2011 Mid Season Report from ACC's Slalom Coach - Danny

There have been some good results this year so far and a couple of swims.

The first slalom was yalding which was flowing faster than usual due to the rain the week before. There were 5 paddlers from the club competing. Myself and Alex thought it would be fun to have a go at C2. Sarah had a good result in the ladies div 3 with a second place we got first in the C2 class and I cannot remember how many other C2s were in the class...
...OK we were the only one but it was a good time. Darrell did not come last and Jimmy had a good result for his first slalom. As usual the catering was very good keeping us all topped up with bacon sandwiches and tea.
Some of the squad from the centre competed on the Sunday with a spread of good results.

Langham Farm was the second event with Stuart steering the squad on the Saturday in the sunshine with some more new faces having a go at slalom Stuart got a good 5th in div 3 showing how to paddle smoothly and efficiently. On the Sunday Janet on her first competition came first with Hannah Clements following in second place. The small river rose about a foot in the pouring rain which made the sharp turn under the bridge very tricky Alex was paddling his brand new C1 on this tricky section when he got too close to the bridge wall leaving some of his new boat on the sharp bricks causing a capsize (and swim) Josh got an award for best u18.

Cardington was almost cancelled as the water was very low, the deepest part of the main course was only about a foot deep (300mm for you young people). The highlight for me again was the food tent. The event was well attended with Sarah getting 2nd place and Janet 3rd in the ladies div 3. Dave humps finished 9th which was mid-field, well done Dave. Darrell is storming up the places in div 3 men due to some extra training. (See! Training does work.)

The training sessions are run on a Tuesday evening till the end of October 6:30. We work on all aspects of slalom from basic forward paddling to offside dip turns in current. So come along and join in. Sundays can also be used if people want specific training, just let me know.

Anyone can start in slalom all you need to start is a good sweep stroke and want to work hard and have fun.

Danny
Slalom Coach