New Series, New paddlers, same fun

The new Barrow Series has started and The Sharks had a team there on what was not the best racing conditions thanks to Storm Amy! Very strong winds made conditions difficult so full credit to the paddlers for getting down the 3.5k course.

Congratulations to Aliana Sulamanji and Mohammed Bouhassane for making their debut in competitive canoeing, as part of our 8 strong team returning to the Barrow-Upon-Soar for the first race of the series.

Ladies’ K1

Making her debut in canoe racing was under-10 Aliana Sulemanji, who completed the 3k course in 42:32.27 using a Wild Water Racing, well done Aliana, it was not an easy day.

Men’s K1

Top Shark paddler was Grant Underwood who finished the course in a time of 17:44.95, having previously escorted younger paddlers down the course.

In 24th place was Under-12 Saalih Syed, racing in a slalom boat took 26:33.79 and was second placed Shark, his brother Abdurrahman Syed (Under-10) was in 25th place in a time of 27:57.99, he also raced in a slalom kayak.

Making his debut was under-12 Mohammed Bouhassane, racing in a Wild Water Racer he took 28:57.48, welcome to racing Mohammed.

Then came Maximilian Arbuzov (under-12) in a slalom boat, his time was 29:10.22. Then came the youngest of the Syed brothers, Abdullah, an under-8, in a time of 30:36.06, he was racing a slalom boat.

At 7-years-old, Kiyan Zand Lashani was the youngest paddler at the race, he used a Wild Water Racing boat, and his time of 49:02.60 giving him 30th place.

Well doe to all The Shark paddlers, and indeed everyone else at the event, it was very challenging conditions and finishing was an achievement. Special Thanks to Jammie Christie, Grant Underwood, and Neal Underwood for escorting the younger paddlers down the course, as well as to our supporters, parents and all those who drove paddlers and or boats to the event.

We would also like to thank Soar Valley Canoe Club for hosting the event.

Maybe you would like to join us next time? Why not find out more, call/text on 07951 770241, or email: canoeing@thesharks.org.uk.

The next Barrow race is on Saturday 8th November., before that we have the Nene (Saturday October 18th), which is something we think you will really enjoy, certainly beats any water ride at a theme park.

Published 8th October 2025