February Barrow Race

Prolonged heavy rain, meant the river was no longer contained within its banks, but well done to Soar Valley Canoe Club, for ensuring the race went a head on a revised there and back course.

Safety First

Due to the very high water levels and the difficulty of the course, The Sharks coaching team decided that we should limit racing to older age groups with more experience. We know it is disappointing for paddlers, particularly youngsters, to arrive at a race and not be able to paddle, but safety will always be our priority. Many thanks to those who made the journey and understood our position and concerns.

Ivijah Campbell-Bryan

Well doe to Ivijah, not only the fastest Shark on the day, but the fastest under 16, so is crowned the Easter Regional Under 16 Champion for 2026. His time was 14 minutes and 0.4 seconds, he was 24th over all in the race and collects 1,539 points towards his national ranking in 2026, which now places him at 12th in the UK and top J16. Well done Ivijah, last year he won the J14 Eastern Regional Championship.

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Grant Underwood

The Second top Shark on the day was Grant Underwood whose time was 14:30.24 giving him 27th place over all, earning him1,480 points. He is now ranked 14th in the UK.

Neal Underwood

Neal was our only other paddler on this occasion and he came 33rd over all and was 4th V65, his time was 15:43.01. The 1,336 points awarded place him 16th in the national ranking lists and second V56.

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Canoe Doubles

Grant Underwood and Ivijah Campbell-Bryan paired up to race in C2 for the day finishing the course in 17:52.44, placed them 6th with 1,525 points. They are now ranked 8th in Men’s C2 in the UK.

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A big thank you to everyone involved in staging races, the organisers (Soar Valley Canoe Club), officials, The Moorings Public House, paddlers, coaches, etcetera, it is much appreciated; despite the weather, it was, yet again, a fantastic event. The Sharks will be back next month for her series finale.

Published 8th February 2026