Press Release

14th July 2008
Hemel Hempstead Canoe Club Slalom Promotion

Hemel Hempstead paddler excels and is promoted to national Division 3 at Orton Mere Slalom competition, and was second in class.

Robin Oakley who runs the coaching at HHCC was paddling "for himself" at the slalom event. Robin arrived late, having got a bit lost finding the venue, and didn't have enough practice time to learn the course.

The format is to have practice and then there are two timed runs. The best one counts. There are time penalties for hitting posts (2 seconds) or missing gates (50 seconds). The course took under 3 minutes to complete but is a high adrenaline sprint through 18 gates. Run just below a weir there's always whitewater at Orton Mere (Peterborough). Robin coped well with the big white water but gathered penalties for carelessness.

On his first run he got a bit confused and while he hit the last gate he didn't go through it, and earnt a 50 second penalty.

On his second run he had a borrowed new design Galasport demo boat which made him 30 seconds quicker, but he started too fast and careered into gate two before gate one, getting another 50 second penalty.

What Robin lacked in style and technique he made up for in fitness and despite the penalties was second in class and earnt a promotion.

Robin, said, "It was good not to be coaching for a change, and putting my money where my mouth is. I knew what I should be doing but just couldn't do it. There's actually a heck of a lot to think about. However at 47 this was only my third event so I was pleased with how I got on, I can only get better!"

The next event is at Harefiled, by the Coy Carp, Coppermill Lane on 26/27 July. It's free for spectators and a great way to see some exciting white water action!

See Orton Mere Slalom picture library here