in the evening, made clear team run - and held it to win gold. Scandinavia were splendid in their support - maintaining their distance honourary members of the Pirates Club and volunteered into a hmbo competition There was no place for Joel (our lone C1) when necessary, but always available to which Steve won easily - the rest were in the team event so he was appointed assist when required.As usual they just too embarrassed! Assistant Team Manager for the day - fetched and carried and helped with the and stood no nonsense - hats on in the video as well as providing good moral So we arrived back 1n the U.K. as Brian support to all the paddlers - whether they sunshine', 'cover those shoulders' etc! pointed out to them 'different people were their own off-spring or not. On the from when you left - you are now all In the ladies team event, with our girls last night they combined to provide the members of the successful G.B. Junior improving with every run down the team with a splendid barbecue at their Team of 1991 - something to be proud of course, they were around 6th place after campsite on the banks of the River Sjoa an to live up to'. their second run - not bad, we thought! and generously donated their event But what was this? Sally had been mementos to the paddlers. An enjoyable The nine paddlers brought back baulked at the start by a capsized C1 ! evening was had by all with good food After a hurried team chat, Brian agreed to and non-alcoholic (of course) drinks - JUSt 5 Gold Medals try and get them a re-run - if they as well, as the team drivers were breath• 6 Silver Medals promised to go clear! He 'managed' it - a I y sed on the journey home the The Vattenfall Cup the girls went (almost) clear and won following morning. Peggy provided us silver. A splendid end to their week and a with amusement but a little concern as and Paul Ratcliffe won the Nordic Cup for well-deserved result for Sally, Treena. she struggled to accommodate the being overall winner of both events. Corrie and their coach Lara Tipper who Norwegian policeman's requests to blow had worked so hard with them. into his machine and then to find her P L Ank and A N Other driving licence in a car loaded to the roof At the end of the event the commentator - he retired from the unequal contest! relayed a message from the GB team 28 SLALOM Magazine Results British University Champs C1 to themselves for 45 minutes. I can Spindleruv Mlyn 1st J Ontko TCH 180.42 remember a few years ago (and have 13th N Smith 202.92 (0) the photographs to prove it!) when 39th S Twtgger 234.71 (30) the water was busy before sunrise combined Slalom & Wild Water but this seems to be the case at many Racing squad of thirteen K1 Team events these days. It would be represented the British A 10th 287.04 (55) interesting to know why. Universities Sports Federation at the Spindleruv Mlyn, Czechoslovakian The Club had far more help on the We wish to acknowledge our Sponsors; International on 6-Bth September. Pre• Sunday and efficiently dealt with Tate and Lyle and Nottingham Moat international training at Troia, Prague, some 110 late entries - no mean feat House Hotel. Also thanks to the Edges. was enormously successful in increasing despite the computer. The day was The Team tracksuit sponsors MPL self-confidence. Spindleruv Mlyn is a hot, successful and as usual the National Clothing badly let us down, with 'stonking' river of continuous Serpents highlight of the day was prize-giving no apology and 'still in the post', Tail-like morphology, white water. An when the traditional large number of although now pending delivery. excellent course. which was a full 600 prizes (66 this year!) was presented, metres with an average winning time of with many paddlers staying on to The status of combining Universities and 179.3 secs. attend. Polytechnics is for a combined slalom at H PP on 1 /2 February. Now of particular The K1 M on Saturday where Julian was Once again thanks to Winchester for importance in view of the next World another successful event to add to unable to improve upon a fluent clear run Student Games set to include Canoe to battle for top ten. Only Simon Crook Slalom in 1993 their years of service to slalom improved upon first runs. Sunday came canoeing. with two alterations to ease the course John Gregory for K1 and C1 classes, rather GDN unnecessary. Andy Clough withdrew due to a cricked neck, a great frustration Results after Troja training & hence unfortunately Winchester Div 4/0pen no C1 team. Nick Smith, feeling drained Div 5 K1M all morning, pulled the stops out for an or many years this has been one of 1st J Beers impressive run (subsequently vows to ADUR 154 the best run and best supported 2nd M Tatay start training!). Simultaneously the river Albany 158 F events in the South of England. 3rd M Hawes GSCC 172 level dropped as the dam ran low of However it did look at first as though rt water Statistically the percentage clear was going to suffer on both counts as Div5K1L runs of top ten in each class was low, there was only a very poor entry and the 1st Liz Goodwin Albany 206 despite 8 countries being represented club was obviously seriously under• with well-known international faces manned on the Saturday. It later turned 2nd L Dean BVCC 225 out that most of the club was into 3rd L Hall Poole Harbour 226 Although some had previous Dragon Boat racing and had decided to Div international experience, for many the go off training somewhere at short 5 C1 1st R Neville first squad commitment highlighted its notice, leaving only half a dozen BVCC 163 2nd N Chance benefits. Team management was stalwarts to hold the fort. BCCC 177 psychologically hard work; being Needless to say control was as friendly, Div 5 C2 continually on duty, exaggerated by helpful and efficient as it has ever been logistic hassles caused by language 1st BelVGodbold Winchester 197 over the years and although in some 2nd HalVTutton Poole Harbour 208 barriers. The financial responsibility is an difficulty they made the best of a bad added stressor but I am ever writing to job and managed not to run far behind. Open K1M take on team management again. the only change for us was that it was no 1st J Hill SE Paddlers 126 longer possible to enter the Judges and 2nd K Oakley SE Paddlers 146 Results Open events as in previous years and as 3rd MVook • all the Open runs were on the Saturday Heme! 146 K1M most of us were left with little to do for the rest of the weekend. 0penK1L 1st T Hilger BRO 168.89 1st Y Chance BCCC 148 13th J Salisbury 181.34 (0) Both days were hot and sunny - 31st A Benson 196.91 (0) something Winchester seems to OpenC1 43rd A Kirk 206.89 (0) manage almost every year - although 1st Joel Scott Desp Measures 135 when our younger paddlers got on the 2nd J lee BCCC 139 K1L water at 6.30 Sunday morning it was 1st K. Striepecke TCH 180.42 rather fresh! One surprising thing was OpenC2 26th B Thomas 315.01 (75) that even at that time they had the water 1 Sears/Sears Bromley 233. Photo: Chris Worrall Fashionable Canoeing Bala Mill