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Breadalbane Canoe Club: Slalom News

Whitewater slalom, originally modelled on ski slalom, began in 1932 and involves using kayaks to go in and out of suspended gates on moving water - in as fast a time as possible without touching any of the gates in the process. It calls for skill, strength, stamina and a crazy love of being in the water in all weathers. Technique is important - as is a lot of guts.

The Breadalbane slalomist band of water loving crazies got together when the SCA (Scottish Canoe Association) was given funding to establish and oversee the development of pathways for paddlers in the disciplines of sprint racing and slalom - both of which are Olympic events. The key elements were to have local facilities and coaching staff to provide opportunities to learn and excel.

Slalom operates a divisional system (much like football and other sports), and individuals move through the divisions by gaining points from their finishing position in a race. There are five divisions, starting with Division 4 for novices and rising through the numbers to Premier or World Class/Olympic Standard.

High Achievers
Presently the club has 15 active paddlers in the squad, several of whom are progressing well and quickly through the divisions and to national rankings. Already several of the squad are expecting to move into Division 1 any day.
The squad regularly takes off with camping gear, barbecue and kayaks in tow and returns with top competition prizes.
Organiser/co-ordinator Steve Macdonald would be delighted to hear from parents of thrill mad youngsters who might be keen to take part and is always happy to talk to interested people or provide explanations or information.
That premier white water site is just up the road at Grandtully to see the youngsters battling the course and to cheer them on and Steve can be contacted on:01887 829419 or stephen.macdonald@canoescotland.com www.taysideslalom.co.uk

Top: Struan Macdonald en route to victory at Fairnilee, River Tweed May 08.

Below: Jed Sloan powering to promotion at Alva Slalom Competition 1 June
Photos by Stephen Macdonald