Competitors came from all over the South West, Midlands and Wales to participate in the one day national canoe slalom event on the River Frome on Sunday 20th July.
With around 50 entries on the day it proved to be a very popular event. Frome Canoe Club was well represented with members in all classes of the competition.
Coming first in the C2 class from Frome Canoe Club was Summer and Andy Vowell, and Tim Cooper came first in the Open Class. Jacob Lines, one of the club’s younger members took the J10 prize in Division 4 section.
Event organiser, John Kent said, “The event was a huge success and we had stiff competition from the other clubs taking part, making it an exciting and challenging day for the Frome team. Good weather always helps and the friendly and relaxed atmosphere that we foster, encourages beginners to get the most out of the event. I was really pleased to see so many smiling faces.”
Canoe slalom is an Olympic event and is a test of a paddlers’ skill as they negotiate a set course though a series of ‘gates’ while paddling the course. Course designer and club coach Ben Nicol said, “Slalom is great fun, but also a real challenge. We make sure the course is well suited to those taking part but it is, by no means easy!
“Olympic champions like Etienne Stott and Tim Baillie (Gold medal, C2 London 2012) all started out at events just like this one. It is exciting to think that we might have seen a future Olympic champion take some of their first paddle strokes this weekend right here in Frome.”
Frome Canoe Club welcomes all and will help them to participate in events like this as well as other canoeing disciplines. For more information visit www.frome-canoe-club. org.uk
