How do I enter my first race?

Just go along to any “Division 4” event, find “Control” and ask for an entry card. You will be welcome!

If you like you can get your entry in before the event: you can enter most races online by visiting canoeslalomentries.co.uk, choose the race you wish to enter and follow the on-screen instructions. If you’re a newcomer and this is the first time you’ve entered online, you’ll need to create a paddler record. It’s pretty easy!

You have to be a member of Paddle UK/Canoe Wales/CANI/SCA to race, but for a Division 4 race you can use your club associate membership if  you have one or buy a one-day temporary membership. To race in  Division 3 you must be a full member.

Competitions are held all over the country from March to October.

The programme is usually:

Practice

Individual Competition

The main things to remember are:

Wear the bib you have been given when practising and racing, remember to return it after your last run

Check the start list on display near control down and note down your practice, 1st run and 2nd run times. Get plenty of practice if you can and ask for help if needed, coaches and other paddlers are usually very willing to give advice, if you struggle with a particular gate watch some other paddlers to understand why.

You start in number order. Watch others at the start, and be there when your turn comes. The starter will call you forward and then tell you when to go!

Try to get through all the gates, down through green gates and up through red gates in the right order!

When you’ve finished, wait for two more people to finish before you get out of your boat – it’s your turn to do safety duty, if something happens and you don’t know what to do just shout for help to attract attention but generally just try and assist the other paddler as much as you can.