|
Wild Water Racing is a test of speed and skill. It's the thrill of flying across flat pools and scorching down rapids and all the time remaining in control. It's a challenge to be enjoyed more, the faster and more controlled you become. Most juniors begin by entering the Perception Wavehopper Challenge , but you can elect to race directly in the appropriate division in which case the following is provided to help you. This guide will allow you to select the appropriate type of race, find a local event and help you to enter the race. You are only five steps away from experiencing the excitement and satisfaction of a wildwater race. Step 1 - Choose your race type |  | Wavehopper Series - sponsored by Perception Kayaks, this introductory event format is an ideal starting point for youngsters (and older paddlers can have a go too!). Races are run in the following age categories Under 10, Under 12, Under 14, under 16 years of age for both boys and girls. There will additionally be an open event for the less young at these events. Some events are runs as a specific perception wavehopper event, some are run alongside easier division B events. The Perception Wavehopper is a polythene wildwater racing kayak, specifically designed by the wildwater racing committee to provide a durable entry level craft. If you don't have a Wavehopper, you can use a playboat under 3.5m in length. The Wavehopper Series is run in a very forgiving format of the best of two short (around 100 seconds) runs to count. The sites are very parent friendly and you can easily keep an eye on everything that is going on. |  | Youth Series - A step up from the Wavehopper series in terms of difficulty of course and duration. A mix of shorter sprint format events (two runs totalled again) and some classic format races (single run of typically 10-15 minutes). This series is intended as a stepping stone for paddlers to challenge themselves and aquire the skills necessary to progress to the national division A races, and also national squad and team places. Composite boats are typically used in the youth series, and the wavehopper allowance is not applicable in this series. Races will typically be run on rivers which are a little more challenging, some in conjunction with division A events - but on easier stretches of the river. Age categories of u10,12,14,16 in women's and men's classes are held, additionally Canadian classes are supported in the Youth Series. |  | National Division B- The entry level division, Any paddler who is not ranked in Division A races is in Division B, but there are Open Events at both Division A and Division B races throughout the year. In kayaks, there are separate classes for Men (K1M) and Women (K1W). Both men and women paddlers compete together in the C1 and C2 classes. Newcomers are recommended to select a local Division B race first. Division A races are generally held on more difficult rivers and are usually not suitable for Novices to Wild Water Racing, unless they have considerable white water paddling experience. A calendar of races is published annually in the BCU Wild Water Racing Yearbook, and also in the British Canoe Union Yearbook and "Canoe Focus". Both sprint and classic format races are held in division B. Composites, Wavehoppers and U3.5m boats can be used in division B, wavehoppers will receive 7% advantage, U.35m 9% and C1s and C2s 13%. |  | National Divsion AThe top division of racing, sprint and classic national series are undertaken on testing water. Women's and men's classes are run in both kayak and canadian craft. National ranking champions are awarded based upon the best 5 results from the season events. Under 23 and under 14/16/18 age category national champions are recognised in division A. Composite and wavehoppers can be used. |  | BUCS Student ChampionshipThis once a year event is run on the river Washburn. It's a great event for all university and college students to attend. To find more information have a look at the student frequently asked questions. BUCS Website | Step 2 - Find a local Race There are races all over the country, there is bound to be something close by, check out the maps to find the nearest race.
Step 3 - Find when the next race is on... Step 5 - Enter the RaceYou can either enter online using the following form. Or you can print off the race entry form and post to the organiser. Organisers would like to have entres in 2 weeks before the event, although many will allow entries on the day (but often with a late entry fee). Division A participants can use the online registration form which is part of your account profile (if you don't have an account - why not sign up for one today?). Additional informationThere is lots of great information on the website to help you get started in wildwater racing. The Frequently Asked Questions page has all the common questions answered. If you would like to get some advice the forum is a great place to start. The gallery and the video gallery has lots of resources to give you a feel for what the rivers are like, and the river guides page will help you choose the best local river to start with. The wildwater Academy is designed to help paddlers progress within wildwater racing. Wildwater racing is a friendly family, just ask for help and it will be often given in buckets! Hopefully we will see you out on the water having a great time!
|
Info 
