Barrow Results – March 2026 |

The Series Finale

After a Winter of disruption, the final race of the series, provided for the perfect race conditions, a good flow, no Pennywort, and even some sunshine, this was reflected in two personal best times for Shark paddlers.

Thank You

The first thing we must say is thank you to Soar Valley Canoe Club and their team for hosting these fantastic races. They do an incredible job, the races are good fun, a fantastic atmosphere and the fact that over 80 paddlers turn in Winter to race is a testimony to the great work.

We do seriously recommend you try and attend these races next season they run monthly from October to March, usually on the first Saturday of the month. They are suitable for all standards, ideal for beginners and less experienced, whilst providing a great work out for the more experienced .

As stated above 2025/26 proved a difficult year for race organisers, but Soar Valley never cancelled, delivering races in what were sometimes very difficult conditions. Two races were affected by Floating Pennywort, which the SV team worked to cut and clear a route through, making for a very twisty course as you had to navigate through narrow channels. Another two races had so much water coming down the River, that they had to use a back up course going don and paddling back.

Results

A slightly depleted Shark team attended, with just four paddlers racing, all in Men’s K1.

Grant Underwood.

Grant has been our top Wild Water Racer for many years and was the fastest Shark paddler on the day, his time for the 3.5k course was 16:04.47, his position was 27th overall. This result earns him 1,634 points. Grant is ranked 15th in the UK with 4,724 points.

Ivijah Campbell-Bryan

The J16 Ivijah has established himself as our best junior and second ranked paddler in the Club, rising fast through the rankings, and not just in River Racing. He came 28th overall and first J16, in a time of 16:05.87 was a personal best on this course, his points tally was 1,632. He is currently ranked as the best under 16 in the UK and 14th over all , he has 4,755 points.

Neal Underwood

The now V65 plus, was our third paddler of the day, his time was 16:26.07, a little faster than of late, but way off his PB set only a couple of years ago. He was also third amongst the V65s. Neal adds 1,599 points to his 2026 total. Neal is currently the top V65 in the UK, 16th over all, with 4,442 points.

Sam Press

New to the Sharks, making his debut for us at this race, Sam came 39th in a time of 22:37.87, being his first Barrow Race, it was also a personal best. He collected 995 points to kick off his career. Sam is currently ranked 60th in the UK with 995 points.

This was a fantastic end to the series, would have been nice to have more Sharks present, but we know it is not always possible, it is all about fun and these races are the pinnacle of fun, they are a great day out, it is more than just paddling, their is a great social aspect to them as well. Once again thanks to Soar Valley Canoe Club, The Moorings Public House for hosting us and to the volunteers of Wild Water racing Committee, who keeps our sport going.

It may be the end of the series, but the racing continues as we head to the Lee Valley next Saturday for the Legacy Event, this is going to be one of the best events of the year, so get yourself booked on.