Canoe slalom is one of the most spectacular watersports, demanding skill, stamina and courage. The aim is to run a rapid river course marked by “gates” fast, and without touching.
A “gate” is two poles, suspended over the water. Green and white gates are negotiated in a downstream direction, red and white gates upstream. A touch is penalised with 2 seconds added to the competitor’s time. Missing a gate costs 50 seconds – a wipeout in serious competition. Each competitor makes two runs down the course and the times are added together in Premier and Division 1 competitions, or in the lower divisions, the fastest run counts.
KKC Slalom paddlers at Grand Tully Slalom 2009
Four classes compete: Men’s and Ladies’ Kayak, Canadian Singles and Canadian Doubles; there are also classes by age – J12 (12 years old and under) J14 (14 and under) J16 and J18, and also Vet (veteran – over 35 in Div 2 – 4, over 30 in Prem and Div 1.) Registering for age groups in competition can often bring a trophy or a medal even if you don’t win, as events with large numbers of entrants often give awards for the highest placed paddler in their category, regardless of their overall placing.
KKC Slalom paddlers at Oughtibridge Slalom 2009
Slalom events take place throughout the summer months and well into the autumn for all levels of ability, on rivers throughout the UK. For photographs and descriptions of just some of the rivers used, see the www.canoeslalom.co.uk page. Current national rankings of the club’s slalom paddlers can be seen on the UK Canoe Slalom pages.
For all you need to know about canoe slalom in the UK then visit www.canoeslalom.co.uk
Quick Links:
2010 Slalom Calendar
Downloads:
Join the KKC Slalom Team (to be updated)
Contact Sue Burgess or Duncan Berriman for more information.
