SLALOM Magazine

The Extra and the New Extreme

Competition Kayaks for the High Performer

The art of Slalom SLALOM Magazine 1 Contents

RICHARD FOX • Breakthrough 1988 The official magazine of the B.C.U. Slalom Executive, by R. Fox 45/47 High Street, Addlestone, Weybridge, Surrey. KT15 1 JV The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily • A.G.M. Report those of the Editor or of the Slalom Executive. by J. Lyons SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions may be obtained at £6.00 for 6 issues post paid from Slalom Magazine, 7 Sparrow Close, Little Haywood, • The Shepperton View Stafford. ST18 0JX. K. Orledge Special rates tor overseas readers. by ADVERTISING • Junior Winter Training Rates for the next issue are available from the Editor - Telephone 021 454 5690 by G. Nevin COPY The next issue • Pre-Competition Training Copy to reach Editor by 24th April by Alan Edge Cover Photo by T. Tickle Redular Next Features Issue 1 1 Editorial 2 • Stroke Sessions For All Current Affairs 3 by Bill Endicott AlansAgony 21 Backroom Boys 25 Which Slalom 28

TONY PR/JON WORLD CHAMP 1987 RICHARD FOX N.K.C. CHRISTMAS DINNER Photo by P. Ast/es Photo by P. Ast/es 2 SLALOM Magazine Editorial 1988 sees a new Slalom Magazine. A new team mundane and boring issue to you all, but I will helping to produce the only slalom specific say that it is the most frightening thing in Slalom magazine in the world, including Alan Edge - at the moment. The problem is with the use of ex World Team Champion and B.C.U. National proxies at the Slalom A.G.M. It fias been Coach for Slalom and White Water, top practice to allow clubs to give their vote to a International Coach Bill Endicott, Slalom's Press representative, who may gather together 3 or 4 and Publicity Officer Jennifer Munro and Gary votes, and use them as they think fit. This helped Nevin a member of the Press Publicity and some the Scottish clubs faced with a 1000 mile Marketing Committee, and someone who is round trip, they would pass their vote to the highly active in the non elite divisions. S.C.A. representative, who would use them as This editorial team will be led, as before, by per their instructions. This year the same system myself, but hopefully this wider input will solve was allowed for the W.C.A. The problem became the problems of insufficient copy and elitism that obvious by the end of the meeting, when one have dogged the magazine. block vote was almost bigger than all the others New aims for the magazine as well. The left in the meeting, so that effectively the casting previous editions have been unashamedly elitist, of that vote controlled the meeting. I am sure revolirig around premier and division 1. In the that these votes were cast responsibly and future regular features on lower divisions, correctly, but that doesn't mean that a smaller events, local clubs, and or some of the dangerous situation doesn't exist should these more active, less well known faces of British votes fall into the hands of someone with other Slalom. A regular problem page by Alan Edge, interests than slalom. features on top class racing from Richard Fox. For instance, I had no vote, but halfway through We will still welcome articles, reports and the meeting someone who was leaving offered information from anyone on anything to do with to leave their vote with me for me to use, without slalom - I'm sure you'd enjoy seeing your knowing how I would vote on the remaining name in print and showing your friends. issues. I refused, but othe votes were passed around. Photographs will still be an important element of the magazine. Tony Tickle, Pete Astles, Ian. It is the chairmans job, and his right, to chose a Crosby and others will continue to provide method of solving this problem, but I would excellent photographs. With their help, and the suggest that in future the use of proxy votes support of our advertisers, some of whom have must be made motion specific and user specific - i.e. that a proxy must only be used where the been very helpful over the last 3 years, we will user has written authority from the club where produce a bigger magazine, with more pages, the votes originate, and clear instruction as to more content and more photos. There will be no change in the subscription rate of £6 for 6 when they should be used - though not issues, post paid, but the cover price will go up necessarily an instruction as to which way they must vote - this could cause the secretary of to £1 per copy - so take out the subscription and guarantee it every time. the meeting a little more work, but it would stop the passing of votes around and the risk of block The other issue this editorial must raise is the votes being badly used to damage the sport. The future conduct of A.G.M.'s. There is a report Chairman can no doubt discuss this with the elsewhere on the actual events of the A.G.M., executive and with other interested parties, but I but Roger Annan, the Chairman, raised the think his decision needs to be publicised, major problem of votes, and this must be solved perhaps in this magazine, before the next A.G.M. before the next A.G.M. This may seem a .. SLALOM Magazine 3 Current Affairs (News & Info)

pink and green flashes! Further details from Daily Express Wild Water, Glasshouses Mill, Paleley Bridge, Sponsors Harrogate, HG3 SOH, 0423 711624. National Under 14 RAFTING AND ITS PLACE IN SLALOM Championship A WEEK-END OF FUN SPONSORED BY THE RICS AND THE PRUDENTIAL at Newbury At the end of last tear I went upto Scotland to the negotiations for 'Kayak' 1st prize RICS week-end. The Royal Society of Chartered at advanced stage. Surveryors were holding their annual conference at The Glen Eagles Hotel, no less. Part of the entertainment programme for their delegates was the opportunity to take part in NEW PROPULSION BLADE rafting and to watch a Slalom Sprint. Liz Material price increases have created Sharman and Huss Smith were amongst those difficulties in supply of Kevlar and Kevlar Carbon who made the journey to Tully. Propulsion Blades. However, an epoxy glass The sport must be grateful for what that week• blade is now available and will be sold alongside end did to help publicise the sport among the the successful carbon version. The glass blade land agents and landowners nationwide. Not is built in the same way as the carbon blade and only were they able to watch the canoeing a includes a tough aluminium insert. Although river running well after overnight rain, but they marginally heavier than the full carbon paddle, were able to experience the real thrill of being the epoxy glass paddle still weighs in close to close to the rushing, foaming liquid so many of 1 OOOg. Prices start from £69.99 for an us paddle on. aluminium tube, rising to £85 for carbon tube. A .. A few minutes of a slalom's time given over to new distinguishing feature of these blades will rafting is the best possible way of attracting be their brightly coloured backs. Watch out for sponsors. They can bring their children, their

PEAK PERFORMANCE Through Mental Training

You've put everything into your training, i It in training and competition. The vital pushing yourself to the limit of your physical . .,, · t' ingredient is of course you and the ability - but to attain the full potential of your . . \;;,...'.'::r:., _:;~ way you apply the information in the training you need to be prepared mentally. ,!{~ ' .,,1'/'l!lb W1' f package but it has been proved Whether a club novice or a world ,,,"r'"''''11'ff1~ ,,, , successful by top performers 1 11· ,,.; ....,,,, Champion the ability to tune the 1< I z \\ \ :te~,1\ /) ),\\ in all kinds of sports. · \'• ' ' ~ '/Ill i~ I , / • Z ) mind a~d concentrate on / \., ij ',,:.\,. J, . .,,,.,:' 'F_#;p, ,1 T? find out more about this 1 producing th~t p~ak / '1 ,,,I ,.,;,;;,,.r, .. ,,,,,~:1(1/F I~ ,,i 7 unique programme call Paul erformance 1s vital ., , ,,z .. ,,.,,,,.,' ¾ 11 u v g· Ch 1 c d P • ,,. 1 ', ,,, h. / roun er on e ms1or This 14 week course on (0245) 465329 or send 50p cassette and book, written for an information pack to after years of research . .·· ,· the address below. The by Lars-Eric Unerstahl, h I complete programme is available Professor of Psychology \,'JJ;t,, at£22.50 plus 50~ postage and himself a national 1,1 i 'ii) and packing from: athlete both on track and U] Audio Expression, field will assist you to attain Moulsham Mill, Parkway, maximum performance both Chelmsford, Essex CM2 7PX. 4 SLALOM Magazine

friends and their clients along to enjoy a day of supporters, and Executive members. spectating and participating in white water fun. As Chairman of PPAM, Ed Ecclestone brought to And what is a few minutes of rafting time if it the committee his immense experience and helps the sport. knowledge of both printing and the sport as well WHO IS PAM? as a rare ability, that of chairing a good, decisive 'Pam is planning to do that.' meeting. Since he was not relected to the 'Who is she, never heard of her?' executive he can no longer be Chairman of 'You mean you don't know?' PPAM and the sport and the committee must be 'No, should I.' the losers. The above snippet was part of a conversation Jennifer Munro which took place after the Slalom A.G.M. We National Press and Publicity Officer were discussing democracy, its place in sport and then we drifted on to the press, the importance of freedom of the press and HARVEY INTERNATIONAL importance of media coverage for our sport. In WESTERN AUSTRALIA this context it was inevitable that Pam should be Mens K1 mentioned. 1. Russ Smith GBR 2. Richard Macguire AUS And it was a shock to learn that one of the best 3. Matthew Pallister AUS kown personalities in Slalom had never heard of 8. Ian Bownes GBR Pam. An introduction is obviously necessary. Ladies K1 P.P.A.M. stands for Publicity, Publications and 1. Myriam Jerusalmi FRA Marketing and is one of Slalom's important Management Committees. Until the end of last year Ed. Ecclestone as Chairman. TRAVEL GYM When PPAM produced its report for the AGM the· .. committee was full of eagerness and optimism. Champion Sports are distributing a neat little It had been a good year, the first; Winter training aid which is ideally suited to the needs Calendar had been a success and the second · of the paddler. The Travel Gym contains a one was in production; the Yearbook had not skipping rope and stretchy rubber exercise only been ready by the beginning of the season band. It is this piece of equipment which has but was bigger and better than previously; the great application for canoe training and new handbook, 'An introduction to Canoe conditioning. Slalom' was a success; the promotional leaflet Stretching and warm up exercises are easily 'An introduction to Canoe Slalom' was a performed using the travel gym, and a quick professional red and white glossy job and later in routine can be worked out following the diagrims the year the Novice Calendar was added. Other supplied with the product. good things happened in 1987 including the A number of shoulder strengthening exercises Press officers Conference, not to mention some will be particularly useful for paddlers with of the best press coverage the sport has known weakness in this area. The travel gym is including three quarters of an hour on available in 3 different band strengths which Grandstand. Much is included in the work of means everyone from gran to Rambo can find a PPAM. Much was achieved under the workout to suit themselves. Cheaper than a Chairmanship of Ed Ecclestone. multi-gymn installed in the home, quieter than ~ Then, as if to slap PPAM in the face its Chairman isokinetics, Travel Gym is a useful fitness and was not re-elected to the Slalom Executive. warm up aid which costs £12.99. A video is also We cannot turn the clock back. It has happened available at £9.99. and PPAM must ensure that it does not fail its Contact Champion Sports for details. chairman or its public again. PPAM is one of Slalom's the Management Committees. In 1987 there were five THE EUROPA CUP OR WHAT WILL THE Management Committee, each chaired by a BLOOMER OF 1988 BE? .., member of the Slalom Executive with another The highspot in 1988 will be the finale to the member as a convener or secretary and with a Europa Cup at Holme Pierrepont. As everyone general membership of slalom paddlers, knows, being European Champion is next best to SLALOM Magazine 5 DID YOU KNOW. .• All Delapre blades are now made from special resins and are heat treated to a hardness approaching that of epoxy. DID YOU KNOW. .. All Delapre blades have a full length central spine tube of pre-formed aluminium alloy. DID YOU KNOW. .. Premier blades for slalom K1 are made in two sizes; standard, and the larger 700 series, both in red, blue or pink. DID YOU KNOW. .• Premier blades for C1 are also made in two sizes; standard, and the new 700 series (a superb slimline square ended blade). Red, blue and pink as well. DID YOU KNOW. .• Powerblades are more effi·cient than any other blade of similar size and they are now available for polo, slalom, (three sizes for K1 and two for C1) and superdrive racing assymetrics. Powerblades are pale blue with white drive faces. DID YOU KNOW. .• The whole range of Delapre blades can be seen at: NO LIMITS, Trent Boulevard, West Bridgeford, Nottingham. Tel. 0602 813222. FOUR SEASONS KANU, 44 The Bank, Barnard Castle, Co. Durham. Tel. 0833 37829 or at DELAPRE DEVELOPMENTS, Fetter St. Northampton. Tel. 0604 22175. DID YOU KNOW. .. That you can buy a true slalom economy paddle complete for around £29; the very best competition paddle for around £80, or a pair of high performance blades on their own for around £40 - Delapre ... of course. 6 SLALOM Magazine

being World Champion. It is a coveted title and advanced stage and soon it is hoped that all the the event attracts competitors from all over the necessary signatures will be applied to all the world including down under and the Americas. documents and we will be able to tell you the full Even before the British team set out for the extent of the television coverage of the Europa World Championships at Bourg last year Cup. Not that that should be an excuse to stay at planning for this prestigious event had begun. It home - do that and you might miss seeng is to be no last minute, hastily put together, run yourself on the video later on! An outline of what of the mill slalom. The organising committee is in is on offer is given below:- full swing witha day which begins at 6.30 in the morning with prayers for fine weather from 8th to 15th August. A quick bite at breakfast is followed A GRAND WEEK OF CANOEING by a round of telephone calls to cash in on the WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE cheap rate before 08.00 hours. Then there is NATIONAL WATER SPORTS CENTRE, paper work, planning, meetings, more phone HOLME PIERREPONT, NOTTINGHAMSHIRE calls and finally a bite at supper and bed at from 8th to 14th August, inclusive. around midnight. C'est la vie normalle!

The Gang of Four is the main organising group:• THE ARTIFICIAL SLALOM COURSE Chairman: HAS BEEN BOOKED FROM Roger Fox, ICF Qualified 8 - 14 AUGUST, 1988 Technical Competition Director: The Programme for this week at Holme Jim Croft, ICF Qualified Pierrepont, Nottingham is:- Services and Administration: Mike Carter 8th & 9th August Public Relations and Publicity: International Slalom Training Jennifer Munro 10th August RAPID RACING 11th August To give them backup and support are the various International Slalom Training Management Committees - Competition 12th August Management; Development and Technical; and pm is non stop practice Publicity, Publications and Marketing. The 1 run per competitor organisation does not stop these but stretches 13th August into the world of the professionals and even into EUROPA CUP SLALOM the throbbing heart of London's City and the land followed by International Canoe Federation of the British Broadcasting Corporation. Prize Giving. Before the close of the 1987 slalom season 14th August there were meetings concerned only with ROBIN HOOD AND MAID MARION television and its requirements - the kind of CHALLENGE organisation, the back up, the fringes, frills and an international, invitation slalom all necessities before the BBC could be offered a production as slick and professional as anything which has ever appeared on Grandstand. The Nottinghamshire is a great holiday area with its technical discussions on timing, visual display wealth of legends, historical buildings, sporting units, instant access to penalty points and public facilities, countryside and entertainment. There address systems have been as detailed with is something for everyone and something for all complicated complexities as the computers tastes and all the family. As well as the canoeing which will be used to. effect the results. in the country park arena of the National Water There have been on camera locations; a camera Sports Centre, the 'shopping precinct' will set three feet high may show the paddlers facial include craft stalls, local traders as well as the expression but at two inches it will give a better canoe trade; side shows are planned such as a ,.. impression of rushing water, the thrill and the demonstration of dog handling or a fly past by excitement. How to capture this drama of the red Arrows and a Punch and Judy show motion which is slalom? along with bands, music and all the fun of the Negotiations with the BBC are now in an fair. SLALOM Magazine 7

What about these bloomers then. Obviously if SPONSORSHIP OR ADVERTISING QUERIES we knew what they were we would not make Please write or phone them, we may only be humans but we are hard RICHARD KERSWELL, working ones. It has been suggested that the 24 Birch Road, Tadley, Hants. RG26 6OS biggest bloomer anyone will make is to stay Telephone 0735 63161 away from Holme Pierrepont and miss the Europa Cup and the Robin Hood and Maid N.B. Marion Challenge on the 13th and 14th August, Paddlers in division II or above wishing to use 1988! the course during the week should send a stamped, self addressed envelope to the:- ACCOMMODATION IN NOTTINGHAM Director, Europa Cup Slalom, FOR SUPPORTERS 12 Holmscroft Road, Luton. LU3 2TJ Camping - write enclosing an s.a.e. to National Water Sports Centre, DEXTROSOL COACH OF THE YEAR AWARD Adbolton Lane, Nottinghamshire. The Slalom Executive is looking for nominations NG12 2LU for this prestigious award. Any coach who has Telephone 0602 821212 made out standing contributions in slalom Hotels/Guest Houses etc. write to coaching at Club, Regional or National level in Accommodation Office, 1987 may be nominated. County Hall, West Bridgford, Achievement may well be in the areas of 'squad Nottingham. NG2 7OP formation and development', elite performance, Telephone 0602 823823 encouragement of disabled groups etc. Coaches of all levels will be considered - for ACCOMMODATION IN NOTTINGHAM Junior and Senior groups - male and female. FOR THOSE WITH A SPECIFIC JOB Nominations please immediately and must be Please write with s.a.e. to:- recieved before 6 February 1988 to Sue Europa Cup Accommodation Officer, Wharton, 1 Barnacre View, High St Garstang, 12 Holmscroft Road, Luton, LU3 2T J Preston, PR3 1 EB.

Photo by P. Ast/es 8 SLALOM Magazine

NG24EL TEL NOTTJNGHAM,{0602J 480467 SLALOM Magazine 9

WELCOME TO NIGEL WINTERSour new airmail from the USA to one of the squad, while Equipment Hiring Officer for 1988 season. another paddler was leaping on a Jumbo in Hearing our plight at the AGM, Nigel just search of a Bicentennial Sheila. Not to be couldn't resist the challenge - an Officer of outdone, certain coaches were reported active Cheltenham Canoe Club, he is determined to behind the iron curtain, presumably taking the continue the good work that Alan Bayles has lead from Gorbachov's glasnost in order to done over the years! reach a few intimate summit agreements. It is He asks that Organisation apply early for TUTTI thought likely that an improvement in East West and his address is 12 Castle Hill Drive communication could lead to several team trips Brockworth Gloucester GL3 4PJ. to Czecho .. A concerned onlooker interviewed the Kl coach CHANGE OF ADDRESS -if you change your on the subject of kayak Casanovas. He reported address during the 1988 season, it is your that a high correlation had been found between responsibility to inform your Ranking Compiler contact with the opposite sex and absenteeism as BCU HQ do not carry your slalom records so from early morning sessions. He theorised that it is not done automatically. providing all normal precautions were taken and that the paddler focused his thoughts on the WELCOME ALSO TO TWO NEW MEMBERS ultimate run during all nocturnal activity he could OF THE SLALOM EXEC· Tony Arrowsmith and see many advantages for pa_ddling performance Steve Ackroyd, both outspoken and willing to in the long term from international romances. He work! suggested that a paddler with a foreign girl or Also, look at all those new Bib Issuing Persons - boy friend would be more highly motivated to we haven't lost Keith Ratcliffe who has issued make international teams in the future on the Division 3 Mem K1 Bibs - he has moved to grounds that they would have a productive pastures new and will now be responsible for rnethod of reducing pre race tension at the Division 4 K1 Men Ranking Compiling. competition site. Indeed the coach reported that at the last Kl training day motivation and AWARD OF MERITgoes to Norah Small, Junior performance levels were extremely high. A team Team Management for many years! Its largely management spokesman said that there was no through Norah that coaching and facilities have intention of recommending the same activity to improved so much over the years - she has the junior paddlers. It was felt that apart from fought for recognition for the Junior age groups. moral reservations about extra curricular Norah hasn't been well but we understand she sessions, the juniors would need more time to has made a full recovery and we look forward to develop the art of performance on and off the seeing her again. Congratulations! water. In the meantime, he said, they must concentrate on the job in hand. SPONSORSHIP - There does appear to be misunderstanding about this - ANY amounts of money or sponsorship in kind MUST be declared 1988 BIBS to the Hon Sec Dave Morgan 8 High Park Drive New season about to commence - apply for Heath Bradford. This even applies to grants from your Bib early and please remember that all Local Authorities, Spots Council etc. Information paddlers from Div 4 right through to Premier is treated in strictest confidence and needs to be Must wear their Bib at every Ranking event. given so that you retain your Amateur status. Please send the following to your Bib Issuing HOT GOSSIP · SEX AND THE KAYAK Officer: PADDLER. BCU/SCA/WCA membership card or a Following the trend set by a certain leading photocopy showing current membership paddler, a number of the K1 men's squad have Cheque for £5 made payable to BCU Slalom developed a penchant for the foreign female Committee or Bib voucher. species. Phone lines have been buzzing Large strong self addressed envelope with between Halesowen and Augsbury, not to postage for 150 gm. mention the odd 737 from Birmingham Registration form (but you can complete this International Airport. Meanwhile some personal later - no need to wait for it to arrive with your photographs of a certain young lady were sent yearbook) 10 SLALOM Magazine

BIB ISSUING OFFICERS GRANDTULLY Self Catering Cottage to Let K1 Ladies 2 minutes from slalom site. Divisions Premier and 1 Sleeps 4/5, central! heated. Mike Carter Available from Sunday evening April 3 - 5 Clarendon St., Bedford MK41 7SQ Saturday am April 9, 1988. Please contact Sue Wharton for further details Divisions 2 and 3 Tel. 099 52 4579 Pete Irvine 3 Basil Green, Orton Longueville, Peterborough. PE2 0AW

Division 4 BRITISH CANOE UNION SLALOM COMMITTEE Barbara Hill RANKING LISTS 1987 59 Macadam Way, Penrith. CA11 9HE

The promotion/demotion positions determined by the Slalom Executive on Sunday 29th November, 1987.

Men Canadians Premier to Div. One Less than 20 pts. Div. One to Premier Promote better than 330 pis. Div. One to Div. Two Less than 140 pts. Divisions Premier, 1, 2, 3 Div. Two to Div. One 74.0% and better Div. Two to Div. Three 110% and worse Pat Lawrence Div. Three to Div. Two Promote 75% and better 189 Fairwater Drive, Div. Three to Div. Four 115% and worse Woodley, Reading. RG5 3JQ Div. Four to Div. Three 81 % and better Div. Four to Novice 120% and worse Division 4 Ladies Premier to Div. One Less than 1 O pts. Sue Blair Div. One to Premier Promote better than 100 pts. 125 Bull Baulk, Middleton, Cheney, Div. One to Div. Two Less than 40 pts. Banbury. OX17 2SP Div. Two to Div. One Promote 68% and better Div. Two to Div. Three 110% and worse Div. Three to Div. Two 70% and better Div. Three to Div. Four 115 % and worse Div. Four to Div. Three 80% and better Div. Four to Novice 120% and worse

C1 Premier to Div. One Less than 1 o pts. K1 Men Div. One to Premier Promote better than 280 pis. Div. One to Div. Two Less than 200 pts. Div. Two to Div. One 175 pis. and better Premier Div. Two to Div. Three 75 pis. and worse Terry White Div. Three to Div. Two 180 pis. and better Div. Three to Div. Four 75 pis. and worse 7 Pitstone Close, Stafford. ST16 1TT Div. Four to Div. Three 175 pis. and better Div. Four to Novice 1 O pis. and worse

Division 2 C2 •. Alan and Peter Doyle Premier to Div. One Less than 1 o pis. 101 Hollingwood Lane, Bradford. BD7 4AY Div. One to Premier Promote better than 275 pis. Div. One to Div. Two Less than 100 pts. Div. Two to Div. One 150 pis. and better Division 3 Div. Two to Div. Three 50 pis. and worse Div. Three to Div. Two 150 pis. and better Anne Bell Div. three to Div. Four 50 pis. and worse 52 South Park, Lytham St. Annes, Lanes. Div. Four to Div. Three 150 pis. and better Div. Four to Novice 1 O pts. and worse

Division 4 NOTE: S.S. Paddlers not included in demotees Jean Macinnes 65 Dunster Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham. S. E. WHARTON NG2 6JE SLALOM DEVELOPMENT OFFICER SLALOM Magazine 11

East Neuk Wild Water. ~&CHILD 50P

Lendal, White Water, J&B Canoes

Afton Canoes, Ar-rowcraft & Palm, Mobile Adventure

McNulty Seaglass, Wavesport, Peel Wyke Boat Hire 26&27MARCH BO'NESS RECREATION CENTRE "B.R.C." 12 SLALOM Magazine Junior Winter Training South G.D.N.

Junior Winter Training South On December 12th the first day of the first weekend of this new scheme for training upcoming junior paddlers got under way at Newbury. The training idea grew from two roots. First Nora Small's winter training which, although now discontinued for two yeas, has provided many of the country's top paddlers for some ten years. Secondly, the winter development training run by Dave Morgan for the last two years. From these developed "Junior Winter Training North/South". An application and selection series of three weekends during the winter months. Out of the large number of applications sent out "SO YOU WANNA BE RESCUED ... ?" 34 paddlers were selected for the southern area, Photo by P. Ast/es including 9 junior ladies, and these, together with the 8 principle coaches, 8 assistant weekend and paddlers learned a great deal. coaches, 2 video camera operators and 3 The site at Newbury had both flat and moving administration staff crowded into the large water and credit must go to Shaun and Dave Newbury club house at 9 a.m. on the chilly Pearce who had set up the site for the weekend. Saturday morning; the whole place looking much It was very suitable for the requirements of like a B grade film set. teaching the main themes of endurance, forward This logistic nightmare was ably handled by paddling and downstream moves. Brian Fuller who gave instructions on how the Changing facilities on site were limited as the morning was to run. It was to consist of an 800 two changing rooms were being used for the metre sprint, 2 x 50 metre sprints and two short video analysis - a problem that won't occur at gate courses, from the results of which paddlers HP - but all sites have disadvantages and this were to be allocated groups. one had far fewer than most! Things went quite well but a little slow towards On the Sunday two further water sessions and the end and although the sun was shining it was two more lectures completed the first decidedly chilly. Coaches and staff then retired weekend's training - one on warm-ups and to wrestle with columns of figures (who forgot flexibility and the other on goal setting - and the computer?) to split the paddlers into similar after filling in a confidential form on their opinion groups. The split was based on similar levels of of the weekend they were sent on their way with fitness rather than technical ability although a reminder to dress warmly on the water in there was obviously correlation between the winter! two. How did it go? Well, I must admit to a personal After a quick lunch the squads, each with 3 to 5 interest as the scheme was my idea and my paddlers were allocated coaches and 4 groups neck is still on the block, but based on the went on the water while the remainder had their paddlers comments the series has got off to a , ears bent on the topic of "winter training good start thanks to the tremendous programs". Probably the imparted knowledge organisation of Brian Fuller, the skill of the terrified many of them. They were expected to coahces (who have given of their time in order to work all winter!! Certainly the unpopularlity of help others reach their own standard) and the the 800 metres sprint gave a fair idea who was parents, many of whom are qualified slalom fit (very few) Then the groups changed around coaches and trainers, who assisted the coaches and the group on the water came off and when and stood in the cold operating the video dried went through the video that had been cameras for hours. Also it must be recognised taken of them, with their respective coaches. that without the overall control of Alan Edge and This chance to have their paddling viewed and the permission of the Team Management discussed by good coaches was to be one of the Committee the idea could never have come into most universally appreciated aspects of the being. Propulsion Racing Team

The Paddle Revolution by Propulsion. Competition Paddles from £67.50 to £115. The Power to Succeed.

Assembled and distributed by: Sales and Promotions: ~,,tD-WATJ.R ,~· . .,..., •.. ~ RICHARD FOX Glasshouses Mill 16 Melford Hall Drive Pateley Bridge West Bridgford Harrogate HG3 5QH Nottingham NG2 7SP Tel. 0423 711624 Tel. 0602 842096 14 SLALOM Magazine Breakthrough '88 R.Fox

1988-BREAKTHROUGH FOR SLALOM? Step two, still on the International front is the A lot of things have happened to slalom since proposed launch of a demonstration World Cup the Munich Olympics. Remember boats like the event in 1988. This competition will comprise a Olymp Five and names like Sattler and Horn, total of seven races held in five different paddlers at their peak in the early 70's. countries during two objectives of the World Cup Remember too watching the Olympics are to raise the standard of competition, themselves on tele, those big tubs banging their organisation and promotion of the sport at world way down the course picking up 20 seconds for level. Numerous representatives of the an outside touch? The East Germans winning international media have said that a World Cup every medal with the Brits and the Yanks out of is of greater interest than isolated major events touch expect for evergreen Jamie MacEwan in canoeing because it provides the opportunity who picked up a Bronze in the C1. Remember of following the progress of competitors and Albert Kerr taking the world by storm in 1977 in a even getting to know their names! It also Pyranha Elite? The emergence of a new breed of provides the chance for t.v. stations to exchange champions to take us well into the 80's and coverage of the series and get greater value for maybe beyond. Lugbill Hearn, Sharman and money if they invest in cameras at an event. others. What about the faster course? only 25 Finally, the initial response from commerical gates now five second penaltes and no reverses. organisations in Europe and America is very Don't red and greens gates look strange on old positive. A World Cup competition seems to videos? Boats too, space age technology and have an appeal all of its own as far as progressions in design have brought major commercial sponsorship is concerned, and we changes of new techniques. Ask an East are fortunate that we are part of a sport that is German what a pivot turn is and he'll probably photogenic enough to be worth selling. tell you its something he learnt in the army. Step three is on the domestic front, The Europa Television has also brought change. Rapid Cup in August at Nottingham. The opportunity to Racing and Paddles Up together with coverage·· capitalise on a new national facility, organise a of every world championship since Jonquiere first rate major event, and through the television has made slalom an accepted television sport in coverage on Grandstand show the sporting this country. Books have been written, four of public of this country that slalom is very much a them by one prolific American, magazines sport of the future, and one to be taken seriously. started, coaching conferences held, slalom From what I have seen of the preparations I am courses built, coaches appointed, and many confident that the television presentation will set things more. But get to the point. All of this is new standards for the sport. change, call it progress, steps in the right Three great opportunities for us to shout about direction and whether we are aware of it or not, slalom, and her are some of the things that we this year may finally see the breakthrough that should do to actually benefit in terms other than many of us have been waiting for, and in 18 publicity. months from now canoe slalom could have On the domestic scene get our act together as secured its future, Let me explain: far as facilities are concerned. We are not that This year the International Olympic Committee badly off in comparison with other countries and meet to ratify the programme for the 1992 certainly not in terms of where we stood 1 O Olympics in Barcelona. It has been confirmed by years ago, but we can do a lot better. Look at our the president of the Spanish Canoe Federation national centres, Bala and Nottingham, are they ~ that slalom has been included in the programme as good as they could be? are they thriving for Barcelona. It is possible that the IOC centres of co-ordinated training activity on well Congress at Calgary will confirm slalom's maintained facilities? This year we need to inclusion as yearly as February 21, which means establish two training centres with staff that everyone should have fax machines ready coaches, one with the help of the Welsh Sports at Crystal Palace to hear the news. But we Council and Clwyd and Gwynedd County shouldn't get too excited about this possibility it Councils at Bala and L\angollen, and one at may take longer tor news to filter through. Work Nottingham under Notts C.C., and the Sports h has already taken place on the course at Council. There is no reason why this can't be Seo d'Urgell 3 hours drive from Barcelona so acheived if the project is given adequate our Spanish friends are obviously confident. The attention. The benefits will not just be elitist. A Olympics is step one. training centres at Nottingham canoeing SLALOM Magazine 15

instruction from the top down by involving the off the rest of the world.every time, without fail. elite paddlers and coaches in the development None of this mega million bullshit, just good old of a canoeing programme and a new philosophy fashioned sport, the way it used to be. Pitty there of instruction training and promotion. Sounds aren't any Russians or the story would be even ideal doesn't it? but it happens in other better. Still, the point is Savage River should be countries. seen worldwide t.v. because of the American The second major development I would like to interest and commitment, and hopefully the see occur this year is a more professional Olympic promise. That should up the market approach to the management and marketing of value of slalom, boost the coffers of the ICF, aid the sport. If I am not mistaken slalom canoeing the development of the sport worldwide and has had a number of major sponsors over the make it easier for 12 year old Johnny to get the past few years, but they all seemed to disappear coaching he needs, get his name in the paper in a hurry. Remember Foster's and Russell and get his dad's friend's company to buy him Hobbs, and Sun Life Assurance at Bala in 1980. his new boat. This year we have the opportunity to get things It all sounds a bit commercial I know, not at all sorted out and develop a long term association how sport used to be. But what we should with a commercial organisation that will really remember is that if we are playing the game and aid the development of all aspects of slalom in the rules have changed we need to learn the Britain. This needs to be given serious attention game and the rules have changes we need to by the committees and the professional expetise learn the new rules, bend them a little and do our lacking in many areas of slalom management at best to win. Today the rules of international sport the moment needs to be engaged from outside if very much involve television and sponsors. We, wee are to close the deal that slalom deserves. need to recognise this and capitalise on it so that If we succeed in getting this far then our Canoe Slalom is not left behind and forgotten. paddlers can look to taking part and succeeding ·· More people need to be persuaded to take up in step four of the international breakthrough, more of the great lifestyle competitive sports Savage River USA. This is where the great instead of something sensible, cheap and, as I American machine could finally start to stir. If write, warm! In the words of Ron Emes Vice the World Cup and Pre-Worlds receive the President ICF, sport is about participation and publicity they promise we may all be in for a the competitive spirit and as long as this is surprise. NBC may discover that in John Lugbill retained, let's get out there and get all the t.v. and Davey Hearn they have two all American coverage and sponsorship and facilities that we heroes, the Right Stuff and all that. Two guys can and capitalise on the great slalom who just get on with paddling and beat the pants breakthrough into the wide world of gram up sports. Talking of breakthrough a few other things could happen this year. In July our juniors will compete at the junior worlds and dare I suggest that we might have at least two junior world Champions r in the form of Gareth Marriott and Heather Corrie? Nothing is ever cut and dried in slalom, I know that. But I think we are producing some good raw talent from the stable, and who knows one of the Kayaks could make it a hat-trick. If you're reading kids, the race is on. Train to perform, and whatever the outcome be satisfied that you did your best. A final breakthrough for you to consider is the chance of Liz Sharman making it to the Olympics in the flatwater team. Despite a few doubting Thomases among the sprint squad, those of us who have seen Liz train and compete over the years know that she will be there and SLALOM- perform with distinction, such is her dedication A SPORT WITH A FUTURE Photo by P. Ast/es and determination. Go to it Liz! Pete A-rt1a1 P-f!O!Octl(AP!itf------, ul-060L 8&L3/o 480461

0 SLALOM Magazine 1 7

A. Shepperton View Point K. Orledge

8.00 a.m. With no free practice available it was l'nter Club Championships important to ensure nobody from the team The Shepperton View Point missed their practice run. Also we had the sight of the more experienced members of the team This was the second year we had competed in coaching the others on the best way to do the Inter Club Championships representing the certain gates, (unfortunately Adrian didn't London and South East Region. Last year we listen). entered without a full team and managed The first event on the Saturday was the division seventh place so for this years event, with every four, three and two team runs. After a mediocre position in the team filled, confidence was high first run we were lying halfway down the field for a top five placing. with things not improving much on the second The course set on the artificial slalom site at runs, not a very inspiring start. However the Holme Pierrepont was fairly easy and short, ladies team of Pallet, Player and Bricheno finishing before the bottom fall. It was basically turned in two good runs and only just missed first designed by David Brown from Viking C.C., place by virtue of a first run 50 on the team gate although he had plenty of help from those of us and an upheld protest from Stafford & Stone. who arrived on the Friday to assist in course This was an indication of things to come. erection. However the sequence of gates 16 and We knew on paper we had the strongest 17 and the subsequent left hand breakout for 18 Canadian team; Richardson and Thompson provided the lower division paddlers with an having just returned from the 'Worlds', Richard excuse to shed some weight! Domoney currently pushing hard for Premier With around 300 competitors the programme and Tim Wootten ranked Premier in both Kayak had to start early on the Saturday morning. and Canadian. The team duly produced the Someone said official practice started around expected first place.

DRY GEAR FOR WET WEAR

THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN ACCESSORIES

SEE US AT THE ISOSPORT TRAINING CRYSTAL PALACE SYSTEM - For Sport without Compromise STAND 105 • Isokinetic Training Equipment from £225 • Electronic Ergometer with Digital DISCERNING PADDLERS Readout CHOOSE • SPORT TESTER™ Heart Rate Monitor with memory. Accurate Feedback on performances in Training and ~9P Competition • Comprehensive Advice and Training 0~lhffi~~0[;)0 051 Schedules supplied with all Equipment SHOWROOM: ~ Write or phone for details OPEN MON-SAT 9AM-5PM RICHARD FOX, Isosport Training System 24 HARWOOD STREET, DARWEN, 16 Melford Hall Drive, West Bridgford LANCS B83 1 PD TEL: 0254 75737 Nottingham NG2 7SP Tel. 0602 842096 18 SLALOM Magazine

The Premier and Division One individual mens event. This class had the closest results of the event followed the team runs on the Saturday, day with less than one second covering the top this in accordance with Ranking Premier events three positions. but a new experience for the Division One competitors. Chris Hendry, just back from the The C1 events gave us a third place and a sixth Youth Team Tour shewed good form in finishing place. Richard Domoneys third place being an third in the Division One event. it was now outstanding achievement considering he was important to finish the day with two good results competing in division four at Duck Mill back in from the Premier men. After the first runs our March of last year. main hope, Rob Wrigh., was down in disasterous Clare Pallet finished sixth in the premier ladies, 20th place suffering the effect of a bad back, and 10 penalties. However it all came together and Richardson and Thompson, being pushed on the second run with Rob finishing 4th, (behind very hard by the Clough brothers, won the C2 class. Smith & Raspin with Fox third, 5 seconds of the pace) and Tony Harmen in a 'steady' 19th place. The overall result riow rested or the premier/division 1 mens team event. A position After the first days competition, Tees canoe higher than tenth and we could not be beaten. club lead by 8 points ahead of ourselves with First runs and things were looking good until Stafford and Stone, the defending champions, gate 17. Somehow Tony, the second premier pushing hard in third place only four points paddler in the team, missed the gate completely. behind us. This unexpected high overnight With it being positioned just downstream of the placing put paid to plans 'for a few beers' main stopper it was an impossible task to get Saturday evening. We knew with a couple of back for. So we were nowhere. The pressure good performances on Sunday a placing in the was now on for the second runs. Everyone top three was a distinct possibility. breathed a sigh of relief when the team finished The first event on the Sunday was the division .. eighth, enough to give us overall victory in the four men. This is always an unpredictable event, a £400 cash prize and a new boat of the category with certain clubs managing to catch clubs choice from the events' sponsors, Nomad that elusive 'hot' paddler who is steaming Canoes. through the divisions just at the right time for the Forth canoe club finished second, (I believe for championships. Our division four oaddler, Chris the third time), 9 points behind with Stafford and Smoker, performed well enough inat we did not Stone who kept every body on their toes loose too many point to the clubs close to us. throughout the day!, finishing third and the The division three ladies provided us with our overnight leaders, Tees canoe club down in second outright win and sadistic spectators with fourth place. Banbury took the prize for the top the best entertainment of the day. Danielle club without a premier paddler and Viking Kayak Bricheno paddled two fine runs to comfortably club (surprisingly) took home the prize for the win the class. club that put most into the event. Adrian Gough, Division three men, had just Once again this was a slick run event by Viking returned from a weeks training in Augsburg, so the water shouldn't provide a problem and his Kayak Club; friendly organisers and some healthy good spirited rivalry between most previously questionable fitness should be improved. Anything less thana top five result teams made this one of tr.e best events of the year. Even the sun made an appearance. would be disappointing. Adrian duly disappointed, paddling straight past One final point however, with this event growing downstream gate 13 on his first run and missing in stature each year and with such, relatively, the stopper combination on his second. (I large prizes available surely there must be a suppose we should have know better). case for providing a weekend in the calender Fortunately some good restuls followed and free from all other competition, so that each saved our Adrian from a small operation with a team has an equal chance to field its best team. sharp knife. (Heaven knows how much we would have won., by if we were not running a Division three event After the division two events we were back in the back at the club). hunt. Emma Player finishing fourth in the ladies and our third outright win came in the mens Kevin Orledge SLALOM Magazine. 1 9

Pre Season Preparation Alan Edge

3 SAMPLE TRAINING SESSIONS To make this type of session realistic you need FOR PRE-SEASON COMPETITION some outside help. Enlist some "parent power" PREPARATION - it helps 'clue' them in for race day.

These are aimed specifically at divisions 2-4 but may well be of interest to Div. 1 and Premier paddlers as well. REMEMBER: Always do your SESSION 2 · pre-planned warm up (see Alan's Answers) SPEED/QUALITY SESSION before you start any type of training. It helps you get the most out of the session, helps prevent a) Design a full course as in SESSION 1, injury and gives you a good idea whether it will approx 180-200 secs. Select points for 3 lap be adequate on race day. There is a very fine splits. (approx 1 min in length) dividing line between being nearly warmed up b) Prepare it as in SESSION 1 and doing too much. It needs working on in c) Full competition warm up training until you know exactly what your body d) 1 full run timed and scored with lap splits requires. taken. RECOVERY: Be as accurate as possible in e) Have 3 runs on each split section trying to timing the rest intervals, they are important. Also beat your full run split. Have at least twice rest to keep moving at 40% maximum throughout the work. recovery. Do not stop moving ..... f) Add up your best split on each section and comapre with your full run time. The closer they are to each other, the better. g) Finis(¢1 with 1 more full run, trying to beat SESSION 1 - COMPETITION SIMULATION your best 'possible' time. If you succeed, you have some work to do! or you were taking it too a) Design a course 180-200 secs in length. easy at the start! (This may have been several laps of your trianing Be meticulous on penalties especially on the gates. If so, try to make each lap a different 'section' work. course.) Don't make it too tight - 5/6 breakouts with 2/3 difficult downstream moves. To get the required length you may have to incorporate 2/3 sprints away from the gates to a marker and SESSION 3 - back. SPEED INTERVALS b) Get out of your boat and prepare the course from the bank. Then before getting on, mentally A) Full competition warm up. rehearse the course from start to finish. Time b) 6 x 30 secs; - same rest. no gates. this rehearsal and see how it compares with 3 minutes steady paddling - 50% your actual finish time. c) 5 x 40 secs; - same rest, open course, 1 c) Go through your full competition warm up. breakout. This may include what you intend to eat and 3 minutes steady paddling - 50% when on race day. d) 6 x 30 secs; - 10 secs rest, no gates. d) 3 full runs on the course. Time and score the 3 minutes steady - 50% practice run to see how effective your e) 10 x 30 secs; - 50 secs rest, open preparation was. Have at least 15 minutes staggers, 2 breakouts. between runs; so get out of your boat and 5 minutes warm down. change into dry gear. Don't forget to mentally 'review' your run before getting out and then to The 'no gates' intervals are better as mass go though each sequence from the bank. Go starts for motivation. Coaches beware of having through any changes to your 'mental plan' too many paddlers on the water for this session. before getting on again. You might not be able to finish these sessions to Things to look out for:- Penalties - Where and start with. Set yourself a target and keep adding Why? Were they repeated? Watch out for on. Session 3 can be varied to suit any level of dramatic time differences between 1st and 3rd padders - see letter on rest intervals in Alan's runs - you're aiming to get it right first time ! ! ! Answers. 20 SLALOM Magazine

..

1 All the Nomad Designs from the ~. winning Extra and the Extra BAT,

to the for 1988. . NEW EXT. REME SLALOM Magazine 21

Alan's Answers • • • • • •

Dear Alan, Dear Alan, No matter how much training I do I never seem Looking back on my slaloms last season there to feel 'ready' when I get on the starline. In fact was always one gate in every course that when the starter says 3-2-1-go ! - I often feel became a particular problem. These 'bogey' weak and uprepared. It does not seem to be gates make me so nervous and distracted that getting any better despite the fact that I'm they often lead to mistakes on easier gates. getting fitter - Help! Whats the best way to combat this problem? signed, Brian K. - Brighton signed, Trevor H. - Manchester.

Dear Brian, Being fit doesn't necessarily mean 'warmed-up' Dear Trevor, and ready to go! You have to work out a specific A common problem and the solution lies in warm-up routine that prepares your body to work mental preparation. This may sound rather at race pace. Basically this means increasing advanced but 'mental rehearsal' should exist in the blood .supply to the working muscles/joints a basic form even at the very start of slalom that will be required during your run. Warm-ups training. No slalom gates should ever be done can include:- running, general upper body without first preparing them 'in the mind's eye'. exercise, stretching/flexibility work and of This is more than just remembering the course course paddling warm up in the boat. No two (although it helps with that too!) - A good people will have exactly the same warm up - its mental plan should include:- boat position very individual and needs constant revision and (TRACK) especially between the gates, what adaptation in your training sessions. strokes to use and what pace the boat should Some points to note:- have (is it slowing down or speeding up?). - never start with stretching; For it to be Having this plan will help you deal with the safe/effective you must be WARM. harder sections of a course. Always try to think through the course as a whole, or in sequences, - never work flat out in warm up for longe than rather than individual gates. Do not dwell on the 20 seconds and always have at least twice rest. bogey section - continue on down the course. - Your warm up must be adaptable to any If you have difficulty 'seeing yourself' dofng a slalom site. It might have to be almost entirely move correctly then you might well - have to land-based on occasion. consider another option. Gates should always be - Warm-down - always stay on the water at the prepared in sequences; ie How they are affected end of your run for at least 5 minutes, gradually by the gates before and after them. easing down your paddling. It helps you recover. Also use your mental rehearsal as a 'review' at - Mental rehearsal should be an integral part of the end of the run. Stay in the boat and as you your warm up/down routines. 'warm-down' think through everythine from start (see letter on mental preparation) to finish. Only by doing this can you accurately compare what you intended with what actually A.E. happened. The its just a small matter of deciding what you are going to do next time! Also practice your 'rehearsal' against the watch - then compare with your real time. Its a learned skill and you'll get rapidly better at it the more you PRACTICE ....

A.E.

Dear Alan, I'm 15, in Div. 2, and I've been told by another paddler in the club that I need to improve my strength, Can you advise me because my father thinks that I'm too young for this kind of training.

Photo by P. Ast/es signed, Ian L. - Leicester. 22 SLALOM Magazine

Dear Ian, Dear Eric, Listen to your father and be patient is the best Don't listen to your partner - he's confused advice I can give you!! At your age your strength to!! should be allowed to develop naturally. Forcing The simplest way to explain the theory behind it with specific strength work either in the boat or rest intervals is by 'how you feel when you have on weights/machines should not be attempted to start off again!' under 16 years of age (and even then with The shorter the rest, the less recovery your body extreme caution.) The main reason for this is has, so the more tired you are when you have to that 15 year old bodies are still developing and start again - hence the more the endurance very prone to injury from specific gross strength effect of the work. Anything LESS THAN the work. In slalom 'POWER' is far more important same rest (1 :½ etc) will normally be training than strength, especially for youngsters and your endurance/oxygen systems. Obviously the lower divisional paddlers. The best description quality of work will be put under pressure with of power would be as 'fast strength' - the 'less than' rest. Beware penalties! ability to exert a force AT SPEED. Slalom is a series of manoevres that require you to slow the As the rest is increased to being the SAME AS boat down and then speed it up as fast as the work interval then you become more possible. My advice would be to practise moves recovered and therefore more prepared to set that require power to re-accelerate the boat to off at race pace. However there is still not race speed. Typical manoevres would enough time for adequate recovery at 1 :1 so be:-breakouts, full spins, crosses, back ferries, towards the end of the work interval 'there is back offs, pivots. You will find that just by often an anearobic requirement and lactage working on the technique aspects of these build up in your local muscles (arms, shoulders, moves you will get stronger and more powerful. trunk). This anaerobic/endurance training effect Some points to note:- is well suited to the requirements of slalom. As the rest is increased to being MORE THAN the work interval then you will be almost totally - always have a very good warm up before a recovered at the start of each interval. The strength/power session; quality should be high with speed, power and - always keeps the moves balanced right and acceleration of the highest order. This type of left; rest interval is best for competition preparation - Don't overdo it, 10 consecutive breakouts is and any quality strength/technique work. too many!! Beware of cold weather if you are having 'more - keep the work interval 30 - 50 seconds than' rest. - keep the rest interval to 1 ½ - 2 times the Also use the long interval to perfect your mental work. If you shorten the rest it will increase the rehearsal techniques, (timing and accuracy etc.) endurance element. This might have cleared up the picture slightly. Obviously there are other variables in interval Remember to be effective power/strength training other than rest. The following must training must be top quality - Race pace and no always be considered alongside the rest penalties ... FAST AND CLEAN ... interval:-

A.E. - length of work (in time or distance) - number of repetitions/sets - the pace of the work - design of the gates - the type of water conditions (including paddle Dear Alan, back) Can you explain the effects of different rest intervals on the type of training being done. My Also there is the problem of training in a large training partner reckons the shorter, the harder, group. This may severely restrict your ability to the better ... Is he right? I'm confused! ... shorten your rest interval as you might wish. signed, Eric K. - Edinburgh. A.E. SLALOM Magazine 23

Dear Alan, who have less strength, power and As a 'coaching' parent I find that I am constantly watermanship, the following does generally telling my lower division paddlers to take wider apply. lines into the gates. Am I right? What can I say to "By taking a wider line into a gate the boat back this up when they see top paddlers taking speed can be better maintained thus much tighter lines? requiring less energy to re-accelerate, with signed, Mike H. - Sheffield. less liklihood of penalties and with more confidence and stability." Dear Mike, Remember the magic ingredient - W.I.T.O. ! ! ! ! Paddlers at any level are faced with the following 5 choices WHENEVER they prepare a gate A.E. sequence.- - more stable (drier!)v. tighter line Special mention in the next issue for the first - faster boat speed v. slower boat speed letter to A.E. explaining the meaning of W.I.T.O. - less energy neededv. more energy needed Also - "When is W.I.T.O. not beneficial? - safer penalty-wise v. riskier penalty-wise - more stable (drier!)v. less stable (wetter!) Any further problems or violent disagreements to be sent a.s.a.p. to: It's impossible to generalise and say that the left-hand side of the line is always better than the 'Alan's Answers' right, or vice-versa. The abilities of the paddler c/o Alan Edge and the particular situation will always be the BCU HQ 'The Elms' deciding factor. HOWEVER for lower divisional National Watersports Centre paddlers, especially youngsters and Ladies, who Adbolton Lane are still learning basic slalom techniques and Nottingham NG12 2LU

MEL VIN JONES Photo by Pete Ast/es 24 SLALOM Magazine Britain's friendliest mail order company We can supply you WANTED for 88 Summer Season with the right • RAFT GUIDES canoeing product • OFFICE STAFF German Speaking at the right price • DRIVER • BAR PERSON Ability to deal with different types of people and love of white water essential. Apply with CV and white water experience to: FEELFREE HOLIDAYS _ 6, Hawthorn Bank, Harwood, Bolton. BL2 3JB

~011\f! RACfNG FDR .f?f?' ,,, The 'SPLIT a new kind of slalom kayak. Technology Designed For Performance. The. .. ~PL IT'slalom Racing Team-Team Racers-· .. A. Gladwin T. Leaver G. Spittal I. Grant SLALOM Magazine, 25 Backroom Boys

THE BACKROOM BOYS But Mike could not be allowed to waste time by The sport of slalom needs both its competitors mere paddling, Viking Kayak club was short of a and its 'Backroom Boys'- event organisers, club Slalom Rep and Mike was volunteered for the secretaries, chairman, committee members not job. This meant attending the AGMs and being to mention the general dog's body who does told by Margaret Bellard to take on the job of what no one else will do to ensure the event Ranking List Compiler! So in 1972 Mike's name happens. appeared in the Year Book under the list of At the top end of the competitors are paddlers officals as well as Club Representatives. In like Liz and Richard, heroines and heroes, real those days the Year Book was a slim affair of a personalities who are for most of us just a dream mere 72 pages catering for some 36 slalom off achievement. For the backroom boys, there clubs. By 1978 Mike was Ranking List Compiler is no glamour of the floodlights their names for Premier Division, including teams, 1st appear in the yearbook, perhaps on club Division K1 Men, and all the Ladies' Division. He notepad but generally speaking no one knows was also a member of the Executive having been who or what they are and do. wisely co-opted the previous year. While the competitors get in their beauty sleep There was still some time for paddling and he men like Mike Carter are beavering away at was and is a regular at Division 3 slaloms though mounds of paper work until the small hours of due to illness he was unable to paddle last year. the morning. This column, then, is to be the first He is a Kayak paddler although a spell in a of many and its purpose is to inform on the Canadian Boat took him into Division 1. Backroom Boys and to say a public 'thank you' As relaxation from his job and Slalom he on behalf of the sport. manages to find the occasional spot of time for a game of cricket in the summer and hockey in the winter. MIKE CARTER ·· His list of jobs and responsibilities says more I first met MIKE CARTER in Control. The event than words can about his dedication and was in full swing and Mike, with quiet, unruffled devotion to slalom:- effficiency was not only in control but was Chai rman of Viking Kayak Club - 4th year Control, he was co-ordinating start and finish, Slalom Secretary to Viking Kayak Club entering the 'times, taking in the penalty points and ·doing all the addition - without even an error! A three in one job. It was the same day that I discovered that if I wanted to know any The committees on which Mike plays an active detail about any paddler, British or international part are:- Mike would know; his detailed knowledge of the Slalom Executive paddlers and the sport is legend. Executive Competition Management Committee Executive Selection Committee Bedfordshire Canoe Association The first part of Mike's story is typical:- Cardington Management Committee - the Mike was a fifteen year old school boy - Pete artificial slalom course Bell went to the same school as Mike - he joined the Venture Scouts, whose unit was attatched to Europe Cup Organising Committee - the Gang of Bedford Modern School. Paddling about in a Four canoe was the next step. Casual paddling Event Organiser inevitably deteriorated into slalom paddling and Thank you Mike for your contribution to the Mike was on the slippery rung of the ladder. His sport. first slalom was Chester Weir and his second was Swarkstone - the forerunner of East Midland's Darley Abbey. His first 'pot' was in 1972 when he won the Novice Team Event. Then it was Division 4 and one of his Team mates Roger Mainwarning - Roger was rankes 2nd to Richard Fox in 1982 and a member of the 1983 British World Championship Team to go to Merana. How to find Hendre Mawr Farm Caravan Park

INSTRUCTIONS Travel through Bala towards Dolg_ellau on the A494. Avoid Caravan Park signs until you have passed the 'FLARE' Garage. The site entrance is 1 ½ miles past the 'Flare' Garage at Llanuwchllyn still on the A494. The approx. distance from Bala Bridge to the site is • A spin dryer, a tumble dryer and 5 miles. • A washing machine if stuck - ring Llanuwchliyn (81 from Bala) 658. • Meals in the farmhouse • Meals to take-away___:_ and shop YOU'VE GOT IT AT ... • A barbecue - using your own or our HEN DRE MAWR FARM CARAVAN PARK - equipment and charcoal, steaks, chops, The ONLY caravan park in Bala to remain open ALL YEAR hot dogs, 'burgers, etc. available ROUND (even Christmas) for canoeists. We will accommodate AND WHAT ABOUT ... from one lone paddler up to 100 - ALL in equal comfort. PS. we also cater for 'normal' people, such as families and the • A game of snooker - or darts public in general! • OR a nice hot shower PLUS A warm welcome awaits you from the resident proprietors - • Plenty of room for vehicles, trailers and Tony and Gwen Cheetham. boats. Fully secure. Tel. Llanuwchllyn (06784) 658 or for brochure write to: HENDRE MAWR FARM CARAVAN PARK, Llanuwchllyn, Bala, Gwynedd LL23 7UF. SLALOM Magazine. 27

A.G.M. Report J.Lyons

'A.G.M 87 votes to spare a further motion prevents paddlers attemting selection in more than 1 A full room, with over 100 clubs represened class of 1 selection event. greeted me as I arrived at 10.25. With the usual More motion on the mechanics of slalom herendously long agenda in my hand I found a organisation - a readjustment of the rating seat and waited for the action. system for inquorate conclusion events, as a AGMs are slow starters! Last years minutes, motion preventing high ranking paddlers to put various reports, the accounts and elections are hunt in C2 novice events with 'New' crew not the most riveting but they are important, no members. less than the motions that follow. The Chairmans The next motion is signification to all ladies. The report suggested that although paddlers had AGM felt the speed of promotion meant that achieved success in '87 there were other ladies were reaching Division 1 with insufficent problems, finacial, organisational and political. experience. To ensure a slower rate of promtion, The New treasurer, Brian Tipper, underlined the ladies will compete for points, as canadians do financial problems this takeover from the in Division 2,3 and 4. Promotion will be for 220, overworked John Shackleton will be a relief to a its from 4-3, 240 from 3-2 and 260 from 2-1 with man who has wished to resign for many months 1 00pts for a win and 3 events to count but with no - one to replace him, held the fort alternatively 2 wins (200pts) will promote direct. admirably. Brain emphasised again and again Analysis of promotion rates of ladies more that we are underfunding ourselves and that the closely to men. infrastructure of the sport is suffering. Timing Motions on events followed. Event tickets from and other equipment is showing wear and tear. the B.C.V. will be usually for 1 novice event - thus He appealed for the meeting to increase entry enables people to try a slalom without having to fees substantially to help rebuild the spot. fork out the £20.00 membership fee. A voucher The next major item was the election. The system is also proposed to encourage new saddest loss here was that Ed Ecclestone, one ·- members of the B.C.U. to take part in slalom. of the tireless, overworked 'backroom' boys off Late entry fees were formatised - and it will cost slalom, suffered from a low profile and was not you double to enter late, except in 4/N events re-elected. He produces almost all the printed where it will be 50p. Premier paddlers will be output of the executive and it is hoped that he required to assist in judging at double premiers, will carry on working nights and weekends for and a new judges division has been created (see the rest of us to enjoy the sport. else where in this issue). We then thrashed out the calendar - a major Timing at events has been a problem - especially achievement. We moved on to entry fees which with beam systems that either prevent the will rise next year so that the Premier/ 1 paddler paddler from returning upstream to rescue, or will pay £8.00 for a single event (£12.00 for a are not complicated enough and are therefore double event) Division 2 + 3 paddlers (Youth and inaccurate. Crash hats must be specifically Senior) will pay £4.00, Division 4/N Seniors designed for canoeing use. £3.00, Juniors £2.50. Team events remain Two find motions on current issues of note - the uncharged. executive was ashed to protest strongly the rise Finally after nearly 4 hours of discussion and in membership fees. Though Trevor Barley, the reports we reached the motions. There had new B.C.U. director put us a strong defence already been some discussion about the use of based on Holme Pierreponts £100,000 that we 'proxy' votes year. The other problem is that of still owe. Finally the non event at the Tail and the the huge agenda and the first two motions relations with the W.C.A. and the Llangollen attempt to solve this. Two clubs must now anglers were discussed. The complications of combine to put in a motion rather than I only. this issue left us in some confussion, but rightly The executive can now vet motions that are we condemned the non occurrence of this reports of previously defeated motion as reject event, though reorganising the problems that them (subject to AGM approval). This may make occured, and noted that no precedent was set. more sense when we see a manageable agenda On this note we finally wound up - and thanks next years. must go to the Chairman, his executive We moved to the team selection motions after a committee, and to all the stalwarts (about 40 of long and sometimes cerimonious debate the us) who saw the meetig to the Chairman and the motion requiring that selection be based on executive the sport would not exist. Till next results, not discretion was passed with about 10 year .... 28 \SLALOM Magazine Which Slalom? G.D.N.

'WHICH SLALOM' is intended as a series of generally they are of a standard suitable for the articles to introduce new paddlers to different division being run, with the weir being shot on a slalom sites and encourage established Div. 2 if the water is high enough. The club paddlers to go to additional sites that are new to (which includes top C1 paddler Martin Hedges) them. We hope that paddlers and slalom has plenty of people capable of designing good attenders will submit reviews for consideration; courses and they usually do a very good job. the idea being to give an impression of a site Courses are the typical horse-shoe shaped weir from people who have attended slaloms for ones, in a counter-clockwise direction and there several years so that an idea can be obtained of are sharp current/eddy lines. The centre of the what to expect under different water conditions course sometimes has a holding stopper and the and under different organisers. Photographs are second half of the course is below the long side less than ideal this month but we would like spillway giving a challenging side current. several general photographs (preferably black Access to and from the course is easy but and white) giving overall views of the site to be paddlers do need to portage their boat for a submitted with each article. couple of hundred metres. Old Winsor A food tent generally provides adequate snacks Several slaloms a year are held at this site, all by and shops and pubs are a 15 minute walk away. Old Winsor Canoe Club. Camping and caravans Pub food is limited only and so if you are are catered for alongside the river in a grassy particular or on a limited budget bring your own field with lots of room for what is usually a large evening meal! As I recall the best local pub is turnout of people. Spectators are at a 'the Jolly Gardener' where canoeists are. more disadvantage here as the course is on the other welcome than elsewhere and the beer is good. side of an 'L' shaped weir not readily visible from They don't usually do food. the near bank and only officials are allowed on Drinking water is via a long hose and a tap and the weir itself or in the boat which acts as a ferry loo tents are usually above average in number (not for those of nervous disposition!). The and standard. There are public toilets in the answer, of course is to volunteer to judge·;· village (locked at night). something which is best done in advance as And the events themselves? Generally well run there is rarely a shortage! It is also possible to in a considerate way with good prizes. paddle across to spectate but the boat would Occasional delays in posting results as control is have· to have a Thames licence. on the other side of the river, but otherwise Water conditions are largely out of the above average. Recommended. organisers control, except for local adjustment of sluices and can be quite flat or massive but G.D.N.

NATIONAL U 14 CHAMPIONS 1987 WITH THEIR PRIZES - NOMAD CANOES FROM CANOESPORT Photo by P. Ast/es SLALOM Magazine

'"' Sia Soft introduces the package subject to changes at Slalom AGM for a minimum period of three "It is agreed that the Club purchasing SLALOM EVENT years. These updates will be available to the package owns the Program floppy all Clubs who have purchased the diskette(s) and the Users Manual ORGANISER package, prior to the start of the next contained thereon but the Sia Soft retains ownership of the information on This software package for the IBM PC years slalom season at a cost of £10.00, the diskette(s) and in the manual. The and PC Compatibles, is· based on the plus postage and package, providing the Club has the right to make as many successful Results Service run at original diskette supplied by Sia Soft is backup copies as needed to protect National Slalom Events during the returned at the time of the order. against loss of the software. 1984-1986 seasons. As with the package no timing routines are The purchasing Club, or the purchasing included. FLEXIBILITY FEATURES Club's members, may use the software The package has been enhanced with The Slalom Event Organiser has been on any computer workstation, so long as services for the Club Slalom Organiser: designed for use by individuals who are no single copy is used simultaneously by unfamiliar with Personal Computers. two or more users at two or more • Personalised with the Clubs name on Once the initial Environment Setup has workstations. display screens and print out. been carried out most people should be If Sia Soft should become aware of any • Easy to use 'Hot Key' program able to operate the package. club using a copy of the programs that selection from menu's. Flexibility Features have been purchased by another club • Flexible set-up for the PC • Use of any Disk or Diskette Drive for then Sia Soft retains the right to charge configuration. storing of the Data Files. the original purchasing Club the current • Easy to use data entry panels. cost of the package as a secondary • Use of either Monochrome or Color licence fee for that use. • Production of ready to copy Start Screen for input, or both for results List. display. Sia Soft is not liable for any loss caused • Complete results service with Leader by use or malfunction of the program • Choice of format for time entry in package." Board display (subject to correct results (MM.SS.TH or SS.TH) hardware being installed). • Choice of interval between paddlers • Backup Time Calculator window for Start List (1, 1.5 or 2 secs.) option on results input screen. • Very flexible set up definitions for the • Production of ready to copy start list production including the Results List. ability to split classes across 2 days Money Back Guarantee • Levy calculations and income (suitable for the Officials Event) calculation print out. • The ability to 'switch off' Start List It has not been possible to test the processing removes all input fields program on the many systems that AVAILABILITY AND PRICING required specifically for the claim to be IBM PC Compatible. The package should work on any system that This package is available now for all preparation of the start list. uses Video RAM to display the screen. Slalom Registered Clubs, as listed in the • If multiple events run with the same That RAM should be at address HB000 Slalom Yearbook, at the introductory paddlers, e.g. dual Premier events or low price of £22.50 plus £2.50 postage for Monochrom Displays of HB800 for event series, then several Event Color Displays. and packing for 5.25 inch floppy names can be entered during set up. diskettes or 3.5 inch diskettes. No VAT is If more than one is entered then the Should the package not work with your chargeable at this time. Operator will be requested to select display configuration then Sia Soft will the one required when the results either produce a special package for Note: This package is supplied to Clubs your system where the Video RAM at an extremely low cost. Any other print is selected. address is different or return the basic organisations or individuals wishing to cost of the package upon receipt of: use the package should contact Sia Soft at the address on the order form to USER AGREEMENT 1. The original diskettes AND negotiate its purchase. The Club Representative ordering the 2. A completed trouble report (from Slalom Event Organiser package, by the users Guide) COMMITMENT TO FUTURE signing that order, agrees to be bound SUPPORT by the provisions of this User To: Sia Soft, 4 Stirling Avenue, Sia Soft will commit to updating the Agreement: Leamington Spa, CV32 )HN. f t

THE 'NO LIMITS' WEDDING - DUNCAN OUGHTON MARRIES LINDA MORRISON - TRUE LOVE IN CANOEING! Photo by P. Ast/es