The reason behind starting this blog was to help give a better insight into K1 flat water racing for those with no knowledge about the sport at all, when I first started with zero knowledge about racing other than I wanted to race I really struggled to find a huge amount of detailed information, and for what I did find with no knowledge meant little to me.
I hope Ive helped to give a basic view into this form of racing for those that may be interested in racing, or those with just a curiosity about it.
My only regret is not taking the sport up many years ago and for the last 2 years walking past my local club and not popping in, I have thourally enjoyed the last 5months and have made some nice friends and met a huge bunch of very helpful people and found a truly diverse hobby.
I have been lucky with my past involvements with sport in the younger days and some of the basics learnt then have helped, I would say I am of average fitness and have up until now smoked 20 cigarettes a day and I dont think I have faired too badly.
As with any sport to get to the top takes an awful lot of commitment and dedication, for some that suits for others personal fulfillment and enjoyment are top of the list, there truly is something for everyone at what ever level you want to compete at,
dont consider yourself fit enough!!!!!!!! canoeing is not a killer sport or activity, I would be flat on the floor half way if I had to run the distance we race over, canoeing is far more gentle on the body than say running,
its also extreamlly amazing how quickly the body adapts and gets used to exercise, yeah you'll need some commitment to keep going but canoeing not like some solitary activity's and many on a club run with others many have not noticed or aware they may have covered 10 miles with ease.
Competition is not for everyone, and for those there are plenty of enjoyable day trips and weekends away, there seems to be plenty of trips being organised by most clubs, you wont be restricted to just your club, and for those that want something more exotic theres loads of canoeing and kayaking trips/holidays abroad, the only place ill leave alone with a wobbly K1 will be the Amazon, they seem to have some fish with very sharp teeth lol, as much as Im hooked with the racing side I have really enjoyed a couple of leisurely trips out, cant beet the English summer when it does get here, mi-randing down the river with a bunch of friends enjoying a natter and stopping somewhere for lunch.
For those wanting a something a little more white knuckle theres the white water canoeing, something I tried many many years ago in Wales, heart stopping sometimes and sometimes very challenging but extreamlly rewarding and exhilarating when completing a difficult section
For those that like something a little more traditional theres the Canadian open canoes, single and doubles, takes a bit of a knack getting used to paddling and steering one, may take 5 mins or a few days but great when youve mastered it, these boats are great too for those long trips.
You also have the sea, theres many that enjoy day trips out on specialist sea boats, and if you live near the sea youve got a fantastic resource right next to you, again if its racing you like theres a small group here in the UK that do the downwind ski canoe racing, looks pretty fun and if youve got a holiday booked in for New Zealand or Australia you'll find it very popular there, hope to see it get of the ground here, and hoping to be having a crack at a race later this year in the UK
I could go on all day about the various types of canoeing, best bet is find your local club and go and see, ask questions and have a go and give it a try, most come of the water with a big grin on their face :)
http://www.bcu.org.uk/
The best site to find local clubs and canoeing information inc 3rd party insurance
Sea Kayaking fishing White water rafting
Devizes to Westminster (6 part) 125 mile UK race
Slalom racing
Flat water racing
Surf ski racing
Touring
Down wind sea racing (Ireland)
White water canoeing
Just for fun
play boating
white water tricks
C2 touring in Scotland
C1 high kneeler sprint racing
K4 sprint racing
Canoe sailing
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