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Paddlesports offer something for everyone, from calm
steady paced touring on canal and placid waters to competitive sprint
racing and facing the challenge of racing down raging torrents. From
exploring fantastic coastal scenery by sea kayak to performing the
ultimate playboat moves while ‘playing’ and ‘shredding’ the river.
Paddlesports offers something for everyone young or old.
Marathon Racing
Marathon racing is an event combining skill, stamina
and tactics and can be enjoyed by paddlers of all ages and abilities.
Marathon covers a wide range of events with
distances from a few miles to over 100. Many longer races are divided
into classes based on age and gender of competitor and type of craft.
Races forming the Hasler Trophy competition in England cater for
single and double canoes and kayaks and are raced in divisions based
on ability. Novices compete over distances of about 4 miles and the
most experienced race over distances of up to 12 miles. Promotions and
demotions between divisions are based on individual performances.
Sprint
Sprint Racing is one of the two Olympic events in the canoe world, and
takes place on flat water at regattas. Distances raced are 200m, 500m,
l000m and 6,000m. The racing kayaks and canoes have to conform to
international standards and specifications.
Racing takes place in singles, doubles and fours in both canoe and
kayak classes. In Britain, racing is based around five regattas at the
National Water Sports Centre, at Nottingham, with an interclub
championship and age group national championships being included.
There are also a number of local regattas run at various sites around
the country during the season.
Recreational Paddling
Canoeing is an activity that appeals to paddlers of every age and
level of fitness. The adventurous can attempt steep mountain streams,
looking for the excitement of speed and action; others travel on the
slower flowing rivers, lakes and finding enjoyment in the scenery and
countryside.
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