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A busy summer for British Canoeing events
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After a challenging 2020 , it ’ s great to see events making a return , providing a fun and competitive environment for paddlers to do what they do best . A huge well done to all the event organisers who have not only juggled event logistics , but dealt with the ever changing Covid mitigations required to host secure events during these times .
Here ’ s a round up of some of the recent events across our disciplines .
Since April our Canoe Sprint discipline has enjoyed a number of events including ; Sprint and Paracanoe selections in April , a Sprint Regatta in June , and the National Championships in July . All three events were held at Holme Pierrepont in Nottingham , with live streaming in place to provide those unable to attend due to Covid , the opportunity to remain abreast of the action . Everyone involved in the events showed support and consideration for the safety of others around the venue and the action didn ’ t disappoint . A number of athletes secured selection for the international events this summer and various national championship titles were claimed . The events were a great display of the high standards in paddling across all age groups .
Canoe Marathon has seen a number of Hasler events return this year . In July , Reading Canoe Club held the National Championships on the River Thames . Despite a weekend of mixed weather conditions , the spirits of the organisers and paddlers remained high . Over 50 national titles were claimed over the course of the weekend across the age groups which ranged from Under 12s to Over 69s . As well as national titles and medals , the Senior , Under 23 and Under 18 races also provided an opportunity for paddlers to seek selection for the Marathon World Championships taking place in Romania later this year . A huge congratulations to the team who created a safe environment demonstrating great consideration for both the competitors and general public on site . A great atmosphere was created with a festival-like feel .
Canoe Slalom has seen the return of divisional racing across the country with a number of events taking place . In May , two days of action at Holme Pierrepont saw Junior and Under 23 athletes earn selection for the 2021 international season . A huge well done to the organisers from Stafford and Stone Canoe Club for organising a smooth event , with athletes providing stellar competition across all age groups .
On 7 and 8 August , Lee Valley White Water Centre played host to another selection event . Over 80 athletes who qualified to compete for senior selection faced fierce competition as the likes of the recently crowned Olympic Games Silver medalist , Mallory Franklin , took to the water . The wet and rainy conditions didn ’ t dampen the spirits of the athletes and we witnessed some fantastic paddling throughout the course of the two days .
Over the same weekend , the Canoe Polo community were reunited at Holme Pierrepont in Nottingham for the National Championships . With over 40 teams taking part , it was a fantastic battle for medals in the Women ’ s and Youth events as well as the Open Cup , Plate , Bowl and Shield competitions . Whilst perhaps the most positive aspect of the weekend was the community being together again , credit should go to Kingston who became double National Champions claiming both the Open and Women ’ s titles .
In recent months , Wild Water Racing has seen the return of the Ironbridge event on the River Severn , and the British Open . Electric racing took place in scorching temperatures as selection for the World Championships and World Cup were up for grabs . The top three athletes in each class and age group were awarded their British Open Championship medals and those selected will go on to compete in the World Championships in Bratislava and World Cup in Treginac . Good luck to all !
We are absolutely thrilled to see the return of our much anticipated events . A huge thank you to everyone involved in getting them back up and running , showing a real sense of # StrongerTogether . We look forward to the return of even more live events in the near future .