Selecting a Race

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. The monthly "Canoeist" magazine also includes a list of the races for the forthcoming months.

Choosing a Boat

There are three categories of boat which paddlers can compete in, within the two divisions, these are:

Wild Water Racing Single Kayak (K1) - One person seated with a double bladed paddle.
Wild Water Racing Single Canoe (C1) - One person kneeling with a single bladed paddle. Wild Water Racing Double Canoe (C2) - Two people kneeling, each using a single bladed paddle.

The most popular type of boat being used in Great Britain is the Kayak. This is probably the easiest class to start Wild Water Racing in, however, you could also start in C2, or if you have some experience of paddling canoes in another discipline you could start in C1.

Equipment

K1 Paddles
When starting in Wild Water Racing, it is okay to use any paddles that you can get your hands on. Use Wing paddles if you've used them before, otherwise asymmetric flat paddles are fine.

K1 Boats
Composite or glass fibre/kevlar Wild Water Racing K1 designs are forever changing. With new boat designs, it is difficult to decide which boat to choose to start in. It is probably best to try to get hold of a second-hand boat that is in fairly good condition, without too many repairs and water tight,(See Classified Ads in Canoe Focus or try local Clubs). The stiffer the boat the better it is. When you are training on white water, it is possible to tape a piece of lino to the back and some old hose pipe to the front, or you could make some crash guards out of glass fibre and kevlar, to help protect the boat from the inevitable knocks that Wild Water Racing boats incur on rocky rivers. If you want relatively trouble free racing, it would be best to buy or borrow a Wavehopper plastic Wild Water Racer. They are great fun to paddle, you can race them, tour with them or try rodeo stunts with them. A very good introduction boat. Wavehoppers can also be borrowed from the Great Britain Wild Water Racing Committee.

C1/C2 Paddles
Canadian paddles can be made out of wood or composite materials. They can either be flat or curved; flat is more common. Compared to the blade area of a slalom paddle, the area is smaller for Wild Water Racing. This is mainly due to the higher number of paddle strokes you use in a Wild Water Race, compared to a slalom race. Canadian paddles are normally around 145cm long, although you might find that you can steer better with a longer paddle. It is advisable to experiment yourself.

C1 Boats
Like K1's there are a number of different designs of C1. To start of with a fairly large boat is advisable e.g. an Ace 3 or Ace 2. Boats like the Mustang and the Joker are fairly tippy and only suitable for the smaller rivers - not the Dee in flood! The most popular boat in Britain at the present time is the G3 which is somewhere between the two extremes of design. Second-hand boats are better to start of with. C2 Boats Try anything second-hand, bearing in mind its condition! At present the most competitive C2 on the market, is called the "Feeling", but older designs such as the Fluo or Prijon Mk3 are more stable and better for learning.

Helmets
Helmets must be comfortable and fairly light, but most of all they must protect your head safely. CEN approved helmets are required.

Spray decks Spray decks should ideally be tight fitting, with a good seal around the cockpit. They should be as water tight as possible. The body tube should not be to tight or it may constrict your rotation. Neoprene decks are the best for keeping water out of the boat and they also help to keep you warm in the winter.

Buoyancy Aids
BCU Approved. Buoyancy aids can be a problem for Wild Water Racers as many of today's designs rise up the paddlers body, when being worn in the boat. Look for a very small compact buoyancy aid that is fairly tight fitting, make sure that it does not ride up when worn in your boat with a spray deck.

Clothing
Clothing should be light and comfortable. Most paddlers do not wear full wet suits. They wear a pair of wet suit shorts, with a pair of thermal trousers over the top if it is cold. Old trainers or wet suit boots are worn on the feet. Thin thermal long sleeved tops or T-shirts are worn, depending on the temperature, with either a thin cag or a dry cag over the top. Comfort is the most important thing. You must not get too cold waiting for the race, you must also not get too warm during the race.

How to Enter a Wild Water Race

You should fill in a race entry card and send it to the Race Organiser, to arrive on the Friday, 2 weeks prior to the race. It is possible to enter Division B races on the day, but if you can send in an entry prior to the event, it will help the Organiser. Entry cards will be sent with your Wild Water Racing Yearbook. With your entry you must include a photocopy of your current BCU/SCA/WCA/CANI membership card, plus the correct fee (See Yearbook). Cheques must be made payable to the Organising Club. If you require a Start list, which will include more details about the race, send a first class SAE to the Organiser. If you require results after the race send another SAE.

Wild Water Racing Ansaphone

Wild Water Racing Handbook

For Further Information and Advice, or to Arrange Training Courses at Your Local Club & Wavehopper Boat Hire - Contact: Howard Blackman, National Development Coach, tel 01973 281106.

The Wavehopper is produced by Perception Kayaks