 Canoeing,
or Paddlesport , is diverse, exciting and offers loads of fun and
choice – from speed and exhilaration to discovery and freedom –
adventure and first descents to touring and enjoying the
environment……the choice is limitless….
 COMPETITION
– fancy an Olympic medal?? Well
we have two Olympic classes (Sprint and Slalom) and currently two Olympic
medallists, but we’ve had many World Champions as well – so if you
want to go for glory…….here’s the story…..
Sprint
and Marathon Racing
involves paddling flat out head to head over short or long distances in
long, sleek, FAST boats.
Slalom
is where you manoeuvre your boat around a course of hanging poles on
moving or white water – it’s skillful and adrenaline pumping.
But
that’s not all – there is Canoe
Polo if you like team games, two teams of 5 players try to
score goals in each other’s net. Freestyle and Surf – where you
strut your stuff on waves and score points for radical moves.
 Wild Water Racing
– the downhill version of racing down rapids against the clock –
exciting and on the edge!
But
competition is only half the story…….
TOURING AND ADVENTURE
– if you’re not the competitive
sort
you can enjoy paddling along quiet
rivers and canals or have great fun playing with your mates on waves (Playboating)
or paddling down mountain rivers. There
are fantastic rivers to explore further afield in the Alps or the
Himalayas. If you like
wide open spaces then sea kayaking might be for you – where you can
explore stunning coastlines and caves……….
You
can also follow leadership awards like Duke of Edinburgh or our the BCU
Cadet Leader as part of your GCSE (or just ‘cause you want
to!)
You
can get to try out Paddlesport through a number of ways:
¨
 Through
your school - some schools
offer canoeing as part their after-school activity programme (if not why
not ask for it to be added??)
¨
Lots of watersports centres offer canoeing courses
¨
Many scouts and guides do it as part of their activity programme
¨
The best way is through a local Canoe CLUB.
Many clubs run special sessions for young people who are starting
out.
For
a list of your nearest clubs and centres contact the BCU (see panel).
Make sure your instructor is a British Canoe Union (BCU) qualified
instructor and look for BCU approved Centres and Clubs.
Calling
all teachers……….
There are several initiatives for
schools to help introduce Paddlesport
In the Curriculum…
At
Key Stage 2 cross curriculum links can be explored using Paddlesport to
enhance delivery and learning – our publication The Curriculum at Key Stage Two &
Watersports – offers guidance and ideas. Paddlesport can also be part of GCSE and A Level -
(a guide for Key Stage 3 & 4 will be
available in the Spring 2002) in addition for leadership and skill our Cadet
Leader Award for 13-18 year olds is very popular.
Coaching
For Teachers Incentives Scheme
– an initiative backed by Sport England and Sport Coach UK offer courses
to help you get a BCU qualification to take school groups out – awards
can be gained such as the Bell Boat Helm where no previous paddlesport
experience is required.
Paddlepower
– our
new scheme for young people to introduce the sport, provide challenges and
support skill development.
For
more information contact the British Canoe Union (see panel above)
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