Racing

 

Cambridge Canoe Club has a very diverse membership. We are keen to
accommodate as many members as possible into the racing program. And let's
face it: what else is flat water for? Our main aims are to maintain a
critical mass of racers for regular training and to bring on competitive
juniors. Of course not everyone wants to do the same thing. If your (canoe
racing) needs aren't represented, e.g. you want whitewater racing or high
kneeling C1, then email me (competition@cambridgecanoeclub.org.uk).

1. Experienced racers new to Cambridge.

Cambridge has a high turnover of short-term visitors, both academic and
otherwise. We are happy to accomodate them. If you're new to Cambridge and
want to get together with local racers of a similar standard, email me or
simply come down to the club and ask around.

 

 

2. Novice adults.

We have a good selection of stable racing boats and wing paddles for
general use. There is generally someone around during club opening times
who can advise. (Remember that fibreglass boats need more care than
plastic.) Or contact me to arrange a brief introduction. Once you are
happy in a stable boat, time yourself from the club house to the
Grantchester river split and back. Once you can do this in under 45min,
sign up for a Hare and Hounds race - these run once a month over autumn /
winter - to get an official time and to find people of similar speed to
practise with and race against.

 

 

3. People with some experience looking to race.

Again the Hare and Hounds races provide a good social introduction to
currently active club racers. The main local race is the Cam Marathon,
organized by Cambridge Canoe Club in spring. The Cambridge Canoeing
Association organizes the Huntingdon marathon in late summer / early
autumn. The Essex Winter series races are also well worth attending,
especially for juniors (see www.essexcanoeing.org.uk).

 

 

4. Novice juniors.

Our more experienced racers run a summer introductory course for juniors.
Ideally this provides both instruction and a basis for continuing
practice. i.e. its success depends not just on the coach (recently Adam
Strevens, Irish international), but also on commitment from juniors and
parents. The opportunities on offer can readily be expanded if the demand
is there - it's up to you. E.g. if enough juniors want to try sprint
racing we can set this up at an appropriate level. Naturally you should
not wait for the course before trying a racing boat.

 

 

5. Experienced CCC racers.

The level of participation fluctuates, but training sessions oriented
towards people with some experience (roughly a Hare and Hounds time
<35min) usually run from the Clubhouse on Thursdays at 6pm and on
Saturdays at 9:30am. CCC members currently race more as individuals rather
than as a team, but if enough people come forward we can think about
getting a trailer for transporting multiple boats and travelling further
afield to race. Maybe even get matching tops (subject to fashion
constraints). The same applies to sprint racing, descent racing, etc. -
there's a lot of expertise around, and if the demand is there most things
can be arranged. Constructive suggestions are always welcome.

 

Racing Calander

You can view the racing calendar here.

 

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